MLB Weekly: Chicago Cubs, Derek Lowe, Is Andruw Jones' Career Over?

Andruw Jones: Jones had his contract restructured for 2009 so that he is owed only $5 million for next season. The Dodgers did this so they could try and trade Jones, but it doesn't look like there are many teams that are interested and his career may be in jeopardy. Yup, the same Andruw Jones who has 375 career home runs, 10 Gold Gloves, 5 All-Star appearances, and at just 31 years old looked like a shoe-in to hit 500+ home runs. Jones has always been slightly overrated as a hitter, but he is only a few years removed from his two best seasons as a pro. It's pretty shocking to see him fall off the map so quickly, but at the same time he is not in the best shape. I would imagine if he dedicated himself to being in shape, then he would be able to regain close to same production he had in the past. Still a crazy thought to think that Andruw Jones might be retired at age 32. The Dodgers might even cut him if they can't trade him by the time spring training begins.

Derek Lowe: Lowe has yet to sign with a new team, but things are starting to heat up for him, as the Braves, Phillies, Red Sox, Brewers and Angels are all expressing interest. Of course the main suitor for Lowe is the Mets, who have already offered him a 3 year, $36 million offer, which I think is a good deal for the Mets. I don't blame them for going higher than that, because history shows that it will be tough to duplicate the success he's had over the next few years. So 3 years at $12 mil per year I'm good with, but anything more than that I would pass. At the same time, the Mets need another starting pitcher and if they pass on Lowe, there isn't much else out there that can make a significant impact next season.

Chicago Cubs: The Cubs have been making some curious moves lately, including a trade of Mark DeRosa to the Indians after signing utility man Aaron Miles. I'm not really sure why they would trade away DeRosa, who is coming off a great season with the bat: .285/21 HR/87 RBI/.376 OBP/.481 SLG. The only way I could see this move making sense for the Cubs is if it true that they are going to try to trade for Orioles 2B Brian Roberts again. That would certainly be a huge addition for the Cubs. They were also close to completing a trade that would send starter Jason Marquis to the Rockies and that move has people wondering if the Cubs are going to try to go after Jake Peavy once again. One move that looks pretty certain for the Cubs is that they will be signing Milton Bradley. While I love Bradley's bat; his inability to stay healthy concerns me and I think the Cubs would have been better off looking in a different direction for their new RF.

Other MLB News:

- The Angels have a new closer after signing Brian Fuentes to a 3 year deal. I still think the Angels should gone with some internal options and focused on upgrading the offense, but Fuentes did come at a decent price so there is some value there. The Angels might have some interest in Derek Lowe and I wouldn't be surprised to see them go after someone from the Bobby Abreu, Adam Dunn, Jason Giambi, Pat Burrell group of free agents.

- Rumor is that the White Sox and Orioles were talking about a Gavin Floyd for Brian Roberts trade, but it's being held up because they Orioles are asking for more. Now maybe I'm overrating Gavin Floyd, but I like this trade for the Orioles if it goes through. Floyd was solid last season, with a 17-8 record, 3.84 ERA, and 119 ERA+ in 206.3 innings and even though Roberts is just 30 years old and a solid player; the Orioles might need to give up someone like Roberts to improve their pitching staff. I do admit that Roberts is a solid leadoff man and the Orioles would certainly miss him. However, at the same time, it doesn't look like the Orioles will have a chance to compete in the AL East anytime soon.

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