Chipper Jones has more pride than to sit back, collect checks
Chipper Jones hasn't been the same player since winning the batting title in 2008 and a retirement announcement seems imminent. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
(Updated at 1:45 a.m. with quotes from Chipper Jones’ parents.)
It was spring training of last season when the Braves gave Chipper Jones a three-year, $42 million contract extension that would run through the 2012 season. What followed was one of the most disastrous seasons of his career.
I’m not sure why, but over the past year the number of people telling me, “Chipper doesn’t care; he’ll just sit on the disabled list and collect his money for three years,” probably has dwarfed his number of defenders by 20-to-1.
To those people: You don’t know the man.
The career slide and injuries that have followed Jones recently frustrate him more than you can know, so much so that an official retirement announcement appears imminent.
As Jones stood by the batting cage, I asked him when we can expect him to address retirement.
“At some point during the home stand,” he said (and the Braves are home for only six days).
Was an announcement just being held up by red tape issues?
Jones smiled at the question. “I’ve got some things I’ve got to take care of,” he said.
He wasn’t supposed to publicly address the issue at all. When news leaked earlier in the day, he even asked the Braves to put out a news release informing the media that Jones would not speak on the topic. But his media-friendly persona got the best of him.
Reports circulated earlier in the day that Jones was meeting with Braves manager Bobby Cox, general manager Frank Wren and team president John Schuerholz, and that he planned to make 2010 his final season. That’s when team officials scrambled. This is not how announcements are made, let alone for one-franchise superstars and sure-fire Hall of Famers.
The fact that Jones has over two seasons remaining on a three-year, $42 million extension possibly creates some contractual issues that Jones needs to resolve with the club. Or rather, the club needs to resolve with him. Fact is, Jones himself is not much for formalities.
It’s important to note that nobody is denying the story, least of all Jones.
“I need to go through the proper channels,” he said when he arrived at the stadium. “Once those [issues] have been taken care of, everyone’s questions will be answered.”
Just don’t ask the question, “Will he stick around for the sake of the paycheck?” Answer: no.
Jones has been contemplating this since the winter — yes, even with a $42 million carrot dangling there. That’s the difference between Jones and some athletes that we mock. That’s certainly the difference between Jones and Mike Hampton. The former Brave broke down long before his contract did.
Hampton couldn’t get out of bed without having a major organ explode. Funny. It never seemed to affect his ATM finger.
But Jones is different. “He’s a prideful guy,” pitcher Tim Hudson said. “That’s why he’s been a little frustrated this year. But that’s any superstar. They’re going to have pride in what they do and they’re going to be upset when they feel they’re not living up to the standard that people have come to expect. That said, to me he’s a guy who’s still contributing and helping us win.”
It’s all relative. Jones has 40 walks. But he knows he is not batting third for 40 walks.
He entered the Tampa Bay game hitting only .228, which was behind even last year’s average of .264, which was far behind his 2008 average of .364. But this was a good night. He doubled and scored in the first inning. He hit home run No. 4 on the season and No. 430 in his career in the eighth. It didn’t make much of a difference in the final score (the Rays won 10-4, dismembering Kenshin Kawakami and Chris Resop). But at least there were rare highlights.
Afterward, Jones did not dress at his locker, preferring to remain away from the media. However, how parents, Larry and Lynne, who had traveled from Texas a day earlier — it was a prearranged trip; the timing was coincidence — waited for Jones outside the clubhouse.
Larry Jones initially said he did not believe his son would make an immediate retirement announcement, adding: “I think he personally will know down the stretch.”
But soon after, he added: “He’s down in the dumps about things right now. He talked to me about [retirement] three or four months ago. I told him, ‘Don’t make a decision based on how you feel right now. Give it a chance.’ But he’s a grown man. He’s 38 years old and he’s earned the right to make his own decisions, and we’re gonna support him.
“I’m good with the fact that the end is near. I just wish, I hope, the end comes with him playing well.”
The nagging injuries for Jones have been piling up. Just when it looked like he was starting to come out of it this season, going eight-for-16 during a five-game hitting streak, he started having problems with the ring finger on his right hand. He had missed nine of 11 games before Tuesday.
“I’m old,” he said at one point, between swings during batting practice.
When asked about the injury, Jones gripped the bat, showing how he leaves the pinky on his lower hand (when batting left-handed) off the end of the bat.
“That [ring] finger takes a lot of the brunt of my swing,” he said. “When you normally grip the bat with only four fingers, it makes it a lot harder to grip it with three fingers.”
He desperately wants to get back to the postseason. A memory jog for you: When the Braves won the World Series in 1995, Jones was a rookie.
But he has been spending too many days sitting or whiffing. The Braves are doing well, but Jones is not playing to the level he either hopes or expects. And he is not one to sit around and collect checks.
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162 comments Add your comment
Bobby Coccyx
June 15th, 2010
12:08 pm
He’s a good kid
Braves fan 4 life
June 15th, 2010
12:09 pm
I hate to say it, but it is best for the Braves and Chipper if he retires. He is a first class player and representative of the team and he will be missed. Hope he stays with the organization in some capicity.
Techman
June 15th, 2010
12:13 pm
if he does, kudos to him. I’m certainly not knocking him but if I were in his situation, I would continue to play and collect the money. He earned it, IMO.
MatthewH
June 15th, 2010
12:13 pm
Thank God he’s not like Mike Hampton. Is some team still paying him? Is it us?
plussizemodel
June 15th, 2010
12:13 pm
Hopefully he won’t hurt himself when he signs the paperwork to void the contract.
XTX
June 15th, 2010
12:14 pm
Chipper=Class Act
plussizemodel
June 15th, 2010
12:15 pm
“He went to manager Bobby Cox and said he would give his blessing to being dropped in the batting order. Cox, not surprisingly, declined to do so.”
Of course not, that would make sense.
woooooooooo!
June 15th, 2010
12:19 pm
He won’t retire.
He’ll have a good second half, mull it over, and then the fever to play again will catch him in the spring.
Just don’t see it being possible for anyone to walk away from the game with a contract in place.
No, I don’t think it’s about the money, but it’s about the chance to keep playing a sport that he loves.
Casey Washington
June 15th, 2010
12:21 pm
The Mike Hampton crack made me almost spill my coffee! That was funny!
