Dodgers Redo Andruw Jones Deal, More Reason To Stay Away

The L.A. Times reports that the Dodgers have agreed to trade or release Jones in exchange for his deferring much of the $22 million remaining on his contract. The deal is expected to shave $12 million from the Dodgers' 2009 payroll and cut Jones' salary next season to about $5 million. If the Dodgers cannot trade him, even at that discounted salary, then Jones can ask for his release before spring training, the source said. The Dodgers signed Jones last winter to be their big bat, but he hit .158 with three home runs in 75 games. The five-time All-Star reported to camp significantly overweight, endured boos from opening day on, underwent knee surgery in May, ended the season on the bench and then asked to be traded. This now paves the way for the Dodgers to go hard and heavy after Manny Ramirez. They are now locked in a battle with the San Francisco Giants for Ramirez. The Giants reportedly made Ramirez a 4-year offer Wednesday. There were rumors last week that the Mets migh...