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Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > October > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIs Chipper a Brave for life?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chipper Jones wants to finish his career as a Brave. Chipper Jones also wants that career to span four more seasons. For his sake, I hope both things happen. Being a pragmatist, I don’t think both will.
Jones is 36. The batting title he just won offers further testimony that he’s one of the great hitters of the age. But even with his skills undiminished, his body remains an issue. He was diagnosed Wednesday with tendinitis of the shoulder, and the Braves’ post-MRI press release said “the overall structure of the shoulder looked normal for a player of Jones’ experience.”
And that’s the thing. Chipper has logged 14 full big-league seasons, and it shows. Only once in the past four has he played as many as 130 games. This year he played 128 - three as a designated hitter, 10 as a pinch-hitter. As Frank Wren, the Braves’ general manager, said this week: “We’re going to have to assume [120 games] is the number.”
Jones is under contract through next season. He has already renegotiated his deal once to defer money and help his team payroll-wise. Would he do it twice? Would this proud player take another hometown discount when there figures to be an opportunity in that other league as a full-time DH?
And what of the Braves? In 2010 or 2011, would a 120-game third baseman satisfy their needs? Would they move Jones to first and thereby displace Casey Kotchman, whom Wren regards as an “80-to-100 RBI man”? (For the record, Chipper drove in 75 runs this season, the second-lowest total of those 14 years.) And would any of us care to see Jones languish on a team going nowhere, which this one could well be?
I was here in July 1990, and I remember how traumatic the severance with Dale Murphy was. But I also know Bobby Cox, then the GM, waited two years too long to trade Murph, and the delay did no favors for either the player or the team.
I wish I could say I see a happy ending for Chipper and the Braves, but I’d be lying. I’m thinking the greatest everyday Brave since Aaron will wind up the way Aaron did - in some other team’s uniform.
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By Navigator
October 2, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t, because this is a business. He has a huge trade potential to fill some voids in the lineup. With his outstanding play this year (except when he was injured), he had little affect on the Braves record. No one player can, but Chipper for 3-4 players with more longevity and upside, is more valuable than watching Chipper’s career wind down. If the Braves really wanted a Hall of Famer win his 300 games, would they have let Glavine go? The Braves have to think like a business, and just look at how many players leave for more money or chance to play in the world series. Why would Chipper be different?
By randy
October 2, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
i think the issue is whether or not a move to first base would increase his games played from 120 to 150. if so, then i think the braves ought to move him to first base. if the moves brings stability to his health i think the rbi’s rebound. otherwise, if 120 games is all the braves get whether at first or third then i think a trade would be prudent. the braves are on the verge of becoming yankee like in the sense they are holding on to older players who are limited because of their age. braves need to go younger even if it means a few more years without post season.
By McFann O –[zz]
October 2, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Is this blog working?
By Father Guido Sarducci
October 2, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
I see him perhaps being a DH in the American League before his career ends. He has made sacrifices renegotiating his contract to help this team; many players would have never consider doing that. He has certainly been loyal to the organization. With that being said, I think this team is a few years away from contention again and if Cox departs after next season I can certainly see Chipper leaving as well.
By Submariner
October 2, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Chipper stays until he’s done. Replaces Terry Pendelton as the hitting coach. Pendelton replaces Cox. That’s the future. There’s no way he goes. In the off season, they aquire Jake Peavy from San Diego and bring back Glavine and Hampton, with an outside chance that Smoltz shows up in the pen midseason. So, the rotation by the break should look like Peavy, Jurrjens, Glavine, Hampton, and Hudson. Now, all you need is a powerhitting outfielder and they’re back in the mix. Money (or lack of) dictates bringing back Glavine and Hampton. They’ll come relatively cheap considering they’re age and bodies. Chipper will get his deal at a discount. There’s not really much that this team needs to do but grow up and get more mature. You just need Peavy and an outfielder who can hit!
By Kelley
October 2, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Hard one to argue for either side of the argument.
One on side, I say let him finish a Brave. How many big name players offer to give up “their” position to go out and play left field just to help the team? And you are right to point out how he has deferred some of his salary to try and help the team. I just believe in “dance with the ones who brought you”. Yes, it is a business, but Chipper has done so much for this organization, one season in particular he pretty much single handily eliminated the Mets out of the race for the Braves, that it just seems right to remain loyal.
On the other hand, I think he’ll ask for a pretty hefty salary at the end of his career, (not Texiera or Andruw ridiculous, but still pretty hefty) and from a business prospective, will seem hard to pay due to the injuries he is prone to. I really don’t see how moving him to 1st will help w/ injuries, alot of his sprains seem to come from just running the bases.
Very hard one to call. Personally, I’m pretty sentimental. I vote let him stay a Brave. Loyalty is something we hardly see in baseball anymore. It would be refreshing to see it every once in a while. Not to mention when he is healthy, he is still one heck of a player.
