Buster Olney at ESPN is reporting that the Mets and Dodgers have been talking about an Andruw Jones trade. The Dodgers owe Jones about $22 million left from the two year deal they signed him to last off-season. Up until 2007, he had been a consistent slugger and a great outfielder. However, last year he tanked at the plate. He hit under .200 for the season and struck out 76 times in only 209 at bats. Besides the loss of production, his waistband has grown quite a bit. He was a muscular kid early in his career, but now he is overweight.
There are so many things to think about regarding this rumor. First, is Castillo involved in this, going to the Dodgers? If not, what is Omar thinking unless the Dodgers are eating 80% of his remaining contract. Also, why not go for Manny for a two year deal if you want something short-term. A cheap Andruw that rebounds would be great, but can you bank on that? If this is true, I have to believe that Minaya has a bigger picture here that I am just not seeing. Obviously, if Castillo goes, Orlando Hudson is on a plane to NY to play second base. That makes a seriously solid infield.
With all the reports coming out right now with the Dodgers talking to Dunn, Abreu, etc. the market for Manny Ramirez is either shrinking rapidly or the Dodgers are trying to bluff Manny's price down even more. This Dunn/Abreu thing seems a little fishing for the Dodgers. When all is said and done, I believe Manny goes back to LA.
I have to make my plug for a 2 year deal from the Mets. Manny in the Mets lineup would be sick. I know all of the cons on him. Attitude, behavior, clubhouse personality, etc. But you know what? Even when Manny doesn't try, he is well above average at the plate. What do you think the difference between his numbers and Tatis/Murphy numbers would be? It is the difference between making the playoff and not. Ask the Dodgers? Pretend he came to the Mets last year instead of going to LA. Does Philadelphia still win the division? If you're not sure, here are the numbers when he was in LA: .396 average with 17 homers and 53 RBI in 53 games. His OBP was .489!
Mets are in the playoff with those stats.
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