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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
274 comments Add your comment
Arnold Ziffel
February 1st, 2012
9:54 am
What a surprise- Chipper wants to keep playing! Let there be no mistake that the $14MM is the driver here, not his desire tolay. At 40, I can assure you that Chipper would rather spend time with his family and hunting. Chipper knows the payroll situation with the Braves which makes his decision 100% about lining his pockets and not doing what’s best for the team. This just in, if he makes the 123 game requirement this year, he will play again next year for $9MM. No surprise from a guy with zero game winning at bats in 15 trips to the postseason.
Brave Hokie
February 1st, 2012
10:06 am
@ DOB…
I know the off-season for BB player is wicked short, but do you REALLY believe Chipper spends MORE time getting physically ready for the next season, than hanging out at his ranch in TX hunting???
Not I.
stew
February 1st, 2012
10:08 am
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RaleighDawg
February 1st, 2012
10:13 am
D.O.B
+
L.W.J
dc from Conyers
February 1st, 2012
10:20 am
Chipper would love to have u as long u can contribute. I really don’t see U playing if U can’t. Thanks for all the years and knowing ur heart was always with the Braves. We need U and Mac to step up ur leadership focus. Sometimes it just seems like the team might need a fire put under their butts. I know u and Mac are somewhat low key people however we need ur Leadership for the Younger players. Tell Dr. Marvin hell-o he is my surgeon and a Fantistic, guy. He is one of the most inteligent people I have ever met. Can’t wait till u guys kick it off and get going. Go Braves
Don
February 1st, 2012
10:24 am
Why do you talk about hitting – When the main question is – Whether his hitting now justifies playing him with his defensive (range) limitations. To talk about his fielding PERCENTAGE is a joke with his range limits.
No, question, Chipper was a great, great hitter – even far better than he was given credit for being – he hit great agaisnt the best pitchers – and in close games – and in late innings of close games.
However, this is no longer the situation. Obviously be is not the hitter that he once was – no longer really produces like a third place hitter in the batting order (where he hits).
His defense, however, has always been another question – his range at third base has never been great – and now is significantly limited.
WHY do you make a point about his fielding percentage. Obviously this is MEANINGLESS when a players range is limited – when he does not have good range to his right or to his left.
So the Braves could be forced to renew his contract for as much as 13 MILLION? With the required contract for 2013 being geared to the number of games played in 2012, we may well see an increase in his games played this year (baring serious injury).
“Chipper Jones in not tierd of playing baseball.” Perhaps – what he is not tierd of is drawing big bucks. Even if he hits as well as he did last season, the big question is – Does this justify playing him with his defensive limitations.
rme
February 1st, 2012
10:26 am
Chipper is a great example staying with his same team for 19 years. Look at how many of these younger players jump around at whatever new deal comes up. Great job Chipper. A stone at third base! Braves….when he decides to retire, keep him in the upper ofiice to help develop younger players not only on talents and skills but also maturity. Keep him around. Great plus for a team which has seen worst to first and other ups and downs. Looking for another exciting year this year.
Dozer
February 1st, 2012
10:27 am
The point here is that the best-case scenario is that he plays 120 games, but most likely given his recent history that is a stretch. The Braves can’t count on him for anything – they have to consider anything he contributes a bonus because he is a wild card health-wise. That’s no way to build a contender. Consider on top of that he is getting franchise-player money that could be used elsewhere to strengthen & deepen the team. Chipper has been a great player for a long time, but now he has reached the point where the benefit doesn’t outweigh the detriment. Face it, the Braves are stuck with that horrible contract for at least another year…….
RemoW
February 1st, 2012
10:37 am
Anyone who thinks at this point Chipper is not a first ballot HOF guy are delusional. The man came through the steroid era with 0 suspicions and put up numbers that put him in the top 5 3rd baseman of all time. Chipper will be in the HOF once he decides to retire.
Ken Stallings
February 1st, 2012
10:38 am
Based on the Monopoly money being paid out to free agents of various talent, at $14 million a year, Chipper is fast turning into a corner infielder bargain!
