Saturday, January 3, 2009

Would you take Andruw Jones -- for Luis Castillo?

I know there was a tiny ember of a rumor a few days ago that was quickly shot down, but I'd like to think about the possibility of bringing Andruw Jones on board -- if and only if Luis Castillo is shipped elsewhere (LA).

Jones, coming off another miserable season, hasn't come close to hitting above .250 since 2006. In his last season with Atlanta ('07), Jones only hit .222, but still managed to drive in 94 runs, hit 27 doubles and 26 home runs. With his two triples, that means he only hit 72 singles in a full season. How that is possible, I'm not too sure.

His first season with the Dodgers was nothing short of disastrous. In only 75 games, Jones hit a measly .158, driving in 14 runs and only picking up 33 hits in 238 plate appearances.

Now we all know the maladies of Castillo and his contract. This may be a bit tougher to pull off, especially since Jones reworked his contact (likely signaling the Dodgers big push to bring back Manny Ramirez) for a much lower amount. According to Buster Olney, "Under the terms of the restructured deal, Jones will be paid the $15 million in salary over the next six seasons with no interest, sources say."

Now with the $18 million due to Castillo over the next three years, it's unlikely the Dodgers would want to swap the new Jones contract for Castillo's. The Mets would have to sweeten the deal with someone else, but I honestly don't think it's worth it.

Though I want Luis "The Newest Scapegoat" Castillo off the Mets, I don't think taking on Jones would be the right fit for the team.

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