Andruw Jones' Christmas Arrest- Tis the season?

Andruw Jones, who spent the last two seasons with the Yankees and is headed to Japan to play for the Rakuten Golden Eagles next year, was arrested outside of Atlanta at 4 a.m. Christmas morning.

Jones was arrested for battery, but there are no other details at the moment. Hopefully, he did not attack Santa Claus for not getting him a US baseball contract.

UPDATE: 8:40 PM - The Associated Press has learned that the arrest involved a dispute between Jones and his wife Nicole, whom he's been married to for 10 years.

UPDATE: 12/26 - More details of come out about Jones' arresting and they are pretty ugly ones. Jones reportedly attacked his wife after she asked him to help set up for Christmas morning. She tried to run up the stairs, but Jones grabbed her by the ankle and dragged her down the stairs. He then held her down and told her that he wanted to kill her. No word if alcohol or drugs were involved.

Sayonara Jones san

Where did I leave my bat speed?

Andruw Jones tore up left-handed pitching in 2011, then only tore up dirt in the batter's box in 2012. The two-year member of the Yankees is headed to the Far East to play in Japan for the Rakuten Golden Eagles.

Jones' US career came full circle - as a member of the Atlanta Braves he was the youngest player to hit a World Series home run when he hit a pair of blasts against the Yankees in Game 1 of the 1996 Fall Classic.

Jones hit 434 career home runs in 17 years in the Majors, that also included stops with the LA Dodgers, Texas Rangers, and Chicago White Sox. He had back-to-back monster seasons for Atlanta in 2005-2006, and finished second in the '05 NL MVP voting. He belted a career high 51 home runs that season and drove in 128 runs, both tops in the NL. A year later he hit 41 home runs and knocked in a career high 129 runs.

After 12 years in Atlanta, the 10-time Gold Glove centerfielder signed with the Dodgers as a free agent prior to the 2008 season, but was never the same offensively or defensively. While his HR and RBI numbers in two seasons in New York were nearly identical, his OPS dipped from .851 to .701.

Gardner Runs Out of Time

Unfortunately, you could see it coming- Brett Gardner is lost for the season.

The Yankees announced that Gardner will undergo season ending surgery to repair inflamed tissue in his balky right elbow. Gardner injured the arm when he made a diving sliding catch against the Twins back on April 18.

The soon-to-be 29-year old outfielder tried to rehab the injury several times, but felt continued pain each time.  The latest MRI showed the inflammation and the Yankees team of doctors decided it was time for Gardner to go under the knife.

No word if Gardner could possibly be back for the playoffs. Unless Brian Cashman makes a deal or someone like Chris Dickerson is recalled from the minors, Raul Ibanez, Jayson Nix, Dewayne Wise, and Andruw Jones will continue to split time in left field.

The Big Man Gets His Groove On

The Yankees increased their AL East lead while CC Sabathia was on the disabled list, but you can bet they were ecstatic to get him back tonight. A modest Tuesday night crowd was too as Sabathia cruised through six scoreless innings en route to a 6-1 Yankees win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Sabathia was DL'ed  for the first time in his career after straining his groin at the end of June. But he showed no rust in his return as the Yankees improved to 4-1 after the All-Star break. Sabathia threw 87 pitches, 66 for strikes (75.8%) and limited the Blue Jays to four hits and a walk, while he finished with six strikeouts.

The win was Sabathia's 10th of the season; in doing so, per YES research manager Jeff Quagliata (@yestoresearch), Sabathia became the first Major League pitcher since Tom Seaver to reach double figures in wins his first 12 seasons.

As is the case in most of the Yankees win this season, the home run played a big part in this one. Andruw Jones smacked one out in the 2nd inning off Brett Cecil with two aboard to give the Yankees a quick 3-0 lead.

The Blue Jays defense and some non-home runs gave the Yankees some necessary insurance in the 7th inning. Third baseman Brett Lawrie played a chopper into an RBI double for Chris Stewart for a 4-1 lead. Derek Jeter followed with an RBI double to right that was misplayed by Anthony Gose, who was making his Major League debut. The final run of the inning came across on a sharp Alex Rodriguez ground out.