If the man continues to perform in the top half of NL third basemen, it would be insane for him to stop playing if he wants to, as well as more insane for the Braves to push him out the door. Like the rest of us, Chipper is day-to-day, year-to-year!
Brave Hokie
February 1st, 2012
10:43 am
@ RemoW
“The man came through the steroid era with 0 suspicions and put up numbers that put him in the top 5 3rd baseman of all time.”
Go look at clips of Chipper in his ‘99 MVP season ~ there are suspicions dude…
Jake
February 1st, 2012
11:00 am
So, reading between the lines we learn that CJ hasn’t been working out to get his legs — and those tender knees — in shape, he just rested. Given that and that same old victim mindset of his — injuries always happen TO Chipper, he takes no responsiblity for the condition (and/or conditioning) that leads up to them — we can safely infer that by May or June he’ll be nicked up again and parked on the bench with Fredi. You can bet the mortgage on it.
Cecil34
February 1st, 2012
11:03 am
I will wait for the companion blog to this one on or about October 3rd 2012 to see how this thought works out.
JAFO
February 1st, 2012
11:07 am
What in the hell is a cryster?
Johnny T
February 1st, 2012
11:10 am
Anyone who doesn’t feel psyched when Chipper comes to the plate with runners in scoring position….isn’t very smart….or maybe a closet Phillies fan. LOL
MikeY
February 1st, 2012
11:21 am
Chipper is not the issue. he might be a bit overpaid, but he puts fans in seats and that is worth a bunch.
He will miss games in 2012; but we have capable backups in Prado, Hinske, and less-capable in Jack Wilson.
The bigger issue is how badly the team hits against LH pitching. In 2011, we were dead last in the majors vs. LHP.
We need another RH bat, preferably one that can play the corner OF and corner IF slots. And Wren has missed out on some affordable candidates.
mcdaviddawg
February 1st, 2012
11:23 am
When will the Braves tell him to go home. He can’t play any position. If he wants to continue to paly he needs to go to the American League as a designated hitter. He’s hurting the Braves on the field.
FJ10
February 1st, 2012
11:37 am
I will take Chipper at the plate with a runner on third and less than two outs over ANYONE in baseball right now.
fordcobra
February 1st, 2012
11:39 am
Was is not Is!
FJ10
February 1st, 2012
11:40 am
Range at third? It’s the hot corner for crying out loud! Charging for dribblers, a quick glove and a good arm is what you need. All which Chipper still possesses.
don
February 1st, 2012
11:57 am
Chippy needed to retire a couple of years ago. He is holding the team hostage. shis offensive contributions are mediocre at best and he is a serious negative as a fielder.
don
February 1st, 2012
11:58 am
FJ10 must be Larry Sr.
buster brave
February 1st, 2012
12:02 pm
chipper play as long as you can,i take you at your word that the body will tell you.all of these “fantasy” clowns,well i hope he can be as productive as he has been the last few years,and play 2 more years; then become hitting coach,and for when a manager change comes he becomes manager and all you chipper haters have to put up with him for years to come !! i would like to see that scenario play out.
PMC
February 1st, 2012
12:23 pm
Why would you quit something you love to do?
LifeLongBravesFan
February 1st, 2012
12:34 pm
C’mon Chipper, hang up the cleets or go somewhere else!!
LuisG - Let's win it this year!
February 1st, 2012
12:47 pm
That’s some great news!
By the way… Chipper, please, stop hunting. Enough with those scares. Please, stop hunting. Give those knees some rest!
Tommy
February 1st, 2012
12:53 pm
If Chipper played 150+ games a year, his $14 million salary wouldn’t be as much of an issue for the Braves. That would be about $90,000 per game (sickening, isn’t it?). But he only plays about 100 (if he’s lucky), so he’s actually costing about 50% more per game. On top of that, the team has to carry an adequate backup to cover 2+ months out of the season. Prado is the normal backup 3B, which means you need another decent OF to cover times when Chipper is out.
