Article:Andruw Jones come on down....

According to rumors floating around the internet the Braves are in the market for a stop gap outfielder until the youth movement (Jordan Schafer, Jason Heyward) is ready. Now there are a large number of corner outfielders available on the market. However they will take a longer commitment then one season, they will be awful defensively, pretty much giving back every run they create, and they will block the younger, cheaper prospects. The other option discussed has been moving Kelley Johnson (2b) for an outfielder, well, then you need to replace second base and you could be causing a log jam in the OF in front of your young and affordable prospects. So with all this said, who is my recommended solution? Gulp, Andruw Jones, yup I said it, the same guy who hit under the Mendoza line. The same guy who has been below replacement level for two seasons. So what in the world am I thinking? Lets look at the positives, both some factual and some potential.

•·        He has one year left on his deal

•·        The Dodgers have a log jam and would probably give him away (maybe even eat some of the salary to do it)

•·        He is still a better defender then any of the more expensive options on the market (Burell, Manny, Dunn)

•·        He does not block Schafer, Heward, etc. long term

•·        If he bounces back and leaves again as a free agent you could potentially receive draft picks for compensation

•·        He will be motivated as he needs to rebuild his value going into his free agency.

•·        Familiarity- this can not be undersold as Bobby Cox knows what he is getting with Andruw.

•·        His no trade clause would not be a problem as he would love a return to Atlanta (he has been quoted)

•·        He does not cost you moving any one either in your farm system, or with the big club (Johnson)

All in all I would say the Braves may be thinking about it. I mean why not? Sure $15million for one season is a healthy chunk, but it is one season. Do you really want to be the team paying Manny, Burell, etc. similar money three, four years from now when they give back more runs with the glove then they drive in? Also you can not underestimate the draft picks you would receive for him simply being the player he was two years ago, and based on age should still be. If you are Atlanta you have all the leverage; he has all the incentive to be great.