The run were needed when the Blue Jays loaded the bases with one out off of Chad Qualls and Clay Rapada. Joe Girardi was forced go to his closer, but Rafael Soriano only needed five pitches to end the game. J.P. Arencibia hit a bullet right to Mark Teixeira, who tagged out Gose before he could get back to 1st base.

Notes

Qualls continues to struggle and may be looking for a job soon. Since he was acquired off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies, the 33-year old right-hander has allowed five runs and nine hits in 6.1 innings pitched.

Clay Rapada showed that he is not someone likely to win a Gold Glove Award any time soon. Back on June 28, Rapada's throwing error on a potential double play ball helped cost the Yankees a game against the White Sox. Tuesday night Rapada had another miscue on a come backer with runners on the corners and one out in the 9th. Rapada cleanly fielded Gose's hack-swing/bunt, but when he looked toward 2nd base it gave Gose time to reach first safely with his first Major League hit. (Personally, I think it should be an error on Rapada). Rapada can thank Soriano and Teixeria for getting him off the hook this time around.

Robinson Cano extended his career high hitting streak to 20 games. He's hit .405 during the streak with six home runs and 20 RBI. According to the YES Network, it's the longest streak by Yankees second baseman since Joe Gordon in 1942. Ironically, Tuesday marked the 71st anniversary of the end of Joe DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak

Jones has six home runs and 12 RBI in his last 12 games. The home run was the 432nd of his career.

Joba Chamberlain pitched an inning for the GCL Yankees and was reportedly clocked at 98 mph.

The Yankees have now scored three or more runs in 40 straight games.

The Yankees CAN Win A Game

Ivan Nova proved last night that you can throw Spring Training numbers out the window. Nova, after pitching to an 8.06 ERA in exhibition games, limited the Baltimore Orioles to two runs over seven innings to help the Yankees to their first win, 6-2.

The Yankees have now scored six runs in three of their four games, but last night was their first win. Nova gave up an early home run to Matt Wieters, but scattered 10 hits and mixed off speed pitches with a fastball that averaged 94 mph and occasionally topped out at 96.

Nova got plenty of support in the field and at the plate. Derek Jeter had four hits, plus a sac bunt, run scored, and an RBI. Andruw Jones had a long home run, and he Curtis Granderson scored two runs a piece.

Eduardo Nunez, whose error got the ball rolling in the wrong direction on Saturday, made a leaping grab at third base to take a way a base hit and RBI.

David Robertson and Mariano Rivera, in a non-save situation closed out the win over lefty Brian Matusz.

Notes

Joe Girardi used his 4th DH in four games, sitting Alex Rodriguez.

Ibanez Makes It Official

According to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, the Yankees and Raul Ibanez have reached terms on a free agent contract. It would appear the two sides were set to agree to a pact long before A.J. Burnett was dealt, but nothing could be made official until the pie thrower was tossed out of town.

Ibanez, who will turn 40 in June, hit .245 last season with 20 HR, 84 RBI, and a career low .707 OPS (for seasons with at least 100 games played). He will be the primary DH against right-handed pitching and will occasionally give Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson a rest by playing left field, something he's not very good at. (A combined 11 errors for Seattle in 2007-8).

The majority of Ibanez's offensive numbers came against right-handed pitching (.747 OPS vs .585 against lefties) last season and that trend should continue this year with Andruw Jones seeing time at DH against southpaws. Of course plenty of DH at-bats will go to Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and the other older veterans on the team.

The deal is believed to be worth $1.1MM and is contingent on a physical. According to Ken Rosenthal, with incentives Ibanez can earn $4MM.

The Montero Era Begins

The much awaited Jesus Montero era begins tonight. Well, all Yankees fan hope it's the start of an era. With the Yankees in need of some added punch from the right side, Montero will get plenty of at-bats against left-handers in the final month of the season. In fact, he's been thrown right into the heat of the pennant race. He's in tonight's starting lineup vs. Jon Lester and the Boston Red Sox in the finale of the three game series in Fenway Park.

Still just 22 years old, Montero has had his share of ups and down in the minor leagues. He's had his catching ability questioned at every level and has evoked consistent negative comments from opposing scouts. But Montero has confidence in his ability to be a big league catcher and even more confidence in his bat. It's that bat that the Yankees hope can do damage in September and beyond. Joe Girardi has stated that he woud like to see Montero behind the plate this month, but with the Yankees in a scuffle for the division title, that's not likely to happen any time soon. Montero will find plenty of time though at DH whenever a southpaw toes the rubber.

