Mark Bradley

By bruce

May 15, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Mark, do you think he will turn it around? what do you think will happen?

By JT

May 15, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

AJ has no idea of the strike zone these days. I have watched him some on the west coast and he will swing at a pitch 10 inches off the plate and watch one go right down the middle and do nothing. I don’t know if he is guessing all the time or what. I dont care if you are major league caliber players or little league hitters, it is all the same in hitting: look for the fastball first and adjust to the curve or off-speed pitch if you get one. Simple!!!

By Kevin C

May 15, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

As long as teams throw money at players, players will take what they can get. If Andruw had Chipper’s and Smoltz’s work ethic he would be a superstar. What do people on this board think of the Braves eventually reacquiring Andruw and possibly Furcal in the future? Just curious, I am not in favor one way or the other.

By Michael

May 15, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Hate to see it happen to a guy who once was the best centerfielder in the game, but I’m not surprised, either.

While the weight is certainly a concern, I’ve always been more concerned on Andruw’s obstinence at the plate. He has always tried to pull everything, and last year he overtly defied his coaches and insisted on trying to pull balls. That’s always been his problem, only now it’s compounded by a continuous erosion of his plate discipline. The more he tries to pull things, the more pitchers throw away from him. The more they do that, the more he presses and the more discipline he loses.

By Still OUR Guy

May 15, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Andruw- You are still OUR guy! Hang in there buddy. We still luv ya man. See you back in the ATL uni…where you belong ….someday. Pizz on the critics! I voted for U on ALL STARS.
Good luck.

By Ramblin Wrecker

May 15, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

I may be in the minority opinion on this but I feel badly for Andruw. I realize he signed a $36 million contract after a terrible season and gets to play a game instead of work for a living. But in the sense of how he was treated in a hostile manner from day one. That LA writer who has made Andruw his pet proejct is low class in my opinion. Andruw hadn’t even had a chance to do anything before this guy was calling him out, challenging him to get on a scale and a weight loss contest. I’m surprised that you (Mark Bradley) have not made any mention of how unprofessional that guy was. If you question his work ethic or desire and make mention of his weight, that’s fair and in the bounds of journalism. But getting into the mix and making yourself part of the story is uncalled for and absurd.

Does Andruw have some explaining to do and need to own up to his responsibility to be in shape? Of course. But let’s not sit around and pretend all this negativity started because of him. That writer owns some of the fault.

By gt

May 15, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

mr jones spent years not listening to the wisdom of terry pendleton, and others. when he first hit the big time he had to be convinced as a 19 yr old to go to winter ball.

not surprised. you reap what you sew.

By Junkyarddawgs97

May 15, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

If Andruw had Chipper and Smoltz’s work ethic (and class), he’d still be a Brave.

Good riddance. He’s wildly overpaid and I was thrilled the Braves cut ties with this half assed ex star.

By bravedawg

May 15, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Mark, real impressive journalism telling everyone something they don’t know and isn’t already talked about everywhere. Nice work, they should really pay you more. Why kick the guy when he’s already down and he’s not even a brave anymore. I have fond memories of Andruw and I hope he does nothing but turn it around and have an amazing second half of the year. Hopefully then he will shut you and every other critic out there up.

By Chuck

May 15, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Andruw goes on pure instinct, always has, has never been a “scientific” player. That is fine for a young guy with natural talent, but with age (and WEIGHT), adjustments have to be made. Bat speed slows a little, coordination slips just a little, as does ahnd-to-eye coordination. Andruw either can’t or won’t make any adjustments. Of course, he has $36 million assured for this year and next year, so maybe he just doesn’t care that much.

By Chuck

May 15, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Andruw goes on pure instinct, always has, has never been a “scientific” player. That is fine for a young guy with natural talent, but with age (and WEIGHT), adjustments have to be made. Bat speed slows a little, coordination slips just a little, as does ahnd-to-eye coordination. Andruw either can’t or won’t make any adjustments. Of course, he has $36 million assured for this year and next year, so maybe he just doesn’t care that much.

By Chuck

May 15, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Andruw goes on pure instinct, always has, has never been a “scientific” player. That is fine for a young guy with natural talent, but with age (and WEIGHT), adjustments have to be made. Bat speed slows a little, coordination slips just a little, as does ahnd-to-eye coordination. Andruw either can’t or won’t make any adjustments. Of course, he has $36 million assured for this year and next year, so maybe he just doesn’t care that much.

By Kentavo

May 15, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Let’s see how Torre handles Fatdruw compared to Cox. Methinks it won’t be with kid gloves, as Joe has already benched him and moved him down in the order- something Cox refused to do until it was too late.

By GLEP

May 15, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

It’s easy to get mad at him( I think he’s his own worst enemy).But all that aside, I pity him.Such talent gone at so young an age.Remember he’s young and he’s human. The worst thing that can happen to a recipe like that is for them to get to a point to where they can’t be reached. Coaches,reporters,the fans nobody can reach him.He has self destructed and it’s a painful thing to watch.