Bob Horner could pull anybodys fast ball
June 15th, 2010
12:27 pm
I agree with woooooooooo! IF Chipper has a good 2nd half….15hrs/45rbis BUT if his play doesn’t improve then I agree with JS…Chipper is not a scum bag…he has pride he’ll retire….I’m a lifelong Braves fan which means I’m also a lifelong Chipper fan….the constant injuries are annoying as a fan….but I don’t walk in his shoes…
Gumby
June 15th, 2010
12:28 pm
Time catches up with everyone. Your mind makes promises your body can’t keep (yes I am quoting Little Feat). I think Chipper has reached that point and he is such a class act that he knows it and would rather walk away if he can’t help. I really do think his presence even on the bench helps because the other players look up to him. This is CHIPPER JONES!! One of the best players we’ve seen in a long time. The man Bobby Valentine said would not be allowed to beat them…..and they foolishly pitched to him anyway. I hope fans realized what they have, unlike taking for granted the era of Glavine, Maddox, and Smoltz. It’s nice to see a guy stay with one team when you know he could have left. I hope when he does retire he eventually wants to coach in some capacity. I think he would be a good one. Whatever his decision and when he will always be one of the greatest player that the Braves have had, a great guy that we fans got to watch, and a good guy to boot.
Tweets that mention Chipper isn't Hampton: He won't just sit back, collect checks | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
June 15th, 2010
12:30 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Henry Cassey and T Haney, Jeff Schultz. Jeff Schultz said: BREAKING: Chipper leaning toward retirement after season. http://bit.ly/buHu0J [...]
J dubb
June 15th, 2010
12:31 pm
It would be too good to be true for the BRaves to get to the WS again this year with Chipper providing part-time, biiiiig pinch hits so he could be a part of another one.
He and Bobby both deserve another title…..AND SO DO WE!
Hopefully we can keep up this beautiful baseball we’ve been watching lately.
VaBravesfan
June 15th, 2010
12:31 pm
Mike Hampton story-funny!! Chipper Jones story-sad. Chipper has been my favorite Brave a long time and it has been painful to watch his decline, the same as it was to watch John Smoltz, and see them struggle to play a game they obviously love.
Reid Adair
June 15th, 2010
12:31 pm
Chipper Jones has been one of the best players ever to wear an Atlanta Braves’ uniform. If he decides it’s time to retire after the season or if he decides to give it another year, I’ll respect his decision. He’s earned that.
bamaguy
June 15th, 2010
12:31 pm
I would consider it appropriate to sit on the DL for the remainder of his contract and draw the entire 42M. He has earned it. MLB is a business and they signed a contract with the man. They should honor the contract.
Chop Chop
June 15th, 2010
12:32 pm
Hampton had won 130 games or so by the age of 32. Tim Hudson had a similar number of wins at that age. Hampton thought he had a lot of years left in him, so he tried to overcome the injury bug and earn that bloated paycheck. He had some pride. I can respect that. It’s just easy to rag on the guy because we’d rather not blame the organization for being unlucky enough to get saddled with such a situation.
gadawgs
June 15th, 2010
12:35 pm
10 is no Hampton..Not even close. If you do retire after this year Chip thanks for the memories and all you have done. Would love to have him as a hitting instructor in the organization…. I could also see him being a manager down the road.
Countdown: Vuvuzelas, Troy’s arrogance, Hugo a ‘Dogos’ fan | Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
12:36 pm
[...] ♦ Chipper Jones has more pride than to just sit back and collect checks [...]
Mike Jay
June 15th, 2010
12:40 pm
Another hall of fame Brave’s career is coming to an end. I feel old and a little sad. I ageree with Gumby, would love to see him coaching in the organization at some point. Batting coach, 3rd base coach, even a manager at some point.
toby
June 15th, 2010
12:46 pm
It’s probably the best,i know these #s are embarassing to chipper,but he wont say anything now to bring attention to himself of upset the apple cart,but like Griffey Jr,there comes a time for all athletes even the great ones that father time catches up to you.But he will definatley go down as one of the top Braves to ver play.
Michael Scharff
June 15th, 2010
12:48 pm
I’ll never forget Chipper basically single handedly destroying the Miserable Mets several years ago. He was my Braves hero then. The Mets fans would scream “Laaaarrrryyy! Laaaarrrry!”, then Chipper would park one in the cheap seats and shut them up (at least temporarily). I’ve had mixed feelings lately about him based only on the reports we get from the ajc. I tended to think that he is not prone to “tough out” injuries, and I can’t recall any other baseball player who has come down with more injuries over the past 3 years. Still, I wish him the best, and I hope he and our Braves can continue their winning ways for 4 and a half more months and bring the ATL another WSC!
Braves fan
June 15th, 2010
12:54 pm
If Chipper retires now and I mean right now, we can offer Glaus a contract and keep him a brave to play 3rd base. If Chipper hangs on for the end Glaus walks and we have no 3rd baseman and a rookie 1st baseman. I would rather have Glaus. Chipper needs to retire now, free up the money so that the braves can secure Glaus before season end. Bring Freeman on now.
Johnny Rocker #49
June 15th, 2010
12:56 pm
Chipper better keep playing, he got 700 kids to feed.
Hooters waitresses all around the country are mourning today.
David C
June 15th, 2010
12:57 pm
JS you really know Chipper? Then I can assume you have asked him if he’s been clean since 1995 and his regular breakdowns and falloff in the last two seasons are not contributed to PED’s? I love Chipper. I loved Javie too. That said, I will not bury my head in the sand for anyone. Brave not not.
What's Important
June 15th, 2010
12:58 pm
Chop Chop, I used to defend Hampton too. However, I stopped when he blew off the Braves’ offer after he had collected so much from the team for doing nothing.
Chipper Jones has always played hard. He has been incredibly loyal to this ball team and the fans. If he does retire after this year he will have shown Messrs. Smoltz and Glavine the graceful way to hang it up, and I for one appreciate that. He should be in the Hall of Fame and hopefully he will chose to stay with the organization in some capacity. If the Braves felt Glavine deserved that, then Chipper Jones certainly does. I hope the City of Atlanta feels the same way. I am assuming that most of the derogatory, childish remarks on the blog are from disgruntled Mets fans.