Montero has also had his attitude questioned; some of it due to his own actions or words, some of it as a result of over zealous media members or once again, opposing personnel. That's why the first impression he makes as a big leaguer is even more important than whether or not he can recognize a curveball or go deep in a crucial situation. The Yankees feel the hitting will come in bunches, but they want to be sure Montero is mature enough to handle the big leagues. Luckily, he'll have fellow Latin players like Jorge Posada, Robinson Cano, and even fellow rookie Eduardo Nunez to help guide him.

Posada's influece is of course bit ironic since Montero's bat has become a necessity because of the continued lack of production from the Yankees veteran. Once Alex Rodriguez returns to the lineup on a regular basis, Posada will see little playing time outside of a pinch-hit here or there. Though a switch-hitter, Posada is now blocked by both Eric Chavez (from the left side) and Montero.

It's the start of one era and the end of another.

Yankees Take Nightcap In Grandy Style

Curtis Granderson may insist he's not a home run hitter, but he's going to have to stop hitting them before anyone starts to believe him. Granderson added two more blasts tonight as the Yankees topped the Baltimore Orioles 8-3 to gain a split of the day-night doubleheader.

Granderson had already hit a 3-run shot in the 3rd when he came to bat again in the 7th and unloaded his Major League leading 38th home run of the year. It's the first time he's been in sole possession of teh home run lead. That was the cherry on top of the sundae for the Yankees who broke the game open in the 6th inning.

After a Mark Teixeira single, Robinson Cano blasted an opposite field 2-run home run off of start Brian Matusz for a 5-3 Yankees lead. Nick Swisher followed with a solo shot and Andruw Jones made it three straight with a long home run of his own.

That would be plenty of run support for Yankees' starter Ivan Nova, who earned his 14th win of the season. In doing so he became the first Yankees rookie pitcher to win 14 games since Ron Davis in 1979 and the first start since Doc Medich in 1973. The 24-yr old gave up single runs in each of the first three innings before settling down. He pitched into the 8th inning before giving way to David Robertson after he allowed a pair of base runners to reach to start the inning.

Robertson gave up a single to Adam Jones to load the bases, but baseball's Houdini performed his great escape act again. Robertson struck out Vladimir Guerrero, Mark Reynolds and Ryan Adams in succession to get out of trouble.

Notes

Derek Jeter was scheduled to play in the second game, but was a late scratch due to a sore knee. Alex Rodriguez also sat with his sore thumb. Marc Carig of the Star Ledger tweeted that neither is likely to play in the series finale Monday night according to Joe Girardi.

Gardners Bake Pies Too

Brett Gardner started the day as he did yesterday, sitting on the bench watching Andruw Jones play in left field against a left-handed pitcher. But in a case of "it's not who starts, but who finishes", Gardner got the last swing. His one out RBI in the 12th brought home Curtis Granderson for a 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers.

After the Boston Red Sox swept the Yankees in three games to start the homestand, the Bombers won six of the final seven games (the one loss was 1-0 to Cleveland). The Yankees also continued their solid play against the Rangers this season with their third series win and are 7-2 against the team that beat them in last year's ALCS.

The game started out with the unknown Brian Gordon making his first Major League start. The 32-yr old veteran of 15 minor league seasons was outstanding. He allowed two runs in 5.1 innings (7 H 3 BB 3 K) and threw 55 of 84 pitches for strikes. He managed the major jam he got into in the 5th inning and limited the Rangers to a pair of runs (on an Ian Kinsler double) despite having the bases loaded with one out.

Russell Martin had provided an RBI single in the 2nd inning (and threw out two would be base stealers) and Jorge Posada tied the game up in the 6th with an RBI double against starter C.J. Wilson. The Yankees bullpen provided 6.2 of scoreless relief with Corey Wade throwing the final two for first his win as a Yankee and his first victory in the majors since June 13, 2009. (The Yankees are now 18-3 (.857) in day games.)

