Andruw talks dead ... just like the Rowand talks

Just filed this for tomorrow's paper. If Andruw's market doesn't increase, I could see Boras letting him do a one-year deal like he did for Pudge with Florida back in 2003, then trying free agency the next year. But they have to get a lot more desperate than they apparently are now before that will happen. Stay tuned.

By Tony Jackson
Staff Writer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Dodgers' brief flirtation with free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones came to an abrupt end -- for now, anyway -- after club officials spoke on Monday with Scott Boras, the Newport Beach-based agent who represents Jones.
``We are nowhere close to a deal,'' Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. ``I had the intention of making an offer, but as it stands, it would have been foolish to do so.''
Colletti left the door open to continue negotiations, but only slightly.
``I'm not sure how we would explore it from here when the distance is that great,'' Colletti said. ``Those explorations would probably have to come from the other side.''
Boras is believed to be seeking a contract for Jones, a 10-time Gold Glove winner while with Atlanta, in the neighborhood of the five-year, $90 million deal center fielder Torii Hunter signed last week with the Angels. But Jones is coming off his worst offensive season in a decade -- he hit just .222, and his 26 home runs matched his lowest total since 1997, his second full year in the majors -- and his market appears to be limited.
Given that, Jones might eventually settle for a shorter-term deal to possibly put up better numbers and drive up his price for another run at free agency in a year or two.
The Dodgers turned their attention to Jones when they found another free-agent center fielder, Aaron Rowand, also beyond their price range. Rowand is believed to be seeking a five-year deal worth about $70 million. Unless either Jones or Rowand reduces his asking price -- or the Dodgers' tepid interest in free-agent Mike Cameron increases dramatically -- the club apparently will go into next season with an outfield of Andre Ethier, Juan Pierre and Matt Kemp, something Colletti has repeatedly said he is comfortable doing.