Mike Jay
June 15th, 2010
1:03 pm
Braves Fan, Please explain your thinking because it makse no sense. Chipper will be paid the remainder of his salary (for this year)irregardless of when he retires this season. As he should he has earned it. Most people think Glauss can not play third base anymore due to his shoulder injury. He can certainly swing the stick but making throws form third – first is another matter. Still it would be interesting to see. freeman is not ready for the show yet and rushoing him up would be a mistake.
What's Important
June 15th, 2010
1:03 pm
Johnny Rocker #9, at least he didn’t cheat with a Perkins waitress while eating Subways and drinking Baileys Irish Cream from the bottle. I believe Chipper Jones has a stable marriage with his second wife and is very involved in all of his children’s lives.
BigBravesFan65
June 15th, 2010
1:04 pm
Here’s another possible angle — one that would fit Chipper’s ethics and mentality (IMHO) AND his desire to win another championship — since we are approaching the Trade Deadline the Braves could be serious buyers with a REWORKED contract which allows Chipper to stay — make plenty of money — but make some room to bring in somebody else to help put the Braves in the drivers seat….. wouldn’t surprise me if that’s what he plans to chat with management about. His leadership and winning attitude are enough to justify him staying put as far as I’m concerned — maybe not $14M a season — and I’m guessing he agrees and is going to try and do something really good for the team (note: If the MLBPA will let him — they despise players doing the right thing you understand)
Johnny Logan
June 15th, 2010
1:10 pm
Anyone that’s watched even a few of Chipper’s at bats this year can plainly see the man is a shell of his former self. The bat speed is not there. He’s not hitting pitches he used to scald. Sometimes he even looks like he is hoping for a walk. He’s a future Hall of Famer for sure, but I’m afraid he’s hurting the Braves this year.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
June 15th, 2010
1:11 pm
Jeff,
What is the salary ramifications for next season if he does in fact retire? We talk so much in Football how releasing players or players who retire count against the Salary cap, but since baseball does not cap a “hard” cap, what will Wrenn’s flexibility be like next season?
jimbo
June 15th, 2010
1:11 pm
Chipper may not be 100% on the field but the team still needs him in the dugout.
Without him on the team this years Braves would be leaderless.
He and Bobby can retire together – after the mother of all retirement parties that will be the Braves World Series win at the end of this season.
Bob
June 15th, 2010
1:15 pm
David C, really PEDS?
Chipper has not avoided injury which is what they help to accomplish, Barry had numerous injuries then all of a sudden was healed! Javy Im not sure about but chipper didn’t take anything.
gcs
June 15th, 2010
1:15 pm
It’s amazing to me the short memory that fans have. It’s not just the Rookie of the Year, the MVP and hundreds of big hits Chipper has produced for the team over the years. On more than one occasion, he has unselfishly offered to restructure his contract so that the team could sign some free agents.
.
Mackey Sasser
June 15th, 2010
1:17 pm
“Jones is different. He has some pride. He also desperately wants to be part of a winning team again. He wants to get back to the postseason.”
If all of this is correct, shouldn’t we expect Chipper to scrap the remainder of his $42 million deal, resign with the Braves for the league minimum, and fill the Greg Norton role?
I don’t see that happening.
P Rose
June 15th, 2010
1:17 pm
To Johnny Rocker #49 (and everyone else): Lay off the Hooters references. The man has four sons. You wouldn’t have the guts to say that to his face. Saying it here is hypocritical and spineless.
Chop Chop
June 15th, 2010
1:19 pm
What’s Important,
It was a good thing for Hampton to “blow off” the Braves’ offer. I was happy to see him go. It was ridiculous for the club to even think about bringing him back. My point is that the guy had pride. Maybe he didn’t have enough humility to accept his accursed fate, but he certainly had pride. He could have quit at any point between 2005 and 2008. He didn’t. He toiled in the minors, toiled in extended spring training, rehabbed, etc. That kind of stuff isn’t fun, so there must have been some motivation and pride involved.
john b, sloop
June 15th, 2010
1:19 pm
Insurance paid for hampton u bums,, braves did not
P Rose
June 15th, 2010
1:23 pm
Sporting News Rookie of the Year, 1995
6-time All-Star
National League MVP, 1999
2-time Silver Slugger at 3rd base
Third-most home runs for a switch hitter
400 Home Runs
2008 NL (and MLB) Batting Champ
Future 1st ballot Hall of Famer
Well done, Chipper
Mike Hampton Owes Me Money
June 15th, 2010
1:25 pm
Hampton had a full tear of his rotator cuff and some partial labral damage. Hampton will miss the 2010 season
steve brown
June 15th, 2010
1:27 pm
No need to re-hash the Chipper work out routine debate. Just wanted to give you some inside information-the reason Chipper may hang it up is that this injury to his finger has put his “huntin” career at risk.
chief pitchanono
June 15th, 2010
1:28 pm
Good article, someone needed to write it. I hate to see all the Chipper bashers out their on the blog. Mostly fair weather folks I guess, probably the same ones who would have fired Glaus & Bobby back in April. Chipper has been what Heyward will be. The main offensive force for this team for an entire career. People should be excited about Chippers past, like they are about Heyward’s future. If it all works out like it appears and he does retire at the end of the year, I don’t see how anybody can say anything bad about him. Once somebody starts giveing up their money, you know they are truly dedicated to the city, and the team.
Jeff
June 15th, 2010
1:29 pm
Lowcountry: There is no salary “cap” in baseball. If you have a payroll over a certain amount, you are taxed. That’s it. any cap is self imposed by the ownership.
Tremaine
June 15th, 2010
1:29 pm
As a Braves fan I appreciate what he has done for this team but seeing the way they got rid of David Justice, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and more I’m not going to take it easy on him. He should retire today.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
June 15th, 2010
1:32 pm
Obviously Baseball does not have an official Salary Cap, but Wrenn is working under an unofficial salary cap. That was my point, sorry for not making that clear.
CJ retires, how much will he count towards ’11’s salary “obligation”.
F-105 Thunderchief
June 15th, 2010
1:34 pm
Hold on there, Tex … he’s done a 180 already.
