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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
583 comments Add your comment
bravesfansince1982
March 13th, 2012
8:45 am
Love Chipper and what he’s done for the organization, but this does not bode well. These comments make me feel like he is going to hamstring us, more than help in 2012.
That being said, I hope if he really feels like he can’t make it through the year that he will go ahead and retire and give the Braves time to find a LF. I think we could probably work something out with the Angels who may be willing to deal Trumbo or Morales for the right package, and both can play in the OF.
JoeFan
March 13th, 2012
8:45 am
The Braves are a team ready for transition. Mostly young pitching and position players, what better time for Chipper to call it a career and move Joey T in at third. This has all the making of a terrible season, so lets get most of the transition complete and get ready for 2013.
Joey
March 13th, 2012
8:45 am
“Wow, not good news about Chipper. I hope he can grind through the season because…”
*********************************************
That’s just too damn funny right there! Yeah, ol Chipper is a real grinder . . .
George Washington
March 13th, 2012
8:46 am
This is news? It’s been pretty darn apparent the last three years chipper jones was a part-time player. The salary he was being paid was ridiculous! But those “loyalists” must be right as I’m the underdog in this debate. Thanks but good riddance as the Braves must put the best players possible on the field. We as fans deserve the best players within our budget. chipper jones has been a “budget buster” for years.
Lemke’s Knuckler
March 13th, 2012
8:46 am
Wow, I can’t believe I just read that! At least the guy is honest. For all of you people that bash on Fredi for putting a positive spin on all things, regardless of how bad, having a guy like Chipper that says what he thinks should be refreshing, right? Probably not. Tough crowd.
reality
March 13th, 2012
8:53 am
it’s amusing to hear someone whine when they’ve spent their life playing a game. It’s probably too late to be a productive member of society
Lemke’s Knuckler
March 13th, 2012
8:54 am
Question: Why does it not matter who plays third?
Answer: Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Beachy, Minor, Delgado, Teheran, Medlen, Martinez, O’Flaherty, Venters, Kimbrel…one of the best collection of arms in all of baseball.
It really doesn’t matter how often and/or well Chipper plays this year. Don’t get me wrong, if he can repeat 2011 for 130 games, then that definitely bodes well for the team. But 2012 still depends on how Heyward bounces back. Just like 2005 and 2006 depended on Andruw stepping up.
P Rose
March 13th, 2012
8:55 am
Let’s hope the Braves’ team “leader” retires at the end of this season.
There are a lot of positive things to be said about Chipper, historically (as a player):
1. He was undoubtedly the Braves’ best overall hitter for a decade and a half, and will go down as the team’s second greatest offensive player of all time. No question.
2. He definitely won a lot of big games for the team over the years (in the regular season).
3. He owned the Mets. This alone had to invoke glee in the heart of any true Atlantan.
4. He’s loyal, let’s give him that – he did once restructure his contract for the good of the team, for which he deserves major kudos.
5. He has long been the hands-down favorite Brave of screaming tweens, helping to put fans in the seats, generating much-needed buzz (noise) at Turner Field, and selling thousands of T-shirts with the number 10 on back.
6. He will deservedly go into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot as a Brave, along with The Big Three from those golden years. Historically, this will be a good thing for the organization. One day we’ll all be able to tell our grandchildren that yes, we used to watch the great Chipper Jones play baseball.
For all of this and more, he has earned his money, as well as his place in Braves lore. As Fredi would say, you gotta tip your cap to him.
BUT – all of the above being said…
Though he was once a great hitter, he has always been a disastrous team leader.
1. He’s arrogant. Saying things like, “We can take the Phillies,” inspires opponents with bulletin-board fodder. This is never a good idea. Sorry, Chipper, but they’re supposed to teach you in Little League that this is just plain dumb.
2. He’s a bad sport. His public comments, such as, “They can go home and put their Yankees stuff on,” is why he is despised by the fans of other teams. (”Larry… Larry…”) Again, this is why teams actually rise up and play above their potential against the Braves. Remember how the Phillies’ starters played all-out in last year’s final game – a game that was meaningless to them – just to eliminate the hated Braves.
