Andruw wants to get paid (more)

The last time Adruw Jones negotiated a contract, he pushed his agent, Scott Boras, aside and let his dad talk turkey with the Braves. Those negotiations were amicable and quick.

Don’t expect the same next time around.

Jones says he’ll let Boras negotiate his next contract. His current deal expires at the end of the 2007 season. And Boras is promising Jones is going to get a HUGE deal.

“Andruw is the only complete player,” Boras said. “You’re talking about a premier defensive player and a slugger. No one comes close to Andruw’s ability.”

The Braves can probably forget about a “hometown discount” this time.

Boras wouldn’t give the expected parameters for contract negotiations, but it was he who got a record-smashing 10-year, $252 million contract for Alex Rodriguez, another of the few he considers “complete” players.

Rodriguez was only 25 then. Boras points out that baseball revenues have mushroomed since he negotiated that contract. Commissioner Bud Selig, in announcing the new five-year labor agreement Tuesday, called this “baseball’s Golden Age” with record attendance and revenues of $5.2 billion in 2006.

Boras is also insisting that Jones will remain in Atlanta this season. Common sense would suggest that the Braves might try to trade Jones, rather than risk losing him to free-agency and getting nothing in return. But Jones has a no-trade clause and can veto any trade.

If Jones does decide he’s willing to relocate, he could join Garry Sheffield as two very appealing short-term free agents. The Yankees picked up Sheffield’s one-year, $13 million option, but are looking to trade him outside the division. Jones is due about $12 million this season.

The Angels, Cubs and Mets are looking for a power hitting outfielder. The Cubs, specifically, are looking for a centerfielder. The Red Sox are also rumored to be looking for a new centerfielder. And the Phillies are looking for somebody to protect Ryan Howard in the lineup.