Chop Chick

By Apaul404

May 14, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

If you paid me 14 million a year I would run full speed where ever you wanted me to. I was more concerned with the 18 hits our pitchers gave up.

By Ronbastic

May 14, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

I notice it about Andruw, not so much about Chipper. Orr and Thorman really hustle down the line. They always make the plays closer than they should be…

Go Braves!

By Ricardo

May 14, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Chipper was out Sunday.

By Chop Chick

May 14, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

She’s not just talking about Sunday. She’s talking about all the time doggin’ it down to first, especially when it comes to Chipper. We just happened to be hanging out on Sunday, watching the game.

By MarkH

May 14, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Chipper I can understand with his quad injury and foot injury history, Andruw on the other hand……..

By Lee

May 14, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Not hustling down the line on an apparent out is common among baseball players of this era, especially those of superstar status. Barry Bonds, Manny Ramirez and Gary Sheffield are others I have seen do this and what are you going to do about it. This is sad but it is true and I am not saying it is right. These players are not rookies and are not going to run down the line giving 100% on an apparent out. Due to the injury factor I see why players like Chipper do not run wide open also. Rookies and younger players tend to hustle more because the have more to prove. Pete Rose ran hard giving 100% even on a walk. You will not find players like that any more. But then again they don’t bet on games either or at least they have not gotten caught doing it.

By Matt

May 14, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

I’ve been watching the Braves for a long time and I can’t remember when Chipper has ran hard on a ground ball that he didn’t think he had a chance of making it on when the game is in the early stages or out of reach(even before he had leg injuries). Andruw does the same thing. However, when the game is on the line and these two need to make it to first, I see them run their asses off.

By LudaChris

May 14, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

I know it’s baseball and anything can happen, which is why you should run it out every time.. but in Chipper’s case I’ll give him a break. With the history of leg and foot injuries, I rather him take it easy so as to have him in the lineup every day rather than reach first on an error, which will probably happen 1 out of every 100 times. Andruw? I’m not too sure of his excuse.

By MarkH

May 14, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Andruw Jones has even been pulled from a game by Bobby for dogging it in the outfield, won’t listen to Terry Pendleton on cutting down his swing and going the other way, does that BS lollipop throw and basket catch in the outfield, has a career average under 270, never found a low and outside breaking ball he didn’t want to roll over the top of, and is bound to have problems with his arthritic shoulders in the next few years. Can someone please explain to me why we should sign him to a long term contract worth upwards of $20 million a year this coming offseason?

By Coach

May 14, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Chop Chick you have a valid point. Andruw almost never gets out of the box with any speed due to his spread out stance. Chipper is another story , I would rather watch him dog it going to first than see him pull up lame with another leg injury. I was busy yesterday as most of us were on Mothers day and taped the game. Tried watching it this morning and got as far as the fourth inning , knowing the outcome I watched in amazement as Lerew was allowed to continue past the third inning. he was wild to the point of being ridiculous and watching Pete Orr play third was painful at best. The next four games against the Nats should provide the opportunity for us to forget yesterdays massacre at the hands of the Pirates. Three out of four from the lowly Nationals should do the trick.

By Mitch

May 14, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

I would rather see Chipper take it easy going to first and not risk an injury that would put him on the DL.

By Josh

May 14, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

first of all, andrew might get up the line faster if he didn’t fall on his @$$ every time he swings. That could make up for some of his lack of hustle. 2nd., Chipper has leg injuries and if it’s a routine play, chances are, he’ll get thrown out. I’d rather save him so the next time he’s up to bat, he can hit another one of his gapper’s (double).

By AdirondackDave

May 14, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

I can’t fault Chipper because of his injury history but, although I’m a huge Andruw fan, I’m really tired of making excuses for him. I think it’s time for Cox to yank him out of the lineup for a day or two and let him know in no uncertain terms that he has to listen to TP. A couple months ago I was upset about the prospect of his leaving… no more. If Frenchy can change, so can Andruw.

By eric the elder

May 14, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

If you paid me 14 million a year I would run full speed where ever you wanted me to.

I agree, but in reality the attitude is just the opposite. The more a player makes, the more entitled he feels to casual play. In their defense, a player with 5000 at bats in his career has a pretty good idea of when he has a chance to beat out a ground ball.

