Chipper says 2012 might not be his last season

Good Luck Chipper, You hang in there.Hope you have a great year And if you want to retire then I wish you well. You deserve it.

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You are still one of the most durable 3rd basemen in baseball and one of the most productive. Bloggers love to harp on it but you should stay as long as possible. You are one of the only true stars on the entire roster.

Go Chipper.

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The chicks will love you more if you can walk up to them, instead of pulling up next to them in your power chair with bad knees. I love you dude but know when to quit.

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Good luck mike p getting another third baseman to put up the numbers chipper still puts up.

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Good luck in 2012…. and I’ll leave it at that.

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Play on Chipper,was there wthen the Braves won in 95 when he was a rookie. We Braves fans are lucky to have a future Hall of Famer to have played his whole career in one uniform. Far as this Braves fan is concerned you’ve earned the right. Good Luck !

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Chipper is taking the right approach. See how it goes this year. Unless something bad happens he can wait as long as he wants to make a decision on 2013.

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Ridiculous. This egotistical, inbred, redneck is a disgrace, holding this team hostage. Jerk.

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Just move the Braves to the AL instead of the Astros. Then CJ can bounce between DH & 3B as appropriate.

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Please Chipper retire and allow this franchise to recover from the damage you have caused it. You have done nothing but milk the Braves for millions the last few seasons and you are not close to being worth what you make anymore, please retire.

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Jimmy Dugan January 31st, 2012 7:59 pm This would be a nice year to go out on for both sides. I don’t think Chipper has two years left, and David Wright will be a free agent in the offseason. We will have money to spend and should fill that void with Wright.

Jimmy: I like your idea!

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You are my FAV player of all time, but please don’t hang on to long, go out with a good year.

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Seriously, he needs to think about retiring. He’s already ruined the Braves payroll this year and he wants to do it again next year? I understand he might love playing, and who wouldn’t love that if you’re hauling in millions but he needs to understand that he’s limiting the team with his ego. And yes, I know he took less earlier in his career but he’s more than made up for that taking superstar money as a part time player.

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1. Bourn
2. Prado
3. Freeman
4. Uggla
5. Mac
6. Chipper
7. Heyward
8. Pastornicky

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Chipper is not holding anyone hostage this gentleman can still play. Has he lost a step sure he has is he still a great influence in the dugout and locker room yes again. Does he deserve to go out on his own terms, damn right. I love the Braves and watching Chipper Jones play so keep on keeping on #10.

ch

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Hershel Walker… ignorant disgrace of a baseball “fan”… what a chump… don’t know nothin’, can’t learn nothin’, and cries like a baby, pre-season, all season, and post season… get your Momma to make you a PBJ and cut the rinds off, and go back to play with the girls… WHAT A CRYSTER!!!

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While CJ isn’t the player he once was, he’s still in the top 10 3B in the majors – and NO he isn’t ruining their payroll….it’s called a contract. But I also don’t necessarily want to see him hitting in the 3 hole anymore.

I don’t recall this type of conversation from him in January before – I have a feeling his knees aren’t gonna hold up for him thru this year, and the team option will not be offered in ‘13. The timing is right – we’ve got Terdoslavich coming up. And once Andrelton Simmons is ready (likely next year), then Pasternicky may just move to 3rd (if his bat is there).

CJ is certain HOF – one of the 3 best switch hitters EVER. But you gotta know he wants to have a career BA over .300. I believe he’s around .303 or so now – so he’s really risking that threshold. I hope he makes it.

In reality, I don’t think CJ will be a major factor in ‘12 anyway – there’s a number of guys who have to stay healthy and just play better (Prado, Mac, Heyward, JJ, Hanson, Huddy, Uggs) and the Braves will be in the thick of things.

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Only four 3rd basemen in the national league had enough at bats to even qualify as far as statistics. Chipper was one and his OPS of .814 placed 2nd. Add even the non-qualified players and he’s third. That’s an off year though as his career numbers would have led the league.If he feels he can play and contribute, those betting against him are showing their ignorance.

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I like Chipper Jones. Chipper should and probably will be a first ballot Hall-of-Famer. But I also have unused playoff tickets from last year sitting on my shelf, and Chipper is a big reason why I still have those. Chipper is still a productive major leaguer, but he’s NOWHERE NEAR worth $14 million. Maybe 30-40% of that, and the balance would nicely plug a HUGE hole in the Braves roster – or two. As-is, Chipper is getting superstar pay for being 3/4 of an average everyday player.

