I was watching a spring training game the other night between the Texas Rangers and someone I don't remember (yes, I need a life) when my favorite former Dodger Andrew Jones came to bat.
The Los Angeles Dodgers paid Jones $36 million for three home runs. $12 million per homer. He showed up for spring training last year, after signing the contract, out of shape, promptly got hurt and then did not understand why Dodger fans booed him after every strikeout or double play.
He had a year left to go on the contract, but the Dodgers agreed to pay him the money and let him leave. $18 million, take it and don't let the door hit you on the way out. I wish I could find someone willing to pay me $18 million to leave.
Our intrepid star signed with the Texas Rangers and when he came to bat the other night, the announcers commented on how happy and content he seemed in camp. ($18 million in the bank would seem to breed a lot of contentment). They also commented that he seems perfectly fine with the understanding that he will not be a starter and may not play much (he is satisfied getting paid not to play? what a shock!). These announcers went on and on about what a great fit Andruw Jones seems to be for the Rangers.
Andruw Jones may not be the worst free agent signing in baseball history and possibly not even the worst of the Dodgers (Jason Schmidt has to be in the mix for that). I hope he enjoys his spot on the Texas Rangers' bench. I hope he doesn't have to break a sweat all season and stays content doing just that. Let's just try not to make him out to be a great guy because he seems so content in training camp. In a time when not a lot of people have much to be happy about, especially in terms of jobs and money, Andruw Jones put 18 million reasons for happiness in the bank this winter.
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