Should Braves consider bringing back Andruw Jones?
Andruw Jones hit 19 home runs last season with the White Sox.
Hey look: Andruw Jones is still available and the Braves could use a right-handed bat and an extra outfielder.
OK, all together now: Schultz, you’re an idiot.
Truth is, I’m not pushing for the Braves to sign Jones. But I’m not completely dismissing the idea, either.
Have to admit, I’m only bringing this up because I’ve received a few emails in the last couple of days from readers asking me about Jones, and our resident baseball man David O’Brien tells me he also has been fielding questions from fans.
First, let’s address the negative: Jones will be 34 in April, obviously isn’t the Gold Glove center fielder he used to be with the Braves and often stirs up gale force winds when he’s at the plate.
Now here’s the positive: Playing for the Chicago White Sox last season, his third team in three years, Jones hit 19 home runs in 328 plate appearances. That roughly translates to a 40-home run season as a regular (which he’s not). Jones even walked 45 times, which gave him an on-base percentage of .341 (his best since 2006) and hit .230 (still anemic but better than the previous three years: .222, .158, .214)
The Braves could use a right-handed bat off the bench. For that matter, their outfield still makes me nervous. Martin Prado will be the everyday left fielder, unless Chipper Jones has a setback and can’t start at third. Jason Heyward is in right. Then there’s the great black hole in center: Nate McLouth. Jordan Schafer also will be camp in spring training, hoping to belatedly jump start his career. Eric Hinske and Joe Mather can fill in.
Is that good enough?
There are reports the New York Yankees are interested in Jones. The major league minimum salary is $414,000 next season, though Jones presumably would sign for something in the $750,000 to $1 million range.
There’s nothing to indicate the Braves are interested. The question is whether it’s risky to bring back a player who once was a star in that city and now is in his final days. But if Jones is desperate enough to accept a reduced role, I don’t see that as an issue. It’s something to think about, anyway.
By Jeff Schultz
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272 comments Add your comment
Hillbilly Deluxe
January 12th, 2011
12:28 pm
Should Braves consider bringing back Andruw Jones?
No.
Reid Adair
January 12th, 2011
12:31 pm
You’re exactly right about the “black hole” in center field and major questions in left. Andruw Jones would definitely not be an everyday player, but he might be a good bat off the bench. What are the other realistic options, especially considering Frank Wren is making the decisions?
Last
January 12th, 2011
12:31 pm
Sure, he’d be an upgrade. Why not?
Jordan
January 12th, 2011
12:35 pm
If Bobby were still here, Andruw would probably more inclined to accept an offer, were an offer extended. I’m not sure he plays this year for less than $2-3 million, and I don’t believe the Braves have that kind of flexibility. With that being said, I’d welcome him back.
PMC
January 12th, 2011
12:36 pm
It would be a nice story. For him it would be great to end his career here.
O'Brien
January 12th, 2011
12:37 pm
Jeff,
Also, if Chipper is not ready, then Prado plays 3B. If that happens, we might have two black holes in the outfield (CF and LF). I think he is a low risk, high reward signing.
Do you think Andruw might help attendance as well?
Dr. Phil
January 12th, 2011
12:37 pm
Not one of my favorites, but I would take him over McOut right now.
Bob Didier Slept Here
January 12th, 2011
12:38 pm
Shultzie, I definitely agree that this is something to be considered. However, would he be willing to accept a role as a bench player? Also, what would he bring to the locker room in leadership qualities. That is a big question right there. Something tells me that the Bravos will not bring him back.
Jeff Schultz
January 12th, 2011
12:39 pm
Wow. Early returns and I’m not getting booed out of the building. OK, maybe this wasn’t such a crazy idea.
O’Brien (not that one) — I’m not sure how many people will buy a ticket thinking, “I want to watch Andruw play.” But I suppose there could be a few.
MWC
January 12th, 2011
12:40 pm
It also depends on what kind of shape he’s in.
Remember the times he reported to camp looking like @#$% ?
Khao$
January 12th, 2011
12:41 pm
at a reasonable price, what’s the downside? It’s not like the Braves are going to break the bank for a big bat for the outfield. If you took on projects such as Bobby Bonilla, Ken Caminiti, Raul Mondesi, and Troy Glaus, why not try out Andruw? At the very least, he can play some outfield and can occasionally give you lighting in a bottle. Plus, he was never a locker room cancer. If the Braves don’t plan on bringing up Shaffer or some other flashy rookie, yeah bring him back
TommyJack
January 12th, 2011
12:42 pm
Depends on the price, Schultzie.
Everybody
January 12th, 2011
12:43 pm
Yes.
Skeezix
January 12th, 2011
12:44 pm
At that amount I say why not give him a shot. At times last year his bat seemed to be coming around and he still plays CF very well. Braves should make it conditional on him showing up in shape and making the team based on his performance in Spring training.
D-Man
January 12th, 2011
12:44 pm
Absolutely! In a backup role.
skip
January 12th, 2011
12:48 pm
Jones was once a star here. I can’t see him accepting a part-time role with the Braves. Maybe somewhere else, but not in Atlanta. Too much pride.
Kudzu
January 12th, 2011
12:50 pm
Yeah, and bring back the the Crime Dog, and Mad-Dog…do it!
Tweets that mention Should Braves consider bringing back Andruw Jones? | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
January 12th, 2011
12:52 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ajc sports editor, Miss Rachel and others. Miss Rachel said: RT @JeffSchultzAJC: Crazy idea of the day: #Braves bring back Andruw Jones. (First read, then you can mock). http://bit.ly/dK1F1V [...]
Big B CH 99
January 12th, 2011
12:53 pm
It actually isn’t a bad idea, because unless Schafer beats McOut to be the everyday CF, I think he should go to Gwinnett instead of being the 4th OF in Atl. Shchafer is still a young guy that needs AB’s more than anything else, and you only get those playing every day. What I’m saying is that unless he’s gonna be playing every day in Atl, Schafer should be playing everyday in Gwinnett instead of riding the bench in Atl. Andruw could provide a backup CF so that we could keep Schafer in Gwinnett instead of having him ride the bench in Atl.
ByteMe
January 12th, 2011
1:00 pm
I’d gamble a minor league contract with incentives on him.
White and Gold
January 12th, 2011
1:00 pm
No!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Plus cut Chipper!
The Living Legend
January 12th, 2011
1:02 pm
Would be good insurance. Chipper will play 125-130 games if we are lucky, that leaves Prado playing at least 40 games at 3B, Andruw can handle about 100 games a year. He can play all three outfield positions, and could play when “Mcsloth” continues to struggle. Offer him 750K and add some incentives. Does he still have a home in Atlanta? Anyone know?
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
1:05 pm
Yes, He still has a home in Atlanta. I think its an excellent move, but better jump on him before the Yankees get him.
Joshua
January 12th, 2011
1:05 pm
If you can sign him in that price range, I can’t see any downside to it really. But we have to understand that his value would be in adding depth and power off the bench. If the situation arises where Jones had to start regularly we would need to address the roster at that time.
Ted M
January 12th, 2011
1:07 pm
Yes!
Offer Andruw a minor league contract and tell him to report to spring training no heavier then 210lbs and compete for a spot on the roster.
If he makes it, give him a low salary & high incentives.
DAN
January 12th, 2011
1:07 pm
I loved to Jone’s back. Only if the price is right and he gets no guaranted spot.
ATL Sports Fan
January 12th, 2011
1:10 pm
Pass…his time here has come and gone. I cannot imagine he would be good as a paert timer, and you wouldn’t want him to have to pinch hit!
Eternal Pessimist
January 12th, 2011
1:10 pm
How about Lastings Millidge?
Herschel Talker
January 12th, 2011
1:11 pm
Schultzie:
McLouth stinks. But Andruw ain’t much better. And he’s fat and lazy. At least McLouth tries.
HT
johnr
January 12th, 2011
1:12 pm
Given the salary restraints that Wren is working under it makes sense to give him a shot
Ted M
January 12th, 2011
1:14 pm
Of course Andruw would accept a bench roll that’s what he has been doing. Andruw won’t get get 2-3 mil from anyone.
He’s ours if we want him…the only question is “How much does he weigh?”
Ted M
January 12th, 2011
1:15 pm
um…McLouth doesn’t even try to throw the ball. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.
Buck Commander
January 12th, 2011
1:17 pm
Kind of like buying insurance. You may not need it very often but its nice to have it when you do, if the price is right and its a good fit bring him back. I will pull for him like I did before.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
1:18 pm
As far as him pinch hitting: Hit .286 with a 1.214 OPS last season as a PH.
As far as being fat and lazy: He for the first time in his career last season took his weight seriously. He came to spring training in good shape and it showed. Stole 9 bases, his highest mark since he was 24 years young. Which if you were wondering that would have placed 2nd on the team in SB behind Mr. Heyward who only had 11 and played most of the year.
