Andruw Jones is rooting for his team
DODGERS FYI
Center fielder says he doesn't want to jinx team by staying with them in playoffs, but is sure they will win it all.
PHILADELPHIA -- Andruw Jones said he wanted to be at Citizens Bank Park for the opening game of the National League Championship Series instead of in front of the television set in his home in suburban Atlanta. But Jones said he has no plans of rejoining the Dodgers during their playoff run to cheer on his teammates.
"I don't want to jinx them," Jones said when reached at his home in suburban Atlanta on Thursday.
Jones said it was out of consideration to his teammates that he asked Manager Joe Torre and General Manager Ned Colletti if he could leave the team when he was moved to the 60-day disabled list on Sept. 13.
"A lot of people need to get stuff OK" in the trainer's room, he said. "I didn't want to be in the way."
Signed by the Dodgers to a two-year, $36.2-million contract last winter, Jones said is preparing his surgically repaired knee to play in the Dominican Republic in December. The last time he played winter ball was in 1996.
"I had a bad season and a terrible season back-to-back," Jones said. "I have to have a great season and show people I have baseball left in me."
Jones said he has maintained contact with Rafael Furcal, Angel Berroa and Manny Ramirez. Asked if he thought the Dodgers should re-sign Ramirez, he said, "I'm sure they should. He's a great hitter."
But, he added, "If they sign him, there's going to be another issue. We'll still have me and Juan Pierre. [Andre] Ethier has to play. Matt Kemp's going to have to play.
"After they win the World Series, it's going to be interesting."
Whatever happens, Jones said, he expects to be the Dodgers' everyday center fielder next season.
"I'm an everyday guy or I need to move out," he said.
Dylan.hernandez@latimes.com
