Dodgers Sign Another Star

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Andruw Jones. Jones signed a 2-year, $36.2 million contract. According to General Manager Ned Colletti, the rationale was obvious. “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,” Colletti said. “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.”

During his career, Jones has batted .263 with 368 home runs and 1,117 runs batted in. He has tallied three twenty-plus, five thirty-plus, and two forty-plus home run seasons. In 2007, Jones swatted only .222. However, he amassed 26 home runs and 94 runs batted in.

Since 1989, the Dodgers have signed Kevin Brown, Eric Davis, Darren Dreifort, J.D. Drew, Shawn Green, Jeff Kent, and Darryl Strawberry. They have scored two playoff appearances. Is Jones a valuable acquisition? Is he another faded star?