TONE
June 15th, 2010
1:39 pm
what happened to ron gant ? steve avery ? wampus cat sheffield ? anybody know
gt
June 15th, 2010
1:41 pm
Chipper sees the tea leaves and knows without Bobby he is toast. He stuck around as long as the going was his way, but the next manager would not ask Chipper’s permission for anything. In the days of Mantle or lesser paid players these courtesies of letting a gate turner like Chipper overstay his ability were common. These players played for peanuts and desired the special treatment. Now we have two things, one this is a good team and he is holding up a space a good player could use. Two he got his at the bank and if he can leave with some dignity that Bobby will afford him he will make lots more after baseball.
Geez Louise
June 15th, 2010
1:44 pm
I’m sorry, but Mike Hampton worked his butt off. Nobody held a gun to the team’s head to offer the contract he got. Bad luck makes you a bum, in some people’s eyes, I guess. Geez.
Mike Jay
June 15th, 2010
1:51 pm
Steve Brown,
Even if what you say is true i would not blame him for retiring because of it. He has a good 40 years of life after baseball and is entitled to as high a quality of it as the rest of us. If he needs to retire now to be able to enjoy things he loves to do away from the game of baseball ten he needs to do it.
MitchC
June 15th, 2010
1:54 pm
I agree with you, Jeff. If Chipper really thinks he cant help this team, he will retire. Chipper understands the team’s payroll constraints, and would rather his 10 to 15 mil salary be designated toward another more productive player who can help the Braves.
Even though he says retirement talk is “premature”, my bet, without even reading whats been written by the AJC writers today, is that Chipper will retire at the end of 2010 if he doesn’t seriously come around. He’s been too good, for too long, to play for a long period of time, as an injured, unproductive player.
Chuckie
June 15th, 2010
1:57 pm
Chipper was not a rookie in 1995. he debuted in ‘93
Ted Striker
June 15th, 2010
1:57 pm
Chipper may have “more pride” than Hampton, but by that measure, Jones also has much more pride than both Tommy Glavine and Johnny Smoltz, two guys who played well past their primes and didn’t want to hang it up even though it was past time. All three of them collected premium money for non-premium production in the last 5 years of their careers. Those three guys were about as beneficial and cost effective to the Braves — at the end — as Stephon Marbury was to the NY Knicks. Yeah, I did. I compared them to Marbury.
curtl
June 15th, 2010
2:02 pm
The knock on Chipper is that he refuses to play though minor injuries. There’s not a man alive who hasn’t done something that needed to get done while hurt.
And if you are making over $10M a year, well, that’s even more reason to go out and do your job.
He doesn’t appear to love the game anymore, that’s the problem.
Brave4life-1995 all over again
June 15th, 2010
2:12 pm
Love the title to this article, well done Jeffy
papadawg
June 15th, 2010
2:17 pm
He may not sit back and collect his money but he sure sits out alot and collects his money. He needs to look at himself playing third and then have enough pride to admit he”s moving like a 3 legged turtle. We all reach the time where we have to admit the body can’t do what the mind thinks it can anymore. Bow out gracefully now Chipper.
Pete*
June 15th, 2010
2:17 pm
Lowcountry Bulldawg: “Jeff,
What is the salary ramifications for next season if he does in fact retire?”
If he retires, his salary for the next 2 years is 0. That frees up $14 Mil a year for the Braves to sign someone else, possibly before the trade deadline this year.
In My Head
June 15th, 2010
2:18 pm
So now Chipper is saying….”not so fast” since the media are reporting his retirement.
After such a glowing article about how Chipper ain’t in it for the money and won’t embarrass himself by hanging around if he can’t cut the mustard, Chipper is backing water on any announcement.
Jeff, guess you’ll have to be like the Gilda Radner character on the old Saturday Night Live show. The old woman would go on a rant about something then realize what she said wasn’t valid……so she would sum up her speech by saying….”nevermind.”
Your column and what you said about Chipper? “Nevermind.” lol
Pete*
June 15th, 2010
2:20 pm
Chuckie since he played only 8 games in 1993, his rookie year is considered 1995 (he was 2nd that year in ROY voting). He sat out 1994 with an injury.
Brave man, that Clusters
June 15th, 2010
2:21 pm
Sonny Clusters is always mocking and belittling Chipper. Where does he stand on this issue?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
June 15th, 2010
2:23 pm
Pete,
Thanks, so by retiring he is forfeiting all the remaining guaranteed money left on his contract? If thats the case this is huge for the Braves heading in 2011.
Pete*
June 15th, 2010
2:25 pm
Lowcountry that is correct; its only guaranteed $ if he stays active. Thats why this is so critical to the Braves going forward, and Chipper realizes that Im sure. Even allows Wren to sign someone before trade deadline this year cause Braves pick up “only” half the salary.
chipperisnohit
June 15th, 2010
2:27 pm
Jeff
Tell me this, if Chipper is not the one to sat around and collect checks, why have he been doing it. For so long the media and the Atlanta Braves commentators have been protective when it comes to the name Chipper Jones. Granted he is no Hampton, but he is very close. Whit Hampton we only tried to rely on him every 5th start. So, it was far to many games to take notice of him not been in the line-up. Chipper it has been a great run, but its time to head to the ranch
Pepe Le Pew
June 15th, 2010
2:28 pm
Pepe says…Why did everyone leave? Oh, but of course! Already I have achieved a post of honor, and have been left to defend the fort. Viva la Braves! Free Larree!
It's always about the money
June 15th, 2010
2:35 pm
You people are smoking crack if you think that Chipper is going to pass on just about all of the $28M he’s got coming to him in the next 2 years. The only way Chipper is going to retire is with an agreement to pay him the majority of that money in some other capacity (ie. “a position with the organization”) Someone needs to slap Bobby Cox in the head a few times so he wakes up and stops batting Chipper 3rd in the lineup.
Phil
June 15th, 2010
2:39 pm
Cox would keep Chipper in the 3rd spot until he’s 60 years old if Cox himself stuck around that long. Cox needs to drop Chipper down, rotate him in and out of the lineup and try and get him healthy. Thank God Cox is gone after this year.
Sonny Clusters
June 15th, 2010
2:42 pm
Some dummy had this to say . . . “Sonny Clusters is always mocking and belittling Chipper. Where does he stand on this issue?” What issue was we talking about? Was you home schooled?
