Mets not interested in Juan Pierre or Andruw Jones
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LAS VEGAS -- New York Mets Omar Minaya General Manager knocked down rumors that his team was contemplating deals with the Dodgers to acquire either Juan Pierre or Andruw Jones.
‘Pierre doesn’t fit for us,’ said Minaya, whose outfield already includes soft-hitting left-hander Endy Chavez. ‘And Andruw, we’d have to create a spot for him.’
The Dodgers are hopeful they’ll be able to move at least one of the two highly-paid outfielders this winter. Pierre’s agent, Mark Pieper, has formally asked the Dodgers to deal his client, who was unhappy in a part-time role last summer. But Pierre is owned $28.5 million over the next three seasons, while Jones has one year (and $22.1 million) left on his contract.
The Dodgers will have to pick up the majority of those dollars in any deal.
Jones, who hit .158 with 76 strikeouts in a 2008 season limited by injury to 75 games, is expected to begin playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic this week, something the Dodgers hope will serve as an audition for prospective suitors.
-- Kevin Baxter