Chipper’s fragility messes up the entire roster. It affects the construction of the bench, infield roster, and the pitching staff, because due to his iffy health the team is hesitant to drop a bench player to carry another arm for the bullpen.
Chipper has done a lot for the Braves, and stands alongside Aaron, Mathews and Murphy as one of the best position players in franchise history. But the team will not seriously contend for a title again until he retires. Too much money is going to a player who no longer has the ability to carry them.
stinger
February 1st, 2012
1:01 pm
Chipper knows Frank Wren is crazy/idiout enought to sign him to a 3 year umpteen million deal…why wouldn’t he take crazy money to stay..
Utah Dawg
February 1st, 2012
1:04 pm
The only question is whether he still has game. His age does not matter if his body is still up to the task. Surgery is traumatic to the body and it takes time to fully heal….sometimes in excess of a year My guess is that he can still put up much better than average numbers and could have a huge year IF he can stay healthy. He has earned the right to continue and I don’t think he will stay if he on longer if not effective….too much class and self awareness for that.
pttc
February 1st, 2012
1:08 pm
As long as there is life in his legs an wautresses at Hooters, Chipper will give it a go.
I wish I could tell my boss that I want to work for full pay at only 50% effectiveness and take two days of paid sick leave every week.
pttc
February 1st, 2012
1:17 pm
Chipper put up great regular season numbers but he was also right in the thick of some of the greatest late season collapses and post-season choke jobs of the last two decades. I think the lack of passion he and Tom Glavine showed continues to hold back the organization. “We’ve been here before” is only a good mantra if you ever actually DID ANYTHING when you were there!
urban redneck
February 1st, 2012
1:30 pm
i used to step in holes walking to my deer stand………..then i bought a flashlight. he should be able to afford one too.
Therut
February 1st, 2012
1:32 pm
Told my buddy, Scott, four years ago that they would have to pry the bat out of Chipper’s hand and pull him off the field with a tractor. When he talked about retiring back then I fell off the couch laughing. Give up 15M a year? Right!
Therut
February 1st, 2012
1:34 pm
I would feel so much better if I thought Chipper read some of these comments.
cosmo
February 1st, 2012
1:38 pm
Chip’s our guy and time will tell – let’s hope for the best from all of our guys- I feel better about 3rd than ss or rf. martin should be better with a year under his belt in left. So let’s hope for the best – we have some tradebait & $ if we need it once the season gets going
I think if we had worked better with Andruw through some of his hitting woes- he would be the dominant player of this era- he was a more complete player with more natural power – not Chip
cosmo
February 1st, 2012
1:39 pm
braves player that is
dawglasville
February 1st, 2012
1:40 pm
Dave – great job as always. I wish you guys, the AJC, wouldn’t allow the word “redneck” to get past the filter. That word is as hateful as any other.
I wish we could start letting Mac play around June and Chipper play around August. We might have a good shot come October.
Steve Krasnoff
February 1st, 2012
1:55 pm
As a team already hamstrung by salary restrictions, it would be nice to have Chipper’s contract money come off the books in 2013. Either that or make it heavily laden with incentives to earn more than Major League minimum. Since he supposedly plays for the love of the game, and not the money, then he should be accepting of this. 2011 should have been his last year, so consider 2012’s gawdy contract a going away present.
Larry30
February 1st, 2012
1:57 pm
So he’s tired of the retirement speculation?……..then do us all a favor, if you stink it up the first couple of months don’t drive down to turner field for a big retirement pity party like you did in June, 2010. One other thing; try sunglasses in those night games this year to improve your play ay third base. I had a pretty good hunch that there wasn’t going to be a lot of rigorous training this past offseason like there was after the injury in 2010. Look for this season to resemble 2010 a lot more than than the 2011 season.