I’m more offended by the guy who dogs it to first on a hit and is unable to stretch it to second when he suddenly discovers that the outfielder has muffed the ball. Or the guy who goes into a home run trot and barely makes it to second when the ball hits the wall and a triple was possible.

Finally, when a pitcher hits a ground ball, we can hear Bobby yelling “Easy!”. Encouraging some players to dog it surely must spill over to the mind sets of others.

By Chop Chick

May 14, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Good points about Chipper. I’ll remind my niece of his numerous leg injuries. Here’s a thought: Do those hamper him at the hot corner, too? Keep him from making the quick plays on screaming grounders with eyes? He’s my age so that factors in as well. Is it time the Braves started preparing for the day No. 10 isn’t good to go when it comes to anchoring third? Or do you think they’ve already started in that direction?

By atlfunk

May 14, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Why risk pulling something on an out. We need them in there for 150+ games.

By JT

May 14, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

The big stars get paid to hit homeruns and drive in runs not to try to beat out a groundball. People over react on such small things. However if the game is on the line you know they are going to run it out to make something happen. I dont know about yall but i would rather see the jones boys and all the other superstars trot down to first rather than run full speed and pull something and be out for a significant amount of time. Think before you make such a stupid post.

By eric the elder

May 14, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

JT, good post and I tend to agree with you. It’s too bad, though, that you needed to characterize people who see things differently as “stupid.”

CC, Joe Simpson has said several times that he thinks Chipper is playing a better third place than he was before he went to left field. I hope you haven’t launched another Move-Chipper-to-First-Base flood.

By Greg from Marietta

May 14, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Wow, your niece is really passionate about the Braves and that is so cool. I was wondering, is she as “Hot” as you are?? Anyway, tell her that both Chipper and Andruw are really old guys, they are 30 or close to it. So, they don’t have the energy they did when they were younger. She should give them a break because they are “Power” guys and do more with their bats than with there feet.

By Matt M.

May 14, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Can we get another blog, or another topic. This discussion isn’t going to last very long. Anybody hear of any good rumors. Hows Cormier doing? (Lance) Anything, something.

By Matt M.

May 14, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

I want to see a picture of ChopChick. Where can I find one?

By bravefansince54

May 14, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

I think you almost (key word: almost) have to give Chipper a pass, given all of his foot problems. But ‘Druw is a different situation, and there is no excuse for not hustling.

By looongstroke

May 14, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Hell, They both Chipper and Andruw have been doing it(not hustling to first base) for YEARS !! It’s WRONG for some of you to give Chipper a pass on this one. If you give Chipper a pass then you have to also give Andruw the same curtesy ! Even when Chipper isn’t hurt, he still dogs it to first base.

By Lou

May 14, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

I don’t hear anyone doggin’ ‘Druw when he runs down a ball in the alley or on a sinking line drive that he comes up with! Get over yourselves, no one would pay you $18 million to play the game, so stop hatin’ and enjoy the games.

By Eric from MO

May 14, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Its not that big of a deal. The only players that run hard all the time are the ones who are fighting for a roster spot. I agree with Matt when the game is on the line they do run hard. In blowouts who cares?

By layout29

May 14, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

i’m more concerned with andruw’s .220 BA and the five strikeouts in the last two games - - and were supposed to cut him some slack because when it warms up, he says, so will he … cut down on the swing and hit the frickin’ ball to right field once in a while and bust your butt on the base paths … is that too much to ask?

By 22oz

May 14, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Last week against the Padres Chipper hit a routine fly ball to Mike Cameron, who lost the ball in the twilight, and Chipper ended up on second base. Thats hustle enough for me, especially with Chipper’s current quad injury. Andruw doesn’t run because he falls down, but he does hustle on defense.

By Chop Chick

May 14, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Eric from MO, but I have to disagree with you about only guys trying for roster spots running hard. While checking out a ChiSox game on WGN in April one of the Good Guys’ regulars hustled it right out of the box and was safe at first on what might have been a “routine” out — except that the pitcher was fielding and he dropped the ball when he went to make the throw to first for the “sure” out.

The Sox fans appreciated the extra effort, as did manager Ozzie Guillen and the guys in the dugout, who gave the player many atta-boys when he returned. Can’t remember exactly who it was, but it wasn’t someone we’ve all never heard of before. I was impressed that he cared enough to bust it down to first.