By steve

May 15, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

I love Andruw. He was always my favorite Brave. Simply the best CF I have ever seen. However, I am not completely suprised at his struggles. The fact is, he is carrying too much weight and he has gotten into some bad habits at the plate that he does not seem to be able to get out of.

However, I think Andruw is a great guy and he was a great Brave. I am still rooting for him to turn it around.

By kenlevy_99

May 15, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Andruw is a great player, one of the best the Braves ever had. I was sorry to see him go. I’m sure that this slump is merely temporary and when the season ends, he’ll be near the top of the leaderboard in home runs and rbis and will have a respectable batting average. He’ll also win another gold glove. All in all, I’m confident he’ll have agreat season. I wish we still had him.

By kenlevy_99

May 15, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Andruw is a great player, one of the best the Braves ever had. I was sorry to see him go. I’m sure that this slump is merely temporary and when the season ends, he’ll be near the top of the leaderboard in home runs and rbis and will have a respectable batting average. He’ll also win another gold glove. All in all, I’m confident he’ll have a great season. I wish we still had him.

By doc

May 15, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

andruw, has gone the way of other high priced over managed players done in by their agents. pretty wealthy though and unable to live up to it. who possibly can, only a few have done so.

By Blake

May 15, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

This column makes me sick. I am glad you are so happy to see Andruw failing like this. This is a player that gave everything he had for the braves for so many seasons and even carried this team on his back. I, for one, am rooting for Andruw to make it back to his elite level to silence writers like you just trying to fill space. Unbelievable.

By justin

May 15, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

I hope Andruw turns it around.

Bradley this article is trash. If he had Smoltz and Chippers work ethic maybe he would have spent more time on the DL the last three years and gone to the backfields to work on stuff he never does during the regular season. Oh wait, we can’t say bad things about Chipper and Smoltz!

Look, Andruw is in a slump. Everybody knows that. This article is crap though and I hope you know it. The only reason I’m NOT surprised by this is because Andruw played every inning of every game for so many years that all that running into walls and diving was bound to catch up with him. He still has the best glove in baseball out there, he just isn’t hitting. Don’t look now though, but after his two day break he had a 2 for 4 game last night. Torre is a good manager, he knows what he is doing. Will you be willing to eat crow if Andruw gets it turned around Bradley? You and I both know it takes one game for Andruw to get hot, then next thing we know its the end of june and he’s at 15 homers and 55 or 60 rbi’s.

By Ross

May 15, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

That sportswriter for the LA Times (name escapes me and I’m too lazy to look it up) calls him..

TUBBO.

You know, McCann and Francoeur have a disturbing tendency to take giant cuts at pitches in the dirt, just like AJ did. One hopes this distressing trend will abate with time and absence of His Bulkiness.

-drl

By Roswell Ed

May 15, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

The only thing Andruw has been hitting hard lately

is the buffet line!!

I hear Jimmy Williams has the same affliction.

I wish someone would pay me millions to stay in shape.

What a waist of talent.

By IlliniBrave

May 15, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Last year, when Jayson Stark had the guts (and wisdom) to come out and say that Andruw was one of the most OVERRATED players in baseball, there was an overwhelming chorus of naysayers on the AJC blogs, jumping to AJ’s defense and labeling Stark a baseball idiot. I was in the minority in agreeing wholeheartedly with Stark, and all he did was state in a book what scouts and GMs have been saying off the record for the past few years. Although AJ played some of the best CF the world has ever seen, even that is now 4-5 years in the rearview mirror. Andruw is a perfect example of how legend often trumps reality. And the sad reality is that, even when he was hitting 40-50 HRs and 120-130 RBIS a few years back, he had no plate discipline, was a ridiculously poor situation hitter, was slow on the bases, rarely threw out runners, and didn’t cover as much territory in CF as younger players.

Look, I’m as big of a Braves fan as they come. I’ve been an ardent follower of them since the 60s. I even have a picture of me and Clyde King [Clyde King?!] in the dugout, back when the team was a joke. [Remember Messerschmidt’s “Channel 17” jersey?]. I’ve supported them through thick and thin. But if there is one fault I’d have with Braves fans, it’s that they are strangely fickle. Defending overweight, overpaid, underwhelming Andruw Jones and running NLCS MVP Dave Justice out of town - how do you explain that?!

The only positive thing that has come out of Andruw’s demise is that perhaps now people won’t be so quick to question Brave’s front office decisions, and perhaps the baseball world will stop drinking the Boras Kool-Ade.

By Too Bad for Tubbo

May 15, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

He’s brought it on himself … as did the Dodgers. I don’t feel sorry for him one bit … he could have an army of personal trainers, chefs, and nutritionists …Let’s hope Frenchy isn’t heading down the same path …

By pat

May 15, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Talent will only get you so far. The rest you have to work for, which is something Andruw knows nothing about. He is lazy and would be bringing the rest of the team down. Iam glad he’s gone.

If Andruw wasn’t born with talent like that, he’d be on welfare right now.

By Patrick

May 15, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

I must admit that I have been checking on the progress of Andruw Jones. I have move anger towards his agent than I do him. Boras filled his head with garbage..both he and the Dodgers bought it. Andruw struggled mightly last year and all of baseball knew it. I cheer for Andruw’s victories and I shake my head at his failures. My son still has his poster above his bed. We are still fans..we just wish he’d turn it around..just like we did when he was in the only uniform that fit him well..Atlanta.