Rich T
January 12th, 2011
1:24 pm
I’d say yes, but only because we seem to have no other options.
hmmmmm........
January 12th, 2011
1:25 pm
He’s been on the decline for years, strikes out a ton, and doesn’t have the same range in the outfield. Does anyone think he was a juicer in his prime?
2011 National Champs
January 12th, 2011
1:26 pm
In the words of Bama fans on January 10, 2011. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
ATLcracker
January 12th, 2011
1:28 pm
8th inning. Down 2 runs.Two on. Who do you want up? Jason 1 HR/40 AB, Chipper 1HR/32 AB, Prado 1HR/30 AB, McCann 1HR/22 AB OR Andruw 1 HR/14 AB IN 2010. Also He’s only 34 years old. Chipper will be 39. If you can get him for 750,000 the cost per home run compared to the others will be impressive. I’ve been watching baseball for 55 years. I saw him in Macon regularly the year before he came up to the majors. He was the best defensive center fielder I ever saw. He still has a very good arm. Sign him. Get him a personal trainer if necessary.
Brrrrrrrr. . .
January 12th, 2011
1:30 pm
McLouth to start and Schaefer to back up scares me like it does anyone else who paid attention last year. I wonder if Andrew would be welcomed back into the clubhouse? Regardless, at the price you mentioned it’s worth considering.
Bobbymahlon
January 12th, 2011
1:31 pm
I have mixed emotions about bringing Andruw back because I don’t like players that will not give 100%. On the other hand I would rather see him out there in place of “Can’t throw the ball McLouth” and I should also say doesn’t hit the ball most of the time either. I also hope if they bring him back they won’t bat him cleanup after his buddy Chipper.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
1:31 pm
ATL cracker I was about to post the same numbers. You beat me to it. Kudos!!! Very good point.
2011 National Champs
January 12th, 2011
1:31 pm
Jeff, I really do like your columns but this one is just flat out ridiculous. How many times have the Braves succeeded with players they released and then brought back?
Answer: Not once.
Dozer
January 12th, 2011
1:31 pm
Been there done that – enough of the love handles & uppercut softball swing. He is an OLD 33. Braves fans, its time to move on………..
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
1:35 pm
Last time i checked i didn’t see Phillies fans complaining about how many times Ryan Howard strikes out.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
1:36 pm
2011 National Champs: Give some examples.
Deputy dawg
January 12th, 2011
1:37 pm
One of the smartest moves we ever made was to let him leave as a free agent. He is a terrible situational hitter. His homers come off of middle relivers and 4th and 5th starters in non-pressure moments.
With his dramatic drop-off in pproduction at such a young age, I’ve always wondered if he wasn’t much older than his documentation reflects. I’m guessing Andruw is closer to 40 and was older than 19 when he broke in. Remeber Furcal?
SimpleDawg
January 12th, 2011
1:37 pm
Absolutely bring back Andruw !
There’s more why to’s, than why nots.
He would immediately be the third or fourth best outfielder on the team.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
1:38 pm
I wouldn’t consider Otis Nixon as a legitimate example either. Nor, a 42 year old Glavine.
1eyedJack
January 12th, 2011
1:38 pm
Sign him to a make-good minor league contract.
Floyd
January 12th, 2011
1:38 pm
Question: Given the well-earned reputation that Latin American players have for lying early and often about their age, how certain are we that AJ is actually 34?
Were he instead 37 or 38, it sure would explain a lot.
cp8
January 12th, 2011
1:39 pm
yeah, bring him back. There’s no risk. He’s got enough upside for a back up role and he’d fit in the clubhouse well.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
1:40 pm
I agree that it was a good move to let him go as a free agent, but i also believe it is a good idea to bring him back. The Money was the reason he left, but money would also be the reason to bring him back.
Carlton
January 12th, 2011
1:42 pm
Bring him back. I think Jones has matured a lot since we let him go because here in Atlanta, he felt entitled to something-like he was automatically going to be the next big thing in CF. As he’s switched teams, I think he’s calmed down and realized that it’s not as easy as it once was for him to just get out and make the team. With newly found maturity and his ability to still hit, locker room presence and his love of the city, I think it could be a good rejuvenation story. Plus, the ATL fans would definitely welcome him back despite how we cut ties with him..
Yea right.............
January 12th, 2011
1:42 pm
For what? Schaffer is healthy is better then Andruw is now. And Schaffer has a future, Andruw is done and over. With our payroll like it is, I really have to say if they spend money it needs to be for a hole that is produced out of spring training. It took a long time to get rid of Andruw. You dont bring him back. Let the Yankees or better yet, let the Muts sign him.
ronron
January 12th, 2011
1:43 pm
Hell yeah!!! Better than what we already have
Ted M
January 12th, 2011
1:43 pm
I surprised Wren has, so far, tabbed Schafer to be McLouth’s backup. I like Schafer, but if he’s not the starter on opening day he needs to be starting at Gwinnett.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
1:46 pm
Yea right… Yeah lets just stick to Joe Mather being the guy that takes that roster spot. I mean he hit .217 with 0 HR and 3 RBI’s in 60 AB’s… I think thats a great idea right?
Ted M
January 12th, 2011
1:48 pm
Yea right………….you’re confused nobody is claiming he’ll be the future so don’t compare him with Schafer.
Andruw is an economical roll player who, if in shape, can help the Braves.
raleighbravesfan
January 12th, 2011
1:48 pm
White and Gold – “cut Chipper” Really? That would be incredibly stupid. First, you don’t have a clue how good (or bad) he will be post injury. He was NL batting champion 2 years ago (2008), and was playing very well when he got hurt. He is also great in the clubhouse.
Second, and more importatnt, you do realize you have to pay him the $28 Million remaining on his contract, right? This isn’t the NFL. MLB has a REAL player’s union, and contracts are guaranteed. So what you are saying is you want Braves to tell him to go away, but continue to pay the rest of his contract. Is that right? Stupid!
Ross
January 12th, 2011
1:48 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
ICMIII
January 12th, 2011
1:49 pm
Oh…hell…no.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
1:50 pm
IF YOU SAY “NO” TO THIS MOVE YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE NOT LOOKED INTO ANY OF THE FACTS!!!
Dawglasville
January 12th, 2011
1:52 pm
Yes. We should have brought him back last year. I felt like Bobby could have gotten the best out of him. What was the risk if we would have done it at the minimum.
TONE
January 12th, 2011
1:57 pm
is ron gant or david justice available ?
what about dale murphy ?
hmmmmm........
January 12th, 2011
1:58 pm
I think Andruw is done. They should go after hairston. Any chance they trade schafer before the season starts or do they keep him around try to make him the centerfielder in 2012?
MObravesfan
January 12th, 2011
1:58 pm
If the price is right, I don’t understand why they would not consider bringing Andruw back. I think it is a real good idea. I have been wondering the same thing for some time now.
raleighbravesfan
January 12th, 2011
1:59 pm
If Andruw were never a Brave, would we even consider this? that’s the real criteria. I don’t think Wren makes any move until he sees whqat we already have during ST. I agree with that plan, BTW.
raleighbravesfan
January 12th, 2011
2:01 pm
Are you the same people who constantly criticize Wren for bringing in projects and has beens? That’s exactly what Andruw is right now.
hmmmmm........
January 12th, 2011
2:02 pm
Anyone saying yes here is andruw’s average the last three seasons since he left. .158 .214 .230
BullDawgMike
January 12th, 2011
2:02 pm
Our biggest division rival just signed Cliff Lee. Do I need to say anything else? Andrew Jones OMG !!
hmmmmm........
January 12th, 2011
2:03 pm
He couldn’t juice anymore and his body fell apart
raleighbravesfan
January 12th, 2011
2:03 pm
Question is not “is the price right”, or “is he cheap”. The question is “is he the best option for the price”? My opinion is no.
blord
January 12th, 2011
2:04 pm
Andruw is 33? Yea right!
I am not dismissing it but it seems as if evey year our outfield is made up of one every day player and a bunch of guys that are not everyday players.
raleighbravesfan
January 12th, 2011
2:04 pm
hmmmmm…. posible, but unfounded. It is irrisponsible to speculate without evidence.
Buckeye
January 12th, 2011
2:04 pm
Praise Jesus. A change of subject at last!
TONE
January 12th, 2011
2:05 pm
brian jordan ? what about Prime Time ? they might be willing to come back.
Matt
January 12th, 2011
2:06 pm
*Channeling my inner Whitney Houston*- “He!! to the NO”!
BullDawgMike
January 12th, 2011
2:07 pm
TONE, don’t forget about Dale Murphy !
hmmmmm........