Chipper has had some big walks this season and we was with him on every one.
Roy Hobbs
June 15th, 2010
2:44 pm
Thank you for the nice article about Chipper. Truly one of the greats to ever wear a Braves uniform.
Poorbrave
June 15th, 2010
2:45 pm
The real deal, a team player and will make a great Coach are Manager. God Bless you Chipper and thanks for all the thrills.
Sonny Clusters
June 15th, 2010
2:49 pm
Jeff, do you remember when Jim Minter retired and we was all standing there and he said we could have his desk and somebody said, “nobody will ever again sit at that desk” and we all started crying and then the new publisher came up and said “we’re going to leave a blank space in the paper where Jim might have written something” and you said, “wouldn’t that be like letting somebody that can’t hit bat third?”
Herschel Talker
June 15th, 2010
2:52 pm
Schultzie:
If Glaus keeps up this hitting, what do you think about re-signing him and putting him at 3B next year and promoting Freeman (Freddie, not Marvin)?
HT
Dozer
June 15th, 2010
2:54 pm
I still think both him & Bobby will be back next year. If he retired, the most relieved person would be Wren – he would be off the hook for that ridiculous extension he gave CJ…..
Train Wreck Bystander
June 15th, 2010
2:56 pm
I can’t see Chipper retiring in mid-season. I just can’t.
Bob Horner's Blonde Mullet
June 15th, 2010
3:07 pm
Herschel: If Glaus keeps up his hitting, we will not be able to re-sign him because he’s going to be looking for big bucks. Right now, we’re paying him $1.75 M — rest assured, if he hits 30 with 100RBI, he’ll be looking for 9-10 million.
I didn’t realize Chipper went to Bobby and gave his blessing to be moved down. That’s definitely a classy move, and the right thing to do. However, Bobby’s decision to keep him in the 3 hole is baffling. “225? Come on kid!”
steve brown
June 15th, 2010
3:10 pm
Mike Jay, I’m not a hunter but can he shoot with either hand as he switch hits in baseball. Perhaps he holds the “huntin” switch shooting record for most animals killed both left handed and right handed. The ultimate red neck role model.
Bob Horner's Blonde Mullet
June 15th, 2010
3:12 pm
I still love the comment posted by Charlie Daniels last week: “Chipper may’ve stumbled, but he ain’t never fell, and if the Phillies don’t bellieve that, they can all go straight to hell”
Classic post!
Jared
June 15th, 2010
3:13 pm
I hope he doesn’t retire. He has been the face of this team for seventeen years, and he has been very loyal to the Braves. I hope you fans give him the respect that he has earned over these years.
Herschel Talker
June 15th, 2010
3:14 pm
Bob Horner’s Blonde Mullet:
If Chipper retires, and $14MM comes off the books, I suspect we can sign whomever we want.
HT
In My Head
June 15th, 2010
3:38 pm
“Chipper Jones has more pride than to sit back, collect checks”
And this from the AP:
“The 38-year-old Jones, who won the NL MVP award in 1998 and led the league in hitting just two years ago, said he planned to meet with general manager Frank Wren and manager Bobby Cox to discuss some “red tape issues.” Asked if those involved a resolution of his contract, Jones replied, “That would be fair to say.”
So he has more pride than to sit back, collect checks?
Damn Jeff, sounds like that is EXACTLY what Chipper is gonna do! Maybe not 28 mil for the next two years but sounds like he wants to make the Braves pay him to retire!
Chipper may be proud, but he ain’t gonna say, “I’m retiring, cut and dried” and walk away without the Braves having to pay him to walk away.
No Doubt
June 15th, 2010
4:00 pm
In My Head, I think the contract resolution has more to do with paying him less than Chipper trying to collect more money. A contract resolution does not generally mean a buyout. He’s probably talking about tweaking his contract so that he doesn’t get paid that astronomical amount. However, Chipper has made many contractual sacrifices in the past and that the last extension was a reward of sorts for that reason. Yeah, he’s a millionaire, but you always want to get market value wherever you work. Their value tends to be way more than ours. He deserves the money, its just hard to watch declining stars. #10 is still the man.
Chess
June 15th, 2010
4:10 pm
They call me Mr. Glass….
tell it like it is
June 15th, 2010
4:50 pm
release him now,Don’t let him run under the bank with all that money hes not earning.Send me a ck i didn’t do anything.
Jack G.
June 15th, 2010
4:55 pm
Management is hopeing Chipper will retire so they can save big bucks. Chipper is waiting on Management to negotiate a settlement of his contract so he can retire.
Jack G.
June 15th, 2010
4:56 pm
Its a waiting game.
dean
June 15th, 2010
5:02 pm
tell it like it is @ 4:50
Proof that envy is a true sin.
It’s always about the money | KVM-News
June 15th, 2010
5:47 pm
[...] It’s always about the money Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 It’s always about the money Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) The only way Chipper is going to retire is with an agreement to pay him the majority of that money in some other capacity (ie. … http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/06/15/chipper-jones-has-more-pride-than-to-sit-back-coll... [...]
ScottBravesfan
June 15th, 2010
6:19 pm
He’ll always be the Met killer in Atlanta!
Just guessing
June 15th, 2010
6:33 pm
So, what you’re saying is … Sonny Clusters is Norman Arey?
Just guessing
June 15th, 2010
6:40 pm
Or maybe Chipper himself? Will all be revealed some day?
Sonny Clusters
June 15th, 2010
7:04 pm
All the little deer should be worrying about now with Chipper threatening retirement. That means he will be heading to the Double Dime for some huntin’. The trigger finger is still sound and that does not bode well for deerdom. We would never shoot a little deer unless that deer had a high powered weapon of his own so it would be a fair fight. We was wondering if Chipper ever faced down a deer that was carrying a gun? We read about the time he and Laroche was huntin’ and they found some tracks and was following them and they went into a tunnel and was almost hit by a train.
Tweets that mention http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/06/15/chipper-jones-has-more-pride-than-to-sit-back-collect-checks/?cxntfid=blogs_jeff_schultz_blog%3Futm_source%3Dpingback -- Topsy.com
June 15th, 2010
7:07 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by . said: [...]
Ken Stallings
June 15th, 2010
7:14 pm
I just want to add what I wrote in reply to Mark Bradley’s column.