Jake Mastroianni
February 1st, 2012
2:04 pm
What to do with Chipper Jones?
http://bravesandmore.mlblogs.com/2012/02/01/what-to-do-with-chipper-jones/
rayk
February 1st, 2012
2:05 pm
3B is a weak position overall. also, many teams don’t have good young 3B prospects in the minors. he’s tough to replace. Rockies won’t give up Arenado, Tigers won’t deal Castellanos. so, until someone else is ready internally, at his reduced 2013 salary, I’d keep him.
the bigger problems are Liberty Media, Wren and Mc Quirk.
DZ
February 1st, 2012
2:47 pm
I love performance based contracts
Legend of Len Barker
February 1st, 2012
3:09 pm
I see I’ll be able to keep a Chipper Jones Tweak Counter for 2012.
If Lou Gehrig was the Iron Horse, Jones is increasingly one of dollar store tinfoil.
cosmo
February 1st, 2012
3:18 pm
i guess if redneck ( did this get though?) is censored it would be better than censoring rednecks from the blog- there might be a shortage of bloggers- I think we all have our intolerant moments…
meh
February 1st, 2012
3:21 pm
I like Chipper Jones, and he has certainly served the team well. He has not used the team, or milked them for money only, as he has actually forgone salary to help them sign others over the years. That being said, though, with all the times he has gone down of late with injuries, it might be just about time to hang up the cleats. I would have thought for sure he would call this coming season his last; but, hey, let’s see how it goes. We should not really judge his personal life here, and as far as his baseball character, or his dedication to the sport and this team, I do not see how anyone could question it, or call him selfish.
cosmo
February 1st, 2012
3:22 pm
intolerable rather than intolerant although…
DetroitBraves
February 1st, 2012
3:22 pm
Chipper has been a fantastic player. According to BR Chipper is the 35th greatest position player in history. That said, and while I don’t blame him at all for wanting to play in 2013 (I mean, when it’s over it’s over, right?) hopefully Chipper understands that it may not be the best thing for the Braves to bring him back. I’m afraid this may go down the John Smoltz route. But we’ll see when the time comes.
But as for the reference to fielding percentage, that may be the most useless stat in baseball. Even ignoring the subjectivity of that stat, if we were to take in on face value, it still says nothing of Chipper’s lack of range. He’s not a good defender by any advanced metric. Can he field the ball hit directly at him? Maybe (ball lost in the lights notwithstanding apparently). But that’s a fairly low bar for a ML third baseman.
panamajack
February 1st, 2012
3:25 pm
If Chipper was making 1 or 2 million this year he would have retired but as long as someone wants to stuff 15 million bucks in his shirt pocket and it doesn’t matter if he plays or not
Fats O Kelly
February 1st, 2012
3:27 pm
Bones only needs 46 homeruns this season to hit 500 Dont count him out. The man means business this year
a tool
February 1st, 2012
3:30 pm
Right Jack and who among us wouldn’t.
David O'Brien
February 1st, 2012
3:31 pm
That said, and while I don’t blame him at all for wanting to play in 2013 (I mean, when it’s over it’s over, right?) hopefully Chipper understands that it may not be the best thing for the Braves to bring him back. I’m afraid this may go down the John Smoltz route. But we’ll see when the time comes. — DetroitBraves
Smoltz was no longer under contract, not a guaranteed year or option year left on his deal. Chipper is under contract for 2012 and has a vesting option for $9 million if he plays 123 games this season. If the option vests, he’s guaranteed at least $9 mill (more if he hits any of the other four $1 million escalators for 128 games played, 133, etc.)
If the Braves had owed John Smoltz, you better believe he’d have been retained.
nextyearsfantacy
February 1st, 2012
3:34 pm
For sure Chipper is going to suck up those big bucks as long as he can, of course he could prove me wrong by telling Wren he just wants to play and is giving back all but 1 million.
David O'Brien
February 1st, 2012
3:42 pm
For sure Chipper is going to suck up those big bucks as long as he can, of course he could prove me wrong by telling Wren he just wants to play and is giving back all but 1 million. — nextyearsfantacy
Yeah, like what’s-his-name did. You know the guy. What was his name? Oh, that’s right — nobody. No active athlete. That’s who did it. Nobody in any sport who could still play said sport.