By Bob Sacamano

May 15, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

I cannot believe the amount of saps who populate the Braves fandom. Seriously, y’all need to get just an ounce of perspective, and it’ll be the first time in your life you’ve done so. Andruw has been overrated for YEARS. Jayson Stark was right, people. And the only thing worse than Andruw Jones has been Booby Cox. Most overrated manager in baseball history. Hey, make me the manager, I bet I could manage not to screw up my pitching staff, or play the hot bats come October, unlike your sainted Booby Cox can’t do. Braves fans. Heh. More like Braves Sycophants. New name for y’all at the DOB Blog: Sunshine Boys. Or Braves Syco-fans. I like ‘em both. Take your 14 worthless division titles and stick ‘em where the sun don’t shine. The day that Booby Cox is gone is the day I jump for joy!

By assplay

May 15, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Maybe this will signal the end of Scott BorASS’es nazi negotiating ways and we might have a shot at TEX next year.

By Bob Sacamano

May 15, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe the amount of saps who populate the Braves fandom. Seriously, y’all need to get just an ounce of perspective, and it’ll be the first time in your life you’ve done so. Andruw has been overrated for YEARS. Jayson Stark was right, people. And the only thing worse than Andruw Jones has been Booby Cox. Most overrated manager in baseball history. Hey, make me the manager, I bet I could manage not to screw up my pitching staff, or play the hot bats come October, unlike your sainted Booby Cox can’t do. Braves fans. Heh. More like Braves Sycophants. New name for y’all at the DOB Blog: Sunshine Boys. Or Braves Syco-fans. I like ‘em both. Take your 14 worthless division titles and stick ‘em where the sun don’t shine. The day that Booby Cox is gone is the day I jump for joy!

By The Monk

May 15, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

I can see the end of Jones’ career from here. As he approaches 300 (pounds, not .300, that’ll never happen), he’s going to take one of those absurd fall-down swings, blow out both ACL’s and break both his wrists trying to break his fall. He will then be a sumo wrestler who can no longer player the outfield and will retire to a special wing in the Gold Club.

By dobearsbare

May 15, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

It’s not a stretch to think that Andruw single-handedly cost the Braves a spot in the playoffs last year. He had a decent RBI year, but if he’d hit .260, he’d have driven in perhaps another 20 runs. Add those into the mix and also consider the extra rallies that would have been kept alive with the extra hits, and another seven wins — which would have put the Braves into the playoffs — might have happened. The Braves are getting much better value for Mark Kotsay.

By 82DAWG

May 15, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

With Boras should come the disclaimer caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware. LA bought a bill of goods. Jones isn’t slumping, he’s aged past his raw talent and does not have the work ethic and fortitude to overcome it. Anyone who has followed baseball has seen this coming. The only question is why didn’t the Dodgers? They have only themselves to blame.

By R. Kelly

May 15, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Plain and simple he is way over weight. He has gained over 60 pounds, according to the preceeding article. It’s not like he has done a Barry Bonds. His weight is not from steriod induced muscle, it’s from ding, dong induced fat. He has not only lost two steps, but he has never been a discipline hitter, he used to be slim enough and quick enough to turn on mistakes, and pitchers have figured that out. He has always hung his hat on his defense and he can not get to nearly half the balls he used to. And now that he is consistenly under .250 he will never get good pitches to hit and he is not disicpline enough at the plate to make pitchers give him good pitches. Plain and simple I think it is too late for him to reinvent himself. Before he was getting by on his youth and talent, and he doesn’t have the discipline to really work at his game. Too bad, he could have been a great one.

By Bruce Mac

May 15, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Sign Mark Kotsay to a three year contract. He is a pro and even if Shaffer comes on strong, they can trade Kotsay easy. Andrew is horrible and has been for the last two years. As a Brave fan I found myself pulling for a strike out with game on line and less than two out so he wouldn’t hit into a double play. I don’t care what all you excuse makers say, Kotsay is every bit as good an outfielder as Andrew is today. Plus, he hustles his a off. I do not miss that non chalant smiling loafer one single bit. Good ridance.

By BB FAN

May 15, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

The Monk,

Are you kidding me? You’re bringing up the Gold Club? That happened in 1996 when Jones was 19 years old. 12 Years Ago! That has been the only “bad” publicity Jones ever brought to the Braves. And if I remember right, the authorities just talked to him as a witness. He was never charged with anything as going to strip clubs is not illegal.

By True Braves Fan

May 15, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Andruw does not deserve either the money or the extreme criticism that he is getting. However, he took the money and now he will have to take the criticism.

By Ken

May 15, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

It was absolutly a smart move not even offering to resign Andrew.It became painfully obvious last year that he had lost it and was nowhere near good enough anymore to justify the kind of money he would command on the market.The real shame was losing Furcal.Renteria and Escobar are very good players, but they will never have another talent like Furcal.Bonafide leadoff hitter with power and can steal basis and oh what an arm!I see him occasionally now on highlights throwing runners out from leftfield- best arm of all time-bar none.This once mighty playoff team has only been an ordinary .500 team since he left.