By Voice of Reason

May 14, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Go out and run 10 sprints and see if you’re as fresh on #10 as you were on #2. As was said earlier, with few exceptions, these guys know when an out is an out. I’d rather that they be fresher when they need it, as opposed to using up the gas on a sure out. And, does Chipper’s history of leg and foot injuries really need to be rehashed? Bottom line: Look at their overall productivity. You wanna pull ‘em from the lineup? Not me… As for Bobby yelling “Easy” to his pitchers, nobody, and I mean nobody handles a pitching staff better than Bobby; and that includes insuring that some easy 2-hopper from the 9 spot in the order doesn’t affect the guy’s primary task, which is to get outs from the mound. If they really were “doggin’ it” and the team reflected some malaise, and were losing, you might have an argument. The Braves are playing .649 ball at 24-13, 1/2 game up in the East, and ranked 5th overall in MLB’s power rankings. ‘Nuff said.

By eric the elder

May 14, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

CC, you could also point to Matt Diaz a couple of weeks ago. He beat out a pretty routine grounder to the shortstop, it extended the inning, and led to a come-from-behind win.

By Nezman

May 14, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Finally someone is talking about what I have seen for years. I will never forget in 2001, I went to the Cardinals/Braves game. Renteria was playing short and Andruw hit a routine ground ball to him. Edgar misplayed it, dropped the ball and threw it into the stands. Andruw was still a good five feet from first base before the ball sailed into the stands. You could see Bobby on the top step of the dugout yelling at him but I guess it didn’t work. The man is one of the best outfielders of all time but I sometime question his heart and desire. But in his defense, he does play well over 150 games a year. I can’t recall the last 150 game season Chipper has played.

By Geoff

May 14, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Chipper does also tend to hit many harder balls to the right-side of the INF, thus taking away any possibility of a close play at first-base. However, Andruw does tend to give it the 75% sprint to first. The man is only 30 years old and I can still remember a time when he would steal 15-25 bases a year.

By David-ATL14

May 14, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Tell your niece to STFU and worry about something that actually matters.

This isn’t a league for “no talent hacks” where the only thing that can be contributed is their hustle.

Big deal, Andruw sprints full speed on a grounder back to the pitcher, no one outside you and your neice care.

This blog is a joke, you would never see the blog master DOB writing about such inane matters.

By Kentavo

May 14, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Remember the classic dogger - the Crime Dog? He would only put forth as much effort required on a certain play. This is what I mean: a groundball to first base, McGriff fields it - if the runner slows down, McGriff would adjust the speed at which he got to the bag - to the point where he’d barely get the out. If the runner started walking, McGriff would start walking.

By BamaBrave

May 14, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Take last week, when Mike Cameron lost a routine fly ball to centerfield…Chipper could have jogged at 50% speed and started sulking, but he kept his head in the game and easily ended up on second. I’m willing to bet Andruw gets caught in a rundown, or simply stays on first.

By Ripme

May 14, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

David you the one that needs to STFU and get a life.

By Remembermenot

May 14, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Yes, you are correct they both are slackers when it comes to running to first base, however so are several other superstar players that do the same thing. Personaly I blame Bobby for allowing this.

By S Turn

May 14, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

I noticed this one year in the playoffs. Facing elimination I watched Chipper and Andrew jogging to first. It made me so mad.

By Duke LaCross

May 14, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Yes, Bobby Cox, a sure future HOF’er and the 4th winningest manager in MLB history, Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones, both likely future HOF’ers, are just awful… “slackers” I believe you said. Gee, if we only had a roster full of Pete Orr’s and Larry Bowa managing, huh? Boy, that’d something, wouldn’t it? Yeah, it’d be something - a steaming pile of $#!+.

By Tony

May 14, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Duke LaCross,

I couldn’t have said it better myself. As a baseball I don’t want to see Andruw, Chipper, Manny, Barry, Gary, Albert or any of the big-time sluggers…hustling down the line on a routine grounder. Game on the line sure, but a routine grounder….HELL NO!! I pay to see them hit…useless blog. Orr and Thorman better hustle, they are not proven stars.