3. He’s hypocritical. He’ll publicly call out a young player for not playing hurt (Heyward), but then excuse himself from a crucial game for “flu-like symptoms.”
4. His effort is inconsistent. Sometimes he seems as if he’s just going through the motions. For example, after tapping an infield grounder, rather than sprinting to first base (as every player should always do), he often looks as if he’s just jogging, as if he’s giving up on the play. That makes a terrible example to young players, especially coming from the team leader.
5. He’s unlucky. In a must-win game last season, he lost the final out “in the lights,” thereby putting too much pressure on the team’s rookie closer. Braves lose.
6. He chokes. Prior to the team’s final, do-or-die game last season, he mustered a pep rally in the dugout; but then he himself then went 0 for 5 with three strikeouts in the game. Again, Braves lose.
7. Last season, he was part of a disturbing new trend in the Braves dugout – hugging. There’s no hugging in baseball. Most of the hugging was with his good ol’ buddy, Dan Uggla; I didn’t notice him hugging Heyward very often. If you’re gonna hug, don’t play favorites.
8. As leaders go, he hasn’t always been exactly what you’d call a model citizen…
Okay, I’ll say it – Hooters. Enough said.
And no, I’m not perfect either, but then I’m not the face of the Atlanta Braves.
He’s currently way overpaid for what he brings to the table now. Let’s face it. While he does have some pop left in his bat, it’s not enough to justify his salary, which hogs a big chunk of the team’s ability to sign free agents.
Bottom line: he remains the only link to the team’s 16 consecutive autumn failings since 1996. Not even Bobby Cox was a part of all of them – only Chipper was. Maybe the guy is just a jinx.
You can love him or hate him, but many of us hope he’ll retire at the end of this season. Then, and only then, can the team finally begin a fresh new era, without having to look up to their unfortunate, misguided “leader” anymore.
Steve
March 13th, 2012
8:55 am
One of my best Braves memories involves Chipper. I don’t get a chance to go to a game much, but I was given tickets last summer as a gift. The Braves were playing the Mets, with Hudson going against Dickey. In the seventh, Chipper singled in the only run. I will never forget Dickey slamming down the rosin bag in frustration. Thanks for the memories, Chipper.
Mid Town Joe
March 13th, 2012
8:58 am
Stick a fork in Chipper, he’s done.
Bob the Blogger
March 13th, 2012
8:59 am
I joined a softball league when I was 40 because I wanted to play one more time before I got too old, then I realized I already was. It’s like someone swapped your body out for a defective model while you weren’t looking. And Chipper’s body has wear and tear that most 40 year olds don’t have. Getting old really sucks.
raymond
March 13th, 2012
9:09 am
Chipper GO and GO NOW! Stop holding this franchise hostage.
enough already
March 13th, 2012
9:10 am
Columbus, do you have a man crush on Jones?
BLK09GT
March 13th, 2012
9:12 am
Chipper is the cancer on this team? Hanging a mistake over someone’s head for nearly 20 years? Making fun of his hobby? Name calling? Chipper is the LEADER of this team. Let any of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone. (John 8:7) How many of you who make fun of his hobby of hunting during the offseason actually live in the south? Seriously, do your realize how many professional players have the same hobby including many on this very team that I never hear brought up. He is a hick, redneck etc. Again ATLANTA is in the south. Do you live in the south? He would probably tell you to your face. He is and proud of it. Quite with the cliches, stereotypes, and hypocrisy. I don’t understand all of the hate for this man who has been nothing but loyal to this team, fans and community. I grew up idolizing Chipper and as I grew older I came to realize we are witnessing history in the making. He is the greatest player Atlanta has ever seen. He should be in the hall of fame.
Reality Check
March 13th, 2012
9:19 am
Disclaimer – Chipper is one of the all-time greats and a first-ballot Hall of Famer. No two ways about it. He has been the heart of the Atlanta Braves since 1995.
