What the Andruw Jones move does for the Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers recently signed Andruw Jones to a minor league contract.  If he makes the squad, the Texas Rangers will pay him $500,000 and a up to $1 million in bonuses.  Why is this important?  Because Jones is still a viable player that can be traded for a smaller price if he doesn't make the Rangers roster this spring.  That and it doesn't break the Rangers bank.  Jones also provides a fail-safe if Josh Hamilton goes down with an injury.  Marlon Byrd, who recently re-signed with the Rangers, was a fill in player for Hamilton in Center field at times, but really found his niche in Left Field.  Already a logjam in the outfield, the Rangers can only hope that Andruw Jones can become the terror at the plate he used to be in Atlanta.  After leaving Atlanta for the Dodgers, Jones never regained his offensive form and after a series of injuries, faltered many aspects of his game.

A 10-time Gold Glover, Jones will attempt to resurrect his career in Texas.  The Rangers, in 2006 had high interest for Jones, but never materialized because he asked for too much money.  That particular deal worked out well for the Rangers.  Now, Jones will be working with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillio, who is hailed as the best in the business.  Should Jones make the 40-man roster, most likely Brandon Boggs would find his way back to Triple-A Oklahoma. Nelson Cruz, who was a late season call up, was an offensive power house, much like he was at Triple-A would stay. Other outfield prospects include Frank Catalanotto (who can also play first base and DH), David Murphy (who was a Rookie of the Year candidate before a collision at the plate against Ivan Rodriguez stopped his season), Julio Borbon, and Greg Golson (acquired from the Phillies for John Mayberry).  

It will be a difficult trade off for the Rangers if Jones makes the squad and doesn't peform to expectations, however, Jones could be attractive trade bait if he gets back on his feet.  There are skeptics about this move, but it makes sense for the Rangers.  If they can get Jones back to the form he was in while at Atlanta, his value goes up significantly and most likely a great trade scenario will occur out of it,  If he doesn't pan out, as many are expecting, the Rangers already have plenty of outfielders of which to choose.  Either scenario works out well for the Rangers.  

If Jaramillo can work wonders with Jones, the Rangers future looks bright.