He has been a class player his whole career and he will retire a class player!
It is sad that age catches up to everyone — a reality of life and a game.
One thing is true, he deserves to be a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection. If he is not, it will mark a low point for the BWAA’s duties in voting for the HoF.
I think when he does make the official announcement, we might see Bobby Cox cry. I don’t think it will be the only case in the audience either!
Many in the media included.
Joe
June 15th, 2010
7:18 pm
What contract issues? If he retires, he gets nothing…….geesh.
KaiserSouze
June 15th, 2010
7:24 pm
First saw Chipper when he was a 18yr.old SS for the Savannah Braves. I believe it was single A ball. He was averaging 2 errors a game along with likely 2 doubles. The Kid can hit, from either side of the plate, played for one team the Bravos. Only unforced error was with a Hooter girl( loved the wings and the color orange ), manned up as a father. Yeah, Hall of Famer in my book and many others’ too.
KaiserSouze
June 15th, 2010
7:27 pm
By the way, loved the way Larry killed the Mets! He played the game the way you wanted your son to play it, with love and respect.
We're LIVE from Braves (Chipper and Kawakami are still here) | Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
7:27 pm
[...] In case you missed it: 1) Chipper Jones is in the line-up tonight; 2) He obviously hasn’t retired yet. But everything points to an announcement soon. I spoke to Jones before the game and have updated and re-written the column, which is online now. [...]
Bill
June 15th, 2010
7:33 pm
Chipper has been great for Atlanta. I hope he can play effectively another year or two. But if he retires, or stays, I wish him the best.
Chop Chop
June 15th, 2010
7:38 pm
I never hated the Mets as much as some of you. We always beat up on them. Hard for me to hate what we own, you know? I do still hate the ‘97 Marlins. I also hate the ‘91 Dodgers and that sumbeach Twin Kent Hrbek, too.
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:16 pm
Sorry folks. Been late getting back to comments, but, uh, been kinda busy. Here goes …
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:17 pm
MatthewH — Yes. Seven teams are still paying Hampton. No, just kidding. Really, it’s only six. Also IBM and Coca Cola owe him stock.
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:17 pm
Wooooo! I think he’s calling it but that’s just a gut feeling.
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:18 pm
Casey Washington — send me the cleaning bill. (Thanks.)
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:19 pm
David C — He won the batting title in 2008. Are you saying he took PEDs and quit after 2008? Because, like, there was testing, ya know.
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:20 pm
Mike Jay — I don’t think Chipper is retiring during the season.
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:21 pm
Lowcountry Bulldawg — There is no salary cap. Braves have their own self-imposed budget. Also, there’s no “signing bonus” situation whereby an amount of money that has been prorated over three years now creates a cap hit. Short answer: not a factor.
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:22 pm
Thanks, Chief Pitchanono (funny name).
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:23 pm
MitchC — I sense the only thing “premature” about the story is Braves want to make an announcement, and there might possibly some contractual issue to work out.
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:24 pm
Brave4life-1995 … Thanks man.
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:25 pm
Chipperisnot — What are you talking about? He won a batting title 2 years ago. Last season was his first bad year in, like, forever. Was he supposed to retire one year after winning a batting title? What would tell him 2009 was not an aberration?
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:27 pm
Sonny Clusters — Sonny. Put … down … the pipe.
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:27 pm
Herschel Talker — I think the Glaus re-signing decision is one that you don’t make until after the season.
Jeff Schultz
June 15th, 2010
8:30 pm
In My Head — I think you’re reading that from the wrong angle. I believe that is coming from the Braves’ standpoint. For all I know they may want to work out some sort of post-career deal for him. Remember, the organization just brought back Tom Glavine and in time they’ll probably do the same with John Smoltz.
Big Steve
June 15th, 2010
8:36 pm
Again, Chipper takes over the headlines with this retirement crap. He did it last year when the Braves went on a late season tear and came a few games from making the playoffs. And now, when the last thing the Braves need is a distraction. We get it Chipper…..you’re older, you get injured all the time, you’re not seeing the ball that well. It happens to everyone. But it’s time to take your medicine like everyone else. Be a leader…..work yourself back in the lineup like everyone else and support your team in the process. It’s not about you anymore, buddy. You are an outstanding player, nobody can argue that. Right now, you have an opportunity to become the leader that many have questioned. You’re numbers speak for themselves, you have nothing to prove to us. Just stop with these distractions. Retire, or don’t…..we’ll live.
retired on the lake
June 15th, 2010
9:17 pm
“Damn Jeff, sounds like that is EXACTLY what Chipper is gonna do! Maybe not 28 mil for the next two years but sounds like he wants to make the Braves pay him to retire!”
Ridiculous ….negotiating out of a contract to the benefit of all concerned, ain’t capitalism great!
Ed Olwine
June 15th, 2010
10:51 pm
Praise Todd Van Poppel! Analogous to being rejected by Rosie O’Donnell and having to “settle” for Angelina Jolie…..or, closer to home, a super hot Hooters’ waitress.
CaptainMudderland
June 16th, 2010
1:35 am
Word of knowledge to Braves fans: Celebrate and embrace this team–the team is the story of 2010.
Jeff Schultz
June 16th, 2010
1:58 am
Folks — it’s late. Just wanted to let you know I just added some pretty good quotes from Chipper Jones’ father, Larry, who was at the game.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/06/15/chipper-jones-has-more-pride-than-to-sit-back-collect-checks/
Greensboro, Georgia
June 16th, 2010
3:29 am
————————————–
……Nesbitt for Heisman……
————————————–
newgafatboy
June 16th, 2010
7:02 am
this is a little early but, thanks Chipper, Hell of a run son.
BobDawg
June 16th, 2010
7:30 am
…. Good Ole “Hangar Queen” Hampton…. my Dad always asked how he was doing and I asked about the “Hangar Queen” reference… He said in WWII, if you had a plane that always was in the Hangar for repairs…. They called it a “Hangar Queen”… too funny…..
robdawg08
June 16th, 2010
9:42 am
Bobby will probably cry ten minutes when Chipper retires then pick his nose for four minutes during the next game…
PMC
June 16th, 2010
10:09 am
When I watched Evan Longoria hit that bomb last night it made me think of Chipper 13 years ago. It’s going to be odd not seeing #10 posted by 3rd base. Players like him have made entire careers for other people that’s how good he was.