Fielding statistics often lie, especially raw fielding percent. Anyone who believes Chipper is not a defensive liability is just deluded.

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Too bad Sonny Clusters doesn’t read this blog I can only imagine what he thinks. Oh Sonny are you around?

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@DawgDad…

$14 mil is not a “superstar pay” anymore….like it or not but the superstar pay these days is more like $18-$20 mil…..

That said Chipper is definitely waning and his career is winding down….however who do we have to play there 162 games per year? I love Prado but he is not close to being a “great” 3rd bagger….not 162 games worth.

Martin is more like a 60 games per year filling in for Chipper after his 100-120 games. All that said it is unlikely Chipper play thru the entire season without another major or semi-major injury….legs, groin, knees, oblique….you name it, he is at a physical place in his life where his injuries are not if, but when.

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If Chipper were a horse, preschool children would already be squeezing him out on paper.

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Chipper could end up being the Jack Nicklaus of baseball. When Jack was in his mid-late 40s, he didn’t necessarily play every tournament, but when he was healthy he was as good or better than most of the golfers in their 20s.

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Go get ‘em, Chipper! These fools can call you old and washed up all they want but the truth is, you were STILL the most consistent hitter on the team in 2011. Hope 2012 is a healthy and productive year for him, I’m not ready for him to hang it up either!

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truth: Prado should be playing SECOND BASE every day, where he was an all-star and plus-defensive player and where his offense would be “above-average”. Uggla should be some other player who hits lefthanders and plays left field, since he cannot do either. Chipper’s backup should be a combination of somebody who can contribute offensively coming off the bench and a versatile back up infielder (Wilson?).

The Cardinals combination of Freese and Descalso was slightly more productive than what the Braves ran out there at third base, and a heck of a lot cheaper, which contributed to them having a Berkman in the lineup, which contributed to us watching the playoffs on TV instead of at the Ted.

When you have a fixed budget like the Braves do you have to avoid paying huge salaries which are not commensurate with the value realized on the field. The Braves are caught between the old non-cap conscious regime which signed Chipper and the new budget-cap mode of operation. Teddy T’s regime could afford to reward Chipper (and pay $10 million to get rid of Lowe); this regime cannot. If they want to win they have to let the Chipper-types go elsewhere instead of resigning them, and they cannot afford to miss on players like Lowe.

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The Designated Hitter Rule is THE WORST thing to ever happen to great game of baseball.

American League Baseball is an abomination.

R.I.P. Houston Astros 2013

-

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Remember, Kids:

Steroids in Your 20s Turns You into Chipper Jones in Your 30s.

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I’ve loved the Bravos for 30 years and through a lot of ups and downs. I’ve seen a lot of guys crumble at or before thisnpoint in their careers and CJ is not one of them. Chipper, you still change the way the entire line-up gets pitched with the respect you get and knowledge of the strike zone. I really thought you came back around in ‘10, swinging the bat better than in years, before the injury and carried that over last year. I truly believe there is more fuel left in the tank and you should go as long as your body will let you. In will welcome seeing you on the field any time you want to be there, as long as you stay in that Braves uni.

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In agreement with MitchC…would hate to see the second best switch-hitter of all time let his lifetime BA fall below 300 by hanging on too long as did his dad’s idol Mickey Mantle.Chipper has given the Braves and baseball some great years.If he had not lost all of 1994 thanks to a blown out knee and the later career injuries had not taken their detrimental toll, he’d already be looking back at 500 homers and 3000 hits. Thanks to the Braves moving him to left for two years a remarkable streak for hitting stats by a 3b was broken up and the injuries began to mount. Had it not been for that move the baseball pundits would be talking about Hoss as the best 3b of the modern era even over Schmidt.

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[...] third baseman Chipper Jones, 40 in April, said 2012 may not be his final season, according to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Jones is in the final guaranteed year of his contract, but his deal includes a $7MM club option [...]

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Elmer has the most brilliant and probably most spot on post on this subject.