January 12th, 2011
2:07 pm
unfounded? look at the era he played in and look at him when he was 19. anyone remember him paying for sex at the gold club?
tyger
January 12th, 2011
2:09 pm
No Brainer: Hell yes!
The Braves and both Andruw and Chipper are tied at the hip.
The last time the Braves were great both Andruw and Chipper were great.
Both Chipper and Andruw came up through the ranks from Macon.
Braves havent been squat since Andruw left.
Some players are destined to be with their original teams. Its a karma thing.
Andruw, like Chipper, are still better than most, even on the downstroke.
Andruw is a Hall of Famer. Braves need as many HOFs as they can get.
Whats there to lose?
Andruw is a Brave for life.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 12th, 2011
2:10 pm
Please Andruw don’t do it man!
You have too much class to come back to these losers
Go to the Yankees and get that ring.
Katherine
January 12th, 2011
2:12 pm
I say heck yes bring andruw back…he’s an amazing outfielder its a win win situation.
MObravesfan
January 12th, 2011
2:12 pm
The thing is we know Andruw because he played here as one of the favorites for a long time. He fell out of favor because his hitting fell off. Never because he could not play his position. He would have finished second on the Braves in home runs and was a part time player. If we were ever to have a project player, why not make it one of our own. Like someone said before, low risk and possible high reward.
raleighbravesfan
January 12th, 2011
2:13 pm
hmmmmm… Speculate all you want, but all you have is a suspicion. You have no facts, and to my knowledge, he has never been tied to any steroid talk.
BTW, what the heck does the Gold Club incident have to do with steroids???
Reeves
January 12th, 2011
2:13 pm
Personally, would have rather kept Matt Diaz. At least, he did not grin like a cheshire cat when he struck out. And, we wouldn’t have to worry about outfield security when a fan rushed the field. I think we will be better off going with someone new. Might as well re-acquire Francour if we’re gonna go backwards.
Mike
January 12th, 2011
2:13 pm
He was actually pretty good last year despite the .230 batting average (we all know by now how misleading batting averages can be, right?). And he was really, really good against lefties. Considering the Braves need a right-handed bat and Andruw’s success against lefties, it certainly has some merit.
DHD
January 12th, 2011
2:14 pm
No….STOP obsessing over former players.
redwave
January 12th, 2011
2:14 pm
YES–AJ has no illusions as to what his role would be and having an extra right handed bat on the bench would be great. No matter what you feel about his past AJ is a good person who would fit nicely with the Braves roster. Bring him back–the Braves could do a lot worse.
jfreak13713
January 12th, 2011
2:15 pm
I like Jones and would love to see him retire a Brave but it would have to be a VERY reduced role and the league minimum before I would think this deal to work out for the Braves. However, if Jones would consider a role position and low salary in order to finish his career where it began I would be all for it! Who else are the Braves going to sign that will do any better?
raleighbravesfan
January 12th, 2011
2:16 pm
hmmmmm… Speculate all you want, but you have no evidence that Andruw used steroids., In fact, I’m unaware of any suggestion of that.
BTW, What the HECK does the Gold Club incident have to do with steroids?
JASon
January 12th, 2011
2:20 pm
Players get shuffled around every year and teams are constantly changing. The best players in the league will inevitably end up in one of three organizations, meanwhile the rest of the teams beg and battle for the scraps. Empty stadiums throughout the league for 2 1/2 months every year. Way to go, Major League Baseball.
gadawgs
January 12th, 2011
2:20 pm
Jeff…Not a bad thought if we can have him a respectable number. I would absolutely consider iit if I was the Braves. He knows Fredi also and vice versa.
DawginLex
January 12th, 2011
2:23 pm
Andruw is one of the original group of “winner Braves” along with Chipper. If there is a way to get him here and allow him to finish his career in ATL without breaking the bank, I say do it.
Larry
January 12th, 2011
2:23 pm
Not no, but HELL NO!
We finally get the worst manager in post season history (1-15 last game record) to retire and now it is time to bury the past a start anew.
No more overweight, free hanging hacks on this team!
Smack
January 12th, 2011
2:24 pm
I said at the beginning of the winter that Andruw was a logical choice for us. Now I would say it would be Jerry Harriston Jr. since he can play CF and SS. Rather have a guy that can step in instead of guy to fill in (Diory) at SS.
hmmmmm........
January 12th, 2011
2:24 pm
character. If you’d pay for sex at a strip club i wouldn’t put taking steroids past him.
DawginLex
January 12th, 2011
2:25 pm
Matt Choke ryan,
You looking forward to Mike vick coming to town Saturday?
TO SIT IN THE STANDS AND WATCH THE WINNERS PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
STRETCH
January 12th, 2011
2:25 pm
Why not, the guy hit 19 hrs last season and coming back home should give him even more motivation to produce. Go for it!
Reeves
January 12th, 2011
2:26 pm
This reminds me of when we tried to bring back Javy Lopez and Tom Glavine, both great players at one time, but a mistake 2nd time around. I think one of our younger players is a better direction, especially when you consider the speed necessary for the outfield.
STRETCH
January 12th, 2011
2:26 pm
Plus…WHO IN THEIR OUTFIELD BESIDES HEYWARD HIT MORE THAN 10 LAST SEASON?
some sense
January 12th, 2011
2:27 pm
Number 1…he was never a “…star in this city.”
Number 2…weight clause is crucial.
Number 3…otherwise, why not???
mcdaviddawg
January 12th, 2011
2:28 pm
no, he didn’t help before and won’t help now,
Larry
January 12th, 2011
2:28 pm
Pardon the candor, but I want you to know every one here that things this is a good idea–at any price–that I think your are an absolute idiot!
Likely, you are the SAME idiots that kept wanting Bobby Cox in the dugout the past several years and wish he were still there today.
Please, just go away and let the championship caliber “Alpha Dogs” on here show you how it is done. You are followers and laggards and now it is time for the leaders!
GTP
January 12th, 2011
2:31 pm
No, I don’t want to see him come back and fall down while swinging ever again.
Chopper
January 12th, 2011
2:32 pm
Why not? And if he gets bored sitting on the bench, I’m sure he can make his way up to the “all-you-can-eat” seats for a snack.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
2:33 pm
If Andruw signs with the Yankees, I could very well see him starting in Right or DH’ing day in and day out. Potentially .240 or more with 30 HR…
BnB
January 12th, 2011
2:33 pm
why not?
Rise Up Fan
January 12th, 2011
2:34 pm
Yes they should bring him back. McLouth sucks as the CF. Andruw might capture lighning in a bottle and play very well. You never know ?
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
2:35 pm
Larry would you rather have Joe Mather fill that spot? because right now thats who it is.
Bojangles
January 12th, 2011
2:37 pm
What does Wren think about bringing him back Jeff ? Andruw would increase ticket sales too. Fans loved Andruw !
Reeves
January 12th, 2011
2:38 pm
This is silly! Do any of us really think that Frank Wren is anxiously awaiting the daily blog results to see what players he needs to sign. LMAO
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
2:40 pm
You might be surprised what they see Reeves… Does a company look at its clients trends to see how to increase revenue? You bet they do!
Braves Fan
January 12th, 2011
2:42 pm
He!! no…not another re-run. How many times have we done that.
You didn’t put Young on the list for outfielders..rather have him than A Jones and it wont cost the money………
He!! no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GovClintonTyree
January 12th, 2011
2:46 pm
Short answer: absolutely.
Justafan
January 12th, 2011
2:47 pm
You could always find AJ at the Gold Club.
Larry
January 12th, 2011
2:51 pm
C’mon Man
Honestly, I’d rather go with an unproven rookie! Andruw Jones epitomizes what went wrong with this team starting about 2002-2003. An utter lack of energy, accountability and apathy…and right at the center of this was the fat guy mining his nostrils barking out cute little nick names.
Let’s move forward, figuratively and literally!
GovClintonTyree
January 12th, 2011
2:51 pm
Long answer: He was in much better shape with the Rangers and especially the White Sox, so he’s productive. OPS last year was a solid .827. He can play centerfield, maybe not like he once could, but well enough to give McLouth a breather against tough lefties, or maybe more if Nate doesn’t bounce back. Our leftfielder is the backup plan at first, second and third, so there’ll be at bats there as well.
Andruw could handle 450 at bats for us, no problem. Although Boras is his agent, he’s not going to get crazy money, should be affordable. I’d even entertain a team/vesting option for a second year.
He lives here, he undoubtedly wants to be here, and he fits our needs and in our clubhouse (see pix of the Mocha Cowboy at the Jason Aldean concert with Chipper, Mac, Ross, Bobby and them).
