Preliminary agreement would give Jones $36.2 million

"We're thrilled to get a player of his caliber," Dodgers
general manager Ned Colletti said Thursday morning. "His desire to
be in L.A. was a huge component in this."

Colletti said Jones likely would undergo a physical exam Tuesday
in Los Angeles.

Jones, the former Atlanta star who has won 10 straight Gold
Gloves, is coming off one of the worst offensive seasons of his
career. But if he rebounds, he could give the Dodgers a desperately
needed boost in the middle of the lineup. He must pass a physical
for the deal to be completed, a person familiar with the
negotiations said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no
announcement had been made.

A five-time All-Star, Jones will receive a $12.2 million signing
bonus, of which $5.1 million is payable next year, $2.1 million in
2009 and $5 million in 2010. He will get salaries of $9 million
next year and $15 million in 2009, and also will receive a no-trade
clause.

His agreement with the Dodgers was first reported by the Los
Angeles Times on its Web site.

Scott Boras, his agent, wouldn't confirm the agreement but
sounded as if a deal had fallen into place.

"Being on a competitive team was a very, very important part of
his process," he said.

Jones hit .222 this season, his lowest average since he batted
.217 in 106 at-bats as a rookie in 1996. His 26 home runs were his
fewest since 1997. He drove in 94 runs for the Braves, but finished
with a paltry .311 on-base percentage.

Had Jones finished with big numbers, he likely would have sought
a longer-term agreement. Boras said there were really only two
options when it came to length.

"Very, very long-term or very, very short term," he said.
"Nothing in between."