Dodgers make a splash- sign Andruw Jones

The News
The Los Angeles Dodgers finally found a deal they liked, agreeing to a 2- year $36.2 million dollar contract with 10- time gold glove Center fielder Andruw Jones. This signing gives the Dodgers the middle of the lineup bat they have been searching for, that is if Jones can rebound from his worst season in the Majors. At age 30, Jones has had 368 home runs and 1,117 RBIs in 12 seasons with the Atlanta Braves, including 51 home runs in 2005, but last season suffered through a prolonged slump hitting only .222 with 26 home runs and 94 RBI's. This slump came at a bad time for Jones who likely cost himself millions in a contract year. According to his agent Scott Boras, Jones wanted to stay in the National league and play for a contender, but didn't receive the type of long term offers he was hoping for. Most teams were reluctant to give him anything beyond a 1- year deal, with the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals joining the Dodgers with 2 year offers. The Dodgers brought Jones to Los Angeles after scouting him extensively, and had new hitting coach Don Mattingly watch video of the power hitter before making him an offer. The Dodger organization is sold on the idea that his woes from last season are correctable, so much so that they have made Jones the the highest paid player in Dodger history at $18.1 million per season. Jones owns the 5th most lucrative contract in MLB history behind Alex Rodriguez's two contracts, Manny Ramirez, Derek Jeter and Carlos Zambrano.
Jones will get a $12.2 million signing bonus, of which $5 million isn't payable until 2010, according to a source close to the negotiations. He will be paid $5.1 million of the bonus in 2008 and $2.1 million in 2009. His salaries will be $9 million next year and $15 million in 2009, and the contract includes a no-trade clause.

Fantasy Outlook
Andruw Jones will have his chance to redeem himself, and put to rest notions that he has lost mobility in the field and patience at the plate. At age 30 could he really already be breaking down at a time most players are considered to be in their prime? This is a question that will be answered in the following year as Jones once again will have all the incentive to prove he is the same player who belted 51 home runs as recently as 2005 and drove in 129 RBI in 2006. Jones will be asked to be the power hitter the Dodgers missed so badly the last few seasons and will be an immediate upgrade in center field over the light hitting Juan Pierre. Andruw has never been a contact hitter though, hitting just .263 for his career, and Chavez Ravine is known as a pitchers park. It is likely that Jones will rebound from his porous number last season, but a 40-50 home run season is unlikely. Expect Jones to hit around .250 with 30 home runs and around 100 RBI, if he stays healthy for a full season. After signing Juan Pierre just a year ago to a 5- year $45 million dollar contract, Jones will take his position. At this time it seems the Dodgers would like to hold onto star prospect Matt Kemp, so Pierre would likely compete for playing time with Andre Ethier in Left, while Kemp and Ethier would share playing time in Right. It is likely the Dodgers are not done dealing, and will dangle one of there outfielders in hopes of landing another pitcher or 3rd baseman.