The Yankees wasted a golden opportunity when they loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the 9th against Darren Oliver. After getting ahead in the count, 3-1, Granderson struck out for the second out of the inning and Mark Teixeira grounded out to end the inning. But Granderson started things in the 12th with his third hit of the day. Teixeira flew out, but lefty Michael Kirkman hit Robinson Cano with a controversial pitch. Texas manager Ron Washington came out to argue with home plate umpire Mike Everitt, feeling the ball hit the knob of the bat rather than Cano. (Replays were inconclusive, though Cano didn't show much reaction)

Gardner, who should be starting against left-handers rather than Jones, then singled through the right side to plate Granderson and sent the Yankees off to Wrigley Field with a victory.

Colon Seals The Deal- Joins The Band of 25

Photo Courtesy of AP - Look how happy this guy is!

Barring an unforeseen injury, a Tonya Harding-eque incident, or something of that nature, Bartolo Colon put his stamp on the #5 or #4 spot (depending on Joe Girardi's preference) in the rotation last night with an impressive outing against the Tampa Bay Rays. What this means is that Freddy Garcia will be given his release at week's end and will likely catch on with another team (perhaps the Mets?).

There also hasn't been an announcement concerning the final piece of the rotation puzzle, but Ivan Nova has clearly pitched above and beyond and will get the spot.

While the Rays lineup last night wouldn't intimidate anyone, that didn't keep you from taking notice of Colon's performance. He allowed just two hits over six innings, a solo home run to Kelly Shoppach, didn't walk a batter and struck out five.

Colon needed just 64 pitches to get it done and even showed some remarkable quickness, coming off the mound to cover a 1st base on a tapper to the right side. (Yes, somewhere, someone said, "He moves quick for a big man".) Garcia has already said he wouldn't accept a trip to the minors, and though he said he would willingly work as the long man out of the pen, Girardi (for reasons still unclear to me and just about everyone) prefers Sergio Mitre for that role. (Is Mitre Latin for "blackmail the manager"?)

Manny Banuelos came back to Earth last night and showed the crazies that he's not quite ready for the Majors just yet. Man-Ban gave up a pair of runs in two innings of work and took the loss. He allowed a solo home run to Dan Johnson in the 8th inning for a bit of insurance.

Setting the 25-man

While the rotation should be set, the bullpen that heads north is not there yet. Mariano Rivera, Rafael Soriano, Boone Logan, Mitre, and David Robertson are all set. But there's a good chance, Joba Chamberlain and Pedro Feliciano will start the season on the DL. Chamberlain was having a decent spring when he strained an oblique and was shut down. He'll be back on the mound today though against the Orioles and has a chance to prove he's healthy. Feliciano, who has been workhorse in his career has suffered from a dead arm and not thrown much. He did have a 15 pitch bullpen session on Saturday and a 25 pitch session on Monday. He's hoping to get into a game this weekend, but it would be ridiculous to rush him. Of the two, Chamberlain is more likely to head north with the club.

Eric Chavez will miss a few days with calf spasms, but appears to have locked up a backup corner infield position. Eduardo Nunez looks to be a lock for the utility infielder role over the much better gloved, but much weaker hitting Ramiro Pena. Nunez also saw some, albeit somewhat shaky, time in the outfield and would be an emergency fifth outfielder.

Andruw Jones is set to back the triumvirate of Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, and Nick Swisher and occasionally DH to give Jorge Posada a rest. With Francisco Cervelli DL'ed, the battle for back up to Russell Martin will go down to the wire between Jesus Montero and Austin Romine (Be sure to read Jack Curry's touching story about the loss of Romine's cousin in Afghanistan recently). The Yankees need to decide which they are better served by- Romine's superior defensive skills or giving Montero a chance to show he should stay in the Majors. Of course, how much chance Montero will get remains to be seen with Martin catching, Posada locked in at DH, and Mark Teixeira at 1st base. The feeling here is that Montero will get a look see and will possibly be replaced when Cervelli gets healthy.

Nine days until opening day. Mmmmmm.

Yankees Bring Andruw Jones Into The Mix

The first impression I had of Andruw Jones was not a happy one. He had just crushed an Andy Pettitte pitch deep into the night in Game 1 of the 1996 World Series. To make matters worse he had this hideous little smirk like he was so proud of himself. His first impression was a good one, but not a good one to me.