By Submariner
October 2, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
BTW. Peavy is available and under control until 2010. San Diego announced he’s on the block, so ATL should snap him up!
By Lee in S GA
October 2, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Definitely pros and cons with this topic. I am just glad the front office makes this decision and not me. Chipper will probably get his wish in the end… whatever it turns out to be.
By krusie2
October 2, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
The reality is, even if he played 162 games that’s only 94-96 RBI’s. He avg.’d around .6 RBI’s a game. I’m a Chipper fan, but the team comes first. It sucks watching these other players leave to finish careers other places, but that’s the reality of sports now. It’s tough to win when you commit to players for their careers. You just can’t do it now like you could 10 years ago and still win, not with how FA works. As for the guy with the ideas about getting Peavy. I don’t think we have the money to do it. Wishfull thinking is just that…wishfull.
By bali
October 2, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
chipper moving on would probably be best for the braves and for chipper as well. Hopefullly, this past seasons injury history with older players will help the braves front office in making some tough deicssions. I really think the braves need to concentrate on the younger players and totally rebuild. Retreading will not work and 120 games is not enough at third base.
By tom
October 2, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Chipper stays - IF he promises that he will not pull Favre on the Braves. After 4 more seasons, he is done, period. C’mon, we were able to waste all that money on Hampton. If Chipper can play 120 games for 4 more years, hit .300 and 80 RBI’s, can we find another player we can really count on to have the same productivity?
By Jared
October 2, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
if anybody will stay for less money, its chipper.
braves need to step up and have enough respect for him to offer him his fair market value, perhaps a little less, which I think he’ll accept.
By GermanBravesFan
October 2, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Chipper in a different uniform??? That would be a tough one to swallow! After all he has done for the Braves, I think he should be given every opportunity to finish his career in Atlanta.
For the coming year, it looks like the Braves will have a lot of money available to acquire some crucial pieces to make the team competitive again. Getting two proven starters and an outfielder with power should be possible with the money the team has available. It also looks like the farm system is pretty deep to add some pieces from there over the coming years. However, and perhaps someone on here can help, I do not know if there is a potential third baseman coming up any time soon (the last one was Andy Marte… whatever happened to him?) from within the organization. Could the Braves trade Chipper for a proven third baseman? Probably not.
I believe that loyalty goes both way. Chipper has shown his loyalty to this organization plenty of times, so it is just fair to show him loyalty, too. Let him finish his career in Atlanta!!
By Mitch
October 2, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
This is a very tough call. You could argue the situation either way. Right now, except for Mccann, we dont have another high average, proven power hitter in this lineup. Maybe Frenchy wont have a low a batting average as this year, but you can’t excpect him to hit more than maybe 250 to 260,. with 25 to 30 homers max. Chipper is the third 20 homer guy in the lineup to give us the “middle of the order” with Frenchy and Mccann. Without Chipper, we are back to the mid 1980s when we had Murph and Horner, and little else.
On the other side of that is what we can get for Chipper. Even if Glavine plays in 2009, he is gone after that. We dont know if we will re sign Hampton, and even if we do, he may be a one or two year thing as well. Hudson will likely be gone after next year, and as for Smoltz, he may either never come back, or if he does, will be our closer for one or two years. We need starting pitching. If trading Chipper can get us a 15 game winner, and help us at another position, then maybe we would be wise to do it. The problem is, we have so many question marks next year with our rotation already, that we dont know if we will be an 80 something win team competing for a wild card, which I believe we would have been this year had everyone been healthy, or a 70s win rebuilding team.
What would ptobably make sense is to see how the Glavine/Smoltz?Hampton?Hudson situation plays out, and what Frank can get us on the free agent or trade market. If the team is out of the race at the trade deadline next year, maybe you trade Chipper then like Bobby did with Murph in 1990. Until then, I say you probably should keep him. Even with his injuries, 20 to 25 hrs and 80 to 90 RBI isnt bad.Mitch
By GermanBravesFan
October 2, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
P.S. I meant, what happened to Andy Marte AFTER he was traded? he was supposed to be the “big prospect” at third base…
By who cares
October 2, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
who really cares. It’s good to see Jones and Cox both go out as losers, because that is what they both are. Cox is one of the worst managers in baseball. This clown couldn’t win but one world series with 3 hall of fame pitchers in his rotation for ten consecutive years. Now you see what kind of manager he is when he has less talent than the other team. Jones is the biggest cry baby playing in the majors. Every time the guy clips his toe nails,he crys and Cox takes him out of the lineup. Super stars play hurt, and lead buy example, not this loser. Please keep both losers, so they can go out with their reputations in tact.
By Mark Bradley
October 2, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
It is a tough issue. It’s about as tough as baseball issues get. But I remember how excited Cincinnati fans were when Barry Larkin re-signed so as to remain a Red for life, and I also remember how ready those same fans were for that contract to expire.
