The Dodgers might have given themselves a mulligan on the notorious Andruw Jones deal. But only to a certain extent.
The ill-fated signing of Jones last winter to a two-year, $36.2 million contract won't take nearly as big a bite out of this year's payroll now that Jones has agreed to a radical restructuring of his deal that will pay him just $5 million this season and defer the remaining $12.1 million over the following six years. Jones was to have received $17.1 million in 2009, with $2.1 million of that part of a $12.2 million signing bonus that was included when he signed the deal.
Although the Dodgers are saving themselves such a staggering amount of money in 2009 -- an amount that is expected to provide a big boost in their efforts to fill a handful of other needs such as another starting pitcher and the now-strong possibility of re-signing Manny Ramirez -- the club still will be responsible for the bulk of Jones' contract even after he is traded or released, something that is expected to happen later this month.
Jones hit just .158 for the Dodgers last season, with three home runs in 238 plate appearances. He wasn't much better in the Dominican winter league, batting .188 for Aguilas and striking out eight times in 16 at-bats before leaving for personal reasons.
