Chipper to have knee surgery Monday
DUNEDIN, Fla. – Chipper Jones will have arthroscopic knee surgery Monday for torn meniscus, which the Braves third baseman injured Thursday only an hour before a previously planned news conference to announce he’d retire after the 2012 season.
It will be the sixth knee surgery for the future Hall of Famer, who turns 40 next month.
“It’s almost unimaginable, really,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said of the timing of the injury, just prior to the retirement news conference. “It’s a strange coincidence….
“He feels like he can be ready for the [April 13] home opener. We’ll see how it goes after he has surgery.”
The injury is to his left knee and similar to an injury to his right knee last summer, which required arthroscopic surgery and sidelined him 2-1/2 weeks, forcing Jones to miss the All-Star game.
He will start the season on the 15-day disabled list but hopes to return for the home opener against Milwaukee. (Part of a DL stint can be retroactive to spring training.) The Braves begin the season April 5 at New York and play road series against the Mets and Houston Astros before their first home game.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Jones injured his left knee when he slipped while running during pregame stretching Thursday morning, just before his news conference.
He told Gonzalez at that time that he had tweaked his knee, but wasn’t sure how badly. When it still ached Friday, Jones had an MRI that showed the tear, confirmed by Dr. Marvin Royster when he examined Jones on Saturday morning.
Wren said Jones has needed about 16-18 days to recover from two similar arthroscopic knee surgeries.
Gonzalez said Martin Prado would move from left field to play third base while Jones is out. If the Braves don’t acquire another outfielder via trade or free-agent signing, Gonzalez said they could go with a combination of Eric Hinske and Matt Diaz in left field, and also mentioned roster candidates Jordan Parraz, Jose Constanza and Luis Durango.
Even before Jones’ injury, Wren said the Braves had been looking to acquire a player to help in left field when Prado moves to third base to cover for injury-plagued veteran. He said they would continue to search but didn’t indicate any greater sense of urgency due to relatively brief period Jones could miss.
Jones’ surgery will be performed Monday in Atlanta by Royster, who did previous surgeries on the third baseman’s knees including both ACL reconstructions and last summer’s surgery for torn meniscus.
Monday’s surgery will be similar to what Jones had on the other knee in July. He was back in the lineup 2-1/2 weeks after that, then injured his right quadriceps in his first game back and was limited to pinch-hitting for another week.
Gonzalez pointed out Saturday that he was in midseason form when he returned from that surgery.
“Talking to Chipper yesterday, he feels like he can make it back for the home opener, because last time he did it it was 17 days,” Gonzalez said. “But again, he was in midseason form then. Now he hasn’t gotten himself into good shape. So if it’s not 17 [days] maybe it’ll be 25, or a month. Just common sense. Just to make sure he’s ready.”
Jones played in only 10 spring-training games and was 5-for-25 with one double, one RBI and three walks.
He had ACL surgery on his left knee during spring training of his would-be rookie year in 1994, which forced him to sit out the entire season. He had the second season-ending ACL surgery in August 2010.
Jones said two weeks ago that the left knee felt strong while the right knee ached every day from “bone-on-bone” contact resulting from the loss of cartilage (meniscus) that had been worn away.
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273 comments Add your comment
theriddler
March 24th, 2012
11:28 am
Yikes
timboy6
March 24th, 2012
11:32 am
He’s just getting old and he knows it. Hurry back Chipper, and give us all one more good season!
iTiSi
March 24th, 2012
11:33 am
Ho-Hum, SSDD (same story, different day) Just like the Braves in general.
dean
March 24th, 2012
11:34 am
This news truly sucks.
labalt
March 24th, 2012
11:35 am
useless infot here.. do you realize chipper has not hit a grand slam since 2001?.. over 100 bases loaded at bats since his last one
clint
March 24th, 2012
11:36 am
I love Chipper but I do wish he would just retire now so the team can try to acquire a bat. Also, don’cha’ just cringe when you think about that bone-on-bone action over the course of another season?
Twin
March 24th, 2012
11:37 am
He’s done
mike
March 24th, 2012
11:37 am
Why is his knee surgery even news anymore? Big deal.
dap01
March 24th, 2012
11:38 am
labalt: Thanks for that wonderful and useful information. It was a useful as an ESPN Tiger Woods update.
phoenix
March 24th, 2012
11:38 am
Well, the future has arrived, and the Braves aren’t ready. For years, Chipper has been breaking down like an old Buick, part by part, and the only back-up plan is for Prado to play 3rd, leaving 250-lb. Hinske and Matt “No Power, No Glove” Diaz in left field. Get ready for a long season, and a lot of empty seats folks. Welcome back to 1988 Braves baseball.
JesusHChristo
March 24th, 2012
11:39 am
BRING ON THE TERD!
Travis Cole Pfister
March 24th, 2012
11:39 am
Not fair to Prado, no way is it fair to Prado. He is a team player beyond expectation.
archie
March 24th, 2012
11:40 am
Look at the bright side. Chipper gets to cash $15 million in checks this year, while being an absolutely awesome dugout coach. Should be lots of cap-tipping this year.
dap01
March 24th, 2012
11:42 am
I am glad Frank Wren was thinking ahead when he signed OF help during the offseason. Oops, I forgot, he signed no one.
Ibalt: That information was about as useful as a “green job” by Obama.
Rob from SC
March 24th, 2012
11:44 am
Time to fire Wren and Gonzalez
curt
March 24th, 2012
11:46 am
and this is exactly why the Braves are projected to finish low in the division and why many fans have been pessimistic and down on the poor effort in free agency. There are just too many “if’s” on this team. Chipper’s health is just one of those if’s. you have Hudson’s health, JJ’s health, Hansen’s heath and mechanic change, Heyward mechanic change, Freeman and the typical sophmore slump, young pitchers, Prado return to form, Pasternicky.
Yes, other teams have “it’s” but this year the Braves seem to have more than their share.
I’m sorry Chipper is hurt and I hope that he makes it a full season, for his sake.
I also hope that the Braves dont get bit much more by the “if’s” or this is going to be a long season
Scottbravesfan
March 24th, 2012
11:49 am
You guys are idiots
Jack Dennis
March 24th, 2012
11:49 am
Big Chipper fan. But time to put it to bed.
benchwarmer
March 24th, 2012
11:56 am
Way to many ifs. The Braves will have to function almost perfectly to repeat last years record. September( thought exceptional) gave a taste of what could be a roller coaster season. Chipper, I love ya but I think it’s over dude. Can’t even warm up with out injury.
Lost Cause
March 24th, 2012
11:57 am
Stuff happens, See you in late April Mr. jones. In the meantime Prado at 3rd! Diaz and Hinske in left? Play ball!
Cali Brave fan
March 24th, 2012
11:58 am
WE dont need a third baseman when chipper retires we allready have one starting at second. Move uggla to third and put prado at second . then trade jurjens for a left fielder.
rollo lawson
March 24th, 2012
11:59 am
Funny how Atlanta sports fans want to get rid of John Abraham because of a groin injury. However, they won’t the walking 15 day disabled list Chipper Jones to play forever. I swear some players in this town constantly get a pass, while others catch pure hell.
Tim
March 24th, 2012
12:02 pm
thanks again all you sad sacks for reminding me never to read comments on DOB’s blog….Now back to living life, why don’t ya’ll try it?
bvillebaron
March 24th, 2012
12:02 pm
Curt:
Other teams in the division have as many if not more issues than the Braves.
Already
March 24th, 2012
12:04 pm
Bring on the Turd
chem
March 24th, 2012
12:07 pm
How the heck do you tear a meniscus during stretching?
Eric B
March 24th, 2012
12:08 pm
It just baffles me that the front office continues not to prepare for all these”ifs”, this is exactly why we shouldn’t have been exploring trading Prado this offseason because everyone knew this was going to happen, and it’s just the beginning imo. When Chipper announces his retirement before he can even get out of spring training the chances he can be a dependable starter all year are probably slim. This is also why it was imperative to add another outfielder like Seth Smith, Ross, etc. but we stood pat there too. Our standing pat and hoping for the best is like driving a car with a radiator leak, an oil leak and transmission problems and saying well we’ve got a really great mechanic thats looked it over and it’s been a great car for years so we should be fine to drive cross country, we’re just gonna trust nothing goes wrong instead of spending any money.
Keith Helms
March 24th, 2012
12:08 pm
Sorry fans!! you can move the Braves to last place and get ready to have 3 or 4 #1 draft picks. We have one outfielder (Borne), A second baseman playing left field who will likely replace Jones, no short stop, a good player at second, first, and catcher. The starters are questionable at best with Hudson being the only one who will win 10 games if they play the way they practice.