By LivininAL

May 15, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

The sad thing is that during all of down-turn, particularly during the last year, Andrew had no clue that he would not be able to pop back and be that 21 year old again. The reflexes slow a little each year. I do hope that Andrew achieves some degree of success. He made some unforgettable plays over the years.

By TheCutMan

May 15, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Andruw would be wise to invest some of that new contract money into the following:

1) A physical trainer, nutritionist and personal chef, all working in harmony and all with him 24/7, even on the road.

2) A Public Relations consultant who would speak for him to the media.

Would it turn things around right away for him? No, but it’s a good start.

By Supes

May 15, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones’s is in the twilight of his career. The Braves management knew it…my only regret as a Braves fan is that they didn’t pull the trigger on a trade 2 years ago to the Red Sox…for Crips and 2 young pitchers…including Jon Lester (wouldn’t you want him on the staff now instead of lets say…a Chuck James!). So John Shuerholtz did the Braves a diserivce by not trading Andruw back then and getting some young pitching talent for him.

Anyways, he’s the Dodgers problem now, he chose to go there for the money and now it’s up to him to deliver under the scruitiny of the LA media.

If you are getting paid 18 mil a year and putting up those mediocre numbers almost 2 months into a six month season…you deserve whatever comes your way.

Andruw is a “big boy”, he doesn’t need fans from the ATL crying “stop picking on poor ‘druw…he’ll turn it around…I can tell you he’ll turn it around…” Well you know what…IF he does, we’ll give him credit. Until he does. STFU!

By B

May 15, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

I like A. Jones. I loved his Gold Glove in the outfield. I even liked his bat at times. However. I hated the double plays it seemed he always hit. I also hated his work ethic at times (too many nights in the Buckhead Bar district). I believe the Braves are better off without his salary and hitting production. I still pull for and wish the best for Jones. Bradley what point less article to print. I understand you need to earn a living. There has to be something to write about other than A. Jones and his struggles at the plate and his waist line. You have some intersting articles some of the time. However, this was pointless.

By Concerned

May 15, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

He would be wise just to invest his money…he will be out of baseball in 3 years.

By Amber

May 15, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Andruw needs to work, and that’s a foreign concept to him. He has natural talent and that’s carried him this far, but he has to pick it up and start to make changes himself. He’s hardheaded and stubborn and obviously won’t listen to anyone but himself. So he can either hit rock bottom and realize he has to turn it around by working, or he will have an embarrassing end to what was a very promising career. It’s frustrating and truly a shame, but no one can do it for him.

By AJ 25

May 15, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone dumping on me? I’m a pull hitter dammit.

You gonna eat those fries?

By Wake UP

May 15, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Personally, I think we need to give Druw a break. This kid started his career with the Braves. Hell, he carried us through some tough times, and now he gets traded to the Tree Hugging city of LA. Anyone would have a hard time adjusting. A lot of great players have gone through year long slumps. Even our local hero Dale Murphy, who batted .232 his last season with the braves. This is not much different than what Andruw is doing. He has way too much talent to end his career in this fashion. I hope he turns this around and make you all look like fools.

By AJ 25

May 15, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone dumping on me? I’m a pull hitter dammit.

You gonna eat those fries?

By Willie Coyote

May 15, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

I hate to see Druw go down like this but he’s got to allow himself to be coached by his hitting instructors and do a better job of staying in shape. His problems are completely under his own control and noone else’s.

By Braves70

May 15, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

I love Andruw and hate to see his misery. You all remember how big Andruw’s buddy, Randall Simon got. I wonder if our diet in the US is so different from the diet in Curacao that maybe players from there have a difficult time adjusting. If so, we better keep a close eye on Jair Jurrjens and stop him from gaining so much weight.

By The Realist

May 15, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

While I agree with most in that Andrew’s stubborn approach (“I’m a pull hitter”) & lack of discipline AT THE PLATE has contributed heavily to his downfall, I’m appalled at the attack on his work ethic. Are you guys forgetting that he had a hitting cage added to his home? Now, I can’t say how much time he spends in it, just as I think most of you are clueless as to his work ethic. PLEASE, for once, set aside your assumptions & biases that lead you jump at labeling certain well-paid athletes as lazy.

I must say, however, that he never seemed to take heed to Pendleton’s direction & I simply can’t remember the last time he didn’t appear utterly lost at the plate.

By Pete

May 15, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Jones will never be as good as he once was. He has a “one dimensional” mind……..swing for the fences, and is stubborn as they come. HE WILL NEVER BE TOLD WHAT TO DO !!! The Braves were wise to dump him. It’s just a shame they didn’t trade him 2 years ago for a couple, good young players.

By ronyp

May 15, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Andruw was given the talent and wasted it because he is lazy.

Nothing worse than a great athlete not reaching potential.he could have made Hall of Fame if only he worked harder.

So much for Scott Boras…he sold the Dodgers a bill of goods…just wait ‘till next year when the only thing that goes up is Andruw’s weight..even if he hits a home run, how he will get around the bases?