Things didn't get better later in the game when he hit a second bomb. This pimply faced (I don't know if he really had pimples) kid, who hadn't come on to the scene until August, had just hit two home runs en route to a Braves 12-2 route of the Yankees.

I had waited 18 years for the Yankees to return to the World Series and a blow out was not what I had in mind. To make matters worse the 19-yr old Jones had become the youngest player to hit a home run in a World Series game...breaking Mickey Mantle's record...Mickey Mantle!

Flash forward to January 20, 2011. Andruw Jones is now a Yankee. He signed a one year, $2 million deal that includes $1.2 million in incentives. Jones will back up all three outfield positions, pinch-hit, and see some occasional time at DH.

Jones won't hit for average, but still has some power, can drive in some runs, and draws walks. He's not the Gold Glove outfielder he once, but his creeky body can still play some outfield. Hopefully he's playing in the World Series in Yankee Stadium again this year, but wearing the home pinstripes this time around.

BD Hot Stove: A Jones For Andruw | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: A Jones For Andruw | Baseball Digest

Andruw Jones burst on to the scene for the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 World Series, slugging a pair of home runs in game 1 against the Yankees. He was a mere 20 years old at the time. 15 years later, Jones is looking for a job, but is clearly not the player he once was.

Older, slower, out of a shape, and a bad back…they all contributed to a less than stellar handful of seasons (2008-2010) for the five time All-Star. Even in his last very productive season (2007), when he hit 26 home runs and drove in 94 runs, Jones hit just .222 and struck out 138 times. The drop off in offensive production was dramatic after averaging 46 home runs and 128 RBI the previous two seasons. Jones also won the last of his 10 Gold Gloves in 2007.

With the White Sox last season Jones did show some pop-19 home runs- and drove in 48 runs in 278 at-bats. Despite hitting just .230, he put up a .341 OPS due to 45 walks. The combination is what has some teams still showing interest in the native of Curacao. The Yankees, looking to fill the void left by Marcus Thames and Austin Kearns, are said to be the front-runner for Jones’ services and, in fact, some sources say a contract is imminent. The Yankees would give him outfield time as well as occassional DH duty when the regular DH Jorge Posada gets a day off.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

A once promising career has apparently come to a close. Kansas City Royals pitcher Gil Meche has decided to retire due to lingering shoulder issues. The 32-yr old, who would have made $12M this season, said he would have to have another shoulder surgery to even think about being a starting pitcher again. The Royals released the following statement:

“After a lot of thinking and prioritizing of issues in my life I have decided to retire from baseball. As a competitor my entire life this is the hardest decision that I’ve ever faced, but it’s not fair to me, my family or the Kansas City Royals that I attempt to pitch anymore. I came into this game as a starting pitcher and unfortunately my health, more accurately, my shoulder, has deteriorated to the point where surgery would be the only option and at this stage of my life I would prefer to call it a career rather than to attempt to pitch in relief for the final year of my contract. I can’t thank the Kansas City Royals and their fans enough for my four seasons there and if I have any regret, it’s that we weren’t able to accomplish on the field what the goal was when I signed there.”

The Diamondbacks and shortstop Stephen Drew have agreed on a two year, $13.75M contract with a mutual option for 2013.

According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees are still looking at Freddy Garcia and Kevin Millwood for the number five spot in the rotation and a veteran presence in place of Andy Pettitte.

The Mets are reportedly close to a minor league deal with Scott Hairston.

Newly acquired Rajai Davis has agreed to a two year, $5.25M deal with the Blue Jays. Toronto has added a club option for 2013.

The Dodgers reached an agreement with Marcus Thames on a one year deal. LA is also close to signing Gabe Kapler to a minor league deal.

Several players have avoided arbitration with new contracts (all are for one year): Prince Fielder (MIL, $15.5M), Shin-Soo Choo (CLE, $3.975M), Ryan Ludwick (SD, $6.775M), Heath Bell (SD, $7.5M), Dallas Braden (OAK, $3.35M), Conor Jackson (OAK, $3.32M), Brandon Morrow (TOR, $2.3M), Shawn Camp (TOR, $2.25M), Yunel Escobar (TOR, $2.9M), Manny Parra (MIL, und.), Mike Pelfrey (NYM, $3.925M), Rafael Perez (CLE, $1.33M), Chris Perez (CLE, $2.25M), Felix Pie (BAL, $985K), Armando Galarraga (DET, $2.3M), Anibal Sanchez (FLA, $3.7M), Clay Hensley (FLA, $1.4M), Mike Morse (WAS, und.), Jeff Keppinger (HOU, $2.3M), Clint Barmes (HOU, $3.925M), Tony Pena (CHW, $1.6M), Felipe Paulino (COL, $79OK), Kyle Davies (KC, $3.2M)