UABDAD
January 12th, 2011
2:54 pm
I think the Atlanta Braves has given Andruw Jones the opportunity to become the greatest player in the history of the franchise or in baseball. Jones was lazy and seemed to lack motivation during the majority of his years here in Atlanta. This is a younger and stronger team that seems to be heading in the right direction. No COX is good.. No CHIPPER would be great!!!
Bravo
January 12th, 2011
2:55 pm
If Andruw agrees to comeback and be a role player, I don’t see why not even if you pay him $1M. Most washed up players in MBL gets $3-$5M and can’t hit a lick.
Let’s not forget what he has done for the Braves.
UGASlobberknocker
January 12th, 2011
2:55 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Thats all we need is a fat lazy player who is about 5 yrs older than he says he is.
pat
January 12th, 2011
2:56 pm
ALL things considered…………………he’s a bargin.
- Yes
raleighbravesfan
January 12th, 2011
2:56 pm
hmmmmm… Again, you are speculating, with no evidence. He may have been on the juice, but we don’t know that. Afast decline is not evedence. Ask Dale Murphy, or Willie Mays (who I consider to be one of the 2 greatest all around players of all time) Did those 2 juice? There is a big difference between suspicion and proven fact. I don’t want Andruw back, because I believe he has declined greatly, and is not the best option, but I don’t know if he juiced or not.
Rich T
January 12th, 2011
2:56 pm
rEEVES SAID: “This is silly! Do any of us really think that Frank Wren is anxiously awaiting the daily blog results to see what players he needs to sign. LMAO”
No.
UGASlobberknocker
January 12th, 2011
2:57 pm
Justafan..
AJ might have to start going to the Cheetah since the Gold Club shut down about 10 yrs ago.
Looking Forward to Freddies (both of them)
January 12th, 2011
2:59 pm
Yes. I have actually been bringing this up for quite a while. At 1 mil he will definitely be worth it. His power never declined even though his average did, but lets face it he was never a high-average hitter. 19HRs that Andruw hit last year is more than Heyward hit last year (18)….yeah think about that for a second.
While his defense may have declined a little, it has simply gone from being perennial Gold Glove quality to being above average.
For 1 million = absolutely worth it.
Go get him
Larry
January 12th, 2011
3:00 pm
Give Jordan Schafer a chance now that he’s healthy…he’s much faster, harder working and more dedicated that Andruw ever was. Plus, he’ll cost less at the club house buffet!
Looking Forward to Freddies (both of them)
January 12th, 2011
3:01 pm
and +1 to Schultz for having the cojones to finally write it…
Nilo Emerenciana
January 12th, 2011
3:06 pm
If Andruw jones have the choice to choose between the Yankees and the Braves, if I was him, I would choose to play for the Yankees. There he has more future and chances to show his talent. Besides that 3 years ago the Braves have let him go, while he badly wanted to play for the Braves.
tony
January 12th, 2011
3:10 pm
Absolutely! Why not consider him for our everday CF?
Dawg A
January 12th, 2011
3:16 pm
Jeff… if the Yankees are interested then that should tell us something!!! Yes sign him and make it incentive laden! It’s not like we have a ton of other choices!!!
baldy87
January 12th, 2011
3:16 pm
He’s 34 years old, with what, 15 years in the big leagues? …and has the guy figured out how to hit a curve ball yet? I’m mean seriously, I’m an idiot, and even I know that all I’d have to do is tell my pitcher, “you will be fined $10,000 for each pitch that is NOT a curveball away.” He was washed up 3 or 4 years ago, and he’s still washed up.
Nova Scotia Steve
January 12th, 2011
3:26 pm
Bring him back – for $1m – why wouldn’t you try it?
urban redneck
January 12th, 2011
3:28 pm
could we use another backup outfielder? sure. do i want to reunite the jones brothers? no.
honestly, i hope shafer wins the opening spot in cf and solves our outfielder problem. i really like this guy.
is our number 5 starter going to be beachy or minor until medlen returns?
McDawg
January 12th, 2011
3:31 pm
No
The Real Brave
January 12th, 2011
3:42 pm
BRING HIM BACK!!!
NOW!!
Tom1
January 12th, 2011
3:43 pm
Sorry, but Hell No. If you want to talk about bringing back former Braves, consider Mark Teixeira. Should never have let him go in the first place.
Fourbee
January 12th, 2011
3:51 pm
In 102 at bats against lefties last year these are his numbers
Avg OBP SLG OPS HR SO
.256 .373 .558 .931 8 19
Respectable perhaps, but, when Kawakami is traded, FW will probably be in the market for someone better.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
3:52 pm
Larry, in 2003 the pitching went down hill. That is when we were relying on Russ Ortiz and Mike Hampton.
Dogs, Jackets take a beating in ESPN poll (no surprise) | Jeff Schultz
January 12th, 2011
3:53 pm
[...] – Should Braves consider bringing back Andruw Jones? [...]
bad dawg
January 12th, 2011
3:54 pm
Even though it should be hot next summer,we can all do without the breezes.Why don’t weak hitters learn to ‘guard’ the plate? Money..money..they can’t bunt but that beer is still 7 bucks sir.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
3:55 pm
Larry, What about having Schafer and Andruw. If Chipper is hurt and Mclouth continues his struggles. Andruw made around minimum salary last season. Why not make him a 5th outfielder?
DawgBoi
January 12th, 2011
3:57 pm
Frank Wren has done a terrific job as our G.M. since he replaced John Schuerholz so I believe he will make the right call. I think Andruw would be a great combo off the bench with Hinske for Gonzalez. The power numbers and RBI’s those two would put together in the late innings would be a huge weapon for the anemic looking offense. Who knows? I have no clue how to expect this team to play because this will be the first season without Bobby Cox. I will miss him but I am really excited about the changes that are taking place and wish everything and the best for our new ‘Skipper’ Fredi Gonzalez. Hopefully we get a chance to see Andruw back in a Braves uniform; I think he can help us win this year. Anyone heard of a guy named Renteria?
Richard Alpert
January 12th, 2011
3:58 pm
I had enough of him grinning like an idiot every time he struck out.. so NO!
Charlie
January 12th, 2011
3:59 pm
Is he under 30olbs? Just kidding…I say he would be worth a spring training shot and into the early season to see how he would do. The risk/reward ratio looks pretty good to me.
C'mon Man
January 12th, 2011
4:01 pm
The Yankees want him. That should tell us all something.
bulldog bubba
January 12th, 2011
4:02 pm
What in the name of “SONNY CLUSTERS” are you trying to do to us?We don’t need a fanner at home plate.He stands at the plate and grins,strikes out and then sits down.Please not again.
Jon
January 12th, 2011
4:04 pm
bring him home wren!!!! PLEASE! Hes better than any other back up we’ve had in years..19 home runs! Didn’t heyward hit that last year?!
stew
January 12th, 2011
4:09 pm
Andruw should be in a platoon with McLoser and once McLoser doesn’t pan out he should be our everyday centerfielder. I really think if given 550 at bats he’ll hit 30 and drive in 90. That’s much more production than we can ever dream of having from McLoser. I don’t care about how many times he strikes out or how low his batting average is. 30 and 90 and decent defense is all I want. We wouldn’t be as vulnerable to lefty pitching as we have been recently with Andruw/Chip/Uggs/Prado/Gonzo. We’d have a better lineup and bullpen than Philly. Phils would have an advantage in the rotation, but we’d be competitive.
J.T.Ellenwood
January 12th, 2011
4:10 pm
Bring Andrum back sign him to a minor league contract it is still 25 homeruns in that bat 90 RBI.
JeanE
January 12th, 2011
4:23 pm
No way, man. If this is the way we’re going to go, why on Earth wouldn’t we have kept Matty Diaz??? I’m still mad we didn’t keep him, forget bringing Andruw back. Been there, done that. Next.
Caseyatthebat
January 12th, 2011
4:27 pm
Yeah, Jeff, it’s something to think about alright. Like ………when should I put the clothes in the washer or……….let’s see, what do I want for supper.
J.T.Ellenwood
January 12th, 2011
4:28 pm
Everyone forgot about Troy Glaus and Melky Cabrea who was on the team last year it turn my stomach everytime Melky came to bat. I know Andrum could do a better job. Troy had one good month.
clem
January 12th, 2011
4:35 pm
No, bring up the young guys on our farm to fill that role. Sorry, Andruw.
Roy Hinkley
January 12th, 2011
4:37 pm
I’d rather have Ralph Garr.
oldfart
January 12th, 2011
4:38 pm
A classic example of natural born talent wasted due to a lack of a work ethic. At least the Dodgers were the ones that got soaked with the big free agent contract. Hopefully he invested it well. The Braves were right in letting him go then and I wouldn’t take him now if he would play for free.