Steve
March 24th, 2012
12:10 pm
Dear idiots – the Braves are not projected to finish low in the division. You’re watching too many morons talk and blog. This team doesn’t have a lot of major holes. SS is one. Chipper is a question mark. The rest of the team? If they perform to anywhere near their expected levels, ATL will certainly compete for the top spot in the division. We were on pace to win 100 games all the way in August. The fact is we got hit with KEY injuries, and we collapsed. Now, we’re healthier, and we have a lot of baggage/loose ends gone. That’s why we should have no problem competing.
About firing Wren/Gonzalez … Wren has been a pretty decent GM so far. He doesn’t jump the gun and make ridiculous trades .. giving away our future. That’s good. He didn’t get an OF’er this year because nobody good was available that we could realistically trade for at the time. Most likely, we WILL get a LF’er sometime this season .. probably around the break .. but right now we don’t really need one assuming Chipper can do what he did last year and play 125 games or so .. which isn’t crazy. He did it in 2011.
not again
March 24th, 2012
12:11 pm
Now we know the why of the timing of retirement announcement.
Has the season of injuries begun for Chipper already?
Put Terdo on roster from beginning of season.
art
March 24th, 2012
12:14 pm
Chipper thanks for 23 years and I think it is time you hung the spikes up. If you dont I am worried in 10 or 20 years you will be like Bobby Cox with artificial knees. Thanks again Chipper and I think it is time to say Good Bye.
Cooper
March 24th, 2012
12:14 pm
Here we go again. Always an excuse for not playing 162 games. Chipper should have graciously retired 5 years ago and become a coach . Maybe he would have gotten the nod over Gonzalez who is showing a lot of indecision as to how to make the braves champions. Gonzalez gets one more year to show everybody he knows how to manage but as we all know the main problem is an ownership group that is using the Braves ONLY as a tax write off.
Getting back to Chipper who has been the anchor for the brave over the years. When players start getting surgery nearly every year for something, if they don’t quit then they need to be released. It is unfair to the fans to make them chose whether to support the guy or to criticize him for not leaving” FOR THE GOOD OF THE GAME”. Chipper has had okay years lately but when a ball team is paying someone 10 to 20 million a year . A YEAR . More than most of us will make in 10 life times , that player needs to play at least 150 games if not every game of every season. Knock Chippers salary down to 3 to 5 million and use him as a DH in the American league and I don’t have any problems with him. But it is obvious that he loves the game and what he should have done 5 years ago was start making the transition from player to coach.
can the baseball gods give this guy his last season injury-free
March 24th, 2012
12:14 pm
Slipped during a pregame stretch? It can’t get much crazier for this guy the last 10 years.
FEATURED NEWS ARTICLE: Chipper to have knee surgery Monday | Atlanta Braves Dugout Online | Atlanta Braves Blog
March 24th, 2012
12:16 pm
[...] rest of the article can be found here: Atlanta Braves This entry was posted in Atlanta Braves News by Dugout Online Editor. Bookmark the [...]
Jack Flash
March 24th, 2012
12:16 pm
He11 no to Diaz and Hinske in LF…keep Parraz and Durango..
Bring on Joey..
I love you Chipper but why you keep hanging on?
can the baseball gods give this guy his last season injury-free
March 24th, 2012
12:16 pm
I hurt just looking at chipper
Real Old School
March 24th, 2012
12:16 pm
You could argue Chipper is being selfish by staying another year and I would agree. I believe in loyalty but what is there left for him to accomplish? He mentioned not quitting on his teammates but wouldn’t the most loyal thing to do is step aside and let a younger talent be developed? You had a great run Chipper, but all good things come to an end and your time has come.
Spring of George!
March 24th, 2012
12:17 pm
Bring on Terdo!
Disgusted
March 24th, 2012
12:18 pm
I just want to wish Chipper the best and hope that in time he can contribute toward the 2012 season.
If he plays 90 to 100 games and hit 12 to 14 HRS and drive in 50-60 with the good OBP and slugging percentage, that is about what we can expect.
Enough of the salary bashing, at the time Chipper signed the extension in mid 2009 he was still going strong and almost everybody was giddy over it.
There are other things to bash about this team. Larry Wayne Jones is not one of them.
Yes, there are alot if, ands and buts about the 2012 Braves and the sub .500 projections are reasonable.
Its not Chipper’s fault they are run by corporate ownerrship.
BravesfaninNashville
March 24th, 2012
12:18 pm
The hardest part about this for me is that Chipper has always said he wouldn’t “hamstring” this team with his contract. That’s exactly how it’s playing out though. He should have retired at the end of last season. Think of what Wren could have done with the extra 15 Million that came off the books… Who knows..? David Wright could be a Brave right now. We could have traded combinations of players to maximize what we have instead of having Martin Prado not at full value at either position he plays for Atlanta. He doesn’t have the range or power to be a full time LF and he doesn’t hit for enough power to justify a corner infield spot. His highest value to a team is at 2B and we have Dan Uggla. We could have and should have traded him this offseason but we didn’t because we knew we’d need a backup at 3B. So in effect Chipper has held the team up at 2 positions. We don’t have the LF we could have because we kept Martin to play 3B when Chipper is out which I fear this year could be a lot. There should have been a better way to keep Chipper around this year for his curtain call without having that contract be such a burden..
wishing
March 24th, 2012
12:21 pm
Steve what poll you been reading? The three Fox Sports, ESPN, SI report Braves will end up 3 or 4 in NL East.
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
12:22 pm
Hello Disgusted Long time no see
Moylan Prado
March 24th, 2012
12:23 pm
Isn’t Luis Durango hitting like .500 this spring? No mention of him?
wishing
March 24th, 2012
12:26 pm
Samantha what you doing up after a hard nights work.
Disgusted
March 24th, 2012
12:27 pm
Steve–The reason why the Braves did not get another OF this off season is because Liberty Media did not want to pay the going rate for a veteran FA OF like a Cuddyer or Willingham.
They did not get a shortstop because they did not want to pay the going 2012 rate for a veteran middle infielder. There were guys out there, not great players but servicable vet MLB guys.
So they chose to go with what they have, I think that Heyward comes back some and of course you have Bourn.
Now, if the season turns south, you are probably looking to move Bourn for peanuts at the deadline and that would be too bad.
The Braves are going to depend on kid pitchers more than they think and it might be around mid decade if they are contenders again and that goes with a number of ifs.
I am not counting on them keeping Mc Cann after next yr, that Betancourt kid better be good.
Wren can only work with what Liberty and Mc Guirk give him. The Braves ownership want to set a payroll like its 1999. It was a great payroll then, but this is 2012.
So we shall live on memories.
Disgusted
March 24th, 2012
12:28 pm
Hi Samantha, I just had to come on and defend my favorite Brave.
Greg
March 24th, 2012
12:31 pm
With Prado coming to the infield, I sure wouldn’t mind seeing if Constanza can take his place and perform with some consistency, both offensively and defensively. One thing is for sure: his speed is a real pleasure to watch. It changes the whole game.
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
12:32 pm
Wiwshing not working right now Been in hospital, home now ,but bedridden
Bravesfan54
March 24th, 2012
12:33 pm
If these bloggers could vote players off the team following x-number of injuries, o-fers, slumps, or contracts they didn’t like, we’d never be able to suit up a nine. Chipper is a member of this team, which has a contractual obligation to a man who never played for the top dollar before in his career. Why can’t these bloggers give it up. Let’s face it, every member of this team, position-by-position (exception: McCann), can be bested by another player from a different team. So what if CJ is overpriced and will be injured for many games this season, it happens, get over it.
NoWSThisYear
March 24th, 2012
12:33 pm
He should have retired a few years back, but with another 14 million getting flushed down the drain, well………. Got to steal it while you can.
phil
March 24th, 2012
12:34 pm
Sigh.
He can’t stay healthy. It’s not a surprise but it stinks. I wish he would just go on out now as he can’t hold up, much as it pains me to say it.
Simpson's Homer
March 24th, 2012
12:35 pm
Well, this isn’t a good way to start the season. But, maybe taking care of this injury now will enable Chipper to play well for the remainder of the year. If Prado, Uggla and Heyward hit like they are capable, we’ll be fine even with Chipper only playing 120 games or so.
Hi Samantha — I hope you’re feeling OK..!
Raul
March 24th, 2012
12:36 pm
I love our Braves, I moved to Atlanta in 1993 from California. Chipper had just taken the scene. It was exciting! I have loved our Atlanta Braves since day 1, I want to thank you Chipper for giving us 23 yrs of your life. I pray you can finish this season healthy and go out with your head held high. I know you will be an awesome coach. What a career, what a life huh! Playing ball for a living… I loved playing Little League when I was a boy, I would have loved to have done it as a career. Thanks again, Chipper. God Bless Bro…
Raul Rodriguez
liberalefty
March 24th, 2012
12:38 pm
wow CHIPPERS hurt again, whoda thunk it
liberalefty
March 24th, 2012
12:40 pm
CHIPPERS another washed up millionaire nothing more…
wishing
March 24th, 2012
12:40 pm
Samantha, get well soon so you can make opening day at Ted. Will keep you in my prayers.