By Bama
October 2, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Submariner: Pendelton replaces Cox. That’s the future.
If thats the future we don’t have much to look forward to. TP has done nothing to earn the job. No Minor league Mgr Experience and not a good hitting coach. Where does that BS (next mgr)come from? He should have been fired this year.
I’d rather have Yost or the Mgr at Richmond over TP. Could name more.
Chipper is the Man!! He knows this is a business and he will be a man about what ever happens. But if they can keep Cox all this time then I’d keep Hoss.
By Brian
October 2, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Bradley- You sound VERY sure of your predictions for the Braves in ‘09! Have you not been around this game long enough to know that you shouldn’t predict a MLB season? The way I see it, most teams have a chance to win it all in any given season! Notice I said MOST teams!!
By Southpaw
October 2, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
An “80 something win” team won the NL East last year and would’ve been in contention for the playoffs, at least. I’m just saying. Personally, I’ve never really been a Chipper Jones fan, but I am a Braves’ fan- and he’s been a tremendous asset to the organization when he’s on the field. And- as far as off the field- well, in an era of mercenary players represented by mercenary agents (fill in whatever names you like as examples), he has gone above and beyond to help the team. Management should give that fact consideration when examining Jones’ future (or lack thereof) with the team. Ditto for John Smoltz. As for Mike Hampton returning to the team- somebody please tell me that’s just a big joke- that the team is pulling our collective legs. They only way they should re-sign Hampton is to a bare bones (think MLB minimum) contract with incentive clauses for throwing XXX amount of innings, starting XX games, winning XX and maybe NOT spending time on the DL. If Hampton agrees to that kind of contract, then- by all means- re-sign him. Otherwise, consider his being a tremendous payroll burden a very painful learning experience. (Sorry to get off topic, but one of the other posters mentioned Hampton first.) Anyway- my two cents.
By Randy
October 2, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Chipper is awesome. He is a fixture in this city and I’m proud he is a Brave.
However, we need a huge bat we can keep in the lineup 150 times a year. Our big sticks are Chipper and McCann and both of those guys don’t fit that bill.
When both of those guys are our, our lineup is about as potent as a water gun.
By jj
October 2, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
If the Braves are betting on Frenchy and Hampton thats like betting on Wall Street. Also agree Cox is the pits.
By JonBee
October 2, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
I think that Chipper is the face of the Braves - that being said, his 120 games per year leaves the team in 3rd or 4th place because they need him more than he can give. Trading him now to someone like the Minnesota Twins for either Liriano or Baker and possibly Punto gives the Braves a young pitcher to add to Jurrgens for a solid future while freeing up money to add Peavy or Lowe. It also gives the Twins a DH/3B to add to the young hitters they have and makes them stronger, too. The Twins not being on the Braves schedule regularly ensures that we don’t have Chipper beating us too often. When his playing career is over and he has won batting titles in both leagues, he can return as the Braves roving hitting instructor, because his approach is needed up and down from Class A to MLB if the Braves are going to return to the splendor that was the 90’s.
By MikeC
October 2, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Al Kaline, Mickey Mantle, Brooks Robinson, Carl Yastrzemski, Tony Gwynn, Jackie Robinson - These men were all wonderful players and Hall of Famers, but what helps set them apart is that they played for only one team. Aaron, Niekro and Glavine should have never been anything other than a Brave and neither should Chipper. He is the second best player in the history of the franchise (after Aaron) and should stay a Brave forever.
By #1 Cox Fan
October 2, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Ok guys this is my take. Forget the name, forget the history.
Is our current 3rd baseman the best we can field? Would we be excited if we were trading for last years batting title winner, who has solid defense? I say yes!
The fact that Chipper is a legacy with the Braves there are NO BETTER options out there for any price.
Chipper is a Brave for life, not because he is Chipper but because he is STILL an outstanding 3rd baseman, hitter, and athlete.
If your worried about the way the Braves will see him as being Injury Prone, I seem to remember a sure thing article about Hampton re-sigining…..enough said.
By Booger
October 2, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Have you ever had the spicy, crispy chicken at Popeye’s? I say trade Chipper for a bucket of chicken.
By J-Dubb
October 2, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
I agree with MikeC. Chipper should remain a Brave for the rest of his career. He had the best avg. in the major leagues this year, for crying out loud. He is a great veteran presence for these young guys, not to mention how many times he has took one for the team. You don’t trade guys like that, especially when they’re still as productive as Chipper is. I say if it comes down to it, you move him to 1st base, but you definately don’t trade a HOF caliber player like Chipper. You hang on to him and be thankful he is as loyal as he is!
By Joe
October 2, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones should be a brave for life it shouldn’t be an issue. I suggest the braves should build a team around Chipper that can contend instead of trying to find ways to part ways with him.
By Jeff R
October 2, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s missed about forty games a season since 2004. Wren reasonaby expects no more than 120 games from him next season.