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454 career homeruns and 33rd best among all time homerun hitters in MLB……With just 30 homeruns in 2012,Bones Jones could move up to 28th all time……….with 40 HR……..Jones moves up to
26th all time …………………….Feel like this will be a monster year for Bones Jones and the whole team
Step back and watch Bones Jones slam dunk his Rocking Chair into his critics’ baby cribs.

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Stay healthy Chipper and get it done this year. Your true fans are sticking our neck out for ya

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Chipper Jones can play as long as he wants. When he is finished playing he can come back and coach as long as he wants. When he’s finished coaching he can go to the broadcast booth as long as he wants We have become spoiled on his talent. Find me a better 3rd baseman from ‘95-’11 that has been as productive, deferred money, and taken pay cuts to bring in other players. Oh yeah, all for one team. Let’s show #10 the same dedication he has shown us for years. He’s played through more pain and been more productive at 3rd base and in LF than anyone on this blog. Show the man the respect he deserves! Go Chipper, go Fredi, go Braves.

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Dude has earned the right to go out when he wants to go out. One can only assume that “having fun” means playing to a level he can be content with. I hope he retires if after 2012 he feels he can’t help the team and his 9 million (I’m going to assume he’ll find a way to play enough to kick in that option), can be used to help the team.

But until they find somebody better, he’s still the best option. Would be totally different if he was blocking somebody at 3B. But he’s not. I’m not sold that Prado can provide anything more than Chipper can. So Prado is not enough reason to push him to retire.

I’ve ragged on that 14 million dollars as much as anybody. But here’s the thing. He’s playing in 2012. So no need to gripe about it. If he feels good and healthy now, no reason for him to walk away.

But Chipper and his current level of production, which is likely to remain the same or drop off (not get better at age 40), is a steal at 9 million. Not so much at 14 million.

But as much as I’d like Wren to have that money to play with. Even if that means “settling” for Prado’s production at 3B and using that cash to buy a big bat in LF (or use to lock up Bourn)…. Chipper has earned the right to decide when he’s done. Can’t really fault the guy for wanting to give it a go with almost 25 million still on the table. I would.

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See the mets contingent is here again. Of course, what else do they have to do this year?

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Unfortunately Cipper didn’t say he was comfortable i stating 2nd where he seems suited for at this point in his career.

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If he can not play well this season bid him a fond fairwell to the American League. If he plays well cheer for him but sooner or later baseball becomes a business. Just ask Tom Glavine and Smoltz who stayed way too long and were bitter when they were released.

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Does not matter whether he is tired of playing or not,,,,,, bottom line is: he still needs the ‘free money’ in order to pay ex-wife for his infidelty(s).

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I think you this should be the order:

Bourne
Chipper
Mac
Uggs
Freeman
Prado
J-Hey
Pastronicky

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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

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lol, this guy is getting scares from his knees in the offseason, playing charity softball and he still thinks he can play after this season? I love you Chip but you are handicapping our team with your salary. That’s not all your fault, but please do the Atlanta fans a favor and retire. Paying you 9 million next year just to play a 100 or so games is ridiculous.

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Hoping Chipper has a Chipper-like season and drives the Braves to another post season. David Wright dangling out there is tempting but there are some clauses in his contract that void next year’s club option if traded and you have another free agent on your hands in addition to your center fielder.

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Are you kidding me? Chipper Favre said his knee was killing him after a softball game – what’s it going to feel like in August? Sounds like a money grab to me. For all we know Wren will extend him before the season. Braves fever – catch it!!!!

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jay…”Chipper you’re playing the hot corner. That position is not usually reserved for 40 year olds with bad knees. My over/under for games played this season is right at 110.”

Actually, that’s one of the few positions other than first base where a guy with bad knees can survive. And even with those bad knees, Chipper still comes in on the bunt as well as anyone in the game. To your second point, I would be very happy with 110 productive games from Chipper. With this team, it’ll be very easy for Fredi to plug in Prado at third and give Diaz the start in left field. That formula might actually help with the team’s recent struggles against lefty pitching. Maybe the Braves can actually beat the king of the lollipop lefties, John Lannan, this year.

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The greatest third baseman I’ve ever seen play (second of all MLB 3B ever in my book, maybe first.) can stay as long as he likes.