Bill in VA
January 12th, 2011
4:41 pm
Stop it!! For goodness sake!! Go young, that’s the only way to go now!! What an insult it would be to the other older players who’ve been let go. Stop it!
j-rod
January 12th, 2011
4:42 pm
i would love to see andruw finish career in atllanta.low money,he’d probly be better than our outfield last year besides heyward.
gadawgs
January 12th, 2011
4:43 pm
Outside of Heyward, Jones is a better option than any of our other potential CF (McClouth sucks, Shaefer has not proven anything other than he juiced & Mather? really…) I’ll take Andruw @ 25-30 & 80-90 (even with a BA of .240) over McOut @15-20 & 60-70 with a BA of .190 anyday. Yes McClouth has more range now than Jones but his lack of armstrength compared to Jones should make that a wash. If Andruw is in shape and will accept whaterver role he is asked to do absolutely bring him back.
Jeff Schultz
January 12th, 2011
4:44 pm
Larry — Jordan Schafer will get a chance. He needs to make the most of it.
j-rod
January 12th, 2011
4:44 pm
why do you want a young guy for back up.he could handle it better mentaly as back up than a younger guy could.
Jeff Schultz
January 12th, 2011
4:44 pm
Thanks “Looking forward to …)
Jeff Schultz
January 12th, 2011
4:45 pm
Dawg A — Agreed, but safe to say the Yankees would pay a lot more than the Braves (just because they always do).
Craig
January 12th, 2011
4:48 pm
That is a good question Jeff. Let me think abo….NO.
Mandy
January 12th, 2011
4:48 pm
Yes!! show some love for the golden glove!
Exodus
January 12th, 2011
4:54 pm
No way , the issue of depth is being missed . We need a right-handed bat capable of backing up not just the outfielders , but Prado or CF combo at the top of the order. 1-3 seems to be the only true weakness in the lineup. Bringing in another older player who lacks plate discipline will hold up player development. Prado (coming of injury) cant’t be expected to lead-off , hit second , back-up Chipper , and play constantly without being given a breather. Andruw is not the answer for how this team is built. Speed , energy ,versatility , and the ability to grow within the needs of the team is what the Braves need. Andruw is not a situational hitter , can’t hit breaking balls , can’t hit the other way, bad on the bases (even when young) , and his defense has slipped because of age and weight. Just saying look within and elsewhere for a talented player that will bust his hump and appreciate the opportunity. Fix the top of the order with a different outfielder to back it up , and find utility infielder then move on.
Larry
January 12th, 2011
5:07 pm
Jeff,
And I think he will…the kid was too good in the minor league system and early major league games before breaking his wrist not to be!
Look for Schafer and McLouth to split duty until Chipper breaks his left ear lobe or rip open a mole, and then McLouth with his weaker arm will move to left and Prado moves to third. Then, upon his return after a 60 day stint on the DL, let Chipper have an occasional token start and be our right hand pinch hitter to compliment Hinske on the left side.
My batting order:
Schafer
Prado
Uggla
Heyward
McCann
Gonzalez
Freeman
McLouth
Pitcher
j-rod
January 12th, 2011
5:12 pm
haha some of these people on here would complian if they signed albert pujols to a 10 yr league min contract.your not gonna get an all star to be back up.all you need is someone that can make average plays with descent bat.nothing special,thats why its a back up.
WV Braves Fan
January 12th, 2011
5:13 pm
I really enjoyed watching him play in Atlanta when he was a star. He made some spectacular catches. Maybe the Braves should consider bringing him back.
j-rod
January 12th, 2011
5:14 pm
andruw would be descent in a back role.
j-rod
January 12th, 2011
5:16 pm
i agree w larry
"Chef" Tim Dix
January 12th, 2011
5:19 pm
I like it the idea. Error reduction is part of the Braves necessary equation and defensively, on this ball club, he’d have no peer in CF.
Bravesfan79
January 12th, 2011
5:24 pm
I think Jones would be great coming off the bench in situations were we have 2 outs late in the game and need someone at bat who has a decent chance of hitting a solo shot out to tie the game. Andrew… come back to the ATL!
rm
January 12th, 2011
5:32 pm
I saw him at the gym a few times last off-season and he looked in pretty good shape. Definitely not fat like some previous loser posted. Anyway, I say yes if they can get him cheap.
gcs
January 12th, 2011
5:51 pm
Here we are yet again. The Braves are almost ready for spring training and Wren has not done anything significant to shore up the outfield. It’s becoming an annual tradition!
I just know Wren is patting himself on the back right now but two-thirds of the outfield is a joke.
Uggla was a great pick-up but we all know that Prado will end up spending more time at third base than in the outfield.
McLouth and Schafer do not give much reason to be optimistic. Hinske is good but cannot play every day.
And every time someone nonchalantly brings up Joe Mather as an alternative, I want to smack them in the mouth. Mather has played in 90 career MLB games and has not hit a HR since 2008. Mather, McLouth and Schafer are basically AAA players.
I still don’t get why they did not resign Diaz for a lousy $2.55M. If the Braves can get Andruw for sub-$1M, I think it is worth the gamble. They might even sell a few extra tickets to help pay for it.
.
Chicken Farmer
January 12th, 2011
5:54 pm
NoT “NO”, but “HELL NO”!
ivan
January 12th, 2011
5:59 pm
Sure bring him back! I’m not sure of the criteria for what makes the outfield better. 20+ homers ?
Great outfielder? Good team player? Andrew has all of that. It would be a great story.
He is still a local hero despite his baggage. Sign him now while he is still available.
Observer
January 12th, 2011
6:00 pm
Andruw was never the same after they closed down the Gold Club
twister442
January 12th, 2011
6:00 pm
Yes, please bring back Andruw immediately!! Would welcome him back & think he’s definitely better than Nate. Come on AJ!
Observer
January 12th, 2011
6:01 pm
Shafer will be a great one but definately not as a lead off hitter. He’s not a punch and judy type of hitter
Kelvin Frazier
January 12th, 2011
6:02 pm
Yes, they should. All you have to do is look at the outfield production (the lowest in the league) from last season to know that he certainly can’t be any worse than what we already have.
Observer
January 12th, 2011
6:02 pm
Andruw looks more like a first baseman now than a center fielder.
Observer
January 12th, 2011
6:03 pm
Bring back Mazone first
Chunky
January 12th, 2011
6:04 pm
Let andruw coach a base like TP’s fat azz
Einsteindawg
January 12th, 2011
6:04 pm
Only if we need another strikeout machine.
oldfart
January 12th, 2011
6:08 pm
He didn’t pay for sex from the Gold Club. He was comped, ordered in to his room at the Ritz, and the Manager delivered two. The Gold Club often comped celebrities to add to their “prestige”. Even if he did pay he was smarter than Chipper. The pros don’t hit you for $20k a month child support later.
Ask a few of his teammates from back then their opinion of Andruw. Bobby would still cover for him even though he came in for his sophomore season looking like the Pillsbury Dough Boy. But once I heard Smoltz give an honest assessment in a radio interview which was what I mentioned earlier. If he had worked to stay in shape and worked out in his youth he coulda’ been a contenah’. Sure he works out now but there’s too much water under the bridge at this point.
John
January 12th, 2011
6:10 pm
Andruw. Bring him back. See if he can make the team out of Spring Training. If he can, he’ll be a great addition. If he can’t, we’ll be stuck with McOut. Schafer is well, how to put this? Well, I met him at the 400 Club banquet a couple of years ago. The guy is maybe 5′ 11″ in pumps. Skinnier than a rail. Couldn’t weigh more than 160 pounds soaking wet!! If this guy was on steroids — somebody was ripping him off big time. McOut cannot throw the ball at all from the outfield and has no business in the Major Leagues. Admit your mistake, cut him, and move on. Andruw could out perfom him for a fraction of the cost. Jordan needs to “get on steroids” and lose the attitude…
Stinger2
January 12th, 2011
6:12 pm
Andrew Jones will sign with the Yankees or another AL club and be a designated hitter/pinch hitter. He will get and take an offer that will be much higher than the Braves
would make (if they even made one).
tim
January 12th, 2011
6:13 pm
not only no but HELL NO !!!! that fat lazy so and so had every chance here in Atlanta to get in shape and try to improve himself. Let him go to the Yankees Philly’s or anybody else it is time for Liberty to pony up for some players not found on the scrape heap. We signed Uggla and haven’t done a thing since 3rd base needs to be addressed,Chipper will be a role player at best, CF is a joke we have McSucks and Schaffer whee that’ll make you happy.
Einsteindawg
January 12th, 2011
6:15 pm
Folks, A Jones is what’s wrong with pro sports. Too much TV money allows for mediocrity and “fans” living in the past. Why don’t we bring back the “little Frenchman”, Claude Raymond…bet he still has a few SOs left.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 12th, 2011
6:16 pm
Would he be any worse than Joe Mather’s career stats? Would he be any worse than Rick Ankiel? Definitely not. As a part time player, hell yeah, bring him in.