Beyond 2009, Chipper becomes an obstacle to the team bringing on a younger, talented third baseman. Eric Campbell, in the Braves farm system, may be that third baseman. Or Wren may consider acquiring a near-ready prospect from another system.
At the end of the ‘09 season, Chipper becomes a problem, not a solution. He can best realize his goal of three more seasons in the majors beyond 2009 by moving to the AL and DHing.
By Joe
October 2, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones should be a brave for life it shouldn’t be an issue. I suggest the braves should build a team around Chipper that can contend instead of trying to find ways to part ways with him.
By Abe
October 2, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
How quickly the fickle sports fans of this city forget all the years that Chipper has given you? I am a die hard, die hard fan that can really understand the values of trading him…but you just don’t. The guy was born a Brave and should die a Brave.
By Mark Bradley
October 2, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
In theory, I agree: Chipper should be a Brave for life. In reality, it’s more complicated than that. Will he be the same player he is today in 2011? Will the Braves have the same needs then? I don’t know. Nobody knows.
By Joe
October 2, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones should be a brave for life it shouldn’t be an issue. I suggest the braves should build a team around Chipper that can contend instead of trying to find ways to part ways with him.
By Walker, Texas Bum
October 2, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
We got it the 1st time Joe.
By Hillbilly Deluxe
October 2, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Getting some people at the top of the lineup who can get on base would raise his RBI total.
By Joe
October 2, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Response to Mark:
True the reality might be he may not be able to stay with Atlanta because his age, injury factor & his position production.
All in all I think after the 2009 season and if the braves are still struggling they should look at trying to trade Chipper to an American League team so that he can DH hopefully The Braves can get something good in return and move on from there.
I miss the braves being contenders but everything has to end at some point but us braves fans have to be optimistic that things will be fine once everything gets back on track.
By mike
October 2, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
I dont believe Chipper is as money hungry as the rest of the departed Braves.The Braves would not have won half the games without Chipper.He may be on the “downswing ” as far as age goes,but he can still play a mean third,i dont even have to mention his hitting ability.If he goes because of management,then they will have lost another longtime fan.
By mike
October 2, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
I dont believe Chipper is as money hungry as the rest of the departed Braves.The Braves would not have won half the games without Chipper.He may be on the “downswing ” as far as age goes,but he can still play a mean third,i dont even have to mention his hitting ability.If he goes because of management,then they will have lost another longtime fan.
By mike
October 2, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
I dont believe Chipper is as money hungry as the rest of the departed Braves.The Braves would not have won half the games without Chipper.He may be on the “downswing ” as far as age goes,but he can still play a mean third,i dont even have to mention his hitting ability.If he goes because of management,then they will have lost another longtime fan.
By BA
October 2, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Reading Bradley is like going to Wendy’s- everytime I do I think to myself, “why did I do that. It’s crappy. Everytime. And everytime I fall for it.”
This is one of the dumber articles Bradley has pumped out all year. And there have been some DOOSIES.
By Arkansas transplant
October 2, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
everyone is ready to get rid of chipper, lets see.. exactly how would you replace the presents he brings to a line up, LH or RH? How about getting rid of some of the young players that aren’t pulling their weight? Batting Champ and only 78 rbi’s? Shame on the people hitting in front of him. Lets get serious people. Let’s lock him up for the next 4 yrs. Sign Sheets and CC! WE NEED SOME YOUNG PITCHERS! Trade for Peavy, he’s on the market. Let’s sign Frenchy long term, he’ll come around. Doesn’t have too be a huge $$ deal. As far as hitting goes, we just need for clutch hitters. Maybe more contact hitters. Looks like everyone should have listened to me when I said trade hudson, we could have had Lester and possibly a good young out fielder in return. I’d have to say, I’d take a rotation of sheets, CC, JJ, Lester and for a 5th starter a rookie til Smoltz is ready. WE NEED PITCHING!!!!
By kenjk
October 2, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
I would hope that Chipper would stay. I am tired of seeing players get close to milestones with the Braves only to leave and other cities get to see these milestones. I am talking about Niekro, Maddux, and Glavine getting right up to their 300th wins with the Braves then leaving either by trade or not being resigned. If they had brought Glavine back one year earlier the Atlanta fans would have been able to cheer for his 300th win ,not the Mets. Most of his wins were with the Braves as well as Niekro and Maddux. The fans are always an afterthought with management.
By DAP01
October 2, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
This is a non issue. He wants to remain with the Braves. The Braves want him to remain. He is very productive. There is no one waiting in the wings. And right now the team has few stars to boast.
Of all of the issues that we could discuss about the Braves, Chipper leaving is near the bottom.
By Mark Biles
October 2, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
I Think you are correct in your assessment, Mark. I love the fact that Chipper won the batting title this year, but you would have to be blind not to see that his body is a shell of its former self.