That said – I’m tired of hearing him talk. I’m tired of reporters flocking to him to get his daily medical report. If his physical limitations are this worrisome, it’s time to hang it up. The longer the uncertainty continues, the more it becomes the focus over the other 24 guys and the season. I hate to say it, but at this point Chipper is more of a distraction than an asset.
dre
March 13th, 2012
9:21 am
LOL. I couldn’t tell he wasn’t in shape by looking at that pitiful spring training bloated, pasty, no-definition, middle-aged-suburban-softball-league-looking guy photo. haha
Fols
March 13th, 2012
9:23 am
I’d have rather seen our leader who opted to play this season come back and after struggling this spring, why doesn’t he lead by example? Why doesn’t he say listen, I have to get back on track and work at this because this might be it.
This one foot out the door because baseball is getting harder on him isn’t a wonderful leadership tactic.
Come on Chip, end this thing by hitting a homerun, not losing spring games.
bravesgrl4life
March 13th, 2012
9:27 am
To hear some of you supposed “fans”, Chipper never did anything for the Braves, was the most arrogant baseball player of the last 25 years, and sat on his rear end and collected $$$$$. Chipper was clean – think he’d have had all the injuries if he was juicing? Anybody remember Mike Hampton (sittin on his butt and collecting $$$), Barry Bonds (juicing and TONS OF EGO), Mark McGwire (juicing and tons of ego). As for personal behavior off the field, I’m sure Chipper’s the only (please read the only with great amounts of sarcasm) player to ever make a bad decision as a young man. Like most of you, I am sure.
curtis
March 13th, 2012
9:28 am
he’s turned into the alex rodriguez of the southland
bravesgrl4life
March 13th, 2012
9:28 am
And for the record, I hope to he!! Chipper goes out there today and knocks in a couple, knocks out a couple of homers, makes a few spectactular plays at 3rd and gives a big ole finger to some of you people.
BIG DOGGG
March 13th, 2012
9:30 am
Hall of Fame!!!!! WTH!!!! The Braves is racist this guy cheated on his wife and had a baby with his Mistress!!! If Chipper were black the Braves would have ran him out of town just like they ran David Justice out out of town, David won the 95 World Series hero. Chpper have 14 million reason to play this season, don’t worry he is going to play!!!
George Washington
March 13th, 2012
9:30 am
blk09gt- It’s ok to be ignorant but it’s not ok to parade your ignorance.
Fog
March 13th, 2012
9:32 am
It’s time. Please retire. Thanks for many years, but your image is getting quite tarnished these last few. Be the team player you want everyone to think you are…you are now hurting the Braves more than you are helping them. #3 hole hitters have to play everyday, not when they think they can go.
MONK ATL
March 13th, 2012
9:33 am
I was there for the ‘95 World Series too, A Memory of Joy and Pride that will be with me FOREVER!
I think Chipper is just finally preparing himself and us for The Day #10’s ride ends. Hall of Fame,
make room for a real Baseball Player who is loved by many and will be missed just like “The Mick”.
P.S. I have a autographed Game 6 Ticket , signed by Chipper, on the night of the game.
Home of the Braves
March 13th, 2012
9:33 am
If Chipper retires mid-season or holds on till Wren can make a move for a replacement, what happens to his salary? Will it be dismissed or will it still count against the payroll?
punk
March 13th, 2012
9:35 am
Spare us the drama, Chipper, and retire, please!
Lethargic Offense
March 13th, 2012
9:37 am
I guess it’ll be Prado on third, and Diaz in LF .
YIKES !
Sideline Dude
March 13th, 2012
9:37 am
Chipper hasn’t played a whole season in the last ten years. The Braves should have dealt him a long time ago. They never thought twice about dealing other players so why the allegance to him? Retire Chipper. It’s way over due.
anonymous
March 13th, 2012
9:37 am
P Rose got it right with his cons list.
Steve
March 13th, 2012
9:37 am
Seems like JS and Fumbling Frank are not on the same page. Why send a letter to ticket-holders and then do nothing to improve the club during the offseason?