GT Alum
January 12th, 2011
6:22 pm
He’s an option. I’m not sure who else FW is looking at as a back-up CF or what kind of money he has to spend, but I don’t know why Andruw wouldn’t be one of the options he’s looking at. As far as I know, no bridges were burned between Andruw and the club when he left. You’re not going to get a great bat from a back-up CF (which is what the Braves are looking for, no matter how much fans might think they need a starting CF), so the biggest question to me is if he can still play a good CF.
I also wonder if FW is waiting to see what he can get for KK, or if he’s making back-up SS his priority. The options we have internally for the back-up SS role make McLouth and Schafer look like the Bash Brothers.
GovClintonTyree
January 12th, 2011
6:37 pm
Looks like a 50/50 split, and nobody is lukewarm.
GovClintonTyree
January 12th, 2011
6:41 pm
For the role we have – 350-450 at bats backing up in CF and LF (since our LF is the backup plan in the IF everywhere but SS), how could you possibly do better? He’s in much better shape than he was when he fell apart. He’s a local. You know he’s got power. You don’t want your lineup to be overloaded with strikeouts, but the only guys we’ve got that K a lot are Gonzalez and Uggla.
He’s perfect for what we need right now this year.
I liked the guy above who cited AJ’s stats against LH, ending with a .931 OPS. Then he said Frank can probably find someone better. Uhh, come again? Say what? How you gonna beat that for a fourth OF?
Bring him in. It’s a great idea.
JoeFan
January 12th, 2011
6:48 pm
I don’t believe AJ is a clutch hitter, so coming off the bench as a ph is not acceptable. However, AJ is still a better cf that Mclouth. I would much rather see him as the everyday cf, unless schafer is ready to assume that role.
Ueeediot
January 12th, 2011
7:00 pm
Why not just plug in Gregor Blanco, he seems to have spark, and a huge desire to play!
Oh, forgot, traded him to KC for ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
Way to go Wren.
ervin w
January 12th, 2011
7:05 pm
come on people lets give Nate a chance every player can have an off year…these personal attacks on the players and Bobby are unwarrented if you are a true Braves fan as I am proud to be.
You back your favorite team through thick and thin. i know i could never fill their shoes I’m proud to have a Braves Fan since the early ’70s and i’ll continue til my last breath
Ueeediot
January 12th, 2011
7:06 pm
Id like to see AJ here in Spring Training just so people around town can actually see how far off he has fallen. Schaffer will seem like an all-star next to AJ.
Bobby Cox used to say AJ had RBI’s in his glove. (That means he could really play defense).
AJ’s time has passed.
Ueeediot
January 12th, 2011
7:07 pm
Ervin
Completely agree…Nate came back in September and was hitting the daylights out of the ball. I give him Spring Training and maybe April to get it back together and evaluate him then.
mowreck
January 12th, 2011
7:09 pm
A gold glove centerfielder? What a question.
Paddy
January 12th, 2011
7:12 pm
As an extra outfielder in his home town, it is worth the small gamble. Plus if he hits a hot streak, he could carry a team for 7-10 days. I don’t believe there is a tremendous downside at his asking price. I say, give it a try. Baseball history is loaded with players coming back home and do well by the home team. Also, an argument could be made in the negative. A good story line if he does well!
Paddy
January 12th, 2011
7:17 pm
Floyd ……your question about Andruw’s age is mute. MLB has in place now a way to verify age of any National Association player or in the rare case a Major League player without National Association service time. They will not be embarrassed again.
Moonlight Graham
January 12th, 2011
7:20 pm
Larry, “mining his nostrils”, laughed out loud on that one. Well done. And being the Bobby fan you are, for double bonus points, can you name his favorite curse word/expression? Starts with an H.
idot
January 12th, 2011
7:25 pm
Take Andruw Jones back? Heallllll Naw. Is you crazy?
idot
January 12th, 2011
7:34 pm
Someone wrote earlier, that defensively, A Jones would have no peer in CF on this team. Yeah, maybe 10 years ago, if he felt like running after the ball that day.
At the end of his career in Atl., he almost never tried to track down a ball that was hit over his head near the fence, he almost allways played them off of the wall.
rilo
January 12th, 2011
7:39 pm
Yes….you’re going to pay him as a backup who has hit no higher than .230 in the past 4 years. There’s little to no risk. Forget the emotions, it’s still a good deal for a backup. like I said though, you HAVE to pay him backup money.
rilo
January 12th, 2011
7:43 pm
p.s. If Troy Glaus would have played the whole year the way Andruw played with 300+ AB he would still be in ATL
thunderbull56
January 12th, 2011
7:43 pm
He,Furcal,Gant,just never really “GOT IT”.Come on Man! Move on.
5150 P.O.A.D.
January 12th, 2011
7:45 pm
He is Old Fat and Rich. Why do we really need him? I would go with Young hungry poor and in our farm system first.
justin1
January 12th, 2011
8:22 pm
Enter your comments here
justin1
January 12th, 2011
8:26 pm
Bad Idea.
Who didnt love Andruw back in the 90’s and through 2006?
I know I did. But that chapter is over. Why tarnish his great legacy he left with Atlanta as going down as one of the absolute best center fielders to ever play the game?
We know he’s not capable of being an everyday player for us. It would just be shameful to have him sitting on the bench all year as a BACKUP to NATE MCLOUTH!
No way. Let him go to any other team but the Braves, Marlins, Mets, Phillies, Nats, and Yankees.
idot
January 12th, 2011
8:40 pm
I’ll be surprised if any team signs him.
Steve
January 12th, 2011
8:43 pm
Frank Wren surely isn’t that stupid.
Jones represents no ’sure-fire’ upgrade over Nate McLouth. If that isn’t telling enough then what is? The reality is, there were signs that McClouth was pulling it together in September of last year. Let’s also not forget the guy was out for a long time due to a concussion because our glorious RF thought he was too good to be called off for a ball that should have clearly been McLouth’s.
Let’s also not forget that bringing in Jones, who’s upside is limited, could potentially steal at bats from players who ‘might’ have a decent future in front of them.
In other words, would bringing in Jones make enough of a difference this year to make up for sacrificing at bats to possible starters over the next 506 years? The answer to that is an obvious NO. Rick Ankiel I would have said yes to because he still plays solid defense. Andruw Jones won two or three more gold gloves than he deserved as he was a sloth before he left the ATL.
I would much rather give McLouth and Shafer the AB’s and see what happens. MUCH.
Ken
January 12th, 2011
8:50 pm
I would only have him back as the following: 1) He thoroughly passes a physical (2) He maintains a weight limit. If he fails to keep it for one whole week, he is dumped to the minors (3) His salary is set at the minimum. By the ASB…if he exceeds, his salary gets pushed up…he becomes a rotator. 4) if he fails in everything…release him….5) If he succeeds going into possible post-season, give him a one-year extension.
WTH…it wouldn’t hurt!
Steve
January 12th, 2011
8:54 pm
Big B CH 99 … your post on the first page makes more sense to me than anyone else’s here. I don’t want Shafer in Atlanta unless he is starting and playing 4 out of 5 games.
My true thoughts on the year are as follows.
Chipper may or may not be ready. If not, Shafer gets the job in CF with McLouth in LF. Even if Chipper is ready, I hink he will go DL once or twice per usual and our OF will end up that way.
The one problem I have is that if we bring in Jones, then when Chipper gets hurt I see the Braves bringing up Shafer to ride the pine while Andruw gets a shot at starting. Under no circumstances should Andruw Jones be starting at this point in his career. Period.
Oh, and to those saying he is an upgrade defensively over anythign we could put in center .. you need to take off the rose-colored glasses and get over your Andruw Jones love affair. He has not play above average CF for 5 years. His last two season in Atlanta he was average at best. he couldn’t throw anyone out and he couldn’t track down balls landing before the warning track some days. The guy is TERRIBLE on defense now. I would take Eric Hinske over Andruw defensively. Why do you think only AL teams have shown interest the last couple of years (so his largeness could DH ala Jim Thome and Big Papi .. heck even Thome might be better in CF right now than Andruw). McLouth and Shafer are FAR superior in the OF, and McLouth is only average at best for a CF. Shafer is clearly the best defensively of our CF and LF possibilities.
As for him being a right handed bat off the bench, you do NOT want a hitter like him coming off the bench. You want someone who can make contact and drive in runs in late game situations. You do not want someone who should thank the lord every time he makes any contact to speak of.
Justafan
January 12th, 2011
9:00 pm
Jeff why did you start this crap………….Play Young are couple from AAA thats ready..NO RERUNS. Yes I know the Gold Club was closed.