Over the next four years, Chipper will probably have multiple injuries costing him dozens of games with each injury.
I think we should trade Chipper this winter for a big left field bat and power pitcher. We may have to throw in a good prospect to do clinch the deal. Then, put Prado at third and let him play everyday.
By Arkansas transplant
October 2, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
DAP01 “Of all of the issues that we could discuss about the Braves, Chipper leaving is near the bottom.”
Your not kidding!!
By Run Heap Run
October 2, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
If the Braves give contracts to washed up pitchers well into their 40’s and to Julio Franco until he was 49 freakin years old then yes, they should offer Chipper a contract for as long as he wants one. You don’t trade the franchise.
Lets compare him to say…Derek Jeter. You think the Yankees would trade Jeter? No. That’s laughable.
Derek Jeter - Age 34
2008 stats:
150 games
596 ABs
179 hits
11 HR
69 RBIs
.300 avg.
Chipper - Age 36
2008 stats:
128 games
439 ABs
160 hits
22 HRs
75 RBIs
.364 avg
Why is this even a question? Much less a DAILY question here lately?
By JackP
October 2, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
It’s time for Chipper to hang up his spikes. He is coming unglued and this was his last hurrah. Trade him and get some younger players that will carry the Braves into the future. Thanks for the thrills you provided at the ballyard Chipper.
By richbrave
October 2, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Submariner:
God, I hope you’re wrong.
By My Entire Team Sucks
October 2, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
sorry if i am a little off topic but i’ve been in iraq for a while now and havn’t been around baseball and was just wondering if anyone knew if smoltz is supposed to come back as a starter or in the pen? thanks.
By Wayne
October 2, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Whassupp with the other blog?
As for Chipper, that is a tough one, as we are all saying. You gotta show your loyalty when a player has been loyal to the team. Chipper has taken a lesser salary when he could have demanded more.
Problem is, when a player puts himself above the team (not saying Chipper has done that, or will do that), then that is the time to part ways. So, if Chipper gets to a point where his performance suffers, or his ability to give you a decent number of games decreases, then that would be the time for him to either hang them up, or leave.
How can a 36 year old with his last few years history say he wants to play 4 more years? Was he saying “If I can remain healthy, and productive, then I would like to ….”? If that was the statement, then I am OK with it.
By Baseball Fan
October 2, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
If the braves don’t keep him I’ll never watch them again. He has always been my favorite brave. He plays for all the right reasons.
By Baseball Fan
October 2, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
If the braves don’t keep him I’ll never watch them again. He has always been my favorite brave. He plays for all the right reasons.
By Realisticfan
October 2, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Come on fans. Chipper is a part time player at best. He is a great hitter and pretty good fielder but he can’t carry this team because he can’t play enough. Every part of his body has been hurt. And for the Braves to think they can compete with Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton as starters is ludicrous. It didn’t work this year and won’t next year. The longer Chipper plays the more he will have to sit out. His body betrays him unlike Brooks Robinson. Just the way it is. I would trade him to an AL team and get some value while they can. Lets face it, Chipper has never been the most popular Brave. He can’t talk plain and has had some off field discretions that won’t leave him in Atlanta.
By DAP
October 2, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
krusie2 even if he played 162 games that’s only 94-96 RBI’s. He avg.’d around .6 RBI’s a game.
to me, this post shows a low understanding of baseball. if chipper had himself batting in front him, he could probably have 150 RBIs in 125 games. the dude hit .364 this year. if there were more runners out there to drive in, he wouldve done it.
By VaBravesfan
October 2, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
The question I have is how many RBI chances did Chipper have total? I know that a big part of the year Blanco was hitting in the one-hole and he sucked. Chipper maybe would have had more opportunities with a better leadoff hitter.
By Jack G
October 2, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Speaking of resigning Hampton——-Dosent MLB have a restriction on how much you can cut a player salary. 10% seems to stick in my mind for some reason.
By Pete
October 2, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Trade Chipper? I guess my memory is not as good as it used to be, who did we get for Aaron? Murphy? Do you expect to get Pujols for Chipper? Why not just start a new trend, keep someone for his last couple of year. Don’t you think he has earned it? Maybe the nobody we would get will more the Braves up in the standings, I think not.
By spotts
October 2, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Looks like Submariner has it all worked out. Maybe he should be GM. Once you get Peavy and another power hitter, maybe you can work out some kind of a Gotay/Boyer for A-Rod deal.
By spotts
October 2, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
What makes me sad is that there’s not much to look forward to. Chipper’s in his twilight. There’s not many bright spots in the minors (I’m looking forward to Tommy Hanson, but our other “top prospects” only seem either average or far from ready). Plus, it looks like we’re shopping for a bunch of middle of the rotation pitchers in the offseason. Unless Wren makes some big surprises, we’ll be lucky to have 81 wins.
