Could Andruw Jones’ Money Go To Manny?

By KURT HELIN

Updated 6:33 AM PST, Fri, Jan 2, 2009

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For some reason the Dodgers can’t find anyone else who wants to pay Andruw Jones $21 million this season to not play, or hit .158 when he does. Shocking. So the Dodgers are looking at other options.

The Dodgers are in discussions to rework the contract of beleaguered outfielder Andruw Jones, with the goal of moving him off the roster while freeing up salary that might be used to sign free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez.

An industry source confirmed a Los Angeles Times report that talks were ongoing. That report claimed the Dodgers would free approximately $12 million that could be used to sign Ramirez, who did not respond to a two-year, $45 million offer the Dodgers made in November and withdrew two weeks later.

It’s better to pay Jones to go away — or figure out a way to lower his annual salary so someone might take him in a trade — than have him go Stephon Marbury on the team. By the way, if you are holding out hope that Jones' performance as a Dodger was all about injuries and he will bounce back next season, it’s time to find a new dream. He has played five games of winter ball in the Dominican Republic and is hitting .188 while striking out in half his at bats.

These talks are also a good sign that the Dodgers are in some sort of serious negotiations with Ramirez. With rumors out there that the Giants have entered the bidding for the slugger, the Dodgers may actually be forced to sweeten their offer.