Chipper has earned his money for 18 years. Get over it– he has already said this is his last year.
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
12:40 pm
Hi Simpson, I could be better if they would let me out of thiws bed.
Hooters!
March 24th, 2012
12:41 pm
Why doesn’t the redneck just quit? In more important news, the Braves won’t even be good enough to suffer a historic choking collapse this year. They’ll be10 games out by June, so that their “fans”won’t clutter the stadium when a real team comes to town to give them a lesson in how to play baseball.
bigslow
March 24th, 2012
12:44 pm
Chipper is makeing 17 or 18 mill this year thats why he’s staying.
Simpson's Homer
March 24th, 2012
12:45 pm
Patience, my friend……!
Real Deal
March 24th, 2012
12:45 pm
Larry=Dead Weight
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
12:45 pm
Wishing wont be able to make opening nite, Hopefully back working. But guarantee wioll be there Sunday for day game.
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
12:47 pm
If you are talking to me Simpson, My patience is gone. Cant make any money in bed.
Sweet Old Buck
March 24th, 2012
12:47 pm
Here we, again! Is it any wonder that the Braves are picked to finish fourth?
wishing
March 24th, 2012
12:49 pm
just get well..thats whats important.
liberalefty
March 24th, 2012
12:50 pm
CHIPPERS just another washed up player who should have been traded when he had value
art
March 24th, 2012
12:51 pm
I hope the Braves ae not going to platoon Diaz and Hinske. Diaz cant hit the ball out of the infield and Hinske would be OK for a few weeks. Why not platoon Parraz as left fielder and on certain pitchers let Hinkse play. When Chipper comes back why not him at 1st move Uggla to 3rd Prado at 2nd and Freeman at 1st.
Brian
March 24th, 2012
12:54 pm
And here we go again, once one bad thing happens everybody hops off the bandwagon. Even going on 40, there are not many 3B in baseball that I would take over Chipper. 110-120 games from Chipper are better than 140-150 games from some mediocre 3B. The aura around him alone is a game-changer, and simply having him around will help the other members of the team to perform well. While it is unfortunate for his last season to begin on the DL, I’m confident Chipper can come back in late April/ Early May and provide one last season to show everyone that he really is one of the all-time greats.
Simpson' Homer
March 24th, 2012
12:54 pm
Yes, Samantha, that was for you….. hang in there! …Wow – it’s amazing how much hostility is aimed at Chipper. Even with the injuries, it’s not like every other NL team has a spectacular 3rd baseman. …….GO BRAVES!!!
Bill
March 24th, 2012
12:55 pm
platoon Diaz and Hinske is a joke. If we have to depend on them two we in deep trouble.
GwinnettDad
March 24th, 2012
12:55 pm
Chipper is brittle. I guess earlier that 100 games from him this year might be out of reach. And even if he does play, I doubt he’ll hit .260 and most hits will be singles.
Ricky Grooms
March 24th, 2012
12:57 pm
At least we wont have to listen to “Crazy Train” till he gets back!!!
bronkelliott
March 24th, 2012
12:59 pm
Sorry to say it but He may not make it to the end of the year. It could be time (now) to take it serious enough to find a replacement in house or around the league. The longer they wait the chances become harder to find a good replacement.
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
12:59 pm
Simpson, I dont know when back to work but maybe doctor will give me minimal movement Monday. By the way, Da going after 10 yrs for attempted murder.
Waffle House or Bust
March 24th, 2012
1:01 pm
Think of all the greats that have played this game. They all had to walk away at some point and life goes on. Stop feeling sorry for this guy. He got paid millions and will be in the HOF. Should have retired after 2011 season.
Francona in 2013.
Chipper batting coach? I like it.
John A.
March 24th, 2012
1:02 pm
It’s hell to get old…..everyone of us suffers from WOP disease (Worn Out Parts) once we reach a certain age. I predict that Chipper will be on the DL several times this year, but he has paid his dues, and deserves the ride. Have a GREAT RIDE CHIPPER
beekay
March 24th, 2012
1:05 pm
Joey Terds nickname is the Deuce
Roscoe P. Coltrain
March 24th, 2012
1:08 pm
What magic wand does Cox and Jones wave over you hapless Braves fans? All they have accomplished for the past 20 Years is to help turn the team from plain losers to dramatic losers. Now Cox STILL hovers around and Jones talks of coaching? This only promises more of the same. Year in and year out. It’s just perplexing…
Guest
March 24th, 2012
1:13 pm
Not only his baseball career, but his deer hunting “extra job”, are going to put a real strain on his health. However, if he wants to try to do both, or either, I stand behind him. He has given the Braves too much to be cast aside by them for any reason.
Who Me?
March 24th, 2012
1:18 pm
Give the guy a break for cryin’ out loud. How many other teams have a first ballot HOF’er on their bench? A hurt Larry is worth its weight in gold, think about what he’s doing on the bench – you think he’s just sitting around eatin’ seeds??? Numbskulls, the guys coaching up the punks on the other end of the bench.
He’ll get 100 AB’s this year, my guess is he’ll hit around .302 and hit a handful of homers. But you can’t write him off for nicking up his knee in warmups. he should’ve had the surgery over the winter but whatever, we need his expertise folks. This team will do well to finish in fourth place. Too bad he has to go out on this squad with no coaching and little punch.
Willydoit?
March 24th, 2012
1:19 pm
There’s no “I” in TEAM…time for Chipper to put the team first and move aside for a younger and stronger player.
MikeY
March 24th, 2012
1:19 pm
I had April 1 in the pool…who had March 22?
STH
March 24th, 2012
1:21 pm
Steve- you are, unequivocally, the biggest idiot of all. For the LAST time, no one gives a damn about a projection. The season didn’t end in Aug. Stop pretending Sept wasn’t part of the season, IDIOT. No holes? It’s full of holes. WAKE UP. IF and HOPE aren’t in the lineup.
Liberty Media can go straight to hades!
March 24th, 2012
1:32 pm
Scott,
You say that this team is healthier this year than the last 2 years and you have the audacity to call us idiots?
The Braves have had two glaring problems the last 2 seasons. The first being Liberty Media. How can the Braves compete when the Phillies spend nearly twice the cash we do? The second problem is Chipper Jones. The last 2 seasons Chipper has been habitually hurt. Poor Martin keeps getting shuffled between two spots that arent his normal position. We keep bringing up A, and AA minor players to fill gaps in our injury ridden lineup.
Hopefully Atlanta will get two presents this Christmas. Liberty selling us to an owner that cares, and Chipper Jones becoming our batting coach.
Liberty Media can go straight to hades!
March 24th, 2012
1:39 pm
Brian,
“Even going on 40, there are not many 3B in baseball that I would take over Chipper.”
We have a third baseman playing at second. We have a second baseman playing left field. If you follow that logic we will acquire a left handed reliever to play second and platoon with Pastornicky.
poboy
March 24th, 2012
1:44 pm
I just had arthroscopic knee surgery, I was out all of 3 days! Po Chipster hope all b ok.
Braves Fan Since 1966
March 24th, 2012
1:44 pm
I’m genuinely sorry for Chipper Jones to be starting the season on the DL, but at the big picture level this was predictable. Chipper’s an aging super star and this kind of stuff happens. The Braves management team seems to be willing to stick their heads in the sand and hope and wish that Chipper, Hanson, Jurrgens, Heyward and others are going to magically “snap out of it” and be the stars that they might be “if only” they could overcome age and a variety of other issues. We need a left fielder who can hit…and we have needed that player for a long time now.
Paddy
March 24th, 2012
1:47 pm
chem………you must have never hurt your knee? Of course you can hurt your knee, quad, hammy,ankle etc while running. What an absolutely dumb question!!!!
DC3
March 24th, 2012
1:47 pm
JD Drew anyone?
Jay
March 24th, 2012
1:51 pm
Chipper having another knee surgery…”we usually just call that Thursday”.
Chall
March 24th, 2012
1:54 pm
Get Johnny Damon now.
ozzie
March 24th, 2012
1:59 pm
Scoping is not a big deal but the lack of depth is. Diaz/Hinske in the OF was the plan all along for when Chipper needed a break.
Not a very good plan.
The OF looks to be pretty terrible again in 2012 if Prado is parked at 3B. Bourne may be the only bright spot if Heyward continues to struggle.
83 win team if nothing else goes wrong.
90 or 100 wins is beyond folly.