By Boo Boo
October 2, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Atlanta is a sports city that some players like to call home forever. Unlike a city like LA and New York City, where a player always feels an attraction to go and a nervousness to leave, Atlanta somehow has a calming effect to good players.
Chipper is an Atlanta Braves Icon, just as John Smoltz is, just as Dale Murphy was, and Phil Niekro, and Hank Aaron, even though Phil and Hank came to town from Milwaukee. The reality is only Smoltz and Jones have not been traded, or forced to leave … yet. Glavine would have been on this list, but his union activities always kept him from being one of the true icons. He was forced to sign with another team, due to one of those lowball offers the “new Braves” want to be known for. Phil Niekro was forced out by that prostitute manager Joe Torre.
Its nice to hear Chipper wants to stay a Brave for life, but the days of “player-managers” have gone by. The Braves need to fill a position with someone like Croky Miller, while they let someone like Greg Maddox go travel the league in his twilight years. Maddox also let the Braves pay him less than market value, because he wanted to stay in Atlanta.
It is no longer about loyalty. Its all about money. That’s why I don’t go to games, even though I watch them on TV. I don’t have any loyalty to the Braves anymore, even though I still keep up with them. The problem with lost loyalty is: loyalty keeps a fan base during 100-loss seasons, year in and year out. Without loyalty, 3 such season in present-day Atlanta means the Birmingham Braves, with new owners, who really want to serve the fan base.
By whatacrock
October 2, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Mark, the sentimentalist side of me says how badly I would like to see him remain a brave. If money were no option and we were in say the 50’s or 60’s, he would stay a brave and die a brave, slowly riding out peachtree avenue on that danged silly, tomahawk’n cow.
But sentimenatlity is long gone in this game. Or should I say business. It is a business. Will always be a business as long as the rules of this game are dictated by the dollar bill.
With that being the reality of this industry, he needs to be traded before he walks. And he will eventually walk. It is only a matter of time. They should have traded him this season. It will only go down hill from now concerning his health. As wildly unpopular as it would seem, they should have traded him.
And oh my, when they do, geez, for the sake of all of us Atlanta Braves fans who were here when they arrived it will be one more crock o’ crap! The same crock of Hank Aaron and Dale Murphy and whatacrock!
By Sad Brother
October 2, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Just keep McJerk out of the picture. He wanted Andrew (fat-dumb and happy) Jones for life as well.
By DAP
October 2, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
this is crazy. you think chippers gonna walk? why? he has a habit of doing that, hunh? nope, he has a history of being loyal to the braves. why would he walk away now, at 36. that doesnt make any sense.
and, why are we talking about him going downhill? chipper has not shown any decline in skills! he doesnt play as many games, but he is way worth the production he gives.
the braves need to extend chipper 3 more years, $11mil per year, with player options each year. this will allow chipper to decide if he can still play every year, and he will go on his own terms, as he should.
By Zach
October 2, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
I think we owe it to Chipper to extend the contract. Wren lock him up!
By Coach (Skip will be missed)
October 2, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Bradley, I totally agree with you.
We would all like for Chipper to end his career with Atlanta. It just isn’t in the cards. If Hoss want’s to extend his career through the age of 40, it will be as a DH.
As Chipper himself has already alluded to, the Braves offense cannot function properly with Brian McCann as the primary RBI guy. Our catcher will miss to many games because of the need to rest him during the season. Couple that with Chipper playing around 115-1220 games in the field and we have the power outage that 2008 became.
As much as I revere Chipper as the Hall of Fame player that he is, Larry Wayne Jr. is part of the past, not the future. It’s time to trade him. Don’t wait until it’s to late like we did with Dale Murphy. The ghost’s of Lenny Dykstra and Howard Johnson haunt the Braves to this day.
Dale Murphy for Dykstra and HoJo
By JohnBoy
October 2, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Chipper has earned the right to stay in a Braves uniform until he is 95 years old if he wants. Chipper is the Braves. He has been incredible on the field as well as proven that he is a team player off the field. (lets not ever forget his selflessness in accepting less pay in order to make the team better). Even playing in only 120 games he is as good as or better than any other 3rd basemen out there. We should enjoy watching Chipper compile his resume for the Hall of Fame over the next 4 years, because that is probably going to be the only excitement we will have hear in Tomahawk country.
By Hoosier Aaron
October 2, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Chipper holds all the trade cards.
I can see Chipper deciding to leave if we do not field a competitive team next year. Who wouldn’t pay him big bucks to be a DH? The guy is a winner and wants to win.
In my opinion - his Hall of Fame numbers are very borderline. I think he’s a HoF’er but I’m not confident in voters - see Blyleven.
My concern is that we do not have a replacement even close to being ready.
By Jeff R
October 2, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
I doubt Wren will continue to pay Chipper $11 million a season after 2009 to play, essentially, three-quarters of a season. I think if management cares about postioning the the team beyond 2009, Wren is going to have to consider a replacement for Chipper.