By JJMB

May 15, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

I am so glad I don’t have to watch that grinning idiot take wild, cork-screwing swings at outside curveballs anymore.

He’s playing in a big boy’s town now. LA fans will boo him off the field, and deservedly so.

By John

May 15, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

One of the other commenters referred to Andrew as “half-assed”. That’s not right. With another 50 pounds, he is probably way more than “half” down there!

By Fat Boy Andruw

May 15, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Andruw is a self inflicted wound. He is like your old fat aunt who sits on her a* all day long watching soaps, complaining about everything, stuffing pizza, ice cream, cookies, burgers, fries down her throat and washing it down with a diet coke. She whines about everything, yet gains 10 pounds per week, and has 100 medical problems, which we are probably having to pay for since she probably has SSI payments from the friendly federal government. Jones is no different in ATTITUDE. He THINKS that natural ability can get him by. No longer. As he ages, the fatter he gets, the worse it gets. In two years, someone will sign him for a year or two at $150 grand. If he is physically able by them. Maybe he becomes just another fat DH like Big Poppy. But as a TOP LEVEL ball player, sadly at age 31, Andruw Jones is finished. He will never acheive his old levels. It is down hill rapidly now. Hall of Fame??? Please, don’t make me laugh. Hall of SHAME ON HIM is more like it. I really liked the guy in the beginning, but then I saw him for what he was becoming, a fat, over paid, I’ve got mine, I don’t care what anyone things, lazy player, just getting millions to sit on his fat a* and stuff his mouth with food.

By The Monk

May 15, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

BB FAN

Are you kidding me?

If I can’t pile on a lard butt making 18 million per year, then who can O pile on?

You probably need to re-check the facts on that story anyway. I believe there was a little bit more of a “happy ending” (as they call it) to the story than you remember.

By Alan

May 15, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Mark, I am a loyal reader of your columns, and I appreciate your talent and your wisdom. This column, however, does not approach your best work. It tells us nothing new about Andruw Jones and his troubles — as if anyone really can relate to his “troubles” at 18+ million dollars a year. What it does, though, is what you likely intended it to do: Stir up the masses — the AJ-lovers and the AJ-haters — of which there always have been equal numbers. So, kudos to you. It’s another successful column. At least you haven’t dipped to the ugly, mean-spirited level of your counterpart in Los Angeles, T.J. Simers.

By Ed Glennon

May 15, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones, Gagne, Tex - three overpaid duds of Scott Boras. I forgot Mr. Hot Tub JD Drew. All overpaid. Tex is giving the same protection to Chipper (you remember him - the guy who took less money to help the team) as Andruw gave. Is Tex thinking about next year’s big payday? Remember how A-Rod wanted to stay in Seattle. Trade Tex and get something for him so Boras can con some other sucker.

By BA

May 15, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Bradley is a waste of space on this website. I’m extremely dissapointed that after a week this half azz three paragraphs are all he could come up with. Bradley, you’re not fooling anyone. Time to dig a little deeper, try to come up with something that’s actually compelling.

By Bill

May 15, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

What I’ll remember - long after all this is over - is the way he glided without effort to get under the ball; the smile he had, and the way he often played hurt for the Braves.

The slump will end, or he’ll leave baseball.

But the good will remain long after. I’ve been very lucky to have watched, in my time, Andruw and Maddox.

By roja

May 15, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

I guess they’ll be replacing the “Mendoza Line” with the “Andruw Line” come 2009.

By Mark Bradley

May 15, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Do I think Andruw will turn it around? Not until he disciplines himself. Talent gets you to the big leagues and can even make you a big star, but eventually even the most talented athlete — and Andruw is among the most talented I’ve ever seen — must adjust.

An example: Dominique Wilkins arrived in the NBA being able to run and dunk, but he trained himself to shoot the jumper — remember how well he used the backboard? — and to handle the ball, and that’s how he became a Hall of Famer.

What puzzles me about Andruw Jones is the apparent lack of professional pride. Would you show up for a new job weighing 248 pounds? Wouldn’t you have worked hard over the winter to get yourself in shape so as to prove to your new audience that you are in fact worth all that money?

By Fred Stewart

May 15, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

**Poor old Andrew… he has the same problem now that he has had since his younger career. He is hard-headed and totally uncoachable. He can’t accept any change that he doesn’t like. He doesn’t trust his coaches, managers or team mates. Give him credit… it’s his career and his money… every one else can go to heck. What a wasted talent.

By Fred Stewart

May 15, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Poor old Andrew… he has the same problem now that he has had since his younger career. He is hard-headed and totally uncoachable. He can’t accept any change that he doesn’t like. He doesn’t trust his coaches, managers or team mates. Give him credit… it’s his career and his money… every one else can go to heck. What a wasted talent.

By Mark Bradley

May 15, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

The writer for the L.A. Times is T.J. Simers. The link to his latest column regarding Andruw is http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers11-2008may11,0,7800929.column

By bobby

May 15, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

It’s not just a slump when it lasts two years.