Braves Fan in N.Y.
February 1st, 2012
3:50 pm
Trade Prado and JJ for prospects, add the salary savings to the $4 million, and go get Cespedes.
Nick
February 1st, 2012
3:58 pm
46 HR’s short of 500, 385 hits shy of 3000. I personally hate to see him retire so close to such big achievements. If he needs 2013 lets let him do it. Come back Chip!
63 year Braves fan
February 1st, 2012
3:59 pm
Chipper has been a great player but this has got to be his last year as a Brave. Spend the money you
would be paying him on a young free agent r.h. hitting outfielder. Chipper is not the future for the Bravos.
nextyearsfantacy
February 1st, 2012
4:00 pm
There’s a first time for everything David, of course I never thought he would do that.
Joe in SoCal
February 1st, 2012
4:01 pm
I like what I’m seeing out you today DOB. Cut to the quick on the numb nuts!!
nextyearsfantacy
February 1st, 2012
4:07 pm
Joe in SoCal
February 1st, 2012
4:01 pm
I like what I’m seeing out you today DOB. Cut to the quick on the numb nuts!!
Joe’s been watching Chris Cristie
kent
February 1st, 2012
4:31 pm
chipper-shudup-you face. I’m sick of you.
Johnny T
February 1st, 2012
4:38 pm
Good column today DOB. It separated the true Braves fans from the morons. Anyone who claims to be a Braves fan and is NOT a huge Chipper Jones fan … please find a new team to root for. You’re the same type of “fans” who used to rip Mike Schmidt on the way to the HOF. Last year he didn’t sit because he “stubbed his toe.” He’s had surgery on BOTH knees…and took cortizone shots to be able to compete last season. Sounds pretty dedicated to me. FIND ANOTHER TEAM TO ROOT FOR MORONS!
Frumpy
February 1st, 2012
4:41 pm
Good news on Chipper feeling good. Would love to see him go around again if he can hit .280, 20HR, 70 RBI’s and still play decent defense. Adds so much to this team. I would also like to see him bat 6th and give other guys the chance to bat 3-4.
Ideally:
Bourne
Prado
McCann
Uggla
Freeman
Chipper
Heyward
Patsionick (sp?)
Johnny T
February 1st, 2012
4:48 pm
Not a bad lineup Frumpy….the key to it is if Prado can get comfortable hitting second in the lineup. He seems like a perfect fit for it–but his numbers aren’t good there. Takes away his agressiveness. Hopefully he can acclimate to it this year…because options are limited.
McKee
February 1st, 2012
4:54 pm
Chipper has EARNED the right to play as long as he wants. To hear all people say that he’s washed up is crazy. The guy still puts up fairly solid numbers compared to the rest of the league and he still has passion to play the game. Chipper knows his body and will never tarnish his career and keep playing like so many others have before. If he puts up a .270/15/80 I for one will be very happy. Even at this point in his career, there is nobody else on this team I would rather come up with the game on the line.
FJ10
February 1st, 2012
5:00 pm
I’m not Chippers Dad. I’m a fan who’s not quick to throw a great and loyal team player like Chipper to the curb because his game has dropped.
People complain that Chipper’s salary is keeping the Braves from signing another player….THERE’S NO SALARY CAP IN BASEBALL. Liberty’s “budget” is what keeps the Braves from signing someone else.
1eyedJack
February 1st, 2012
5:15 pm
This ain’t gonna make Sonny Clusters happy.
Fred
February 1st, 2012
5:39 pm
Why do so many great athletes ruin the end of their careers by trying to stay too long? They end up hurting their teams, getting angry with their club and then going somewhere for a year or two to embarrass themselves proving they simply don’t have it any more. Chipper, you have been a total stud, but you need to face reality. If you are unwilling to go to the AL and DH then you need to hang it up after this year. Do yourself and your fans a favor and don’t copy Farve – go out with some class.