Terds is a WIP who could end up in the OF or 3B. They will see what he can do in the minors at 3B but it should be noted most stats sites & analysts see Terds as a marginal player who can sometimes hit. Nothing amazing defensively and not viewed as a top prospect.
They are also not very high on Pastornicky. Only Simmons gets a little bit of accolades from the analyst corps.
I think Bethancourt will be the big player to come out of the minors and just in time for when Mac tests FA.
doc
March 24th, 2012
2:01 pm
the braves and chipper are both done. he has waited a year too late to push the ejection button. it was amazing what he accomplished last year; he is saluted for it. they have deluded themselves to think he can contribute to the level it takes to truly lead a team on the field. let him retire now and get the currency back in insurance if available and start building for the future if there is one. this is a tired team relying on too few players and a now suspect farm system.
chuck
March 24th, 2012
2:02 pm
The Braves need to hope Chipper lasts until the trading deadline. At that point, we could trade for a big time outfielder or third baseman and use the little space we have available in salaries to pay for the salary for the last month or so of the season. The new big time player could then be resigned for 2013 and beyond using part of Chippers’ high salary.
Steve
March 24th, 2012
2:03 pm
Great off-season plan Fumbling Frank Wren!
P. Bull Terrier
March 24th, 2012
2:04 pm
Maybe it’s time for Chipper to see a different doctor. I wouldn’t keep taking my car back to the same mechanic if the same thing kept breaking down after he “fixed” it.
Little Richardd
March 24th, 2012
2:09 pm
I most certainly appreciate what Chipper has done for the ATL Braves over the years. For that we should all say “Thank you for the memories”! I just hope the memory of a injury filled 2012 and the monies we could use for a big bat doesn’t tarnish the thoughts of a great career.
Steve
March 24th, 2012
2:13 pm
Maybe now Fumbling Frank will make all concessions free! That would really help the team!
TP
March 24th, 2012
2:14 pm
I’m predicting Chipper will not play a single game this year, it’s a wrap. Pretty sad to see when these guys can’t let IT go. Note to Payton: let IT go or risk spending the rest of your life in a wheelchair.
Disgusted
March 24th, 2012
2:23 pm
“JD Drew anyone?”
I doubt that he would play for a million or two per yr. He got used to the big $$$$$ in his last 2 contracts with the LAD and Boston.
Would not be a bad thought, but it would have been done in February at the latest.
As for Johnny Damon, he is DH material now. He is another guy who needs a reality check as far as what he thinks he is worth. He can still hit, not sure about him in the field.
Legend of Len Barker
March 24th, 2012
2:24 pm
Fredi’s not being completely honest about how long Chipper was out last year. He did come back in 17 days, but he immediately re-aggravated the knee in his first game back and didn’t return to the starting lineup for two more weeks. Plus, he missed nearly nearly weeks before that because of the bum knee.
Gonzalez, Wrens, and especially Jones need to face facts. Chipper can’t even make it through spring training without injuring his *other* knee. And the knee was far from his only problem last year. Thanks to Chipper’s giddiness with the media, we know about every ache and pain he had.
abby normal
March 24th, 2012
2:37 pm
This is just the begining. When (if) Jones comes back he may play eight or ten games before something else goes wrong. He should do himself and the Braves a favor and retire now. It’s just sad to see a once great player hang on too long. Remember Willie Mays at the end?
Steve
March 24th, 2012
2:37 pm
Hinske and Diaz are not the answer for six weeks.
nashvillewill
March 24th, 2012
2:39 pm
Prado’s a 2B playing LF and now shifting to 3B. Since he is not going to play 2B leaving him in LF is best option. Acquire a 3B top prospect or play Turdy there is best option. Braves do not look like a contender this year so go with prospects. Also, Chipper deserves respect and admiration and it is time for him to retire. He just cannot stay healthy any more. And his $$ could be used to shore up LF, 3B, or SS where Braves are weak.
RoyU
March 24th, 2012
2:39 pm
Write off 2012 for the Braves. They will just play “Chipper” ball for another year with him ‘in & out” of the lineup!!!! I’ve always said that I hate to see a great ballplayer go out in less than a blaze of glory. I have changed my mind in Chipper’s case. If he were truly a “Brave”, HE WOULD RETIRE _RIGHT NOW!!!! This guy only thinks of himself!!!
The Bravenator
March 24th, 2012
2:43 pm
This season was already in the toilet for more reasons than an aging Chipper. This simply takes a very shaky situation and makes it a great deal worse. Left field just became a power void, three-way platoon of futility. If Uggla and Heyward treat us to next = last and a few other dings befall the Braves, then The Mets have a chance to avoid the East cellar. Optimism hardly rules the day, especially with FG managing this crew.
The Bravenator
March 24th, 2012
2:43 pm
This season was already in the toilet for more reasons than an aging Chipper. This simply takes a very shaky situation and makes it a great deal worse. Left field just became a power void, three-way platoon of futility. If Uggla and Heyward treat us to next = last and a few other dings befall the Braves, then The Mets have a chance to avoid the East cellar. Optimism hardly rules the day, especially with FG managing this crew.
Bravesfan54
March 24th, 2012
2:45 pm
I get the feeling that those who say pay the going rate (18-20m for 6-8 years) for Mac are the same folks who will say silly shid about sending him down if he’s hitting “a buck something” in mid-May, and will call him selfish for not retiring with 2 years left on his contract.
Steve
March 24th, 2012
2:46 pm
Oh wow! Chipper’s hurt? Surprise, surprise! PLEASE make your retirement effective today! PLEASE!
RoyU
March 24th, 2012
2:52 pm
What the rest of the Brave’s players really think is something we will never know because of their respect for “Chipper”. You can bet that it’s a downer on the whole team!!! On the other hand, Wren and the rest of management have the responsibility to put their emotions aside and do the right thing for the team and the fans. But they don’t have the guts to do it!!!!
Bravesfan54
March 24th, 2012
2:53 pm
Despite my negative comments about the “Chipper should retire” crowd, I did believe his last contract was foolish – one would think that the “last year” at 14m was probably understood tacitly by both sides as an “honorarium”. So we should let CJ enjoy that honorarium and fade gracefully from the field, knowing that neither he nor the team will let him embarrass himself. (Let me be clear: while he is clearly fading, he is nowhere near embarrassing himself or the team, and will not play until he’s ready. Retirement this year is not out of the question if he can’t get back to where he knows he needs to be. One suspects he isn’t anywhere near ball-playing condition yet.
P Rose
March 24th, 2012
2:57 pm
First Chipper said he will retire at the end of the season. Then he said he may not retire at the end of the season. Then he said he may not last the whole season. Then he said he will play the whole the season (he would never quit on his teammates). Then he said he will retire at the end of the season after all. Now they say Chipper will have surgery on his knee and miss at least the first week of the season.
Every day Chipper is in the news. It gets really, really old. Baseball is a team sport, but you wouldn’t know that to read the AJC sports page.
Next year the team will finally be able to move on. It’s time.
Amber
March 24th, 2012
3:06 pm
You can’t print what I really want to say.
Tampa Gator
March 24th, 2012
3:09 pm
Chipper…..thanks for being….along with Eddie Matthews…..a great Braves third baseman. But I think it is time to let a younger, healthier player man the position from now on. Maybe just announce that game one will be your last….and let the fans send you out the right way. Otherwise, I think it is going to be a long, frustrating seasson for you…..and us fans.
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
3:10 pm
Why not Lady friend Amber?
Mister Frisky
March 24th, 2012
3:18 pm
This team and organization is a joke.Like I’ve said for months the idea that 40 year old who maybe was going to play 100 games is your 3 hitter says it all.LAST PLACE.
Larry
March 24th, 2012
3:18 pm
Please, for crying out loud, just retire already!
Tampa Gator
March 24th, 2012
3:19 pm
Boy…..just be glad the Braves do not play in the AL. They might not win a game all year in that league based on how they have played them this spring. Also…without Hudson as the #1 man….the Braves starting rotation suddenly looks very, very weak. Again….why is Medlen in the bullpen???? He just gets people out. All these rookies only get people out for one or two innings….and then….blast off time.
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
3:21 pm
Hello Mr Frisky How are you my friend?
Mister Frisky
March 24th, 2012
3:21 pm
Meanwhile back at the ranch,Braves putting up some awesome offensive numbers again against Toronto.
Mister Frisky
March 24th, 2012
3:22 pm
Hi Samantha,Hope you are feeling better.Very sorry about what happened.
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
3:28 pm
I am feeling better Mr Frisky. Be better if out of this bed Maybe tomorrow, The DA is trying to give that jerk 10 yrs for attempted murder.
Paddy
March 24th, 2012
3:28 pm
big slow…..so tell me, you would not fullfil your last year on the contract that earned you 15 mil? What a Maroon!!