By Realist

May 15, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Mark, you’re missing a key point. Andruw showed up fat ON PURPOSE! He claimed in a spring training article that all of his troubles last year were because he was too LIGHT and didn’t have enough power. He said the weight gain was intentional and it was going to be the key to a resurgence in 2008. Once I read that quote, I knew the Dodgers were screwed big time. He’ll never be a great player again if he is truly that stupid.

By P

May 15, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

well, he’s probably heartbroken he has no AJC reporters to write glowing criticism free colums about what great potential he has. Every issue he has is mental. He needs to realize he has to hit the pitches he’s given not the ones he’d like them to throw.

By monty

May 15, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

If I were Andrew and CARED about myself and my team and didnt want to be an embarassment and I wanted to keep playing and make the Hall of Fame, then I would hire a nutritionist, a cook, a personal trainer, and a sports physcologist to help with the mental part of it, he can certainly afford them all. It almost seems as if he is in denial, much the same way as someone with a substance abuse problem.

By Realist

May 15, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

For the record, I can’t believe this guy “The Realist” has ripped off my screen name. And I am even more upset that he supports Andruw. Pretending Andruw is even half the player he used to be is not Realistic.

By keef1234

May 15, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

as an personal executive coach here is what may be occurring: he is subconsciously sabotaging himself because he NEVER wanted to leave (as HE stated) the braves or his second father Bobby Cox. He’s hoping he’ll be released. Then he will hire the best trainer in the world, get back down to 190. and hope the Braves will pick him up VERY CHEAPLY for an outfield position - not necessarily CF. HE COULDN’T by Union and Boras mandates take a paycut in a walk year to stay with the braves…

By AJ-himself

May 15, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Leave me alone. I just hit a homer today, and besides…none of you can play at this level, especially the author of this hideous blog.

By AJ-himself

May 15, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Leave me alone. I just hit a homer today, and besides…none of you can play at this level, especially the author of this hideous blog.

By Barry

May 15, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Everything that has happened to Andruw he has brought upon himself. Right now he’s my Number 1 vote for comeback player of the year next season.

As for now, he’s shooting for rock bottom. His situation reminds me of a Drive-By Truckers lyric. He hasn’t hit bottom yet and he’s “been falling so long it’s like gravity is gone and he’s just floating.”

Hang in there, Andruw. You’re hard-headed and you’ll learn your lesson; just not right yet.

By G Roberts

May 15, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Last year should have been a wake up call for AJ, but the $36 million contract probably sent him the wrong message. AJ is either stupid or extremely stubborn (stupid), and his problem has been well documented. He trys to pull everything, and refuses to hit to right field, he is fat and he is getting older Case closed, problem solved, what else can I do for you?

By Ed Glennon

May 15, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Poor Mendoza must think he could earn $18 million a year in this market

By R.K.

May 15, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Uh, MISTER “WAKE UP”?

Couple things…

L.A. is hardly a city of tree huggers, my friend. They throw cigarettes out the window with an Andruw type smirk of indifference, disregard the recycling bins, and pollute the atmosphere with police motorcycles that just have to sit around idly while they shoot a Revlon commercial on Ventura Blvd.

I have no idea where you get your information from but it’s patently false. Aside from a few nature lovers in the canyons, there is no arbor love in the city of angels.

And one last thing: Dale Murphy was classier, showed tremendous leadership, showed plate discipline on occasion, and was a pillar of the community before he left. Apples and Oranges.

Who needs to wake up? (sorry but that was just too easy)

Go Braves

By FAT BOY

May 15, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

I said it 4 years ago when Isaw it coming, in this column I constantly lobbied for the org. to trade him and get something while it was thought he had value. Discipline is and was the problem. When someone is trying to instruct you and you think your already good enough you turn away and say how dare they try to change me, aren’t I already hitting 30 or so homers with 90 or so RBI. Arrogance beyond imagination. When an individual is hitting .200 they are robbing their team of 2 to 3 outs a game and you only get 27.

By tim

May 15, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

AJ IS A MARVELOUS TALENT THAT IS WASTING AWAY. MAYBE ITS EGO, OR PRIDE OR JUST PLAIN STUBBORNESS NOBODY KNOWS BUT AJ HIMSELF. MAYBE ONCE HE FINALLY HITS ROCK BOTTOM HE WILL TAKE A LONG LOOK IN MIRROR AND DISCOVER THE YOUNG MAN WHO CAME ON WITH A SPALSH IN ATL. I WISH ANDREW NOTHING BUT SUCCESS AND I HOPE HE CAN SOMEDAY REGAIN THAT TOUCH AND THE MAGIC THAT MAKES HIM A SPECIAL INDIVIDUAL …TIM

By Rick M

May 15, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

First of all lets’s keep this in perspective in that this is a sport and that the Dodgers willingly paid AJ $36M even after seeing all that we saw in 2007. Shame on LA but everyone always thinks THEY can change that person. I don’t feel sorry for AJ whatsoever. He supplied us with lots of GREAT memories in ATLANTA but he REFUSED to listen to anyone and instead of being one of the greatest hitters he ended up being a .260-.270 hitter who now at 31 is most LIKELY close to being washed up because he has never had the INNER DESIRE to be GREAT. It’s probably too late now b/c the money has taken away all the motivation. I know the Braves tried but I would have like to have seen what kind of player he would have been had they benched him unless he learned to use the whole field. I remember one spring he hit about 13 HR’s, all over the field as he seemed to be finally getting it. Then it disappeared. I understand no team would bench a guy thet was still doing what he was doing but too bad someone like Henry Aaron could not have gotten inside his head. Pendleton and Cox surely could not - at least on a continuous basis. Can you imagine what he might have done with Smoltz’s determination? Maybe top 5 best ever?

