With news that the Dodgers and Andruw Jones agreed to a renegotiated contract that allows LA to trade or let him go, speculation has been rife over whether Atlanta should pursue the ex-Brave. If Andruw could be had for a rock bottom contract, many fans are debating if he would be worth it or not. Andruw’s agent, Scott Boros, has been touting the fact that Jones’ has dropped weight and is playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic. Yesterday, though, Andruw apparently quit his Dominican Winter League team, Aguilas Cibaenas, citing an ill wife. However, many are speculating that his .143 BA this winter, and desire not to suffer an embarrassing firing, may be a more likely explanation. While the career collapse Andruw has undergone is heart-wrenching, hopefully Atlanta will focus on using every available resource to land a more reliable impact player – such as another Dodger on the free agent market – Derek Lowe.

David O’Brien wrote a provocative column in yesterdays AJC suggesting the Braves pick up Andruw Jones given the right conditions — namely a rock bottom contract contingent on a good spring training. After a horrible season with the Braves in 2007, Jones was traded to the Dodgers and managed to have an even worse year in 2008 with at BA of .158 and SLG of .249! No doubt Jones would love to return to Atlanta where he still has a home (before heading to LA Jones had never played for another major league team after 11 seasons in Atlanta), but the idea of investing anything for him now when the Braves either have to spend everything they can to bring some big names to Turner Field or clean house and start a long rebuilding process seems illogical. Criticized in the past for his work ethic, Jones has spent this winter in the Dominican leagues and dropped some weight. However, reports are mixed about whether he’s improving at the plate – the SportingNews says he’s batting less than .100. In the meantime the Dodgers are trying everything to get rid of him. Jones’ agent, Scott Boras, even agreed to a restructured contract that allows another team to trade for Jones and pay a significantly reduced amount of what’s left of his two year contract. So far there’s been no interest, and if that doesn’t change Andruw will be a free agent by January 15th. After that his chances of remaining in a MLB uniform are slim to none.

Technorati Tags: baseball, steroids, Mitchell Report

George Mitchell, a former senator who currently sits on the Red Sox board of directors, will release the final report of his 20 month investigation of illegal performance-enhancing drugs in baseball tomorrow at 2 pm. Though the average baseball fan won’t find any of the reports conclusions surprising, it’s not watered down either. Sources who have read the report say Mitchell doesn’t pull any punches regarding the Commissioner’s office or the player’s union role in the slow, and sometimes complicit, reaction to steroid abuse. The 300 plus page report will include the names of 60 to 80 players plus clubhouse employees in a scathing indictment of the ‘drug culture’ that pervades baseball. Sources say the report will recommend a new independent drug-testing company and year-round testing. The biggest question is whether the player’s union will back down from its opposition to meaningful anti-doping policies or not. Some insider’s say they’re doubtful the report will change much in the long run. For a full account of the upcoming report click here to read Sport’s Illustrated account.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (“Salty”), the 22-year old power hitting catcher, traded last season to Texas may spend some time in Triple A before playing in the big leagues next season. Sent to the Rangers at the the trade deadline, Saltalamacchia had become a fan favorite after jumping from double A to the Braves catcher position and surprising everyone with his quick success. Even though he seemed like a great prospect for Atlanta’s future, the Braves didn’t have a place for Salty in they’re roster when they were hurting so badly in the pitching department. With another decent catcher in Gerald Laird who stands to start on opening day, Texas is thinking about seasoning Salty in Triple A where he’ll get to play every day. There are also rumors that Texas may let other clubs know that they’re open to a trade involving Saltalamacchia. Read more of the Saltamacchia story here.