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Thank God that Chipper and Braves management are alot smarter than the idiots who want Chipper to retire. Anyone who knows ANYTHING about baseball knows the Braves are ALOT better every time Chipper is in the lineup. WE should all be thankful he puts up with the pain and the silly critics out there who haven’t got a clue. Good luck Chipper–most of us appreciate your dedication to the Braves–and your unbelievable HOF career.

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I don’t think that there are many oppossing pitchers in MLB, that enjoy seeing Chipper stepping into the batter’s box.

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Long shot over the next 2 years, but I would like to see him get to 500 homers. Would need to average 23 homers over the next 2 seasons. That is something he has not done since the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

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Sorry but cant buy into what he is trying to sell. Body breaks down way to much. We cant have a part time 3rd baseman.

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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.

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YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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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

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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.

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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.

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@ 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…

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I will wait for the companion blog to this one on or about October 3rd 2012 to see how this thought works out.

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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

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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.

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Was is not Is!

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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.

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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.

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C’mon Chipper, hang up the cleets or go somewhere else!!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Bones only needs 46 homeruns this season to hit 500 Dont count him out. The man means business this year

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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!

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There’s a first time for everything David, of course I never thought he would do that.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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It’s 8 1/2 to 5, Chip. You gotta go to the Royals, or Indians; your choice!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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[...] 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 [...]

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[...] 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 [...]

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Happy groundhogs day dob

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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.

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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.

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FOG is a great name for you….you appear to be in one. Chipper leads by EXAMPLE. He took as many cortizone shots last year as he medically could to be in the lineup. And if Prado gets back to form, we will be fine at 3rd when Chipper’s body won’t let him play. I will take 110 games from Chipper for 9 mil … when Fielder just got paid well over 20 mil/yr. Chipper and McCann are still the most professional and feared hitters in the Braves lineup with men in scoring position.

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“Chipper says 2012 might not be his last season.”

Lord I hope so. Low class redneck, calling the fans names. Get out of here and take your 120 mediocre games a year with you, and this franchise can finally start to move ahead.

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What is up with all the redneck bashing on here? ATL is like the corner hub of southern rednecks and MANY of us have no problem being referred to as that anymore given as how, in most cases, it separates us from something we never wanted to be in the first place. Chipper a redneck? I bet he’d say he was and probably proud of it:)

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I don’t understand. Seriously. I don’t. Where are these negative comments coming from? Seriously, Where?

Yes, Chipper is aging. Yes, he’s been injured. Can someone please point to all the third basemen who have been more durable over the last few years? And who have put up better numbers? Not a long list.

Now then. How many of them are available? Never mind the price. How many are available AT ALL?

If even close to healthy, Chipper is looking like a bargain to me, yes, in 2013, especially if someone gets a late-season call up to spend some time in Chipper’s shadow.

How many will provide the leadership and mentoring for younger players? To be frank, who’s going to sell as many tickets?

We’re all going to miss Chipper soon enough. And badly. Let’s not rush that, okay?

John
Who would love to have seen Hank Aaron or Dale Murphy bat just one last time.

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Chipper (Larry The Future Hall of Famer) and Larry The Cable Guy are both very wealthy rednecks.

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I loved Hank Aaron and still do. But…. I don’t want to see him suit up next year and pay him…

# 2013 option guaranteed at $9M with:
* 123 games in 2012, or
* average of 127 games in 2011-12
# 2013 option price increases by $1M each for:
* 128, 133, 138, 140 games in 2012, or
* averages of 132, 137, 138, 140 games in 2011-12
# annual performance bonuses: $0.75M each for 135, 140 games

Sorry Larry. Time to say goodbye.

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Joe Lemire of si.com, pre season power rankings for 2012 for MLB:
#10 Atlanta Braves

Notable additions: IF Jack Wilson
Notable subtractions: SP Derek Lowe, SS Alex Gonzalez

“The Braves’ most significant off season move was a salary dump, moving Lowe to the Indians for a low-level minor league reliever and $5 million of payroll relief. But it opened a rotation spot for Atlanta’s bevy of pitching prospects. Atlanta could use another dependable bat after scoring just 641 runs last year (10th in the NL) and could, sometime down the road, trade a young arm to fill that need. For now they hope for a bounce back from Jason Heyward and a strong debut from rookie shortstop Tyler Pastornicky”

Very telling when your major notable addition is Jack Wilson. Whew! I’m so relieved that Liberty “Spare No Expense” Media owns the Braves. Mentally challenged ownership and GM who gave Chipper that ridiculous contract extension, that without it, the Braves could have a quality, young stud 3B who could give you 140 or so games a season. Instead, the Braves will have a 3B by committee again in 2012.