By auburn gal

May 15, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

I think you people are horrible to talk about Andruw this way. He gave us years of thrills and chills and I, for one, will always be grateful. I feel terrible for him and I know that he hates it too. All I can say is bless his little heart.

By auburn gal

May 15, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

I think you people are horrible to talk about Andruw this way. He gave us years of thrills and chills and I, for one, will always be grateful. I feel terrible for him and I know that he hates it too. All I can say is bless his little heart.

By Tiftdog

May 15, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

I wonder what would happen if there was no such thing as multi-year contracts? If each year you had to renegotiate your salary, how much better would Baseball and its players be?

By Tiftdog

May 15, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

I wonder what would happen if there was no such thing as a multi-year contract? If each year you had to renegotiate your contract, how much better would baseball and its players be?

By dannycardwell

May 15, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

andrew jones has never been a good hitter. 30-40 home runs a year dont make a good hitter. a guy that will change his approach at the plate when needed, shows patience, is willing to use all fields instead of pulling everything, and is willing to be coached when he is in a slump. that is a good hitter. he is lazy, always was. good athletic ability got him by for years as a great center fielder. all the nights in the clubs, riding around in his 300,000 cars, he is getting whats coming to him. si are the dodgers for being stupid. we have a great center fielder now. one that can throw to home plate, good eye at the plate. he also only cost 2 million dollars, about 12-13 million less than andrew. should we miss the last 5 years of him striking out with runners in scoring position? thank god frank wren had the sense to save all that money.

By Tiftdog

May 15, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Sorry, didn’t know the first one went through!!

By Me man

May 15, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

You people are idiots! Who give a rats a$$! He is toast. Bradley, write about something that we give a shiot about!! My god!

By Paul

May 15, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Lets not forget that the tatoo-covered Jones was one of the missing leaders on a team that sorely needed leadership.

Not only were his work ethic and eating habits minor league at best, but he was also the brave who wallowed around naked with two or three women at the same time while others watched him at the infamous Gold Club.

I have no reason to believe him to be a quality human being. He is now officially a rich has-been.

By Bravesgal

May 15, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Andruw was always over rated. He could have been something but he will not listen. He knows it all. Now that his body is breaking down its all downhill for him. 250 pounds? He did that over the years with the braves. Every year he would come to camp 20 pounds heavier then the last year.

Hes the thing though, I really dont care about Andruw. My concern is that we seem to have picked up the same pitchers who could not pitch last year in Reyes and James. Thats a problem we should be writing about in the AJC. Not Andruw Jones. What are we going to do about our pitchers OR LACK OF THEM.

By SCDawg

May 15, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

AJ’s problem was he never had a real hitting coach who could GET HIS ATTENTION since Don Baylor was the Braves hitting coach. No hitter under the guidance of Pendleton has ever improved. AJ actually hit over .300 under Baylor.

By seattle

May 15, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

Jeff Francouer must have taken a lot of Andruws hitting tips. When he starts smirking you will know it is time to trade him.

By Rick M

May 15, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

In some sense AJ’s inability to grow and reach higher levels is SOMEWHAT (NOT ALL)a by product of the way the Braves manage and coach their players on the field. Though I applaud the type of organization the run, thier inability to make their players ACCOUNTABLE on the field for basic fundamentals are the very reasons the Braves could never win more than 1 World Series and the same reason they continue to lose games by 1 run. We talk about AJ not learning to hit to right fit - I AGREE. What about Bobby Cox not holding players ACCOUNTABLE for being able to bunt a baseball to move a runner over? I don’t care where you bat in the order. If you go back and look at the glory years of Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux, Cox and company would have won more chamoionships by playing fundamental “SMALL BALL” and giving those guys a couple of early runs to play with. a 2 run lead to them was like 5 to most. It’s no different today. Then, if you never make it a BIG PRIORITY, when you finally ask someone to do it under pressure, theyr are not PREPARED. The Braves have been the same way for 15 years now. I hate long-term contracts. Every contract ought to be a base contract with incentives. I’m also a Tiger fan and I see the Miguel Cabrera trade ruining a rennaissance they had going on there. The guy gets $153M for 10 years .He’s already overweight, lackadaisical and will be a terrible return on investment that cripples a team. Don Baylor was a good batting coach

By Defcon 4

May 16, 2008 6:27 AM | Link to this

The ting that irks me most is people calling Jones a sta. Except for the 1 year, he has never been any good. His home runs and RBI’s were always accomplished when the game wasn’t close. He has always been a LOSER.

