Andruw’s Back: Yanks & Jones reach agreement

We can cross one item off the Yankees’ to-do list. Jon Heyman is reporting that Andruw Jones has agreed to wear pinstripes for another year and will earn a $2M base salary plus another $1.4M in possible incentives on a one-year contract. The deal is still pending a physical, which probably won’t happen until after the New Year.

The reasons to re-sign Jones were obvious: he mashes lefties (.400 wOBA vs. LHP in 2011, .401 from 2010-2011), plays solid enough defense in the corner spots, and reportedly is a great clubhouse guy. He accepted the role of being a platoon/bench bat last year and thrived, especially in the second half. As a reward, he saw his first playoff action since 2005. Jones had minor surgery after the season to clean up a slight tear in his left knee, but it’s nothing serious.

We heard the two sides weren’t making progress on a new deal as recently as two days ago, so it goes to show how quickly this stuff can come together. Surprisingly, Jones didn’t even get a raise; he had a $2M base salary with $1.2M in incentives last year. He must really like New York. The Yankees have a full 40-man roster, so they’re going to have to cut someone once the signing becomes official. I’m guessing it’ll be Kevin Whelan, but don’t hold me to that.