BD Hot Stove: St. Louis Hopes Pujols Extension Is In The Cards | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: St. Louis Hopes Pujols Extension Is In The Cards | Baseball Digest

Albert Pujols and his agent Dan Lozano have sat back this winter and watched as teams gave Jayson Werth $18M a year and Carl Crawford over $20M per season. They watched in 2007 as the Yankees rewarded Alex Rodriguez with a $275M bonanza spread out over 10 years. And they know that their time is about to come.

Prince Albert will make $16M for the 2011 season and then will be a free agent unless the Cardinals can pony up an attractive enough contract to keep him in St. Louis for years to come. And that is easier said than done.

With an ongoing rough economy, it may be difficult to pay the game’s number one player, number one money.Pujols is a three time MVP and has finished in the top three in MVP voting five other times. He’s a nine time All-Star, has won six Silver Slugger awards and a pair of Gold Gloves. He averages 40 home runs and 120 RBI a season! I could go on and on, but you get the picture.

At 31 years of age (this Sunday) and with 10 professional seasons under his belt, there is no reason to think that Pujols is going to slow down any time soon. What that translates to is a $30M per year deal. With A-Rod’s deal averaged out to $27.5M over the life of his deal, the Cardinals know they have to pay their man dollars more per season. It’s not just a matter of principle, Pujols deserves it.

Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi recently spoke with Cardinals’ chairman and CEO William O. DeWitt Jr. about his franchise player. When asked if the two sides were close to a deal, Dewitt replied, “No, I would just say we’ve had discussions, and we’re continuing to talk.”

“We’ve got time between now and then (the start of spring training) to get things done,” DeWitt said. “I’m hopeful. But these are big deals, and we’ll make every effort to get it accomplished.

“Spring training is a long period of time — six weeks. Whether it’s reporting date, or a week after, I don’t view it as, ‘If it’s not done by this day, then . . .’ I don’t see a specific day.”

The Cardinals faithful certainly share DeWitt’s hope.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

The NY Daily News sent the social media networks atwitter on Wednesday when they published a piece saying that Andy Pettitte would not start the season with the New York Yankees. With near panic in the streets, GM Brian Cashman said the reporter had misinterpreted what he had said. The Yankees had not received any new word from Pettitte, so for now they have to proceed as if he won’t be with them when the season begins. In other words, Pettitte’s situation is the status quo.

The Rays, Rockies, and Yankees are all reportedly showing interest in outfielder/DH Andruw Jones. But the Rays are the only team that really make sense for the 15-yr veteran. The Yankees have committed to Jorge Posada as their full-time DH in 2011 and the Rockies can’t afford (defensively) to play him in the outfield. The Rays, however, could plug him into the DH spot.

Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg told the Washington Post he is about three or four weeks away from beginning to throw. Strasburg underwent Tommy John surgery this past September 3rd.

The Diamondbacks have inked utility man Willie Bloomquist to a one year, $1.05M deal with a mutual option for 2012.

Hot Stove Friday

Image courtesy of mlb.com

A lot of talk, but not much action so far this off-season. Here's what has gone down since we last touched on the subject.

The White Sox apparently feel that getting older is a good thing. They've signed 21-yr veteran Omar Vizquel as utility man and 14-yr veteran Andruw Jones as an outfielder/DH. White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye, expected to sign elsewhere, said he would be willing to switch to 1st base in order to be a good fit for his new team.

Johnny Damon wants a long term deal and says he has offers from a handful of teams. Actually, not only did Damon make that statement, but so did his wife Michelle and his agent Scott Boras. If Damon sticks to his guns, it's unlikely he'll be back in Pinstripes.

The Blue Jays re-signed great defense/no bat infield John McDonald to a new deal and then added good defense/not much of a bat Alex Gonzalez to their roster as well. Blue Jays' free agent infielder Marco Scutaro is likely to leave with Boston being tops on his wish list. That according to his agent, Peter Greenberg.

