The New York Yankees and outfielder Andruw Jones agreed to a one-year, $2-million deal Thursday afternoon. SI.com’s Jon Heyman first reported the signing, others soon confirmed the report. In 2010, the 33-year-old played 107 games for the Chicago White Sox hitting .230 with 19 home runs and 48 RBI.
According to MLB.com’s Bryon Hoch on Wednesday, the Yankees were perusing Jones to fill the vacated fourth-outfielder position, which Marcus Thames played last season. Thames signed withe Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.
“’I’ve talked to Scott about Andruw Jones, amongst others,” Cashman said. “I don’t know where it’s going to go, to be honest. I’ll definitely talk to Scott [today]. I’d like to get a fourth outfielder that hits from the right side, in theory, so he has one of those guys.’”
“While the Yankees liked Thames’ bat, they had concerns about his outfield defense. That is something they likely wouldn’t have to worry about with Jones, a 10-time National League Gold Glove Award winner.”
Boras said that Jones’ goal is to return to his former status as an everyday outfielder, but he understands that is not likely under his current situation. "
It is interesting that New York chose Jones over former Yankee Johnny Damon, who is still a free agent. However, Damon’s asking price is probably much higher than Jones, who is nothing like his former All-Star self but he still can make plays.
I really don’t know if I like the move. But as cheap as Jones came there’s basically no risk involved. It’s a cheap buy-low roster move, which, if it doesn’t work out then, so what, the Yankees are out just two million. However, if Jones can contribute sparingly then it’s a good move.
What are your thoughts?