TXDawg
January 12th, 2011
9:03 pm
TedM you sir are ridiculous….Andruw hasn’t seen 210lbs since he was 21.
Whatever the case, I said it last summer and I’ll say it again, bring Andruw back for power from the bench. He knows the organization, was never a disruption, and would be a very serviceable upgrade to what we have on the bench right now. Who knows, we might even get more than we bargain for with him being happy to be back in a Braves uniform.
Ueeediot
January 12th, 2011
9:13 pm
Why wouldnt you bring Shaffer and McLouth to Spring Training all the while telling the baseball world that they are fighting for a starting position. If there are ever any inquiries for a trade, you can always claim one is closer to the starting role than the other and raise his trade value.
Me, personally, I would give them both a full opportunity to make this club…in March and depending on that result maybe even April.
Everyone on this blog will be McLouth’s best friend if he hits 280+ and steals 20+ bases as he is capable.
The real concern is starting pitching.
Exodus
January 12th, 2011
9:19 pm
Completely agree with Steve’s post , Atlanta’s talented farm system will never be used properly if they continue to bring back nostalgic players from the past with questionable work ethic.Jones hasn’t been an elite CF for years , so anybody that considers him an upgrade its just wishful thinking. Hes getting a pass on the last 5 years of his career yet fans are ready to dumb Schafer and McLouth after less than 2 seasons on a team desperate for speed. Really wish FW had retained Diaz so this wouldn’t be an issue and they could concentrate on a back-up SS , would’ve have been the only glaring weakness.
Tomahawk
January 12th, 2011
9:22 pm
Should the Braves bring back Andruw? Well, what’s their biggest need as far as the OF goes? A shut down defensive CF to take over late in the game and preserve a lead. Is Andruw an excellent defensive CF? No. Therefore he doesn’t fit. If he’s cheap, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to happen, but he doesn’t fill one of the few primary needs the team has, so it seems silly to spend what little money they have left on something we don’t have a serious need for.
Long story short, the smart thing to do would be to save what little cash they have left in case they need to scrape some money together mid-season for an acquisition. The in-house guys can probably play a decent enough back-up CF until then.
KC Frenchy
January 12th, 2011
9:27 pm
OK Schultz, you asked for, you got it, youre an IDIOT!!! We need someone with speed, good/ great on defense, & gets on base, NOT a lazy retread strikeout machine, these are the new Bravos, no room on the roster for one of Boobys boys, lets move forward not backward!!! Go Bravos Ugga Ugga
iopbrave
January 12th, 2011
9:28 pm
AJ wherever he lands will hit more dingers this year than any brave outfielder except for a healthy heyward; as a 4th or 5th outfielder he would be an asset- another right handed power bat – we only have one Uggla
Smiling Jack
January 12th, 2011
9:34 pm
There’s really no good reason for the Braves to regress by signing Andruw Jones. This team is moving to the future, not the past. Andruw is the past. He was then, this is now.
LWells2000
January 12th, 2011
10:25 pm
Get Andruw back. At worse he’d be better in CF than the McLouth-Schafer debacle. Stop the bleeding this year before it begins.
benchwarmer
January 12th, 2011
10:41 pm
NOOOOOOOOO!
PaulieOldschool
January 12th, 2011
11:24 pm
Not only no, but HELL NO! He adds nothing and he takes away up to a $1m? What does that do for us, exactly? We had him at his best, which was very, very good. Now he is very, very mediocre. Give the slot (and money) to someone who is not almost 34 and so obviously yesterday’s news.
GLE
January 13th, 2011
1:46 am
When was the last time the Braves started a season with players who were playing positions they were familiar with and was very good at? I was hoping with the new mangement we would quit playing like a bunch of little leaguers plugging warm bodies into positions just so they could have enough warm bodies to field a team and be honest to goodness major league calibur players at every position to play at this “level”. I wish them well but it appears they are putting themselves at a disadvantage before they start. They already have 2 players who don’t play their positions very well.One learning a new position, breaking in one new rookie, and one who is hopefully coming back from a serious injury. And this is before they have to play teams like the Phillies. With unspent money in the bank.
SavannahSeer
January 13th, 2011
6:05 am
OK, let’s look at this objectively, shall we? How many Braves outfielders hit 15+ HR’s last year? (Sounds of crickets at night). How many Braves outfielders do you feel REALLY comfortable about either chasing down flies in the gaps OR throwing out runners at the plate?? (More crickets???)
McLouth has consistently shown that he is not even a good throwing CF, and don’t get me started on his plate performances. McLouth won’t be a Brave by this year’s All-Star Break, you can write it down and file it if you please. If Schaeffer is healthy, I think you go with him, get Andruw as a right handed stick and a back up CF. Platoon Hinske in LF along with a few options the Braves have recently acquired.
And one more thing… Please bring the corner fences in about another 10 feet, but make them taller. Not quite like Philly, but allow some more would-be popup HR’s to go off the wall for a double or two. If we don’t have defensive speed in the gaps, maybe this helps…SOME!!! Whadya say, Jeff???
steve whitmire
January 13th, 2011
6:31 am
absolutely I’d give him a shot, we’re dueling a killer team in the Phillies and another occasional home from a center fielder would be a welcome improvement
Don
January 13th, 2011
8:58 am
No matter how bad the outfield problems are; No matter how bad the outfield poroblems could get — They are not bad enough and cannot get bad enough to even consider bringing back Andruw Jones. His attitude and example is a cancer on a team. This is to take nothing away from his talent. He could have been and should have been one of baseball’s all time greats. It is amazing that he could even hit at all, could even make contact with the ball — the way he severely, severely overswing, started his bat hard rather than putting it in motion and accelerating, tried to pull everything, and had an attitude of seeming not to care very much. He was one of Bobby Cox’s greatest failures — with the proper control and disipline at the outset, he could have been one of the all time greats.
benchwarmer
January 13th, 2011
9:36 am
Why don’t we pretend to be interested in AJ just so the Yankees have to pay more and once again end up with egg on their face for having another old overpaid and washed up ballplayer.
benchwarmer
January 13th, 2011
9:37 am
I only want to smirk at AJ. I never want to see his smirk on our field again except a a failed member of some loser team. That’s the place he will end up, among the losers.
GermanBravesFan
January 13th, 2011
9:43 am
Funny how DON still finds something to blame Bobby Cox for. Dude, let it go!
My opinion: yes, bring Andruw back for one year as back-up outfielder.
GermanBravesFan
January 13th, 2011
9:46 am
of the available veteran free agent outfielders, whom would you try to get (granted salary is not higher than $1.5 million): Andruw, J. Damon, V. Guerrero, J. Edmonds or NONE of the above?
give him a chance
January 13th, 2011
11:06 am
Remember how Andruw told all the other outfielders where to play and when to break? It would be worth a million just to have him on the bench and in the locker room working with our outfielders. And there are plenty of us who could break out our Andruw jerseys.
toby
January 13th, 2011
11:12 am
I would say yes,on the contingency that he completely understands that he WILL NOT be an every day player,he would be a decent right handed bat of the bench and ocassional spot starter against some tugg lefties!
give him a chance
January 13th, 2011
11:12 am
And Don, no. Without Bobby, Andruw could’ve been ego gone amuck. Bobby handled him extremely well. I’ll always be thankful for the thrill of watching Andruw play. I don’t expect that, but I know he has the knowledge still that allowed him to play like that.
broom
January 13th, 2011
12:36 pm
Hell no.
74 Dawg
January 13th, 2011
12:47 pm
He hit 19 home runs in the American League, how many in Chicago? Isn’t that stadium more of a hitters park? Andruw was never a gap hitter, so if you put him in a bigger ball park, a lot of those 19 homers could be long outs. So what you might be getting is a slow over the hill outfielder batting 225. Anyone know how the two ball parks compare in distance to the left field wall?
C'mon Man
January 13th, 2011
1:43 pm
Us Cellular is 5′ shorter in left and left center, and both are 400′ in Centerfield.
TXbravesfan
January 13th, 2011
1:52 pm
Yes! I’d love to see Andruw back in a Braves uniform. It would be great for him to end his carrer in ATL and he still can produce very well off the bench
sfbllump
January 13th, 2011
3:46 pm
invite Andruw to spring training then have the BP pitcher throw breaking balls. If Andruw takes them
up the middle, sign him. We know he kills fast balls.
J.T.Ellenwood
January 13th, 2011
4:04 pm
I just read a article on espn.com where Chipper said Andrum have some holes in his swing. Before Chipper got hurt first part of season no bat speed pitcher throwing fastballs and he could catch up to them. I think that is a bad statement. Andrum hit 19 homeruns on parttime basic if Chipper would have play whole season I don’t think he would have had 19 homeruns.
chem
January 13th, 2011
4:23 pm
Instead of Andruw, why isn’t anyone talking about bringing back Jermaine Dye?