The Week Ahead

Spring Training arrives at last this week, clouded, of course, by the allegations against Alex Rodriguez. The guy has to come do something today or tomorrow to salvage his reputation, career, and life. No, he didn't kill anyone, but for someone who has already been wildly unpopular at times among his own fans, he's got serious damage control to do.

The always classy (and yes that is blatantly sarcastic) NY Post had A-Rod's face on the cover this morning with the headline, "A-Hole". Mike Vaccarro, please come back to the Star-Ledger and away from those bad, bad people.

The media and many fans would like know the names of the 103 other players that test positive in 2003. As much as we'd like to know, this was all supposed to be confidential, and the A-Rod leak should not change that.

Andruw Jones finally found a home over the weekend, signing a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers. Jones will make a half-mill with a chance to earn another million. Apparently hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo was a big influence in Jones' decision making process.

On Friday, the Dodgers inked free agent left-hander Randy Wolf to a 1 year, $5 million contract. He's coming off a 12-12, 4.30 season split between the Padres and Astros. Wolf also pitched a career high 190.1 innings.

No arbitration for Ryan Howard. The slugger avoid arbitration when he and the Phillies agreed to a 3 year, $54 million deal. Howard was asking $18 million per season in arbitration, while the team offered $14 million. Apparently the Phillies were worried about Howard making $18 this year and even more next year.

Orioles closer George Sherrill avoided arbitration by agreeing to a 1 year, $2.75 contract with the Orioles. Sherrill's name will certainly be mentioned, as it was last year, at the trade deadline.

Andruw Has No Jones to be a Yankee

SI.com's Jon Heyman is reporting that free agent Andruw Jones rejected a minor league contract offer by the Yankees. Jones would have come to Tampa as a non-roster invitee, but said "no thanks".

Heyman believes the Rangers, Mets, Braves, and Phillies are all interested in Jones, and correctly speculates that he would benefit from a top hitting coach, such as the Yankees' Kevin Long or the Rangers' Rudy Jaramillo.

Is Anthony McCarron reading My Pinstripes?

Okay, so the Yankees center field dilema is a common theme these days. We ran this on Tuesday. Anthony McCarron wrote about it today's Daily News and even included a poll- though ours looks much "sexier" (and no, we don't think he ripped us off, damn conspiracy theorists.).

We both to forgot to include the ghost of Mickey Mantle.

The Center Field Poll

We got a new poll up in sidebar #1. Who do you think should get the bulk of playing time in center field this year. The selections are Brett Gardner, Melky Cabrera, Nick Swisher, Andruw Jones, and None of the Above.

Our choice right now is Swisher. Though he may not be the best defensive center fielder, he brings more to the plate, literally, than either Gardner or Melky. Either of them, preferably Melky, can be inserted defensively late in the ballgame. Of course, if either Swisher or Nady is dealt, it's all a moot point.

I still don't see Brett Gardner as a Major League hitter. That can all change, but if he hits .350 in Spring Training, I still won't be convinced he's ready for prime time. Unfortunately, we already know Melky's bat isn't the answer.

As for Andruw Jones, we're definitely not in favor of picking him up. He's only 31, but was out of shape last year and has a chronic bad back.

So who would you put out there? Let me know who you think will hold down the fort for Austin Jackson.

Thursday Hot Stove

While Johan Santana is still a Minnesota Twin, Andruw Jones, an Atlanta Brave for 12 years, is now an LA Dodger. Jones agreed to a 2-year, $36.2 million deal, that includes a no-trade clause. Jones' deal makes him the 5th highest player per season. Source

The Astros are on the verge of a major deal- at least that's what they're telling other teams. They've been shopping Chris Burke and Luke Scott, but there are no other details. Source

Anyone who is a regular on this site knows how much we can't stand Tony LaRussa. His words yesterday were another example of why that is. The Cardinals have been trying to deal Scott Rolen for a few reasons- fairly large contract, prone to injury, and his utter distaste for LaRussa. Rolen isn't the 1st player to feel that way about the self-centered jack ass (oops, did we say that out loud?). But this may be the 1st time LaRussa has taken a shot at the player in the press, rather than have one of his cronies from the St. Louis Dispatch do it, which happened with Tino Martinez. Source

As for the rift with Rolen, La Russa said, "I can't remember ever being the combination of mystified and concerned as I am about this situation."

