Andruw signs minor league contract with Rangers

Bummer. Right about now is when he sheds 40lbs and begins to crush home runs to all fields.

The Rangers signed him to a $500,000 contract with $1 million possible in incentives. They have also made him no promises about making the team, and he could become a free agent if he’s not on the Major League roster by March 20.

“We’ve communicated our situation and expectations clearly with Andruw,” Daniels said. “He understands this is a second chance to show his commitment and work ethic. Over the last few years he has fallen off in his level of production, but it’s a no-risk deal for us. We have a veteran group of quality outfielders and some young guys behind them. He’s got to come in and compete for a job. I don’t see a downside.”

I agree. No downside other than having to clear room for him on the 40 man roster, which seems pretty low risk but apparently not enough so for the Braves. Oh well. There’s always Manny (rofl^infinity).

Braves have 16 players in World Baseball Classic; I care approximately not at all

According to mlb.com, the Braves have 16 players from their 40 person roster on various WBC provisional rosters, including Chipper and McCann to the USA team. I could care less about this faux-World Cup for baseball. The players seem not to hustle as much and the fans, in the US at least, seem unenthused. Of course, this is only the second WBC, so it very well could turn itself around and become something worth watching. I doubt it. Not surprisingly, McCann doesn’t feel the same way:

“I’m pretty pumped up,” McCann said. “This is something I’ve always want to do. Ever since the [Classic] started, I’ve always wanted a chance to play, and here it is”

Of course the first one was four two years ago meaning that always for McCann is a mere four two years, but who’s counting.

Ahoy, a New Year, a New Post, and a New (old) Center Fielder?

That’s right, I’m back and Druw might be too. After a disastrous season with the Dodgers, Andruw’s contract was restructured by LA and he apparently flunked out of Venezuelan Winter ball after only a few games. Yikes.

While that hardly seems like a player worth signing, much less trading for, the Braves (or Griffey-free Reds) will probably sign him for the league minimum. Says Richard Justice:

The Reds and Braves are among the teams believed to be interested in Jones, but they have zero incentive to make a deal. Even if they do not have to give up any significant players in a trade, they know they might be able get him for the major league minimum of $400,000 after the Dodgers release him.

I’d love to have him back, if only so he, if his downward spiral continues, can retire as a Brave.