Arkie
January 13th, 2011
5:17 pm
For the right price, WHY not. Andrew was a GREAT all around player, which he is not, now. He would be a better fourth OF and as good of a pitch hitter as most of the bench was last year. Consider it Wren.
Go Braves!!
Bob the Blogger
January 13th, 2011
6:04 pm
Andruw needs to get down to about 210 lbs to prove he’s serious about his career. He can get fat as a pig when he’s 40. For now through, I would give Shafer and Matt Young a chance. They both have fires in their bellies that Andruw no longer has.
kaminari
January 13th, 2011
7:02 pm
Yes.
stew
January 13th, 2011
8:48 pm
I keep reading that Andruw and the Yanks are far apart salarywise. I could be wrong but I don’t think he’s looking for over 2 million. That seems like chump change for the evil;empire. Also, Andy hit 19 homers last year and I think J-Hey hit 17. His last year as a Brave Andy hit 26 and drove in 94 in a down year. How many Braves have put up those type numbers since? He only needs 93 homers to be in the Hall for sure. Braves should sign him. McLoser, Schafer, and Young producing anything near what he would is a pipedream
stew
January 13th, 2011
9:11 pm
I understand the idea that we should get younger not older. But McLoser and Schafer haven’t done anything to further the idea that they are the answer in center. Isn’t Young 28. So Young is not so young. Home runs win games. This crap about speed doesn’t make my soldier stand up and salute. Neither does Andruw, but he’s really better than anything we’ve got.
scottbravesfan
January 14th, 2011
1:22 am
hmmmmmmm,
technically Andruw did not pay for sex at a strip club. The strippers just gave it up for free. The Gold Club was awesome.
scottbravesfan
January 14th, 2011
1:23 am
chem,
The Braves need someone to play center and Dye is a corner outfielder at best now. He might be better as a DH.
Don
January 14th, 2011
9:02 am
Andruw has to be near the top of the all time list (if not #1 on the list) of most wasted talents in baseball history. With his ability, his hitting was only as shadow of what it should have been – if he there had been control, discipline and guidance from the outset in his major leage career. And you think that Bobby Cox did a good job with him??? His hands off, be a players manager and let them do what they want policy resulted in this unbelievable waste of talent.
all sports fan
January 14th, 2011
9:07 am
Anybody saying he is fat and out of shape didn’t see him last year. I think he could play some left and right and give McCloth a few days off in center when a left hander is throwing. I would only play him against left handers.
MB
January 14th, 2011
12:35 pm
Just when I thought the goats had finally stopped bleating, old Schultzie had to start ‘em up again. Now they won’t shut up about Andruw until the final roster is set at the end of spring training, and then they’ll start up again come May when McLouth is sent to the minors again.
Bigbrave
January 14th, 2011
1:07 pm
Sure sign him and tell him he better not be lazy! Bring back Ron Gant, Deion Sanders, David Justice and Otis Nixon while there at it. They may be retired but bet they are faster than anyone on the team! Also, what about Smoltzie? Thought he was going to try a comeback?
hangman
January 14th, 2011
1:22 pm
have you lost your mind like the other two writers??????????? If HE paid the braves to be able to play,,,maybe!
LarryG
January 14th, 2011
1:46 pm
Bringing back Andrew would be great. He can still hit for power, average not what I would like but he can still play outfiled better than many in the majors. Another right handed bat with power still available is another former Brave, Jermaine Dye. Not the defensive player Andrew was, but still a power right handed bat that might sign for a reasonable contract. We still need right handed power in the line up, and off the bench. Get one or both of these guys signed!
ChillyMutt
January 14th, 2011
1:47 pm
Well how good is his defense these days? McLouth has not impressed me out there and he hits like Betty White.
MitchC
January 14th, 2011
4:41 pm
I’m on the fence about it. I certainly don’t love our center field options.. but.. I don’t know how much Andruw would help.
Also, if the Yankees are interested in him, doesn’t that make this whole article a moot point? The Bankees have so much money, that they usually always get the players they want.
In my mind, we already filled our most important need this winter. The right handed power bat. As for Andruw, my attitude is: If we get him, fine, if not, that’s fine too.
Royceb
January 14th, 2011
6:27 pm
Andruw hit more home runs than Heyward in half the at bats. He is still a pretty decent outfielder. Not the CF he was but certainly better leftfielder than Henske or Mather who will be playing there when Prado has to cover third for Chipper.
kyle
January 15th, 2011
5:29 pm
sign me up
Gary
January 16th, 2011
3:15 am
When Aaron left thed Braves, I was 14 and asked my step-father if he thought they would retire his number. His reply was, “They ought to burn it because Hank Aaron plays for Hank Aaron and not for the Braves.”
I get the feeling Andruw Jones is the same way!!
He’s not interested in anything, other than staying in America (his white, American wife is all he needs to get in, permanently, isn’t she?) and make bucks for loafing.
We could get a loafer for nothing down and still have others to do what Jones can no longer do!!
harry
January 16th, 2011
11:38 am
there has to be better outfielders available than what the braves have.
K.K.
January 16th, 2011
3:55 pm
Fredi: How come I no get invite to Spring camp, but receive one ticket ticket to Tokyo?.
Doofus
January 16th, 2011
3:58 pm
is it important to have a centerfielder who can throw and hit?
double
January 16th, 2011
10:05 pm
If Andruw has found his bat is not 6 feet long,and he weighs less than 200 lbs bring him back.
Southpaw
January 16th, 2011
10:10 pm
We could use Jermaine Dye OR Andruw (not both).
alan
January 17th, 2011
12:00 am
I would rather have Andruw Jones than either mcloutor that never to be schafer. His cost will be less than others and it’s agood idea to have a backup of. Even if he plays part time he would be on a par with the current cf’s. give him a chance can’t be worse than sticking with mclout or schafer.
Naf Sevarb
January 17th, 2011
12:25 am
He would sign here tomorrow if offered
Steve
January 17th, 2011
6:38 pm
iopbrave – AJ wherever he lands will hit more dingers this year than any brave outfielder except for a healthy heyward; as a 4th or 5th outfielder he would be an asset- another right handed power bat – we only have one Uggla
REPLY – Who cares about homers when he hits .210 .. if that .. and runs like a sloth in CF with an arm that is now a shadow of what it once was. Besides, Andruw was the king of the ‘non-clutch’ homer who only had one year where he EVER came thru regularly in clutch situations. He led the league in one run homers 3 straight years before his one good year. In other words, when pitchers needed to get him out, it was cake.
——————
SavannahSeer – K, let’s look at this objectively, shall we? How many Braves outfielders hit 15+ HR’s last year? (Sounds of crickets at night). How many Braves outfielders do you feel REALLY comfortable about either chasing down flies in the gaps OR throwing out runners at the plate?? (More crickets???)
REPLY – That was last year. Only a fool uses one season stats to predict the future. Look at the stats averaged over 3 seasons and you will see McLouth averaged .254 with 17 homers versus Andruws .203 with 13 homers. Granted, the HR/AB ratio favors Andruw, but the reality is that is the ONLY stat he is better at than McLouth. And you have no knowledge of baseball if you think Andruw is better defensively. Stop reminiscing about the Andruw from 6-8 years ago, that player is no longer on the face of the Earth. He is slow, doesn’t break on ball well, and his arm is closer to Ron Gant’s now than the Andruw of old.
Let it go folks. Andruw is done. He only has value as a DH, and even the AL teams are not expressing any interest. Only Braves fans who can’t let the past go are wanting Andruw on their team. I would rather see Deion don a jersey and give a comeback a try with Atlanta than see Andruw.
Plate Appearance
January 17th, 2011
7:50 pm
MATT YOUNG!
I think Matt Young deserves a chance as a back-up outfielder.
But if the Braves are inclined to go outside the current organization for a reserve outfielder, I’d rather see Andruw than anyone.
He’s always been one of my favorite players, irrespective of his recent batting average woes. And he’s still very capable of supplying home run power.
55 yr FAN
January 17th, 2011
9:55 pm
AJ was blessed with talent but NEVER was he a situational hitter, He NEVER hit behind a runner, NEVER played team baseball. God blessed him with loads of talent but no brain for helping the TEAM. No way he should be brought back even for the minimum.
ramblingman
January 18th, 2011
1:11 pm
@Gary (3:15 am)
There is so much wrong with your post. Your stepfather sounds like a sad man, which partially explains the fact that you sound sad yourself.
There may be many reasons to bring Andruw back. There may be many reasons not to bring him back. Nothing you posted belongs in either side of the debate.
Go away and take your ugliness with you.