Ted M
March 24th, 2012
3:34 pm
Crap Delgado got hammered bad.
old man
March 24th, 2012
3:34 pm
Isn’t his contract insured against season-ending injury? Do the Braves get insurance money if Chipper cannot go at all this year? And use it to pay whoever they get in trade for LF?
Mister Frisky
March 24th, 2012
3:35 pm
Rest up Samantha,Hope they throw the book at the creep.Nap time,see you soon.
Rufio
March 24th, 2012
3:43 pm
Chipper was hurt one hour before the press conference to announce his retirement after this upcoming season………..I have to believe the Baseball Gods were laying down a very strong hint.
I love how cavalier The Frank and Freddi show are stating he wii be back by the home opener. How about saying …….we will have to see how extensive the damage is after we speak to Chippers surgeon. I am sorry a forty year old ballplayer whose offseason training consist of walking to/from a deer stand is not going spring back like 28 year old in his prime.
Chipper, I hope your surgery goes well Monday. If not, you may have to have the retirement party earlier than expected for Braves sake and more importantly your healthy sake. I swear Chipper is morphing into Bobby Cox. He is going to have that limping swagger for sure.
Felix
March 24th, 2012
3:47 pm
3B is a question mark, so is SS, LF, RF and starting pitching; the team can’t hit…but no we don’t have any holes!
gaknight
March 24th, 2012
3:53 pm
Not withstanding the atrocious last of language skills among these fine critics, this is, and always has be about “ka-ching”, the money. No matter what Chipper does this season, he collects $14 million. This is not about having $$ available to purchase players because there is NO salary cap in MLB. This is about Liberty Media and all who control the pocketbook. They could care less about putting a quality product on the field. It’s nothing more than greed!
Ted M
March 24th, 2012
3:54 pm
The Braves only got 3 hits today…off average pitchers.
bustersonly
March 24th, 2012
3:58 pm
No problem gang, we still have Hinskie and Constanza.
Ralph
March 24th, 2012
4:00 pm
I believe SI over rated this team, don’t think they will be able to beat out the Muts for last place’
Joey
March 24th, 2012
4:03 pm
“I am glad Frank Wren was thinking ahead when he signed OF help during the offseason. Oops, I forgot, he signed no one.”
***************************************
dap01, I read somewhere in the AJC that Chipper lobbied Wren to not make changes to the team during the off season.
So blame Chipper for 1) convincing Wren to not make changes, and 2) using up $14M, with 2 bad knees, obliques, hammys, etc, that could have been used to bring in a top-flight outfielder, or even two really good players.
Ralph
March 24th, 2012
4:04 pm
Heyward should not get an automatic spot on this roster, if he doesn’t pick it up he should start the season at Gwinette and Durango should be the right fielder.
Gray Mule
March 24th, 2012
4:04 pm
Want to know how the Braves regular season will be?
Take a close look at pre season and you can see.
Last place in the east, here we come.
renegade#1
March 24th, 2012
4:10 pm
chip while they got you on the operating table and sewing on your knee get them to put a stitch or two on your johnson we dont want any more parts falling off your old ass.Besides with as many kids as you have it seems like the only part that works.
Joey
March 24th, 2012
4:11 pm
The Braves lost almost $1M last season, gaknight. For our Fed Govt, that’s probably one minute of interest to China, but in the real world, it’s serious money.
If that’s peanut change for you, why don’t you help the Braves out with a few million, then Wren can go get some help. Hey, don’t be GREEDY!
Thanks in advance, nitwit.
Ralph
March 24th, 2012
4:11 pm
I have lost whatever respect I had for Chipper, he is taking this team down the tube.
Bravesbobblehead
March 24th, 2012
4:13 pm
Prado to third, get an proven left-fielder and Chipper off the bench as a DL and backup for Prado.
bobby c
March 24th, 2012
4:16 pm
I saw give Maggs a shot and sign him to a minor league deal and use him in LF and for OF depth. that is Maggs as in Maggilo Ordonez or Joey Gatheright, Jeremy Reed, Pedro Feliz, Reggie Willist also can be sign for cheap and could help.
Ralph
March 24th, 2012
4:18 pm
We absolutely must have Medlen in the rotation, Delgado and Teheran are not ready yet.
DetroitBraves
March 24th, 2012
4:20 pm
Magglio, as much as we appreciate him around here, hasn’t had a glove for years and now no longer has much bat either. Empty average is about all you can hope for from him in a corner outfield spot. The Braves would be better off just playing Hinske/Diaz. Plus Magglio has had about as many physical ailments as Chipper in his career.
panamajack
March 24th, 2012
4:21 pm
We are looking for a replacement left fielder but we should be looking for a right fielder.
G
March 24th, 2012
4:23 pm
And so the mediocrity begins… Of course Frank Wren doesn’t see any urgency. He is fen with an mediocre roster
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
4:23 pm
Are you the Ralph that is in Panama?
panamajack
March 24th, 2012
4:26 pm
We have two outfielders who have earned a spot on this team but they won’t make it, they couldn’t have done much more. We put up with J-Hey”s .200 average all last season and it looks like the same old same o this year. Wren and Fredi need to go.
Steve
March 24th, 2012
4:27 pm
Does anyone know why the Braves cquired Greg Paiml from the White Sox?
Steve
March 24th, 2012
4:28 pm
acquired
Ralph
March 24th, 2012
4:28 pm
Samantha
Thats me.
Scott
March 24th, 2012
4:28 pm
Why doesn’t he just go ahead and retire now. He’s old and had a lot of good years in Atlanta.
Give someone else a chance to play.
Ken Stallings
March 24th, 2012
4:29 pm
Can we all hope this will be the end of his knee issues so he can have a quality final season?
The baseball gods aren’t often kind to players in this situation. Unfortunately, it the norm to see great players go out in a way they would prefer to avoid.
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
4:30 pm
How are you Ralph buddy?
Ralph
March 24th, 2012
4:31 pm
Scott
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Ralph
March 24th, 2012
4:32 pm
Ken Stallings
He still has one more bad knee to go.
Chipper Jones to DL: What This Means as Atlanta Braves Open Season | :: Sparxxrx LLC ::
March 24th, 2012
4:36 pm
[...] fans just got some news that is not all that pleasing–Chipper Jones will have arthroscopic surgery on Monday and miss the start of the regular [...]
Ralph
March 24th, 2012
4:36 pm
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
4:30 pm
Hot as hell down here.
Tenaciousd
March 24th, 2012
4:42 pm
100 losses. We have to buy him out and start a new era…now. This season is gonna be ugly either way.
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
4:42 pm
Sorry to hear that. Maybe cool off soon. Have you heard what happened to me?
Tonto
March 24th, 2012
4:49 pm
When is Chipper going to quit stealing money? Retire this year and let’s move on.
Gimpah & McError
March 24th, 2012
5:02 pm
G I M P E R ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Gimper decided to retire after 2012 when the injury occurred. However, he’s trying to save face and act like that was the plan all along.. Typical Braves good housekeeping clubhouse edition.
Billy
March 24th, 2012
5:08 pm
The great Diaz misjudged a fly ball today that end up a triple..just what we need in LF…another no glove, no hit excuse for a ball player. Great job Wren.
Bob
March 24th, 2012
5:20 pm
And playing at third base number 10 Cipper Jones…
Michael G.
March 24th, 2012
5:25 pm
Since Chipper will be stealing those $14 dollars this year, do you think he’d be willing to work the next 8 years as batting coach for free? It really sucks that he is allowed to collect checks and not actually do anything to earn them.
Steve
March 24th, 2012
5:28 pm
Wren’s If plan isn’t looking too good about now. If no one gets hurt, ect.
Bill M.
March 24th, 2012
5:29 pm
I respect Chipper for what he has done. He knew that it was a possibilty that he wouldn’t play many games this season. He was in it for one last big pay check. This organization is going down quickly. A new owner please. Take down Squirt, Fruti and the Wren’s nest. Get a new bunch in there. It’s time to trade Bourn, McCann, Diaz and any other dead wood. I’m sick of this bunch. I have supported this team since moving to Atlanta. It’s time for a big change. Go baby Braves.
Mister Frisky
March 24th, 2012
5:29 pm
Time to package that stiff Heyward and a couple of these overated young arms for some proven professional lumber.Maybe there is a GM as lame as ours that sees some value there.
Steve
March 24th, 2012
5:31 pm
I doubt that there is a GM as lame as Fumbling Frank.
Steve
March 24th, 2012
5:33 pm
What do you think teams will demand in a trade now? The excuse for no offseason activity was that the cost was too high. It just got higher.
soaked in sarcasm
March 24th, 2012
5:34 pm
It’s a good thing they didn’t sign an outfielder this offseason. That was really, really smart.
