Mood Music - Mr. Jones by the Counting Crows
Per MLB Trade Rumors the New York Yankees have reached an agreement with Andruw Jones for a one year deal worth $2 million. Jones can earn an additional $1.2 million in incentives. (ImGivingYouAHatTip for breaking the news on PSA)
In signing with the Yankees, Andruw Jones will likely fill the roles of 4th outfielder, part time DH, and Marcus Thames impersonator. Jones provides the Yankees with insurance in the case of an injury to a starting outfielder, a right handed platoon option, and a power bat off of the bench at a very team friendly cost.
After the glory years of playing with the Atlanta Braves, Jones bounced around to the Dodgers, Rangers, and White Sox. After struggling in 2008 and 2009, 2010 was a much more productive year for Jones, in which he posted the following batting statistics:
328 plate appearances, .230/.341/.486, .364 wOBA, 126 wRC+, 1.8 WAR.
Defensively, Jones played a total of 623.1 innings for the White Sox across all three outfield positions, compiling a cumulative 2.2 UZR/150. While he is no longer the legendary defensive presence of his earlier days, he should be able to provide passable to slightly above average defense, especially in the truncated right field of Yankee Stadium.
Now, on to the plans to remove Sergio Mitre from the discussion for #5 starter!