OF Jones likely done in Los Angeles

Jan 3, 2009 - 2:36 PM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Andruw Jones and the Los Angeles Dodgers are apparently parting ways.

The Los Angeles Times reported Saturday that the Dodgers have agreed to trade or release Jones in exchange for his deferring the $22 million remaining on his contract, essentially shaving $12 million off the club payroll this year.

If the report is accurate, there is speculation that the savings could be be used to make an offer to free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez.

Jones has been a disappointment with the Dodgers, who signed the free agent to a two-year, $36.2-million contract last offseason.

A five-time All-Star with the Atlanta Braves, Jones hit .158 with three home runs in 75 games with Los Angeles. The 31-year-old underwent knee surgery in May, and continued soreness following the procedure limited him for most of the season.

Before joining the Dodgers, Jones had hit 24 home runs or more in 10 consecutive seasons, leading the majors with 51 blasts in 2005.