Fortunately for Dodger fans, they will never have to see this pathetic excuse for a swing again. A year ago Dodger fans were cautiously optimistic that Jones would re-capture the magic he had for the better part of 12 seasons with the Atlanta Braves. 13 months ago, a two-year, 36.2 million dollar contract looked worth the risk.
But after batting .158 in 209 at-bats last season, which included 76 strikeouts and just three home run and a meager 14 runs batted in, it looked like another disasterous big Dodger contract.
Jones' reworked contract has been well publicized and even though the Los Angeles will pay him the entire amount, the deferred money has given it the flexibility it needs to fill some holes and try to defend the National League West.
Trading Jones looks very unlikely and it appears that if he is not traded by Jan. 15, he will be released. The Dodgers are willing to admit their mistake and allow both parties to move on. The Jones disaster can be forgotten with the signing of one man.
Talking Manny
What is well known is that the Dodgers offered Manny Ramirez a two-year deal worth 45 million dollars with a 15-million dollar third option. Some sources reported they upped it to a guaranteed third year with a contract worth 60 million total.
Whatever the the offer (or offers) are (or were) the two sides don't seem to be making much progress, but are still talking. Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said they have differences but are negotiating.
Vargas inked
The Dodgers lost bullpen swingmen Chan Ho Park and Jason Johnson and needed somebody to fill the void of a long reliever and spot starter.
Yesterday they made it official that Claudio Vargas will try to fill that void, signing him to a one-year deal. Vargas was 3-2 with a 4.62 ERA in 11 games with the Mets last season, and 5-2 with a 4.10 ERA in 48 1/3 Minor League innings.
Between 2006-2007 while with Arizona and Milwaukee, respectively, he had 23 wins and an ERA around five.
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