But remember everybody, payroll is NOT going to be lower this year. Please, please believe that.
JAFO
March 24th, 2012
5:37 pm
Ken Stallings- fantastic post yesterday. Beautifully written and a superb summary. I’m not sure how many here got to see it but it’s worth seeing again.
MF- good to see you. You always bring the A game. Funny stuff.
VinceVanGo
March 24th, 2012
5:38 pm
Fredi G. may not be a good manager(Jury’s out), and Frank Wren may not be a great GM, but I feel like his hands are tied by Liberty Media. They don’t care what the Braves real team value is because they don’t intend to sell anytime soon. And with competent lawyers at their disposal Liberty can inflate the value of the Braves for tax purposes, which is the only reason they acquired and continue to keep the Braves. If MLB really cared about all of the franchises they would not permit Companies that are known to be buying a team for tax purposes only to purchase and stalemate a team. There should be protection from such Companies buying into MLB.
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
5:40 pm
Hi Jafo and welcome back Mr Frisky
JAFO
March 24th, 2012
5:40 pm
That’s not to supposed to funny but is given the sad state we are in.
Ted
March 24th, 2012
5:40 pm
Chipper is killing us with his salary versus his production. Great guy but stayed too long and has not earned his paycheck.
Felix
March 24th, 2012
5:41 pm
Thanks Dave for the daily injury report. Maybe you should just start hanging out at the hospital.
Mister Frisky
March 24th, 2012
5:43 pm
JAFO,Thanks for the props much respect to you amigo.Hi Samantha.
JAFO
March 24th, 2012
5:44 pm
Hi Samantha. Glad to hear you’re on the road to recovery.
Mister Frisky
March 24th, 2012
5:48 pm
Saddest fact of all.25% of payroll tied up in Lowe and Chipper.How many wins will that 24 million yield?
Samantha
March 24th, 2012
5:49 pm
Long way to go Jafo but shooting for May 1, back to work.
RoyU
March 24th, 2012
5:52 pm
According to Fredi, Chipper is not in shape for opening day even without this current need for surgery. After the surgery, rehab will be necessary and Chipper should have to also get into the shape that spring training should have done for him. What is going to be most important in the Braves opening home game. Chipper @ 3rd or fielding a team that “IS IN SHAPE”. Is 2012 going to be a 7 month memorial to Chipper or an honest effort of Chipper and management to give the fans and the rest of the team the support that is their responsibility?
alanfalcon
March 24th, 2012
6:36 pm
Nothing like starting the season with a slump, pitching, hitting and who knows what else, anyone seen Frank, if so ask him how he feels now.
Rozeman13
March 24th, 2012
6:51 pm
Braves are doing the same thing as the Falcons, Waiting till a few days before the season starts,then sign the cheap leftovers who get cut everywhere!
BIOMASS
March 24th, 2012
6:55 pm
Darn, Chipper is going to be getting knee replacements at 50! That is just awful.
BehindEnemyLines
March 24th, 2012
6:56 pm
In other shocking news, water is wet.
If Larry “Brittle” Jones sneezes one good time from the pollen it’ll probably be a season ending injury.
gaknight
March 24th, 2012
7:07 pm
Joey/Nitwit:
The Braves didn’t lose $$ last year. They made $20 M according the the NAABWA and NBS sports. It’s all about the tax write-offs anyway.
2013 - we want new material!
March 24th, 2012
7:10 pm
Next year is going to be the first year in a while where we don’t have large albatross of a contract around our neck where the player’s production isn’t anywhere close to being worth the dollars being paid (i.e. Jones, Lowe, Kawakami, McLouth). I wonder if the brass will continue with the same spin and lies to “explain” why they aren’t signing free agents or if they’ll come up with some new crap. I kind of get tired of the same old thing, so some new crap would be nice (even if it’s still crap).
Rozeman13
March 24th, 2012
7:16 pm
Hey 2013, u are right we will be in great shape next year. The team will never be worth more,so it will be time for Liberty to maximize their profit by selling the team
2013 - we want new material!
March 24th, 2012
7:22 pm
I would love that Rozeman. We can only hope.
Way too late
March 24th, 2012
7:29 pm
Chipper should have retired 5 years ago. He has been hobbling this team by keeping young talent from coming in and developing. At the very least, he should have retired when Cox did.
Oh well, Chip. See you at Hooters.
dave
March 24th, 2012
7:30 pm
This greedy old bag should have retired a couple of years ago. he stays hurt more than he plays. just collects a paycheck sitting on the bench
sports
March 24th, 2012
7:31 pm
why don’t the braves dump this dead weight knothead. It’s quite obvious he keeps hanging around for the money. What is this time, a hangnail? This knothead couldn’t make a highschool team.
Mister Frisky
March 24th, 2012
7:34 pm
Braves should bring back Conrad.That dude can pick it.
Art F. Dodger
March 24th, 2012
7:47 pm
Achy Breaky Jones!!!!!!!!!!!
Rozeman13
March 24th, 2012
7:47 pm
Hey sports they will dump Bourne first, No matter what, they will sell tickets late in the season. The reason peopel will show up to say Goodby to the Chipper.
Steve
March 24th, 2012
7:52 pm
The Frank and Fredi watch in on.
Steve
March 24th, 2012
7:52 pm
is
Bama Mike
March 24th, 2012
7:59 pm
Ever wonder whenever teams go shopping for General Managers Wren’s name never comes up on the short or long list. We were the only team interested in the fired Fredi. Boy that is a dose of reality
KK
March 24th, 2012
8:00 pm
Yeah, in much better shape phyiscally;JJ knee problem still,Chipper knee problem(again), Hudson,back problem, Vizcaino elbow, McCann winkitis, Hanson concussion
DawgDad
March 24th, 2012
8:07 pm
Let’s be charitable and assume the Braves payroll is $100 million in 2012. A full 10% goes to someone who will never hit the field for the Braves. Chipper figures to be 3/4 of a player at best, so 1/4 of the games 1/4 of your payroll goes to players who won’t play. Then, Hudson is out at least for April, so for 1/6 of the season 19% of the payroll goes to players who won’t play, plus any time Chipper misses it goes up to 32% of the payroll for players not playing. This doesn’t even count KK and others. Then consider another 13% is tied up in ONE player, Dan Uggla.
It’s time for a house-cleaning, starting on the TOP floor.
KK
March 24th, 2012
8:12 pm
Headlines in AJC March 24, 2013, “Chipper injures knee, out for season. Contemplating $20M
comeback for 2014 season.”
WaltCoogan
March 24th, 2012
8:15 pm
DOB, the second ACL surgery occurred in August 2010, not August 2008. Also, could you chart all six of Chipper’s knee surgeries (problem, type of surgery, which knee, and date)?
Coach (2012 Fredi's beisbol fandango)
March 24th, 2012
8:17 pm
“It’s almost unimaginable, really,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said of the timing of the injury, just prior to the retirement news conference. “It’s a strange coincidence….
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
REALLY? C’mon already, the Braves already knew this was coming before Chipper’s retirement announcement.
PapaDawg
March 24th, 2012
8:46 pm
Good grief Chipper retire now and give your spot to someone who will help the team.
Eddie Matthews' Ghost
March 24th, 2012
8:49 pm
I propose a trade. Trade the entire Atlanta Braves team to Seattle for the entire Seattle Mariners team. Then we both can start a whole new program of being upset with a bunch of losers. The Mariner fans have been disappointed since Junior and Randy and ARod left. If we changed teams with them, both of use could be unhappy new!!!
Keith
March 24th, 2012
8:51 pm
please trade for a solid LF and make Prado a super sub like Infante was. Prado can play 3B, LF and sub for 1B against tuff lefties.
larry30
March 24th, 2012
8:59 pm
I agree with you dawgdad. I’m tired of seeing posts on here blaming Liberty Media for our roster. Last year alone, Frank Wren paid almost $40 million to McLouth, Lowe, Chipper, and KK. And the only reason Jones had the year that he had last season was because of his injury in 2010 that forced him to do extensive off season conditioning. This year he was back to his regular off season regimen of hunting and fishing and hitting in the cages. And we paid $16 million to a .230 hitter who hit a bunch of solo homers. Payroll is not the problem. Getting our money’s worth with this GM is the problem. Wren consistently buys high and sells low. Last season the Tampa Rays and Diamondbacks both made the playoffs with combined payrolls about equal to the braves. Jones will not play 75% of the games this year. I will be surprised if he plays even 60%. Wren’s next move will be to sign McCann to a big long term contract that he will also look bad for at some point.
larry30
March 24th, 2012
9:04 pm
I like someone’s idea earlier about moving uggla to 3rd and giving 2nd base back to prado where he was an all-star. Uggla is certainly no defensive wizard at 2nd.