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This Needed To Be Said, where/how are you planning to replace Chipper’s production?

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I get labeled as being too negative on here a lot…that said, anyone who claims to be a fan of the Atlanta Braves and is ungrateful for a player like Chipper is no real fan, you’re just a sports whiner, and you chose the Braves to whine about…

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Interesting and perhaps telling line from the Nats GM “Rizzo noted that six of last year’s playoff teams had at least two starters with 200 innings pitched, and Jackson’s presence will help correct the “innings shortage” Rizzo said the Nationals suffered last year.”

How many Braves starters have pitcher 200 innings in the past three years? In any given year have they had at least two starters pitch 200 or more innings?

It would seem for the sake of the pen and the post season ATL needs to get a rotation which has some guys who can throw 200 innings. This will be tough will rookies and a top of the rotation that has some injury issues.

Hopefully Beachy, Hanson and one of JJ or Hudson can approach or exceed 200 IP.

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Chipper, who do you think you are… Julio Franco or somebody? Call it quits already!!! You should have retired like 3 years ago!!!!!

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I watched Willie Mays stumble around the outfield, long after he should have left the game. It was a sad site to behold. I hate to think of Chipper looking like that, but I’m afraid he will. Some just don’t know when to call it a career.

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Chipper ole’ing a ball right through his legs late in the last game of the season in 2000, on October 1, 2000, against the Rockies, to blow a Braves lead and lead to the Braves losing home field advantage for the playoffs, which led to them getting swept for the first time in the postseason during the incredible run, could be viewed as the beginning of the demise for this franchise. The Braves were coming off their fifth WS in 8 seasons (excluding ‘94) after 1999.

Braves led 5-3 in the 9th with two on and two out. Very easy groundball to 3rd…and Chipper lets it go right through his legs for the 25th error of the season. A total lack of effort or concentration, take your pick.

That error opened the floodgates for a 2-out, 7-run inning as the Rockies blasted the Braves, 10-5, and sent them on the road to St. Louis, instead of opening at home, which was a very deflating way to end the season and begin the playoffs.

That 7-run inning was followed by a 6-run first inning for the Cardinals in Game 1. Over two consecutive innings, the Braves gave up 13 runs. They have never returned to the World Series.

Oh, did I mention that Chipper also made an error in that Cardinals’ first inning that helped their 6-spot?

To that point, the Braves, despite having won only 1 WS, had been very competitive in postseason, with a winning postseason record (by a decent margin). Since then, their postseason performance has been awful.

Through 1999, the Braves of the 90s were in the postseason 8 times. Only 1 time did they lose in the first round, in 1993, before the wild card era. Beginning in 1995, they won the NLDS every single time through 1999. Five years in a row. Ask the modern Phillies; that is quite an achievement.

Since 1999, they have won exactly one NLDS, losing six. 5-1 before the Chipper error, 1-6 after it.

No, that error did not take the franchise down. However, I do think it was a major contributor to the postseason failure of 2000, and that failure was a contributor to our lack of success since then. We really didn’t fail much in the playoffs before 2000. We only won one WS, but given the crapshoot that is the postseason, we did very well. It’s not easy to make it to 5 out of 8 WS.

Since then, in an era mostly with Chipper as the face of the franchise (absent Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz for some of those years), we have been terrible in the postseason. Well below average.

Chipper, face of the Braves, fearless leader…except when it comes to fielding his position.

Ole.

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“Or it could mean that baseball is not his life at age 39. That if one of his young sons is scared about having to undergo a difficult surgical procedure, Chipper decided after talking to — and getting the blessing of — teammates that it’d be OK to miss one game and be there with his kid.”

DOB, when you are being paid to play the game in the big leagues, then during the season, baseball better well be your life.

If it were a life-threatening situation, it’s a different story. It wasnt.