Don
March 13th, 2012
9:38 am
No question, Chipper was a great, great hitter, even better than most people realized because he hit great against the best pitchers, and great in close games, and great in late innings of close games, and also had a great On Base Average. However, he has never been a great devensive third baseman – did not have great range – and now his range is very limited (fielding percentage does not tell the story if a players range is limited). All that being said — Do you seriously think that he will walk away from the big bucks this year or next year if the extension of the contract is activated?? And that is not necessiarly being critical — few people would. But if he is not going to do it, he needs to stop taling about it. Also, surely the Braves will not stick him in games this year as a pinch hitter etc. just to activate the contract for next year and enavle him to get the money.
bravesgirlnc
March 13th, 2012
9:41 am
Joey and others:
How can you not say Chipper is a grinder. He is almost 40 years old and playing the highest level of professional sports! I am a couple of years younger than him and need to put ice on my back every morning because I played some sports in HS. If I go for a 30 minute jog I have to stop and stretch about 10 times just to make it back to my house. Our bodies are fragile and even if professionals get the latest and greatest treatment does not mean it is still not a grind on them. The negativity on here about one of the top 5 players to ever play for the Braves just slays me.
Old Hoss has represented this organization well on the field and I am grateful I got to watch him wear the same uniform this whole time.
Mike Lum
March 13th, 2012
9:43 am
Dave:
Of Chippers 126 games played, how many were starts at third? How many pinch hit appearances? How many times was he removed prior to the end of the game?
14 million for a part-time player, no matter how great his previous career, is a dumb move.
The Braves should negotiate a buyout and move forward.
Chipper do the right thing and let the fans remember you for that!
pat
March 13th, 2012
9:46 am
Mean while, he holds a roster spot and about 18 mil hostage while he limps around the field….Uncle.
BLK09GT
March 13th, 2012
9:49 am
George, I think you have that saying backwards. Weren’t you around when the Bill of Rights were passed? The 1st Amendment is grand isn’t it?
pat
March 13th, 2012
9:50 am
Well at least he’s being honest…
Adam E
March 13th, 2012
9:56 am
We love you Chip! Do what’s best for you!! Always your fan…
JB
March 13th, 2012
9:57 am
stealing money
Braves Fan
March 13th, 2012
9:59 am
I am a huge Chipper Jones fan and wish him well this year. However, I don’t understand something. If we was doing all his conditioning over the winter to get ready for spring training then why does his knee start hurting when he gets to spring training? Why wouldn’t it prevent him from conditioning in the winter. Maybe it did but he said he thought he was in good shape.
JSD
March 13th, 2012
9:59 am
Chipper- It’s time. Give someone else a shot at actually helping the team. You got your WS championship. Even if you can’t remember it. Love ya pal!
spud webb
March 13th, 2012
10:00 am
1 of the best braves of all time. Great career, see you in the hall…walk away. Not sure why anyone on this blog is surprised??? We’ve all known he can’t make it through a season for 2 years. NEED A A BAT & 14 million will allow a BIG trade for what we need, along w the young arms we have. Anyone have any thoughts on who we should get?
1eyedJack
March 13th, 2012
10:00 am
A couple of hits will make his knees feel a whole lot better.
1eyedJack
March 13th, 2012
10:01 am
Mayhaps Terdo is just as ready as Pastornicky?
LostCause
March 13th, 2012
10:03 am
Leave Now! Let Terdoslavich play 3rd. Let us see the future today!
GAKnight
March 13th, 2012
10:05 am
Where have you people been? Chipper’s just in it for the $$. The Braves organization has been
pulling the wool over your “dreamy” eyes for years.
Perd Hapley
March 13th, 2012
10:10 am
Yikes!
