Andruw Jones' Career at an End?

Is Andruw Jones out of time - and out of options? The former All-Star centerfielder, who at one point in his distinguished career with the Atlanta Braves was considered by some a future Hall of Famer, has floundered badly the past several seasons. The numbers he put on the board were among the worst in the majors.

But the Texas Rangers invited him to Spring Training on a minor-league camp. Jones' contract gave the Rangers until March 20 to either put him on the 40-man roster or release him. But Friday rolled around and the Rangers showed no interest in putting Jones on the 40-man roster, so Jones and the team agreed to wait until Monday, March 23.

Jones clearly wants to remain with the Rangers, even though the team has made it clear that his best chance at making the team - which may be slim anyway - is as a backup. Jones told the Dallas Morning News:

"We've got to the 23rd to make a decision and see what's going to happen. I don't know yet. I would love to be here. All these guys are great guys. They all pull together, and I think we've got a great team."

Jones has been playing mostly in minor-league games lately, not appearing in the Rangers' past six "A" games. Manager Ron Washington sounded the only optimistic tone about Jones, saying he has looked better in batting practice of late.