As for the fact that his teammates gave him their blessing – Chipper needed to decide to stay with the team, period, no matter even if his teammates gave him their blessing to be away

As for the fact that the team gave him their blessing – when they did so, it appeared that the Braves would have a playoff spot in hand by the date in question. If that had happened, that day would probably have been a rest day for Chipper anyway. So they okayed it. Between when they did so and the actual day, the team’s situation changed drastically. The organization could not go back on their word. All they could do was hope that Chipper made the right decision. He didnt.

And as for Chipper playing after the knee surgery, when he couldve been paid a good chunk of his salary even if he hadnt – He is chasing personal milestone numbers. I betcha Chipper would be happier with his 500th dinger than with a second ring

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“I get labeled as being too negative on here a lot…that said, anyone who claims to be a fan of the Atlanta Braves and is ungrateful for a player like Chipper is no real fan, you’re just a sports whiner, and you chose the Braves to whine about…”

I could understand the bashing if he were not producing at all, but he gave us a solid year last yr, playing in what, 126 games. He is still amoung the upper tier of third baseman both at bat and in the field even now.

There are so many other things to be negative about, most notably the ownership and its refusal to put up the $$$$$ to make it the team what it was. And the TV contract is not going to help things.

If we ever get another Chipper or Andruw player developed thru the system, they will prolly walk once its their time to get paid. Can;t blame them.

Your previous post said it about right. Only I am more bitter toward ownsership than most here. It looks like we are stuck with the shirts at LM for a long long time. And I do not want to understand it.

What is this going to be like in 2020? Maybe the Pittsburgh Pirates will have a bigger roll than us by then, who knows. I want LM gone in the worst way, but it ain’t happening.

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Maybe Braves fans should start an Occupy Liberty Media movement.

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Hope Chipper has a great year. Even if he can’t field to his right or left and sometimes when it’s hit straight to him, he still looks great on the slow rollers.

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[...] fun, I’m going to keep going,” he said before an informal hitting session at Turner Field, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution‘s Dave O’Brien. “I sit here with three weeks to go before spring training and I’m not ready to say this is [...]

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@Robert, I shoulda got back on here a lot sooner to let you know just how far wrong you are, speaking as a parent, if one of my sons were having a “procedure” of pretty much any kind, you can bet your A S S I’d be there. Chipper not playing to be there for his son in a scary situation for the little guy, life threatening or no, is WAY more important than your job. That’s what the game is to a major leaguer, a job, an awesome one I’ll grant you, but it’s there job. If you wouldn’t take off from work to be there for your kid in a time when they’re going through something pretty scary like that, I’ll say this with totol certainty, you’re a lousy father. I’d think less of Chipper if he HADN’T went to be with his son and instead played a freaking game!

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Bingo, on the DET 3b comment. Chipper has very little range at this point, sure, but he still played more innings than all but 6 or 7 3B last year and did it with good hands. He made the second fewest errors than ANYONE at 3B despite playing such a comparatively high total of innings there. I’ve noticed every single Chipper comment is either based off his actual performance and numbers, or dips wildly into sensationalized hyperbole. There’s never anything in between. Never hurts to look things up before you go off on a rant about them.

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I hope Chipper can keep his batting average up enough to retire with a .300 average. Mantle retired with a .298 and always regretted it. If Chipper goes 100 for 450 (.222) this year and retires, he’ll have his .300 average. Personally, I think he will do better than that. However, if he has two bad years, it could be in jepardy.

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@Larry30, Chipper plays a solid 3B for a 40 yr old and he’s being paid now for his prime years when he deferred money to the back end of his contract so that the team had more room on payroll to go after a post-season birth, his contract is has been one of the best multi-year deals EVER. Period. Your “opinion” as you call it, is S H I T…

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set your old a__ down it time to do like you been doing all these yrs QUIT

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Big time baseball fan and 25 year 8th grade middle school teacher says “Thanks for the enjoyment of watching your career and giving me the opportunity to tell my kids about loyalty vs. the love for money. There are those who would say, ‘with the money he’s making it’s easy to be loyal’, however i say look at how few players stay with their “home” team when the big money is waved in front of them.” Good luck Chipper and someday I hope you enjoy your retirement.
George Hartselle

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since when does a 3B have to have great range, good hands and a strong arm are pretty much the ONLY prerequisites and he still has both. ever wonder why great defensive 3B are so rare? probably because the best defensive players DON’T PLAY THERE!!!!!! idiot…moron…jackass…