Mister Frisky
February 1st, 2012
5:43 pm
DOB is kickin ass and takin no prisoners.I’m still recovering from the hurting he put on me last year.I think I’m gonna sit this on out.Like Clint Eastwood said,A man needs to know his limitations.
tom
February 1st, 2012
5:46 pm
Screw all the doubters chipper, show em’ like you did last year! Look forward to your play this season and hopefully many more………see you in Cooperstown!
Mitchell
February 1st, 2012
5:51 pm
46 home runs for Chipper in 2012 is a distinct possibility.
All we need is a time machine, Andruw Jones, Gary Sheffield and for the Mets to rebuild Shea Stadium.
I kill me.
Bob
February 1st, 2012
6:02 pm
Thanks DOB…haven’t posted in a while as I’m still dealing with our ‘11 colapse. Anyway, good for Chippah! Although, we should pay him as the .275 hitter he has become, not what he used to be. Besides, he’s been well compenstated for all the games he missed, and how many WS have we won with him? Just my opinion.
Delbert D.
February 1st, 2012
6:20 pm
If Chipper Jones does moderately well this year, and if his influence with Heyward gets results I would like to see Jones back for 2013 on that option.
Disgusted
February 1st, 2012
6:26 pm
I hope that Chipper is able to play a couple of more yrs after this yr and make a pitch for 500 HRS.
Even if he plays somewhere else after this yr, I would not hold that aganst him.
Chipper has given us enough hometown discounts in the past, I don’t hold this latest extension aganst him at all. When healthy, he is still real good.
At the time of the extension, everyone applauded. He won the batting title in 08 and was having a good 09 season before he got into that grotesque slump the last 6 weeks of 2009. Remember?????
And he was comming around in 10 before the ACL injury. His 2011 stats would have been acceptable for most 29 yr olds, much less a 39 yr old guy.
Go get em in 12 Chip, have a great yr. 22 HR, 85 RBI, .290 AVG and a .360 OPB, why not.
sports
February 1st, 2012
6:32 pm
so is this knothead gonna play 20 games and go out with a hangnail…pathetic.
Bobby Bobby
February 1st, 2012
6:59 pm
Wren needs to grow a pair, tell CJ his games will be limited this year. Thus he will not be in the plans for next. Then CJ can retire or request a trade to AL. It would extend his carrier, and give the Braves the option to replace him. This crap CJ is giving the Braves prevents future planning.
bostonbravo
February 1st, 2012
7:09 pm
Sorry to hear Chip say this. I’m 67. I’ve watched sooo many of my personal faves just wait too long. I guess he’s most like “The Mick”…but what most people (who weren’t iving in NY back then) don’t recall…Mickey was booed mercilessly his last 2 seasons when he didn’t perform 100%. Not worth waiting until your dead to be remembered a hero.
Brave New World
February 1st, 2012
7:18 pm
If Chipper hits .280 or so, hits 15-20 home runs, drives in 80-90 runs, and plays good defense, why would he not want to return in 2013? If he stays healthy and plays 3 more years, he has a legit shot at 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. If Chipper never plays another game, he is a Hall of Fame player.
charles
February 1st, 2012
7:29 pm
Not to get off of the subject but did anyone see Hotstove tonight where Mitch Williams predicted Braves finish 4th. I guess that is because he loves the Phillies and hates the Braves. I hope he chokes on his words.
FAN
February 1st, 2012
7:44 pm
Get ready for Bulldog, BAMA, Ga TECH or any teams Spring football. Spring Baseball for the Braves or any team too.
http://www.atlantahaulitallinc.com/Bird_Houses.php
cheshire
February 1st, 2012
8:12 pm
Unless he’s willing to take a major pay cut, I don’t see how any Braves fan can consider this good news. His salary is already preventing the organization from making much needed upgrades. Every year we’re putting 1/6 of our entire payroll into a 3rd baseman whose production is declining and who can’t stay on the field for more than a week at a time, the team suffers.
Bill in VA
February 1st, 2012
8:26 pm
It’s 8 1/2 to 5, Chip. You gotta go to the Royals, or Indians; your choice!
