Post by MizzouTiger on Dec 4, 2007 3:09:07 GMT -5
Royals take another look at Andruw Jones as Guillen talks stall
By BOB DUTTON
The Kansas City Star
NASHVILLE, Tenn. | Suddenly, the Royals aren’t facing a Jose Guillen-or-bust situation in their efforts to sign a run-producing, free-agent outfielder.
Andruw Jones has emerged as a possible alternative.
General manager Dayton Moore declined to confirm interest in Jones, a five-time All-Star center fielder, but sources say the two sides have been in close contact.
The willingness to consider Jones comes as the Royals appear stalled in negotiations with Guillen, who became their primary offseason target once Torii Hunter signed with the Angels.
If nothing else, talks with Jones provide club officials with some leverage in negotiating with Guillen, 31, who is seeking a four-year deal after batting .290 last season with 23 homers and 99 RBIs in 153 games for Seattle.
The Royals don’t want to exceed two years with Guillen — or Jones — but appear willing to accept a sharply higher per-year salary.
“Our focus remains the same,” Moore said. “We’re trying to acquire some middle-of-the-order bats through free agency or trades. We’ve got a lot of balls in the air right now.
“Every day that goes by, the more intrigued I get with other opportunities.”
Royals officials acknowledge disappointment at the lack of progress in negotiations with Guillen, who doesn’t appear to have any other major suitor. The Mets have expressed mild interest but are currently overloaded with outfielders.
Interestingly, the Royals don’t necessarily view Guillen and Jones as an either/or proposition. Sources said the club is willing to consider signing both, especially if Japanese right-hander Hiroki Kuroda signs elsewhere.
Jones is well-known to Moore from their time together in Atlanta. Moore spent 12 years in the Braves’ front office before joining the Royals in June 2006. Jones, 30, has spent his entire 12-year career in the Braves’ organization.
Sources say Jones initiated discussions with the Royals after drawing scant interest from efforts by agent Scott Boras to secure a contract that matches or exceeds the five-year, $90 million deal that Hunter received from the Angels.
The Dodgers have the only known bid out to Jones, reported by ESPN.com as $32 million over two years. The Giants and, perhaps, the Brewers are also believed to have some interest.
The Royals appear willing to exceed the Dodgers’ offer — but not by much.
Club officials remain concerned that Jones batted a career-low .222 last season for the Braves, although he had 26 homers and 94 RBIs in 154 games. He also recently won a 10th straight Gold Glove for defensive excellence.
By BOB DUTTON
The Kansas City Star
NASHVILLE, Tenn. | Suddenly, the Royals aren’t facing a Jose Guillen-or-bust situation in their efforts to sign a run-producing, free-agent outfielder.
Andruw Jones has emerged as a possible alternative.
General manager Dayton Moore declined to confirm interest in Jones, a five-time All-Star center fielder, but sources say the two sides have been in close contact.
The willingness to consider Jones comes as the Royals appear stalled in negotiations with Guillen, who became their primary offseason target once Torii Hunter signed with the Angels.
If nothing else, talks with Jones provide club officials with some leverage in negotiating with Guillen, 31, who is seeking a four-year deal after batting .290 last season with 23 homers and 99 RBIs in 153 games for Seattle.
The Royals don’t want to exceed two years with Guillen — or Jones — but appear willing to accept a sharply higher per-year salary.
“Our focus remains the same,” Moore said. “We’re trying to acquire some middle-of-the-order bats through free agency or trades. We’ve got a lot of balls in the air right now.
“Every day that goes by, the more intrigued I get with other opportunities.”
Royals officials acknowledge disappointment at the lack of progress in negotiations with Guillen, who doesn’t appear to have any other major suitor. The Mets have expressed mild interest but are currently overloaded with outfielders.
Interestingly, the Royals don’t necessarily view Guillen and Jones as an either/or proposition. Sources said the club is willing to consider signing both, especially if Japanese right-hander Hiroki Kuroda signs elsewhere.
Jones is well-known to Moore from their time together in Atlanta. Moore spent 12 years in the Braves’ front office before joining the Royals in June 2006. Jones, 30, has spent his entire 12-year career in the Braves’ organization.
Sources say Jones initiated discussions with the Royals after drawing scant interest from efforts by agent Scott Boras to secure a contract that matches or exceeds the five-year, $90 million deal that Hunter received from the Angels.
The Dodgers have the only known bid out to Jones, reported by ESPN.com as $32 million over two years. The Giants and, perhaps, the Brewers are also believed to have some interest.
The Royals appear willing to exceed the Dodgers’ offer — but not by much.
Club officials remain concerned that Jones batted a career-low .222 last season for the Braves, although he had 26 homers and 94 RBIs in 154 games. He also recently won a 10th straight Gold Glove for defensive excellence.