Dodgers: Casey Blake and Andruw Jones news
LAS VEGAS -– Casey Blake’s new contract with the Dodgers will guarantee him $17.5 million over the next three years and includes a club option for a fourth year.
Under the agreement, which became official today when Blake passed a physical in Los Angeles, the 35-year-old Blake will earn $5 million in 2009, $6 million in 2010 and $5.25 million in 2011. The deal includes a $6-million club option for 2012 that the Dodgers can buy out for $1.25 million.
Blake can earn an additional $1.5 million in incentives over the course of the contract.
The Dodgers haven’t announced the signing of utility infielder Mark Loretta, as they are still waiting to hear if he passed his physical.
In other news, Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti said he believed that Andruw Jones flew to the Dominican Republic today to play winter ball.
Colletti said that “a few” teams have inquired about the availability of Jones, who is expecting to play five or six weeks in the Dominican.
“Of course, they’d ask for us to pick up a vast majority of his salary,” Colletti said, referring to the $22.1 million remaining on Jones’ two-year, $36.2-million contract.
Jones hit .158 with three home runs and 14 runs batted in with the Dodgers.
-- Dylan Hernandez
Photo: The Dodgers' Casey Blake is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run during Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies in October. Credit: David J. Phillip / Associated Press