Johnny T
March 13th, 2012
10:19 am
The negative comments on here are obviously from NON athletes. Even if you only played high school sports, you know the wear and tear your body takes. Chipper has no miniscus in one of his knees! He has had FIVE knee surgeries! And still laces them up when he can bear the pain that day. And he’s NOT a grinder?? Are some of you insane?? You cannot be a true Braves fan and not appreciate what Chipper has given to this organization. Please, please, please switch your allegiance to the Phillies or Mets. Being stupid while rooting for them is actually expected. The Phillie fans even treated Mike Schmidt the way some of you treat Chipper, who is maybe the second or third greatest Brave ever.
Samantha
March 13th, 2012
10:20 am
Go get them BravesGirl, Back you 100%.
mmck
March 13th, 2012
10:23 am
Larry leaves when Larry’s ready, but if the time is soon, Terd at third and leave Prado in left.
Johnny T
March 13th, 2012
10:24 am
Yeah BravesGirl has more baseball sense than half the male morons on here trashing number 10.
George Washington
March 13th, 2012
10:25 am
blk09gt- Just offering advice my friend. No harm intended.
3Sheetz2theWynd
March 13th, 2012
10:28 am
Get out now, Chipper. This team is not going to be very good.
O'flarity's water bottle
March 13th, 2012
10:32 am
CHIPPER JONES IS A TOOL!!! He should of went on a huge regiment program in the off season like jj or mccann. Do you think you get more in shape sitting around eating funions and drinking B-Gulps. Come on, cereal? Now its just for the money. Cj you will be one of the greats in Braves history and MLB. But you will have the last chapter on a low note. What gives???
Samantha
March 13th, 2012
10:33 am
Yea Johnny T, All these morons picking on a guy that has give them everything he had and more for over 20 yrs.
O'flarity's water bottle
March 13th, 2012
10:35 am
I think that chipper should start a trianing program and come back to the braves in may…..IMHO
James Franey
March 13th, 2012
10:36 am
Lineup: 1. Bourn 2. Prado 3. McCann4. Uggla 5. Freeman 6. Diaz 7. Heyward 8. Simmons
Bench: Hinske (L), Jones (S), Ross (R), Constanza (L), Wilson (R)
Starting Rotation: Hanson, Jurrjens, Beachy, Minor, Gilmartin
Bench: Medlen, Martinez, Varvaro, Delgado, O’Flaherty, Venters, Kimbrel
First of all, the lineup allows the ability to have the most effective combination of speed and power. McCann, Diaz, Freeman and Heyward are all capable of hitting 20 plus home runs. Prado is good for approximately 12-15 HR’s and will be better rested and have less chance of injury playing 3B! Uggla will hit 40 plus HR’s this year. Speed will be supplied by Bourn and Simmons at the top and bottom of the lineup! Another plus is the ability to deter the opposing manager from trying to use the bullpen for matchups with the lineup being L,R,L,R,L,R,L,R! Hinske, Jones, Ross supply good power off the bench and are quality professional veteran hitters. Constanza and Wilson give the team valuable defense off the bench with Constanza also providing tons of offensive ability that includes being the fastest guy on the team! This rotation is temporary until Hudson returns. At that point, whoever is struggling the most out of the five starters will join Julio Teheran in AAA to freshen up their skills for the postseason and if needed possibly again! The bullpen is phenominal with great long guys like Medlen and Martinez, great short guys like Varvaro and Delgado, but O’Flaherty, Venters and Kimbrel are the best setup and closers in the game!
Johnny T
March 13th, 2012
10:38 am
What is scary is the Chipper bashers can actually be sitting next to you in the stands…and without a keeper or anything. I can always tell who they are cause they tend to drool themselves. LMAO
O'flarity's water bottle
March 13th, 2012
10:38 am
Sam, I like chipper, but he was not responsible to the fans, his team and himself. That sucks! He is a hero. The 99 seaon when he tore up the mets was one of the most awesom specticles ever by one person against a hole teams. He was snipping them. Dead to rights..
Braves Fan-O-Maniac
March 13th, 2012
10:39 am
PLEASE- PLEASE-PLEASE SHARE WITH CHIPPER JONES!
http://www.forksoverknives.com/
Thanks,
http://youtu.be/BNn-cFo3sLk
yo yo yo
March 13th, 2012
10:43 am
what a bitch…….