RoyU
March 24th, 2012
9:09 pm
Chipper’s most common statement this past month has been that he will listen to his body. For at least two years his body has been giving him many very clear messages and it is obvious that either his attention span is completely out of order or he’s been feeding us a line. The bad news after 2012 is that he wants to stay with the Braves in another capacity. I think we need people with a little more common sense!!!
old man
March 24th, 2012
9:16 pm
Does ANYONE on this board think Diaz should make the team?
gotigers72
March 24th, 2012
9:17 pm
Sheesh! Hinske and Diaz platooning in LF. Hinske is OK, but Diaz is done. Please get someone else to play left full time or platoon with Hinske.
old man
March 24th, 2012
9:18 pm
Sutton, Parazz, and Durango need to be on this team. Sutton should probably start at SS. If the three are not on the squad heading north, I’m gonna be pissed.
Trapper John
March 24th, 2012
9:22 pm
Not me old man. This team is like the trash dump that put in a recycling station. Same old trash.
wmfloyd43
March 24th, 2012
9:36 pm
I love Chipper, but I have to agree……… a year too late. I was actually hoping he was having a news conference announcing his retirement effective immediately in spring training.
Cecil34
March 24th, 2012
9:37 pm
heh, heh, heh, here we go!
2012, he we come, ready or not……insert, push play……
Fed Up Fan
March 24th, 2012
9:44 pm
Okay, who had knee and March 22nd in the Chipper injury pool?
ragnar danneskjold
March 24th, 2012
9:47 pm
What are Parraz and Durango hitting in Grapefruit League? They look to me as if they are ready now.
BravesfaninNashville
March 24th, 2012
9:48 pm
No doubt Chipper is a 1st Ballot HOF player.. Also no doubt he stayed in Atlanta when he could have made more money elsewhere. So many , many thanks from this fan to Chipper for all he has meant to the Braves… It’’s unfortunate it has come to this. I’m sure he was hoping to be able to go and help the team. It’s obvious he truly loves the Braves so it’s hard to call this selfish on his part. I want to believe he did what he thought in his heart was right. Hopefully he can play early in the season and stay healthy.. It is what it is there is no going back now..
Southpaw
March 24th, 2012
9:50 pm
Heal up Chipper and come back and have some fun. We appreciate all you have done for the organization.
wow, who saws this coming?
March 24th, 2012
10:46 pm
Okay, once again I’ll say this: Chip is a first ballot HOFer, no doubt. He is TOO OLD and TOO INJURY
PRONE to be counted on as a starter at one of the most important spots on the field for a team that has playoff ambitions. We’re better off defensively and offensively with Prado at third. Moving Martin back and forth only weakens his game, which further weakens the team in general.
I know Chip wants to finish strong, but face it…he is not the one that decides. Father Time is, and he has spoken.
wow, who saws this coming?
March 24th, 2012
10:47 pm
And why is Constanza not getting a shot a left with Prado at third? Has he had a bad spring? Was last year that much of an aberration?
mojo
March 24th, 2012
11:04 pm
Chipper was only going to be ready for 110 games at best. GDit Frank. You had to see this coming. We need a real GD left fielder not Hinske, Diaz or the Three Stooges. We had all offseason to prepare and we acted like the status quo was good enough. F good enough. Think big GDit. Atlanta is at its best when we think big. Figure it out and make it happen. Make us better now or move on.
JAFO
March 24th, 2012
11:11 pm
That’s bringnit mojo. “We think as currently structured…4th best record in aug…” How can you argue with that logic?
BB Fan
March 24th, 2012
11:36 pm
I love the Braves but they are their own worst enemy. They are still looking for an outfielder. Preferably one that can play defense and has power. They have been looking for one for 4 years now…since Andruw Jones left. I agreed with their decision not to match his 2 year, $36 million deal from the Dodgers, but since LA released him prior to 2009, he has been accepting less than $2.5 million a year. He would have been a great fit in each of the last 3 years and would have been a great fit for this season. It boggles my mind why they have not tried to sign him. He mashes lefties and plays a solid outfield and makes less than $2.5 million a year. That is exactly what they have been looking for and continue to look for. Now, they will probably have to make a trade for an outfielder. As great as Matt Diaz was for the Braves for 3 or 4 years, he was really bad last year. He’s a really nice guy, but just couldn’t hit. Hopefully that changes this year.
little girl blue
March 24th, 2012
11:50 pm
The simple fact is that Chipper could not even get though week one without a injury. It’s time he retires from playing. Chipper has meant a lot to this team and he still does but, he is not a player anymore and to win we need players who can get the job done. He should retire now and not burden the team with his 14 million as a non player.
tyger
March 25th, 2012
1:39 am
Save us both…
the embarassment of your public decline…
just call it a career, the money is guaranteed…
six knee operations is nothing to play with…
walk away now, while walking later is still an option.
Steve
March 25th, 2012
2:11 am
I would MUCH rather see JoeyT playing third with Prado in LF than having Prado and Hinske playing out there. They are ineffective most days at the plate and their defense gives pitchers nightmares.
Let’s give the kid a look. If not, please platoon Constanza/Durango with Parraz out there. I’m partial to Constanza making the cut over Durango because he not only came thru for us last year but he has a least double power in his bat .. Duranga can’t seem to hit the ball past the infield grass. I don’t mean out of the infield folks, I mean he can’t even get it to the dirt on the infield.
Either way, putting Diaz and Hinske in the OF provides very little lift on offense aside from the occasional dinger from Hinske and a .200 batting average. They give up more runs with limited range and skill than they create. At least the two speed guys can frustrate pitchers and their OBP’s are higher.
Fats Okelly
March 25th, 2012
2:29 am
Chipper is going to the HOF. It aint worth having someone wheel you into the ceremonies. Time to quit so you can still walk and play with your kids. Baseball can take a hike if I was Chipper.
Steve
March 25th, 2012
2:30 am
Oh, and to answer some other questions:
1) Slipping on wet grass during light running can be a major problem. I did it and jammed an arm into the ground causing a fractured elbow, in my teens. A guy I ran against in high school sprained his knee to the point he missed 3-4 weeks just trying to give it time to heal. The real questions is WHY are the Braves running that early in the morning. These are baseball players who never play a single game with morning dew on the ground. It’s beyond silly.
2) Anyone quoting baseball predictions from ESPN, Fox, or any other media network needs to hang it up. Stick to the prospectus and analytical sites. They are a far better predictor. Cases in point for 2011 … not a single expert out of about 30 on ESPN and Ken Rosenthal (who does the Fox picks) picked the DBack to win the West. Most also picked the White Sox to win the AL Central and the ones that didn’t picked the Twins. Almost 1/3 of the ESPN experts picked the Rockies to win it all .. and Ken Rosenthal is quoted with this on the DBacks “Below average in every aspect of the game.” … Oh .. and Rosenthal and 16 .. SIXTEEN .. of the ESPN exprts picked the Braves to win the East in 2011. Telling you folks, media personalities and former players are about as good as people on this blog at predicting the season (no offense). Stick with the computers .. they don’t let silly bias into the equation.
3) The Phillies will get far less out of Howard, Utley, and Polanco this year than the Braves will get out of Chipper. Everyone griped about Chipper last year, but only 5 full time 3rd baseman had more AB’s. Put more simply, if Chipper is the only injury we head into the season with we are doing well.
Now, after all that do I believe the Braves will make the playoffs … NO. Sadly.
As I have ranted about more than a dozen times recently .. the Braves fan-hating philosophy of having 10 MLB ready starters and one MLB starter quailty OF is beyond ridiculous. Everyone wonders why the Braves don’t draw well despite the two decade run and being at or near the top of the NL East .. simple .. we have an anemic offense. If everyone has as good of a year as we hope we are still about middle of the pack offensively. That does not put fans in the seats, and as we have seen, it also doesn’t win World Series .. no matter how good your pitching is.
The Braves are Broke
March 25th, 2012
2:39 am
To all those that wished that the Braves would had signed a big bat this off season the Braves are Broke they are barely getting by with the pay roll they have now. We need a Owner that cares more about the team than how many adult channels they have on Direct TV.
Weasel
March 25th, 2012
8:34 am
He’s done. Prado is better at third. Put him there. Keep him there. Let Freddie plan for a season without Chipper and the team will be better for it.
jerry
March 25th, 2012
8:48 am
A part timer with a .250 at best, little power, and no range is not a great loss.
Mr. Costanza
March 25th, 2012
9:38 am
Whats new?
Mr. Costanza
March 25th, 2012
9:38 am
SERENITY NOW!
