Several weeks ago, the Braves of Atlanta announced that they would not re-sign their star CF, Andruw Jones. One can assume that this is because they would rather build the franchise around Mark Teixeria, which I can envision.
With the forthcoming Free Agency bonanza among CF's, I cannot help but imagine where Andruw will end up.
Here are a few ideas in no particular order:
-San Fransisco Giants: We have heard rumors about A-rod ending up by the Bay to assume the role of resident superstar following the departure of Barry Lamar Bonds. If this falls through, why can't Andruw take that spot? They might need a new OF, so why not? I say "maybe" because Rajai Davis (the reward for dumping Matt Morris onto the Pirates) has potential, but he is not the next best thing. Shift Winn to LF and let Andruw bat #4.
-Los Angeles Dodgers: Ned Coletti does not like Scott Boras because of this recent trend of opting out of contracts (see JD Drew). On top of that, they already have a pretty full OF (unless you trade Kemp for a new SS, like Tejada). Regardless, the Dodgers need that big bat and like San Fransisco, Andruw Jones would not be a consolation prize if you lose the A-rod sweepstakes.
-Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles formerly of Orange Country (wait for it, it will happen): Artie has wanted a "big bat" for many years. As I mentioned earlier, Andruw could be very valuable to those that cannot obtain A-rod's services. Then again, would Andruw be the ideal candidate? The Angels pride themselves on small ball and manufacturing runs. Andruw has averaged 130 strikeouts for the past 5 seasons. It just doesn't add up. On top of that, the Angels could potentially have a crowded OF if Anderson can remain slightly productive, Mathews can come away clean from the HGH scandal and Vlad's knee holds up. Reggie Willits fits with the Angels mold a little better than Andruw, so I will not put a lot of faith in Andruw being an Angel. Expect a nice commentary from Mr. Southpaw regarding this section.
-Milwaukee Brewers: Why not? He could complement Prince as well as possibly be the difference between #1 and #2 in the NL Central.
-Minnesota Twins: This would be a terrible move, but it looks like they will not be able to afford Torii. If Andruw accepts a 1-2 year deal, why not? Again, this would be stupid.
-Chicago White Sox: If Rowand (a fan favorite) is off the market, the Sox could waste more money and put Andruw in CF. Years later, Andruw and Paul Konerko will regale each other with stories of the last time they were in the post-season and how they wish they could come back.
-St. Louis Cardinals: I do not see Andruw in Cardinal red, but with Jimmy Edmonds on the decline, it could make sense in the future, but not 2008. The Cards have a couple of replacements in the farm system, but not with the pop that Andruw could provide.
-Boston Red Sox: Kidding
-San Diego Padres: This would only happen if Andruw gets a massive deal. There is no way he could improve his numbers in PetCo for a future contract, so if he goes there, he stays there. The Pads will have the cash and the need with Cameron departing, so why not? I see the Pads shifting over to a "win now" versus the "don't worry, we will win the NL West" attitude they had from April-August.
Any other ideas?
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1 comment:
I could definitely see Andruw signing with the Giants. The Giants love to waste money on declining players. The Padres wouldn't be a bad idea because of Cameron's departure. Jones joining the Padres would make the most sense in terms of protection and the guys around him in Giles, Bradley, Kouz, and Adrian Gonzalez.
The Dodgers will be nowhere near the race for Andruw. They already have Kemp, Pierre, Ethier, not to mention Delwyn Young who is a solid substitute and the ever so aging Gonzo. They do not need to waste money on a declining Andruw Jones. As much as I'm a fan of Loney, 1B needs to produce a lot more than Loney has so unless Loney comes into his own in 2008, watch out Loney....
The Angels will not spend money on Andruw. Arte Moreno is too smart to realize that Andurw is completely overvalued and with Mathews coming back and Reggie Willits performing solidly throughout the season, why spend that extra dough on a guy past his prime.
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