RoyU
March 13th, 2012
10:43 am
Chipper has a good heart and is truly a “Brave”. However, the longer he plays, the harder it will be for the Braves to win. He should have retired two years ago but he can’t see the forest for the trees!!! This spring one of our primary goals was establishing who would be a capable shortstop. We haven’t accomplished that and now we might be looking for a capable 3rd baseman. The Braves will have a better chance of winning “without” Chipper!!!
Samantha
March 13th, 2012
10:44 am
I hope that is just your opinion and not fact. I was only 7 in 99, so dont know for sure what you are saying is true. Please dont call me Sam. It is Samantha or sissy. Thank you.
BraveMan
March 13th, 2012
10:47 am
Chipper has had a great career. He’s a first ballot Hall-of-Famer, but it’s time to call it quits. For the good of his team, he needs to step aside. The Braves can’t rely on him anymore and they need to make other plans. Go Chipper…now!
Craig Nettles
March 13th, 2012
10:48 am
Please retire now, so that the Braves can get another good hitter. Why put your team through this?
Jake
March 13th, 2012
10:50 am
Anybody still believe that’s the kind of attitude you want from the guy who’s allegedly the team leader? That “woe is me” thinking is poisonous over a long season and a terrible example to younger players.
O'flarity's water bottle
March 13th, 2012
10:51 am
sorry sissy, no prob.
Frank Furter
March 13th, 2012
10:51 am
Best of luck Chipper!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Not-Quite-Devils/189460134436969
O'flarity's water bottle
March 13th, 2012
10:52 am
Sissy, Chipper won the MVP in 99. Mainly for his job agianst the Mets.
Johnny T
March 13th, 2012
10:55 am
The bottom line is that Chipper has way too much pride to stay if he’s not productive. Last year … NOT 1999, he was STILL the guy you wanted at the plate with the game on the line. LAST SEASON. The games he could suit up, he was VERY productive. If he sees the legs will not let him play this season at a level he can accept, he will retire. If he does retire, the Braves can go after someone before the trade deadline. He has earned the right to decide when he can’t go anymore.
UKUGA
March 13th, 2012
10:58 am
Please retire.
While I have little doubt that Chipper could have some nice stretches this year, the fear is that he’s in the middle of the line-up in September, not able to hit any thing at the knees, batting .085 down the strech as another play-off run falls short.
Quit now. Please.
Samantha
March 13th, 2012
10:59 am
Thank you Oflarity, You did not realise how young i am. I apologise for that.
Frank Wren
March 13th, 2012
11:00 am
We are prepared to move Prado to third.
As for leftfield, Melky Cabrera, Ryan Langerhans are possibilities we could explore.
Not concerned about Jason in right. As long as he hits at least .220 he’ll be fine.
Louise McCullough
March 13th, 2012
11:05 am
Why are we going through all of this again? Every year–for the past too many–the sports page headline have been too much about Chipper. Has it occurred to the Braves–and Chipper–that they might be resentment from the team concerning season-long attention to Chipper’s health problems? I have followed pro baseball for 70 of my 77 years, and this situation is ‘way over the top!
therut
March 13th, 2012
11:12 am
Oldest clique in the world. Better to retire one year too soon than one year too late. p.s. Ty Cobb’s Soul-I love it.
Fire Freddie G. during spring training, please!
Samantha
March 13th, 2012
11:13 am
Be back later.
CC
March 13th, 2012
11:15 am
Losing respect for Chipper just like I did Glavine and Smoltz — both of whom thought too much of their abilities to call it quits while they still held a place of honor.
You’re all over the place in your comments, Chipper. First you say you probably can’t make it, THEN turn right around and say you can still contribute.
THIS IS GETTING TIRESOME AND YOU’RE MAKING US GLAD TO SEE YOU GO!
Sheesh. We WANT to see you leave. You’re keeping some good player, somewhere, in the baseball poor-house because of your pride and pocketbook.