LFP6
June 16th, 2010
10:14 am
Maybe the torch should be passed from Chipper to Brooks. But thats just me.
Jimbo
June 16th, 2010
10:16 am
Chip may not be Hampton, but let’s hope he’s not this guy either: http://TwitPWR.com/KHz/
Don
June 16th, 2010
11:07 am
It would be difficult for any player (Chipper included – no matter how much he talks about wanting what is best for the team) to actully quit and walk away from 42 million guaranteed dollars (14 million per year for 3 years indlucing this year).
We will see whether he actually does this without getting a significant buyout or without getting a job in the organization with an inflated salary.
Of course, if he does get a significant buyout or an inflated salary job, this does not help that much – Because this will still be taking up a significant part of the salary budget that needs to be used to acquire a productive player or players.
Obviously, the problem of this huge 42 million dollar contract taking up so much of the slary budget is not Chipper’s fault. The Braves made the decision to give this contract to an aging player who was already missing significant time because of injuries. We could not expect Chipper to refuse to take it.
Don
June 16th, 2010
11:25 am
The fact that Chipper has been hitting in the 3rd spot in the batting order all of last season and now for 1/3 of this season – and not producing anything like a 3rd place hitter – is not Chipper’s fault.
Cox is the one keeping him in the 3rd spot in the batting order — It is unbelievable that he has kept him hitting third in the order without him producing now for a full season and 1/3 of another season. This is just one more example of Cox’s incompetence. This is not to say that Chipper should not have been in the lineup for most of this time — but in the 3rd spot in the batting order – PLEASE
Ross
June 16th, 2010
11:27 am
I am so sick of “As Chipper Churns” I want to throw up. Is this an asskissing society or a baseball team? I want to see hard-nosed competitors like Hinske and Conrad and Heyward and Prado getting their unis dirty trying to score runs. I want to see the little bulldog Medlen getting people out. I want to see Escobar making those amazing throws to first. I want to see Glaus pounding the outfield with those booming drives. I DON’T want to hear another chapter in the ongoing saga of a $15,000,000 prima-donna’s Goetterdaemmerung. A man with any balls would find a way to retire gracefully and set his team and manager free.
Reid Adair
June 16th, 2010
11:42 am
It is a shame that things went crazy in the media yesterday as they did; Chipper Jones doesn’t deserve to have news get out like that.
But there’s obviously something to it if he’s not denying it. As I have said, whether he decides to retire at the end of this season or give it another year, I’ll respect his decision. He’s earned that, in my mind.
Marcie
June 16th, 2010
12:28 pm
Chipper hasn’t been productive for years. Is he just realizing this now/?????
skipper
June 16th, 2010
12:36 pm
Yeah, right and I’ve got some Oil free beach property in Alabama that I’ll sell you.
Techman
June 16th, 2010
12:48 pm
In 2009, Jones was hitting 335 as of June 9th and was 290 mid August, and near 290 at the end of August. For those of you who say he should’ve known from last year, you are crazy. He simply had a bad two months.
Baseballbuff
June 16th, 2010
1:17 pm
Sure, Chipper has pride and is embarrassed by his level of play, particularly considering the money he is making. But in non-baseball terms he is still quite young at 38. This will probably be his last big MLB contract. He will never in his life make money like this again. Whatever career he pursues after baseball, it may very well pay him only 50K to 75K a year. Walking away from the $35 million or so he has left on his contract would be nuts, and I hope his parents tell him as much. So get real Schultz and the rest of you idiots. Jones is over the hill and his pride is hurt, but he’s not crazy.
Tea
June 16th, 2010
1:32 pm
Here’s to you Chipper. You are a class act, a loyal and selfless team member and a hof player, in that order.
kent
June 16th, 2010
1:41 pm
he doesn’t want to retire- he wants a buyout. Big difference that should be reported. Hardly the saint that you are portraying.
Geezer
June 16th, 2010
1:41 pm
Too Bad Kawakami doesn’t have the same feelings……He would have already jumped on the fastest plane back to Japan – and that would be no loss to the Braves.
M2E
June 16th, 2010
1:50 pm
Chipper proved he’s not out for the money when he resigned with the Barves the last time. Not to mention the contract restructuring he did so the team could sign other free agents. Chipper at 60% is still better than what a lot of other teams have every day and he should go when he is ready and all we should say thank you very much.
It’s always about the money | goodne.ws
June 16th, 2010
1:51 pm
[...] is with an agreement to pay him the majority of that money in some other capacity (ie. … http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/06/15/chipper-jones-has-more-pride-than-to-sit-back-coll... Tags: agreement, way, blog, Chipper, capacity var a2a_config = a2a_config || {}; [...]
tell it like it is
June 16th, 2010
2:02 pm
Get real people,he’s in it for the money.Larry hasn’t done anything in 2 years.i agree with Ross.I didn’t do anything,send me a ck.
PEDs possible
June 16th, 2010
2:06 pm
I’m as big a Chipper fan as anyone, but I don’t find it unreasonable at all to at least consider the possibility of him using PEDs for some period of time during his career. For many years he was much larger and more physically imposing than he is today, which I realize age can account for some of that.
Unfortunately many of the players who were around in the late-90s/early 2000s will have this cloud over them because of the lack of oversight from MLB. As mentioned in a previous posting PEDs are used for shortening recovery time, however they also break the body down later in life causing additional injuries.
Chipper Jones hinting towards retirement
June 16th, 2010
2:27 pm
[...] [...]
BG
June 16th, 2010
2:31 pm
I didn’t know Chipper was still playing.
Skeezix
June 16th, 2010
2:32 pm
I hope he gets it going, the Braves get to the playoffs, do well and he and Bobby get to finish out their careers on a high note.
John
June 16th, 2010
2:38 pm
Bull do do. The man is a um and a horrible on defense. Retire the bum and forget him.
Phil
June 16th, 2010
2:38 pm
Chipper if you do go, for the love of God please make sure Bobby goes with you as planned and don’t let him pull a Bret Favre on us. We’ve been waiting 10 years for that clown to leave.