The Pirates have Neil Walker (3B) at their Triple A affiliate. He’s the Pirates’ Number 2 prospect. Because of the Pedro Alverez (3B)signing, he’s now projected as the Pirates 1B in 2010. The Pirates will need a SS this winter; Jack Wilson is all but gone. The Pirates had an interest in reaquiring Lillibridge prior to the trading deadline. Might the Braves be able to work a deal for Walker?
By Mark Bradley
October 2, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
About Smoltz: I don’t think anybody knows the answer as to what he’ll be if he returns.
About Chipper: I’m glad to see the responses here pretty much mirror my own thoughts. The heart wants him him to stay; the head keeps saying, “Uh, wait a minute … “
By Coach (Skip will be missed)
October 2, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Hoosier Aaron, your statement that Chipper Jones is a BORDERLINE Hall of Fame candidate is patently I-G-N-O-R-A-N-T..
We have rules for people who blog while drunk or fail to plug in their brain before speaking. Time to take your butt whipping and like it!
Chipper Jones is already a slam dunk, first ballot, shoe in vote and everybody knows it. He is already one of the best switch hitters in MLB history. Does Mickey Mantle, Eddie Murray, Pete Rose and Frankie Frisch ring a bell? Chipper is right there.
Words like, Batting Champion, MVP, Silver Slugger and All-Star mean something. His career .310 BA, ten seasons of hitting .300 or better, 14 straight years of twenty HR’s, nine campaign’s of 100 plus RBI should be a clue and his career isn’t over yet.
If Chipper retires tomorrow, he goes into Cooperstown in 2014. End of story.
By Gram
October 2, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Chipper and the braves would both be better served if he agreed to go to an American league team and DH. Think about it- he’s injured a lot of the time, probably he result of playing third, which takes a toll. He’s had trouble throwing to first without pain recently. In the AL, he could possibly win a couple of more batting titles and go on for years without having to worry as much about the strain on his body. The Braves could reduce payroll and possibly pick up two or three blu-chip pitching or outfield prospects. Makes sense to me.
By Rick
October 2, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
I would imagine there’s a certain amount of pride in being able play your entire career in one uniform. IF he wanted to leave, he coulda done so years ago. Nobody can guarantee that his replacemnet will do better. Years ago, even a business would show respect to a loyal employee.
By Supes
October 2, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Mark
I guess the Orioles should have traded Cal Ripken Jr before his last contract as well?
Chipper Jones is a life time ATL. Brave. Case closed. No need to bring in the “argument” b/c he wants to be here and the Braves organization wants him to be here.
Besides, they haven’t drafted and groomed anyone at 3B in the minors to take “over”. I can see them doing this in the next draft, get someone who in 3 years or so would be ready to take over for a retiring Chipper Jones.
Chipper Jones retires an ATL. Brave. Anything else is a travesty and exactly what is wrong with baseball today (besides cheating with HGH and other illegal substances).
In the era where a player of A-Rod’s caliber can change teams 3 times and the the guy is in his early 30’s…having someone like Chipper be a lifetime Brave will be that much more appreciated!
By braveslover
October 2, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Give Chipper a year to year contract and when management and/or Chipper is ready to move on both sides will be ready to deal with no hard feelings. There will, also, be no contractural problems for either. Year to year for a lot of players would reward those who’ve earned it and financially hit those who don’t make the grade. It would, also, stop players from cruising until their contract year then busting it to do their best.
By Philliesuk
October 2, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
With all due respect Hoosier Aaron, Chipper’s numbers are not borderline for the Hall of Fame. Let’s do a comparison of Chipper’s numbers with Mike Schmidt. It is often said that Schmidt may be the greatest third baseman of all time. Chipper vs. Schmidt…BA .310 vs. .267…SLG .548 vs. .527…runs 1378 vs. 1506…hits 2277 vs. 2234…2B 449 vs. 408…HR 408 vs. 548…RBI 1374 vs. 1595…
Realize that Chipper has played 15 seasons, and Schmidt played 18; also there is the switch-hitter intangible. Schmidt was definitely the better of the two in the field, but Chipper has had some great seasons in the field as well.
Add in Chipper’s batting title, World Series ring, and MVP year, and you have a lock for the Hall of Fame, even if he retired today.
By hop
October 3, 2008 5:53 AM | Link to this
chipper jones is class act and has been a huge contributor to the braves success for his entire career.
it is high time that the braves move on and get the most value to it’s future team by trading chipper. the youth movement must start sometime and needs to start NOW!!!!!!