Gym Nash
March 13th, 2012
11:16 am
First ballot Hall of Fame? Are you nuts? This guy will be lucky to get Santo’d in.
Phillies Phanatic
March 13th, 2012
11:17 am
Don’t even mention Chipper’s name in the same breath with the legendary Michael Jack Schmidt !
Rita Williams
March 13th, 2012
11:17 am
My family has always loved you .You will know when it is time.I am sadden but, I knew the day would come.Please stay as part of the Braves Organization.God Bless you and your family.THANKS FOR THE GREAT YEARS!
RW
Chipper Jones
March 13th, 2012
11:18 am
I got 14 million reasons to hang around in 2012, whether I play or not.
Yeah, I came back because my teammates wanted me back. (LMAO)
George
March 13th, 2012
11:20 am
Hit the ball Chipper and play your game the best you can as always.
CC
March 13th, 2012
11:20 am
And I don’t really believe your comments about your teammates really wanting you to return… at least in gimpy condition.
They must be sitting on the bench during your at-bats thinking, “If he only could have gotten to second on that sure double. Now what are we gonna have to do to make up for the run we probably won’t get?”
Dude: this isn’t Ironman — we are not impressed with your recent years’ performance and lack of endurance.
htownbravesfan
March 13th, 2012
11:22 am
I have said this on this site many times, but I’m gonna have one last hurrah. Chipper is the best offensive player the Braves have had since Hank Aaron, and there is no one in our system that has a skill set comparable to his. In other words, when he’s gone there won’t be another like him. Only then will some of you clowns appreciate what a great BASEBALL PLAYER this guy is. He’s battled tons of injuries and still did everything he could to make it into the lineup, and even despite this alleged massive ego some of you claim he has, he even went to left field for the good of the TEAM. Alot of you criticized him when he obviously played hurt, but if he wouldn’t have attempted to play you would have criticized him for not “battling” through injuries. Finally, how many of you would simply retire and walk away from millions of dollars? That’s the question to look into the mirror and ask yourselves before you ask Chipper.
Tremaine
March 13th, 2012
11:24 am
Chipper retire, put Constanza in LF and move Prado to second and win with smallball, good pitching and defense.
George Washington
March 13th, 2012
11:27 am
You can’t blame jones for taking advantage of the 13 million $. The idiot that made the offer is to be blamed for this mess. If jones had any class he’d offer a pay for play option or maybe a buyout of 3-4 mil. Jones’ cocky attitude has to go as does his salary.
Brave New World
March 13th, 2012
11:28 am
Chipper is a sure HOF’er but his playing days are coming to an end. He’s had a very good run, so no saddness here. I hope Chipper goes out on a positive note and not as a whimper of his former self.
Braves fan in maine
March 13th, 2012
11:29 am
Fredi G…. on probabtion by the front office and jim fregosi is a possible replacement…. this means they lost faith in fredi and I hope he goes and chipper goes….. 14 million can get us two maybe 3 more players….. bye chipper
htownbravesfan
March 13th, 2012
11:30 am
One thing I forgot. If Chipper did call a press conference today and announced his retirement, what makes any of you think the Braves and their skinflint ownership would run out and spend that $14M? You can bank on the fact Prado would be moved to third and we’d pick up $3M a year left fielder to fill the void until the next “phenom” is ready. I love this team more than anyone, but my gut tells me they will have immense struggles on offense, and with every game close, look for another bullpen that will be worn out in August.
Train Wreck Bystander
March 13th, 2012
11:31 am
Chipper is trolling you guys. We’ve been here before; I remember at least once during Bobby Cox’s last year that he made damned near identical comments.
He’s just lowering your expectations… that way, when he does shake the rust off you will be pleasantly surprised.
htownbravesfan
March 13th, 2012
11:33 am
Tremaine, what on earth makes you think Constanza is an everyday left fielder? I guarantee you if you look at the starting left fielders for the other teams in baseball, he would be your last or next to last choice. He’s a hustler and a spark, but we’ve got one of those in CF. This isn’t the 80s Cardinals. In today’s game, you’ve got to be able to hit the ball out of the park to win consistently.