JASon
June 16th, 2010
2:40 pm
$14 million to hit .228 and not take care of his body. Meanwhile the rest of us are struggling to make ends meet. How can anybody defend this jerk. Did you people forget his quote about how his batting average didn’t matter because he was getting on base with walks? This guy is a complete disgrace- he does nothing but bring this team down. $14,000,000.
Biff Pocahontas
June 16th, 2010
2:51 pm
I’m sure i’ll be in the minority, but I’m gonna defend Mike Hampton. the guy tried – he worked his butt off, and wanted with all his heart to contribute, to get on the mound and prove he was still a major league pitcher. and when he was able to pitch, he was often pretty effective. He was not at retirement age.
Yet you appealed to the lowest common denominator (which admittedly is probably a large percentage of your readership), and took a swipe at Hampton. You implied that he stuck around only for the paycheck and the he didn’t have pride. Neither of those things is true, and you should know better.
I’m not a Hampton fan particularly, and I was glad to see him go. But I felt bad for the guy, because he was giving it everything he had, and obviously felt terrible about not being able to contribute.
Show some class Schultz. You were writing about a franchise player making perhaps the classiest move he’s ever made, and you just looked petty by comparison.
RonnieMac
June 16th, 2010
2:53 pm
I hope he goes out on his terms, and on top. Let’s just hope he doesn’t pull a Farve.
RonnieMac
June 16th, 2010
2:53 pm
Sorry.. that’s Favre.
bushwacker
June 16th, 2010
2:59 pm
Thats riduculous, Chipper dosen’t need the money, he would never just collect a check.
Pride is part of it, but its not the only reason and not even the main reason he will retire at the end of the season.
Yes, for some one who has always played at such a high level hitting 230 sucks and is embarrassing to Chipper.
But the biggest reason he will retire is because another season “after this one” of hitting .250 or less would probably drop his lifetime batting avg under .300.
And I promise you, for GREAT HITTERS, a lifetime batting avg of .300 or higher means more than 500 hrs!
Don’t believe me, think about it.
At @430 HR’s, Chipper could easliy go to the American League and DH for 3-4 seasons and eventually get to 500 HR’s.
But to do so, he would have to accept 3-4 seasons of sub 300 batting avg’s, leaving him with a career avg under .300.
Obviously Chipper is choosing .300 or 500.
He has enough hr’s to qualify, that .300 lfetime avg will help put him over the top for the HOF.
GREAT CAREER CHIPPER
Brenda Sue
June 16th, 2010
3:00 pm
The hothouse flower has now got boo boo finger?? Didn’t he have boo boo toe not too long ago?
And he calls himself an athlete? Give me a break.
FUZZUP
June 16th, 2010
3:13 pm
Its all about $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aaron
June 16th, 2010
3:20 pm
For me, Chipper Jones will go down as one of the softest athletes I have ever seen. I have never seen a player sit with so many minor injuries. If he played in the NFL, he would be laughed out of the league.
Maybe with all of his millions he could have hired a trainer to properly prepare for the season. With him gone too, Dads will no longer have to explain to their children his relationship with a Hooter’s girl.
Sutton's Fro
June 16th, 2010
3:38 pm
It is INCREDIBLE how bad people’s memories are these days. Chipper has been the face of this franchise since 1995, outlasting Gant, Justice, Jordan, Lopez, Lemke, Olsen, and a slew of rental players like Grissom, Sanders, McGriff, Sheffield, JD Drew, Teixeira, Anderson. (not to mention about 47,000 pitchers)
This man re-structured his contract on more than one occasion to give the team more money to spend on other players. This contract was his reward for that; it’s pathetic that people want to denigrate Chipper for negotiating a retirement that would allow him to keep part of this money.
Aaron
June 16th, 2010
3:43 pm
One final thought… When you hang a name like Chipper on your son how can you expect him to develop into a tough athlete as an adult. I remember Tommy LaSorda nicknamed Orel H. “Bulldog” to offset his lanky, somewhat nerdy appearance. How about Pitbull Jones?
Techman
June 16th, 2010
3:55 pm
if you think Chipper has been hurt his entire career, you need to go back and take a look at the number of games he played each year.
I find it funny that you all are sitting on a blog during the day complaining about Chipper stealing money. I’m sure your boss is fine with you being on here.
Go Braves!!!
June 16th, 2010
4:03 pm
Pride goeth before the fall…………
Rankings that matter: Falcons are better than Saints | Jeff Schultz
June 16th, 2010
4:24 pm
[...] ♦ Chipper Jones has more pride than to sit back, collect checks [...]
Tweets that mention http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/06/15/chipper-jones-has-more-pride-than-to-sit-back-collect-checks/?cxntlid=sldr_hm%3Futm_source%3Dpingback -- Topsy.com
June 16th, 2010
9:20 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by . said: [...]
Ronald Millsaps
June 17th, 2010
4:59 am
I attended the game tonight and at one point overheard some passing fans bashing Chipper. Truthfully, Atlanta fans are about as ignorant as the whole Turner Field gameday experience. The man is not out to draw an easy paycheck and never has been. Lest we forget, he has taken at least a couple of pay-cuts in his career, including his 2005 one that was designed to free up cash to offer Rafael Furcal.
To anyone who questions his toughness, please review his career for a moment and look at all his clutch hits. Clutch hits are a telltale sign of mental toughness, and as for physical toughness, who are casual fans who aren’t walking in his cleats to make ill-informed observations? Chipper’s excellence in the clutch, by the way, is the exact opposite of that of a Mark Teixeira, whose talent tends to disappear after the sixth inning.
I doubt he would go this route, but it’d be nice to see him return next season as a bench player. He could avoid retirement and also the rigors of a 600-at-bats season.
Back to Atlanta fans, Matt Ryan threw out the first pitch tonight and got a stoic reaction from the crowd. People can bash the Phillies and Mets all they want, but their fans are generally smarter and more loyal.
Ronald Millsaps
June 17th, 2010
5:01 am
bat*
ATLLIFER
June 18th, 2010
2:34 am
CHIPPER NEEDS TO FOCUS ON WHAT HE BRINGS TO THE TEAM!
Scott Anderson
June 20th, 2010
5:45 am
Chipper is stealing his millions just like his whole career.
retire now so we dont have to read about it.
Give him his 30 million and cut him loose.