By Arkie Fan
October 3, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
KEEP CHIPPER, he is signed throug next year. If possible, during one of several trades to be made this winter, obtain the best, YOUNG, 3rd baseman available. Groom him to be Chipper’s replacement. But— remember baseball is a business. I have stated my opinions several times starting early this year - We had no team speed, OLD pitchers, a poor fundermental team and no chance of getting back to our previous glory years. Why not try Mc at first base this spring. See if he can play first base. Catching is wearing him out. He will never be a good defensive catcher. We “have to have” #1 and #2 pitching. Double Play Frenchy has shown few signs of being a dependale hitter. Any, young, power hitting. left fielders available? It is time for some CHANGES. Management on down. Enter Spring Training with no positions secured. Don’t make 2009 another - maybe, think we can, excuse year.
By Hoosier Aaron
October 3, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Must of ruffled some feathers with the Chipper Hall of Fame comment. I love Hall of Fame banter.
First of all - I’ve watched Chipper his entire career and have been amazed. I’ve told my boys that if you were going to scuplt the perfect baseball player - if you used Chipper - you couldn’t go wrong.
As Braves fans, we should know that MVP Awards, All-Star appearances and Gold Gloves really mean nothing unless the main Hall of Fame stats are in place. The lack of those three can certainly hurt - but I don’t think they get you votes without the “expected” stats.
I agree that Mike Schmidt is regarded as the greatest 3B of all time. However - RIGHT NOW….I mean if Chipper retired TODAY. His numbers are very similar to those of Ron Santo. Santa was a 9-time all-star and won 5 Gold Gloves. Some say he got robbed of an MVP award to two. Chipper has a higher batting average but to me it’s amazing how similar they are.
I also recently saw a listing of the 50 Greatest 3B of All-Time. This list had Santo at #7 and Chipper at #10. The guy compiling this list was probably a voter.
As the Great Skip Carey would say - I respect your ridiculous opinion :^) - I’d like to see Chipper approach the 500 HR total and inch closer to 3,000 hits.
By BlackberryCobbler
October 3, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Move Chipper to 1B and get rid of Kotchman— who we never should have gotten rid of Tex for anyway!!!!!!!
By Brad Toney
October 3, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
No way Chipper can go. Still produces numbers, rbi’s down this year due to pitchers being careful when he hits w RISP.We might get 120 games out of him, but the man means so much for the baby braves and helping them mature. Chipper will get hometown discount and carry Braves to postseason with a few good moves by Wren
By richbrave
October 3, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
BRAVE FOR LIFE - FURMAN BISHER. Lock.
By richbrave
October 3, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
HOOSIER A:
Keep watching, you’ll see it.
By Ted Striker
October 3, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Terence Moore needs to man up — and leave his threads open for commenting. Everyone else at the AJC does it, why not TM?
Let me be clear. A lot of people are way too hard on the guy. If you dislike his writing so much, just skip it — I say. (The more probable truth is you agree with some of his writing but you slam it anyway because it’s your urge)
TM — I don’t like all the criticism you take either but I’ll say it again. Man up. Either leave the thread open for commenting or don’t open it at all. Either position I could respect. Right now, it’s hard to respect your writing when you’re afraid to let people respond.
By Mark Bradley
October 3, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Interesting you should bring up Cal Ripken Jr. Frank Wren got fired as Baltimore’s GM largely because he didn’t show enough deference to Ripken. (Wren ordered a team charter to take off without Ripken, who was stuck in traffic and had called to say he was running late.)
By Ted Striker
October 3, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
A lot of people sound like they favor Chipper Jones over the team. That’s fine but most people come to see the Atlanta Braves — not the Atlanta Chippers.
And that’s fine. Actually it’s all fine. I’m Switzerland when it comes to baseball — neutral, not invested in who wins/loses, whatever. I haven’t pinned admiration to a baseball player since 1994 — when I walked out of a ballpark the last time and players and owners stuck it to us sucker fans — canceling the ‘94 World Series because of their greed.
I swore then I’d be done with it till every player on a MLB roster then was gone. And I haven’t been back since. When the rosters are purged of the strikers, you’ll find me front row, with a hot dog and popcorn enjoying the game like a fan. But. not. one. day. sooner.
By ChrisfromSacramento
October 4, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones is a Hall of Famer NOW!. The Braves should extend his contract. There is really no hope in the minors. We all know it. There are maybe two or three top prospects. The future is dim.
Chipper has been and always will be my favorite player. There is no one better or more deserving to hit 3rd every night.
And by the way, it is the Atlanta Chipper’s now. The team is a bunch of triple A players at best. It makes me sick.
But at least i can still see HOSS hitting 3rd. A Hall of Famer.
THEY BETTER BUILD A STATUE OF HIM NEXT TO AARON OUT INFRONT OF TURNER FEILD!!!!
By RRR
October 7, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
If the Braves trade Chipper, the Braves would no longer be my favorite team. The team Chipper ended up with would be my team. It happened back in ‘67 when Clete Boyer was traded to the Braves. So was I. I do hope the GM thinks about this: Chipper is the reason that many folks are now Braves fans…