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Dodgers Land Andruw Jones

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The Associated Press

Published: December 7, 2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Now the Los Angeles Dodgers have a star center fielder to go with their popular new manager.

While most teams accomplished little during the winter meetings, the Dodgers landed one of the few prime free agents in this year's market, reaching a preliminary agreement with Gold Glover Andruw Jones on a $36.2 million, two-year contract.

A five-time All-Star, Jones hit .222 for Atlanta this year, his lowest average since he batted .217 in 106 at-bats as a rookie in 1996. His 26 homers were his fewest since 1997, and many wondered whether the 30-year-old's skills are diminishing.

"We still see him as a very good player. You don't win 10 Gold Gloves playing a defensive-oriented position and not have a lot to your resume," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said Thursday. "Some people say he's not the same player he was five or six years ago. We'll find out if he is or he isn't. But he's still probably the best center fielder in the National League."

Jones' agent, Scott Boras, reached his agreement with Los Angeles late Wednesday night. The Dodgers had 379 putouts in center field this year, the fewest in the NL, and their 129 homers ranked 15th among the 16 NL teams. Not exactly what new manager Joe Torre is looking for in his first season with the Dodgers.

"The owner, Frank McCourt, had a lot to do with Andruw's decision," Boras said. "Frank McCourt did a great job of illustrating to Andruw that if he repeated his performance and played to the levels he played to in the past, they had the wherewithal to keep him."

Jones must pass a physical for the agreement to be completed, and likely will take the medical exam Tuesday.

Bonds To Make 1st Court Appearance Today

SAN FRANCISCO - From Patty Hearst to the Jonestown Massacre, the Phillip Burton Federal Building here has hosted its share of high-profile trials over the years. But they may all pale in comparison to the spectacle of the Barry Bonds perjury case.

More than 200 journalists and members of the public are expected to crowd the courtroom and a second overflow room today for a brief hearing that marks the home run king's first public appearance since he was indicted Nov. 15 on four counts of perjury and one of obstruction of justice. The charges could mean prison time if Bonds is convicted.

In an attempt to corral the horde, the court has taken the rare step of bringing the judges to Bonds rather than requiring him to appear in two courtrooms, as is often the case with routine initial appearances by criminal defendants. Bonds also will be fingerprinted and have his mug shot taken. Even so, the whole affair is expected to last less than an hour.

NATIONALS: Backup infielder Aaron Boone agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with the Nationals, who also avoided arbitration with outfielders Wily Mo Pena and Ryan Langerhans.

Pena agreed to a deal that would pay him $4 million over two years if he picks up a mutual option for 2009, or $7 million if the team exercises its option. Langerhans would earn $500,000 if he's in the majors next season and $300,000 in the minors.

PADRES: San Diego has offered a one-year contract to left fielder Milton Bradley, who tore a knee ligament late last season when his manager spun him to the ground while trying to keep him from going after an umpire.

PIRATES: Pittsburgh gave up on infielder Jose Castillo, releasing its former starting second baseman.

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