End of an era: Chipper says he’ll retire after 2012 season | Atlanta … | Trending News
March 25th, 2012
10:27 am
[...] days after Chipper …Braves’ Chipper Jones to have arthroscopic knee surgery | BaseballChipper to have knee surgery MondayChipper Jones Weight Loss 2012 Chipper Jones Diet Programs This entry was posted in News. [...]
BravoBrado
March 25th, 2012
10:59 am
Why don’t we go ahead and pencil in Terdo @ 3rd. Let him cut his teeth a little early.
Fastball
March 25th, 2012
12:30 pm
Chipper Jones returns as player/manager.
Samantha
March 25th, 2012
12:36 pm
Good morning Everone, I do not understand why everyone is cutting down Chipper. Look what he has done for your team
Vern
March 25th, 2012
12:56 pm
Here we go…AGAIN!
Samantha
March 25th, 2012
1:01 pm
Where are we going? I guess to cut Chipper down again.
Sideline Dude
March 25th, 2012
1:40 pm
The season hasn’t even started & he’s already on the DL. Come on Chipper, enough is enough. You’ve been a hanger-on for the last ten years. Give us a break – go ahead & RETIRE already. It’s become more than old, it’s a joke.
Samantha
March 25th, 2012
2:09 pm
He should have some respect. Let him do it on his own terms . IF IT HAS BEEN 10 years where were you when he won the batting title?
GREED
March 25th, 2012
2:54 pm
Chip – pls remember you are a grown man playing a kid’s game 4 hrs a day 4 days per week that has paid you millions. (even when you sit on the bench with a sore thumb or toe ). We as fans have appreciated your abilities but now it is time to step down and let another man jump in the game.
OldTimer
March 25th, 2012
3:19 pm
The dude was doing steroids the whole time. That’s why he couldn’t stay married.
OldTimer
March 25th, 2012
3:21 pm
His penus shrunk.
Paul In Richmond
March 25th, 2012
3:24 pm
I am shocked! Who could have predicted that Chipper Jones might be injured this year? We all figured his past statistics would have carried this bunch to a WS. Even though he only plays part time.
Looks like the Braves had the same backup strategy as the Colts did for Manning. Difference is, Manning seldome got hurt.
bobby cerasuolo
March 25th, 2012
4:05 pm
i saw trade Prado Terdo and Delgado to the Angels for Mark Trumbo and Macier Izturis. Use Izturis at third and Trumbo in Lf.
BewdifulDogs
March 25th, 2012
6:20 pm
I agree with this comment
“Serenity NOW”
BewdifulDogs
March 25th, 2012
6:27 pm
Sideline Dude – you are living proof that some people deserve to be clients of Goldman Sachs
I haven’t seen many hangers on with 1.000+ OPS’ as recently as 2008 and an avergae OPS those 10 years just below 0.900… nice try but get the facts troll
ozzie
March 25th, 2012
6:56 pm
The day Wren listens to any player (especially one who is done) versus looking at the team with objective eyes is the day he should be canned.
Chipper has no vested interest in this team after 2012. He is a great player we don’t know if he is a great judge of talent or potential.
Bottom line Wren had no money and more severe looking handcuffs from Liberty than we have see ever so its doubtful Chipper hand any real sway with Wren. It was academic. Short of a steal of a trade for the Braves Prado and JJ were not going to net him the bounty he hoped.
The way they handled the offseason was reminiscent of the horror days of TW/AOL.
Anyway the point is moot. Wren should have traded Prado when he signed Uggla. He should have traded JJ two years ago etc.
But that is all arm chair QB stuff at this point.
Chipper needs to retire. Wren needs to decide if Fredi was in fact a mistake and hope that both Teheran and Delgado do much better in AAA than they did this spring.
One of them will be traded for a OF bat June and Jan 2013. You take that to the bank provided Liberty does not sell the team. If they do then I could see the Braves trying to keep both of them.
If they don’t then Wren will likely have to trade one of them and if the miss the playoffs Wren will also have to fire Fredi.
MitchC
March 25th, 2012
7:14 pm
Chipper has been a great player, and he will deserve to be in the Hall when his time comes, but, he’s just had far too many injuries throughout the latter stages of his career, to justify his salary on this always payroll conscious team.
I hope he can get back ASAP, and have a decent season, but, they say all good things must come to an end, and I think it will probably be appropriate timing when Chipper does retire at season;s end.
Skippy Dupre'
March 25th, 2012
8:10 pm
Call Damon and Matsui with $1 million. First one to take it plays LF for Bravos sometimes. Skippy say one will grab de money!
Skippy Dupre'
March 25th, 2012
8:12 pm
Chipper is Hall of Famer, but no walkies = no playtime. Skippy say Chip, go hunting. Take de boys. We love you, but we could use the money.
smallmouth6
March 25th, 2012
10:16 pm
Chipper, get well soon. Hope you have a great year and looking forward to you playing. Don’t pay attention to the losers on this board. About 80 percent of them.
Schultz
March 26th, 2012
1:08 am
QUIT ALREADY. IT AINT WORTH IT, BONES……………IT AINT WORTH IT.
Powder Blue
March 26th, 2012
1:46 am
Dang. The team doesn’t need to start the season with Chipper on the shelf. I hate it for him.
Braves third baseman Chipper Jones to retire « Ace of Braves
March 26th, 2012
3:53 am
[...] thereafter, came the news Chipper had once again injured his knee and will need to have his sixth surgery before the start of the year. He could miss up to a month of the [...]
TeheranTime
March 26th, 2012
5:43 am
I feel bad for Chipper. His last five years have been so hard for a great player.
No one's shocked by this news
March 26th, 2012
8:40 am
Just wrap him up with duct tape at this point. Let’s play ball!
iliketacos
March 26th, 2012
8:41 am
Well I hate to say “I told ya so”…..
Packer Ed
March 26th, 2012
9:20 am
This is a joke, like Frank Wren and Liberty Media.
Why would fans pay hard earned money to watch this?
Time to change back
March 26th, 2012
9:38 am
Enough already. Chipper meant a lot but hes got old tired bones. It does us no good at all to put him out there at 3rd base where balls can go past him when he plays. He has always said he will not stay with the Braves if he will hurt them, well he HAS hurt them. He does not play every day and we lose his bat when we need it the most. He needs to just retire and be a player manager of some sort. That way he can pinch hit at times but a younger more vibrant player can do the job on a day to day.
Lady Liberty
March 26th, 2012
9:42 am
That’s a lot of money to give an OLD MAN to warm the bench. Its a real shame players can’t go out when they are done. Chipper will hurt this team and with his money we can’t get anyone else. We are going no place this year. Again out in September.
urban redneck
March 26th, 2012
9:57 am
i hope larry has been keeping his punch card for knee surgeries. this one should have probably been on the house.
Slim Shaddy
March 26th, 2012
9:59 am
Left Field’s gonna suck if those part-timers rotate playing time. Go get a real LF Wren…
mike
March 26th, 2012
11:20 am
Jones is NOT going out on his own terms like Bradley, or Schultz or O’Brien stated. He is going out on his BODY’s terms. There is a difference. If he was going out on HIS terms he would have retired when he was still healthy and at the top of his game. He is neither of those now.
Like Mike said at 11:20
March 26th, 2012
11:23 am
Athlete’s don’t retire when they SHOULD, only when they MUST, because of 1 Money, 2 Ego, and 3 when their bodies tell them they have to.
Harvey's
March 26th, 2012
11:37 am
It’s all about $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
David O'Brien
March 26th, 2012
11:41 am
Jones is NOT going out on his own terms like Bradley, or Schultz or O’Brien stated. He is going out on his BODY’s terms. There is a difference. — mike
So we should have separated his body from his mind? (or soul?) when defining “his” own terms?
Sideline Dude
March 26th, 2012
12:38 pm
Maybe the doctors can talk him into going ahead & retiring. Over the hill doesn’t do the situation justice. Just a hanger-on. Give it up Chipper.
william in pasadena
March 26th, 2012
12:54 pm
Hello everyone. I’ve been absent for awhile. I hate to say it, but “I Told You Guys 2 Or 3 Years Ago”. Chipper should have been long gone. All this talk about loyalty. The Braves don’t owe Chipper anything. He was paid extremely well for mostly part-time work. Did he refund any money while he was on disability? You guys really slay me…blaming Liberty Media. Frank Wren has spent more than enough money to field a very good team. (Refer to Lowe, Kawakami, Chipper contracts). The problem with the Braves is they like to stockpile a lot of marginal players, instead of running with a couple of marquee players and role players. They don’t have a leader and they don’t play with any passion. This goes back to laid back Bobby Cox and laid back Chipper. The problem is NOT Liberty Media. The problem IS Frank Wren and Fredi Gonzalez. You fans buy all the BS they sell. By the way, Steve isn’t the only idiot on this blog.
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2:37 am
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