La Russa admitted hostilities began after Rolen expressed unhappiness over the way he was treated while suffering shoulder problems last year but indicated the veteran third-sacker was off-base.

"I think he has put some things in his mind, and I think he needs to understand that our Cardinals have given him a lot since he's gotten there. He's been given a contract, he's been given a couple of World Series, he's been given a world championship, been a part of it, and he's given back some. But he needs to give back more."

As for Rolen's desire to be traded, La Russa said, "The whole idea isn't to please Scott. It's to take care of the St. Louis Cardinals. I don't understand why he can be down on the Cardinals. I don't understand why he can be down on me, to be honest.

"The idea is to accommodate the St. Louis Cardinals, our team, our responsibility to our players and to the competition. So, no, I don't want to accomodate(sic) Scott.

"What I care about is that he re-establish his stature as a major league, productive star. He needs to understand that he has slipped. Not in his play, but just in the way he's perceived in being the Scott they knew for years. It's in his best interests, and I think that means a lot to him. He can play mad every day if he wants to. That's OK."

The Orioles continue to market Brian Roberts and have had extensive talks with the Cubs. It really makes no sense to deal Roberts and hang on to Miguel Tejada. Source

The Rangers acquired 1st Baseman/DH Chris Shelton from the Tigers last night for Freddy Guzman. Shelton burst on to the scene 3 seasons ago, hitting 18 home runs in less than 400 at-bats. But after hitting 10 home runs in April of '06, he faded and was sent to the minors where he played all of this past season. Source

Thursday Hot Stove

While Johan Santana is still a Minnesota Twin, Andruw Jones, an Atlanta Brave for 12 years, is now an LA Dodger. Jones agreed to a 2-year, $36.2 million deal, that includes a no-trade clause. Jones' deal makes him the 5th highest player per season. Source

The Astros are on the verge of a major deal- at least that's what they're telling other teams. They've been shopping Chris Burke and Luke Scott, but there are no other details. Source

Anyone who is a regular on this site knows how much we can't stand Tony LaRussa. His words yesterday were another example of why that is. The Cardinals have been trying to deal Scott Rolen for a few reasons- fairly large contract, prone to injury, and his utter distaste for LaRussa. Rolen isn't the 1st player to feel that way about the self-centered jack ass (oops, did we say that out loud?). But this may be the 1st time LaRussa has taken a shot at the player in the press, rather than have one of his cronies from the St. Louis Dispatch do it, which happened with Tino Martinez. Source

As for the rift with Rolen, La Russa said, "I can't remember ever being the combination of mystified and concerned as I am about this situation."

La Russa admitted hostilities began after Rolen expressed unhappiness over the way he was treated while suffering shoulder problems last year but indicated the veteran third-sacker was off-base.

"I think he has put some things in his mind, and I think he needs to understand that our Cardinals have given him a lot since he's gotten there. He's been given a contract, he's been given a couple of World Series, he's been given a world championship, been a part of it, and he's given back some. But he needs to give back more."

As for Rolen's desire to be traded, La Russa said, "The whole idea isn't to please Scott. It's to take care of the St. Louis Cardinals. I don't understand why he can be down on the Cardinals. I don't understand why he can be down on me, to be honest.

"The idea is to accommodate the St. Louis Cardinals, our team, our responsibility to our players and to the competition. So, no, I don't want to accomodate(sic) Scott.

"What I care about is that he re-establish his stature as a major league, productive star. He needs to understand that he has slipped. Not in his play, but just in the way he's perceived in being the Scott they knew for years. It's in his best interests, and I think that means a lot to him. He can play mad every day if he wants to. That's OK."

The Orioles continue to market Brian Roberts and have had extensive talks with the Cubs. It really makes no sense to deal Roberts and hang on to Miguel Tejada. Source

The Rangers acquired 1st Baseman/DH Chris Shelton from the Tigers last night for Freddy Guzman. Shelton burst on to the scene 3 seasons ago, hitting 18 home runs in less than 400 at-bats. But after hitting 10 home runs in April of '06, he faded and was sent to the minors where he played all of this past season. Source