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NOTE: in #1, the salary-range I mentioned was intentional. The guy making $30 mill was A-Rod. I did this to prove a point. As a future HOFer, Chipper has definitely had a career that could’ve landed him a HUGE paycheck. He didn’t, though. He stayed with his team. In fact, he told the team to re-write his contract so that he made LESS and the team could afford to be more competitive. I’ll tell you one thing, if he had played his entire career in, say MIlwaukee, NY, Boston, or any other great baseball town, there’s no way in the world we’d have so many clueless “fans” taking up so much time writing uninformed nonsense. As a die-hard, lifelong Braves fan and resident of GA, it’s embarrassing, actually. Just take a deep breath and simply enjoy the games for a change. This is baseball and Chipper’s given us one heckuva career. Yes, his range is a big problem, but there isn’t a single team in baseball that’s perfect. This is a sport where the game’s elite hitters fail two-thirds of the time. Expecting perfection is foolish. The fact is, we’re fortunate to have watched a tremendous career. For once, just try to show just a little class and ‘chop Hoss to the end of it.

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@braves fan…relax and call lobo over for a beer, then again you might be a mentally challenged lobo, Chipper WAS great, he is NO longer.We want a winner, the rest of you can settle for flipping burgers. The past is just that, Don’t look back,the future is NOT with chipper at 3rd….

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@dob…THE VOICE OF DOOM,anyway he’ll get hurt and this conversation will be moot,ta ta

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What a joke! Chipper needs the game more than it needs him now. Sad to see him not walk away before it turns ugly. At some point the front office has to put the brakes on this clown and give him the Dale Murphy treatment if needed.

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the Dale Murphy treatment? most of us are ashamed of how that played out and wish the Murph had played it out in ATL douche bag!

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BravesFanSince80’s – You misunderstood the Murphy comment. Braves let a local legend like Murphy leave the team to play the youth (I think that worked out for Atlanta). No one wanted to see Murphy go but it was better for THE TEAM to move ahead without him. Same thing goes for Chipper. The Braves let Bobby Cox bog us down and now their loyalty to Chipper is doing the same. If he has another ho hum season with injuries we are crazy for bringing him back in 2013.

All heroes have to walk away at some point. It is time for Chipper to take that walk.

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Huge difference here, NOMOREWREN. You’re very conveniently overlooking the fact that Murph was no longer very productive, whereas just last season there were only 7 or 8 third-basemen that put up better overall numbers than Chipper.

Murph’s last season full season with Braves (’89, he was traded during the ‘90 season): .228/.306/.361 with 20 HRS.. Murph was just 33.

Chipper’s numbers last season: .275/.344/.470. Only 6 3B topped him in any of those categories. He also hit 18 HRS. Oh, yea and he did that while was 39. Just for fun, here’s what Chipper did in HIS age 33 season, the age Murphy was the year before he was traded: .296/.412/.556 with 21 HRS.

Not much of a comparison. It’s honestly impossible to draw a realistic comparison between the two that supports your argument. Murphy, as great as he was, was no where near the player that Chipper is. I’ll always love Murph, but there was a reason that he was traded when he was. Using the same logic, there’s a reason Chipper’s still on the team. The numbers are staring you in the face.

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So, if you have problems with his range, that’s fine, but stick to reality. His glove-work and offense are not an issue that warrants extended discussion. Ok, I’m done. I’ve said my piece. Spend your time from now on in whatever way makes you happy. But if you’re going to rant, there are plenty of places right at your fingertips that allow to look up all sorts of actual stats first. Might be useful to you next time around. Peace, everybody. I’m out.

9 days, 20 hrs until pitchers and catchers report!

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odelay and dob with similar “thoughts”….

The “legend” needs to become one and retire
Fire FW

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“I shoulda got back on here a lot sooner to let you know just how far wrong you are, speaking as a parent, if one of my sons were having a “procedure” of pretty much any kind, you can bet your A S S I’d be there”

YOU can do that – after all, they can pull Joey off french fries and let HIM flip the burgers if you miss a day

PROFESSIONALS cant do that – Or lemme guess – you’d be ok if your mother needed heart surgery but doc decided to skip it and go with his boy to the dentist? Or if your house was on fire and the firemen said we cant do it today, Johnny had to get a shot and it was scary.

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very good blog, i definately love your post, keep going!!! Sian

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