BravesfaninWis
February 1st, 2012
9:17 pm
Chipper is a Braves icon, but he needs to either retire after this season (or during it if he misses significant time with injuries again) of go to the AL where he can be a DH and not have to play defense.
Sure it would be cool to have him play his entire career with the Braves and then retire, but if it comes down to playing for the Braves and cash strapping this team or signing with a AL team, please go to the AL. The Braves have much bigger needs then to continue paying Chipper 15 million a year just to miss 30+ games a year.
Hetch Hetchy
February 1st, 2012
9:43 pm
This is ridiculous. Chipper was mediocre last year, playing this year is crippling the team again, and now he wants to play yet another year??? Another primadonna athlete that can’t accept the inevitable. Grow up Chipper. The Braves need 30hrs and 100rbis from 3rd base. Go shoot deer in Texas, Chip.
Bill in VA
February 1st, 2012
9:56 pm
Hush…….I think the Fat Lady is singing!
rayman03
February 1st, 2012
10:21 pm
Some of you guys are amazing. Why should he retire if he still wants to play and is under contract? Give the guy credit will ya? He could have bolted for the American League years ago to become a DH and save his legs as well as prolong his career. He certainly could have taken more money in the process ala Albert Pujols. I say he should play as long as the Braves are willing to have him.
urban redneck
February 1st, 2012
10:27 pm
love me some larry. he may be the only person in history to play MLB and simultaneously collect social security. he would still be bustin his hump too. bless his heart.
just read where someone speculated on our starting rotation for opening day due to injujry: beachy, minor, medlen, teheran and delgado. the thought of that literally gave me action south of the border………and that is without the three “old guys.” this is gonna be fun.
Ozzie
February 1st, 2012
11:05 pm
I would love to see the Braves go after Cepedes but they would have to dump Prado and JJ in the next 30 days to do it. Then you have no back up at 3B and will rely on kids in the rotation.
That plus the Braves would never, even in the Turner days, would drop $50+ mm on a prospect. If Cespedes comes in more around 30-35mm over 4-5 years I would say he looks more appealing to ATL.
50mm or more over 4-5 years they won’t even both to pay attention to him.
Even then I still think the Braves are too risk averse and broke to take a chance.
I wish they would but I would bet money they won’t.
fuzzmeister
February 1st, 2012
11:18 pm
It never ceases to amaze me how many idiots there are that say Chipper should quit. Do you folks actually see any games or realize that #10 is the best hitter on our Braves team? Doom, Gloom and Dark is all some people have in their life. Chipper is a class act and you will miss him when he is gone if not then you are not a Braves Fan no matter where you are from.
Scoop
February 2nd, 2012
5:48 am
At this point, all I got to say is that I feel sorry for whoever has to play us next year. After our unfortunately epic collapse last year, coupled with the lack of attention from the media outside of DOB, and the “upgrades” from our division foes, I think the braves will have a….CHIP on their shoulder (no pun intended).
In all seriousness, it sounds to me that Chipper still has the fire in the belly and wants to win. We had a lot of young guys get lots of experience in big spots last year. If our offense can do what it’s projected to do, then nobody will want any part of Brave’s nation. Having Bourne for a full season and giving Jason an off season to work on his mechanics will do wonders IMO. Look for the Brave’s to be on the reverse side of the variance and put up crushing numbers offensively. BTW Bourne should absolutely leadoff and Prado should be in the 2 spot. Give me Chipper in the 3 spot as long as he’s healthy.
I’M PUMPED FOR NEXT SEASON!!!!!!! GO BRAVOS
old timer
February 2nd, 2012
6:09 am
Wow. Too many of us don’t appreciate Chipper. Maybe we should have taken Tim Costo with that first round pick back in ‘90, huh? CJ might be the best non-steroid player of his era and I hope he ends his career with the Braves, after the 2013 season.
Braves’ Chipper Jones not planning retirement tour | yoursportsinfo.com
February 2nd, 2012
7:02 am
[...] All-Star and 1999 National League MVP has also had surgery on both knees in the past two years. But don’t plan on throwing him any retirement parties anytime [...]