2011champs
March 13th, 2012
11:35 am
I said it many times last season, and already a few times this spring…. Chipper is a washed up has been, and he should have hung it up last year, and now it is even more evident that he is there for a paycheck, and not for the benefit of the team. He needs to retire, before his body retires him. The Braves are already a very fragile team, with ?’s in many areas, and they do not need Chipper and his big fat overpriced salary hanging over them also. Bye Chipper, do not let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.
BLK09GT
March 13th, 2012
11:37 am
If Chip’s body allows him, who would complain about .280, 20 HR, 100+ game season out of a 40 year old 3B? Let’s keep in mind that this is the MLB, not the NFL. I believe this very point has been brought up by various writers with AJC. The NFL is front heavy out of the draft. The MLB is not. 1990 signing: $275,000. Chip made $109,000 in 1993. His amazing 1999 season, $4,175,000.1st round pick of NFL 1993 was Drew Bledsoe. 6 year 14.4 million or 2.4 per year. My point being, those complaining about his later years being to much of a burden – see his early years when he was making much less than you would expect from a MVP that hit 45 HR.
Glord1
March 13th, 2012
11:40 am
I think some people are having revisionist history about Chipper Jones. I am pretty critical of Chipper but let’s be real – the guy has been a stud for a long time. I find him arrogant and have never liked his ” I will play my way into shape at Spring Training” mentality. I also think he could have put himself on the field more when he was less than perfect. All that being said for almost twenty years he has been the guy I most wanted to see come up with the game on the line. He is one of the two best switch hitters since Mantle (Eddie Murray) and will be a HOFer within a few years of eligibility.
P Rose
March 13th, 2012
11:43 am
Jake at 10:50 – you are exactly right.
splendid splinter
March 13th, 2012
11:44 am
I know I’m joing the conversation late, but someone asked “Who saw this coming?”
On March 5 in the Schultz comments, I suggested that it was time for Chipper him to retire and “Rick” torched me with “You’re making stupid assumptions. I’d say still contributing at 40 years old and leading the team in SLG is setting a pretty good example. You guys just want Chipper to leave because you don’t like his attitude or something. Unless you have someone in mind who will contribute more though, you’re just spouting off dumb personal feelings.” And – “You guys have no evidence to support any of this except your own baseless conjectures.”
Well Rick, where are you now? I, too, love Chipper for everything he has done for the Braves over the years but IT IS TIME TO GO.
enough already
March 13th, 2012
11:50 am
Ever wonder why athletes think they are God’s gift to humanity? Some of these comments are ridiculous (I love Chipper), (He’s my hero), (I’m sooooo sad), (My heart breaks). Really? He’s probably reading this and thinking, “Wow, I’m greater and more loved than I thought I was”.
John H
March 13th, 2012
11:53 am
As has been said before, we knew this day was coming. I thought he was ready to retire in mid-2010. Frankly, I wish he had. It’s been hell watching him. Yes, he has provided some great moments in the past couple of years, and yes, the other guys look up to him, but Martin Prado, the announced heir to third base, isn’t going to become a Chipper-like third baseman by playing left field.
splendid splinter
March 13th, 2012
11:53 am
Chipper’s knees will no longer allow him to turn on the fast balls to hit the home runs the Braves need. In Joe Dimaggio’s last year he knew he could no longer turn on the inside fast balls. He was not quick enough anymore. He also knew that everyone in the league would know it soon, and he would get nothing but inside fast balls. Joe Dimaggio retired rather hit .230 and be a shadow of his former self. That’s class.
Waffle House or Bust
March 13th, 2012
11:55 am
All of you wishing Chipper would stay are living in the past (just like Chipper and the Braves). He should have retired after last season. Kill off the 90’s finally in Atlanta. Braves needed to let it go for a long time now.
Braves Fan Since 1966
March 13th, 2012
11:56 am
Chipper – Say it aint so! Please tell us that we don’t have to deal with a whining # 10 at the same time we watch our team continue losing., losing, losing.