By Defcon 4

May 16, 2008 6:34 AM | Link to this

The thing that irks me most is people calling Jones a star. Except for the 1 year, he has never been any good. His home runs and RBI’s were always accomplished when the game wasn’t close. He has always been a LOSER.

By willdave

May 16, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, didn’t Andruw always have the mark of an underachiever? Then last season he went into a slump and never recovered. And this was the last year of his contract, when he really needed to perform at his highest level. Now this season he has a new team and new manager, yet his numbers have declined even further. I think he’s finished. The Braves were extremely wise not to have offered him any outrageous money to re-sign with them. The Dodgers were smart not to sign him a long-term contract.

By by johnny

May 16, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

He is falling in the foot steps of Dave Parker.Sign a big contract and then blow up. And saying weight is not the problem. Give thanks they didn’t sign him and they have a better player with Kotsay

By Blue Fox

May 16, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Andruw’s young enough to turn it around IF he develops the drive and will to do what it take. However, he may be a second Dale Murphy, who lost the ability to hit suddenly and at a relatively young age. Sometimes the eye-hand coordination fails quickly. At any rate, it appears that Frank Wren made his first major GM decision a successful one.

By Gary

May 16, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

When you consider how poorly he did in his free agency year, this year is no surprise. A centerfielder needs to cover a lot of ground, and I don’t mean by sitting his fat butt on the ground. I have a new name for Andruw: Cheeseburger Jones.

By Rick M

May 16, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Andruw will never change because some players are driven to be the BEST the fear of FAILURE motivates them. Finishing 2nd is always a failure in their own personal eyes-regardless of whether they won 14 straight division titles or not. I hope Andruw sees his stats improve or whatever it is that he deems success.

By Mark Bradley

May 16, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones remains one of the stranger cases I’ve ever seen: We thought he’d topped out at a high-but-not-exalted level of 30 homers and 100 RBIs a year, and then he hit 51 homers in 2005 and he seemed to have broken through to a new level. Now he’s worse than ever. Somebody explain that to me.

By Ty Cobb

May 17, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Andrew Jones is a symptom of the disease of mediocrity that expansionism has shackled baseball with. Either that or he stopped using steroids.

By Scott Boroch

May 20, 2008 5:06 AM | Link to this

Alright I’m tired of reading all the errors in these comments and in the article.

First off for the person who quoted the Jayson Stark article saying Jones’ defense was overrated: fellow ESPN writers all-but retracted that article for him. Law and Neyer responded by showing he was making far more outs last year than anyother OFer in the majors, his plus-minus and his zone rating last year were phenominal, if not off-the-charts like years past.

Secondly, Jones weighed between 235-245 when he hit 50 and 40 some homers in 2005 and ‘06. In his walk year he cut 15 pounds and weighed around 220 and he had the worst year of his career. He was quoted in the offseason as saying he was going to put on weight because he didn’t like the balance at the lower weight. Now was it a smart move, no, but that doesn’t mean he put on the weight because of laziness. Right now he’s putting in hours and hours into hitting in the cage, more than any other Dodger, sans Pierre possibly, but he’s not taking it from the cage to the game. Now he has a torn up knee, hopefully the time off will clear his head and he’ll begin to start his swing before the ball is in the catcher’s mitt because his bat speed is fine (as evident by two mid 90s Ben Sheet fastballs he pulled deep into the stands last week), but he’s starting his swing and reacting to pitches far too late.

By Scott Boroch

May 20, 2008 5:07 AM | Link to this

Alright I’m tired of reading all the errors in these comments and in the article.

First off for the person who quoted the Jayson Stark article saying Jones’ defense was overrated: fellow ESPN writers all-but retracted that article for him. Law and Neyer responded by showing he was making far more outs last year than anyother OFer in the majors, his plus-minus and his zone rating last year were phenominal, if not off-the-charts like years past.

Secondly, Jones weighed between 235-245 when he hit 50 and 40 some homers in 2005 and ‘06. In his walk year he cut 15 pounds and weighed around 220 and he had the worst year of his career. He was quoted in the offseason as saying he was going to put on weight because he didn’t like the balance at the lower weight. Now was it a smart move, no, but that doesn’t mean he put on the weight because of laziness. Right now he’s putting in hours and hours into hitting in the cage, more than any other Dodger, sans Pierre possibly, but he’s not taking it from the cage to the game. Now he has a torn up knee, hopefully the time off will clear his head and he’ll begin to start his swing before the ball is in the catcher’s mitt because his bat speed is fine (as evident by two mid 90s Ben Sheet fastballs he pulled deep into the stands last week), but he’s starting his swing and reacting to pitches far too late.

By LAD

May 20, 2008 5:34 AM | Link to this

Paul made me almost fall out of my chair laughing with this gem:

“Lets not forget that the tatoo-covered Jones…” What does the fact that he has a tattoo or more have to do with anything- leadership, hitting, weight, character or otherwise. I also like how people assume that because of natural talent he’s able to be the best CF of all-time, statistically speaking on defense of-course, and it’s through no work ethic of his own. He dives for balls, and makes the most outs because he doesn’t care or work hard- it all makes perfect sense.