Jefferson
February 2nd, 2012
8:24 am
Versiroth
February 1st, 2012
8:27 am
Also, if Pastornicky has a hot spring, this would be my lineup…
Bourn
Pastornicky (more speed and contact hitting behind the speedy Bourn)
McCann
Uggla
Freeman
Jones
Heyward
Prado
Hey i like that lineup! Also yes if chipper walks away after 2012 than yes maybe David Wright should be an option to look at. However, McCann will likely get a new deal and these pitchers will have an increase in pay so likely no room left to sign a guy like Wright. There will be plenty of teams makn bids
Braves’ Chipper Jones not planning retirement tour | sportsinfoworld.com
February 2nd, 2012
9:03 am
[...] All-Star and 1999 National League MVP has also had surgery on both knees in the past two years. But don’t plan on throwing him any retirement parties anytime [...]
BravesFanSince80's
February 2nd, 2012
9:23 am
McGuirk made it pretty clear in that recent interview that because of our poor television contracts (for twenty more years by the way), the Braves under their current budget cannot afford to out on the free agent market and sign anyone big, he said this not necessarily meaning right now. He meant fans need to understand that, for instance, when Chipper retires, probably after this season, but who knows, they will be looking to fill his position internally. Under the current ownership and television contracts, the Braves will focus much more heavily on drafting and developing players in order to AVOID the FA market altogether if possible. In other words, don’t hold your breath waiting on the arrival of David Wright,(another injury liability anyway by the way). Pretty obvious at this point that the FO is hoping Terdoslavich continues to develop and Chipper sticks around long enough to help with that eventual transition. If you want to see a big-time player in Atlanta in the next couple decades who isn’t out of our own farm system, he’ll pretty much HAVE to come in by way of a trade…
Brian
February 2nd, 2012
9:27 am
Happy groundhogs day dob
Brian
February 2nd, 2012
9:28 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeJgvYX-LFY&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL462C54D7F811BEA8
Sideline Dude
February 2nd, 2012
9:46 am
The guy just won’t go away! He’s been a has been for years. It’s a shame he didn’t go when he was more on top of his game. The Braves should have traded him years ago when they could have gotten something for him & another team wanted him. He ain’t going to fade away, he just going to fall over at the plate one day. C’mon Chipper, it’s way past time to hit the trail & clear the roster for a player who can stay healthy the whole season.
Michael G.
February 2nd, 2012
9:54 am
DOB’s love for Chipper makes it difficult to see where Chipper’s rear end stops, and DOB’s face begins. I enjoyed Chipper playing for the Braves, but over the last 3 years, he has ties up this organization by being over paid and injury prone. It is 3 years past due that Chipper be replaced, and someone else be brought in.
Skeezix
February 2nd, 2012
10:02 am
Come on guys, Chipper along with Freddie, was one of our most consistent hitters throughout last season. You bashers talk like he was a drag on the team. As long as he continues to produce, I think we (and Braves management) should allow this future hall fo famer to decide when it is time to hang it up.
Fog
February 2nd, 2012
10:04 am
Chipper never took less than what he thought he deserved. He only deferred the money he was owed, so don’t say he took one for the team. He was a great player who is now making more than his numbers bear. The Braves have treated him more than fair. He does provide play that is comparable to other 3rd baseman in the NL, but his inability to stay in the lineup hurts more than people realize. He is not a 7 or 8 hole hitter. He bats 3rd, and shifting the line-up to fill that spot when he is out really screws with consistency from our lin-up. It would be interesting to see the games he has opted out of for whatever reason over the last few years (most from my recollection have been big series). He is not the team leader…he even admits to as much. He didn’t try to lead by throwing Heyward under the bus last year…even though he skipped out on games himself. He will be in the HOF. He deserves that honor for his play not his leadership.
It would be a great move on the Braves part to make McCann the team Captain. We have a young team that needs a team leader. The future is bright for a new set of Braves!