Perhaps Beane called Boras to kick the tires. Boras, being the good agent that he is, tells the world “the A’s are interested” even though a simple phone call doesn’t actually mean they’re interested.

  The A’s are hoping that the angels will see it and resign him. The intrest comes from Boras and it only said that the A’s asked about some of Boras clients. Boras of course makes the statement because nobody asked about Anderson and he wants Anderson name in the news. If Anderson was to come to oakland it would be on a heavy incentive base contract as a last man standing. Griffey Jr has a better chance of coming to oakland.

I have very little confidence in Andruw Jones ability to return to form, but I’m intrigued by the trade idea because of the multiple enticements we could offer to the Dodgers.

For example, what about this offer… The A’s offer Mark Ellis for Andruw Jones, James McDonald, and Chin-Lung Hu. We offer to pick up Jones’ entire 2009 salary ($15M), plus half of the amount Jones is owed for his signing bonus for 2010 (i.e., $2.5M; according to Cot’s Contracts, Jones is still owed $2.1M of his signing bonus in 2009 and $5M of his signing bonus in 2010).

Why this deal works for the Dodgers: Jones is an expensive surplus OF for the Dodgers; they clear payroll room and roster space, and get a solid (and relatively cheap) 2B back in the form of Ellis (allowing them to move DeWitt back to a utlity role); Hu is blocked by Furcal.

Why this deal works for the A’s: The A’s may have payroll space, and possibily could absorb Jones’ 2009 salary for the possiblity of a return to form; moving Ellis clears room for Cardenas (assuming he’s ready) or for Hu (who could play 2B in 2009); McDonald provides us with another solid pitching prospect; we finally get the SS prospect we need.

Like I said, I’m not sure getting Andruw makes the A’s any better, but getting Hu and McDonald would be nice… Ellis will become expendable within a year or two due to the development of Cardenas and Weeks, so we could deal him.

… I don’t think the Dodgers would do it if it involved Crosby. Under my scenario, we’d only be on the hook for $17.5M of the $22.1M owed to Jones ($15M this year, $2.5M next year). We’d also be reducing payroll by $10.5M over the next two years (Ellis is owed $5M this year and $5.5M next). So, we’d be adding $10M of payroll this year (losing Ellis; adding Jones, Hu, and McDonald) and subtracting $3M of salary next year.

I’d rather not lose Ellis, but we’re not going to get decent prospects back (e.g., Hu or McDonald) if all we’re willing to do is take on Jones’ salary (especially if we want to dump a lump of crap like The Croz on them). Got to give to receive.

If he’s asking for 500 ABs, left field, and 5th in the order then he’s probably looking for $7 million. If he’s asking for 250 ABs, 4th OF, and any spot in the order then he’s probably looking at $2-3 million. I’d take him for $2-3 million to be the 4th OF and send Cunningham to AAA for awhile.