News Forum Blogs Roster Players Schedule Depth chart Stats Videos Photos

Texas Rangers News

News » Jones, Rangers extend deadline for free agency 2009-03-20


Jones, Rangers extend deadline for free agency 2009-03-20


Jones, Rangers extend deadline for free agency 2009-03-20
SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) - Andruw Jones is staying with the Texas Rangers at least through the weekend, even though he has not been added to the major league roster.

Fantasy Baseball

FOX Fantasy Baseball game:

  • Play now!

Advice:

  • Draft guide: Find out rankings, positional previews, sleepers, flops and more!

Jones said Friday he agreed with the Rangers to extend by three days a provision in his minor league contract that would allow the five-time All-Star to become a free agent if he's not put on the big league roster. That pushed the deadline to Monday.

"We've got to the 23rd to make a decision and see what's going to happen," Jones said. "Both sides are OK with it. They asked me to give them a couple of more days to see what decision they're going to make. Now we just have to wait and see what's going to happen."

Jones has not played in the Cactus League game for the Rangers since March 13, though he said he expected to play Saturday against Colorado.

Texas played in Tucson against the Rockies on Friday. The players for that game, including most of the regular starting lineup, had already left when Jones dressed in the clubhouse to prepare for workouts at the spring training complex.

Must-read:

  • NCAA tourney scoreboard
  • Goodman: Wake lacks leadership

Must-see:

  • Schein to Crabtree: Don't sweat
  • McReynolds: Keys for Bristol

Top headlines:

  • No. 4 Wake ousted in blowout
  • Pitt narrowly avoids historic loss
  • Calhoun out of hospital, will coach
All of today's top stories >>

Worth a thousand words:

  • March Madness first-round action
  • A-Rod smooching ... himself?
  • Shots from the 2009 Iditarod
View more photos >>

While Jones likes the Rangers, he said he has no interest in playing in the minor leagues during the regular season.

"All these guys are great guys. They all pull together and I think we have a great team," Jones said. "I knew when I came it would be a tough situation to make the team and that's what it is right here. If it works out, it would be an honor for me to stay here. ... If it doesn't work out, there are probably going to be more opportunities out there."

Texas has a set outfield, with All-Star slugger Josh Hamilton in center, Nelson Cruz in right and David Murphy or Marlon Byrd in left. Frank Catalanotto, owed $4 million by the Rangers this season, is the fifth outfielder.

Jones has hit .258 with one home run and two RBIs in 13 spring training games, and has struck out 14 times in 31 at-bats. The 10-time Gold Glove center fielder has appeared only in minor league exhibitions this week, and hit two home runs in one of the games.

If added to the big league roster, Jones would get a $500,000, one-year contract and the chance to earn up to $1 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances from 340 to 620.

General manager Jon Daniels said Thursday that Jones has had a good camp, as have the other outfielders.

Jones' opportunities in spring training games became limited after Cruz and Catalanotto returned to camp from the World Baseball Classic.

Jones, who turns 32 on April 23, hit 51 home runs with 128 RBIs in 2005 with Atlanta, but has only a .205 batting average the past two seasons. Jones hit .158 with three home runs in 75 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, when he went on the disabled list three times and had right knee surgery.


Author:Fox Sports
Author's Website:http://www.foxsports.com
Added: March 20, 2009

josh-hamilton--#33--center-fielder
Texas Rangers Photos
All the latest Texas Rangers Photos Store photographs. Major League Baseball MLB.
The most recent photo
 
Texas Rangers Videos
All the latest Texas Rangers Videos Store. Major League Baseball MLB.
The most recent video
 
 
 
 
 
 
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Subscribe in NewsGator Online
Add to Windows Live

Copyright © Rangerszone.com, Inc. All rights reserved 2008.