By Chop Chick

May 14, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Neither of us are slamming Chipper or Andruw alone for not running it out to first. I just put it out there to see what y’all thought about whether running it out is worth it. People are entitled to varying baseball opinions. My niece would like to see more effort out of the box. Personally, I fall in with those of you who understand why Chipper has slowed and IMO, Andruw’s just streaky on offense — period. But I think smart, hard play on the basepaths is neglected these days among all players in the league. Perhaps it’s the result of today’s “Let’s wait for the three-run homer” mentality that’s usurped the smallball play of the past. Who knows?

And just fyi, David — DOB and I get along fine so take the attitude elsewhere if this blog doesn’t suit you. He’s a beat writer; his stuff should be the best out there about the Braves — and it is. I enjoy reading DOB’s stuff and the award he won recently was absolutely well-deserved. Don’t try to start any infighting among Braves bloggers. We’re all cool. This blog just tries to gauge what the everyday fan thinks, that’s all.

By Steven J.

May 14, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

If Chipper runs too fast to 1st base when an out is imminent, he might pull something.

By BJM

May 14, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

I attended the Braves-Bucs game 05/11/07. Andrew can relax running to first if he feels the play will not be close. The reason why, he is great in centerfield. His great fielding saves several runs in the game. I was surprised ESPN did not broadcast one of the catches. As for Chipper, he is aching a bit due to a collision with the Bucs third base.

By ray

May 14, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

I understand perfectly the point that is being made here. There is a difference of not running one out the last few steps when they see they WILL be out. But there have been several times I have seen Andruw running half speed down the line on a double play ball where he was just barely thrown out. A little extra effort or NOT slowing down right before he gets to the bag could be the difference of safe or out. I specifically saw Chipper bust it down the line last week where he beat out a potential double play ball. It kept the inning alive and the braves scored runs that inning. And by the way.. I LIKE the blog. Keep up the good work. I will keep the comparison of you and Chipper’s age to myself especially since we know the condition of his feet and legs.

By Apaul404

May 14, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Also if you are Andrew it’s kinda hard to leg out a single if you fall on your butt after you swing.

By Toasty Joe

May 14, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

We? Have players who hustle. They? Do not. :)

By Chop Chick

May 14, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Ha ha! I just caught the reference from the “Mets Hair Flub” blog, Toasty Joe. Touche… touche… You got me there. :-)

By Randall H.

May 15, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Andruw is to pleased with himself to give it all he’s got, but chipper is rightly taking it easy on his problematic feet, he knows he’s more important to the team to be out there. Thi reminds me of the days of Bob Horner. That guy got hurt a lot because he put everything out on the line, diving and what ever else it took. Andruw thinks he is as good as he needs to be. Why should I listen to T.P. I’m already good enough!

By beki

May 15, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

What worries me more than the doggin’ by AJ is his ungodly stance. Has anyone noticed that he literally screws himself into the ground and rolls over his back foot in an effort to get the homer. He’s a foot accident waiting to happen.

By joebrave

May 16, 2007 2:17 AM | Link to this

Yes Chop Chick tell you niece I agree with her too.if Thorman and Diaz can hustle down the line so can those two overpaid monkees!!!and David that is a couple of ladies your talkin to sir,Mind your manners or I’ll teach you some!!!!!!!!

By Carroll

May 16, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

Chick: I’m in total agreement about how much I hate the loafing and half-assing. That’s why I hated SlowRoach and why I LOVE Thorman! Dude grinds it out EVERY time down the 1B line. Same goes for Willie, Frenchy, McMVP etc.

As far as AJ and CJ, they came up to Atl full of p** and vinegar but they unfortunately were trained by the likes of Fred McGriff and Tom Glavine, et al, to withhold all emotion and walk around lazily as if your dog just died. Now it’s too late for them…they will never change at this point, and I suppose I’m numb to it now with them.

I still remember being at game 6 of the 1998 playoffs against the Padres (the decisive game in which we managed all of 2 hits). On one play in particular, Chipper hit the ball to short or second and the guy bobbled it. In one instant I thought “Nice! Now we can get something going!” But in the next instant my heart sank when I looked back down the line and Chipper hadn’t even started running yet…just another easy out for the Pads. I ran from my seat down the stairs toward the Braves dugout to tell that bum what I thought of him. But like I said, I’m not quite as passionate about it these days because I’ve come to expect it. I can only hope that the infusion of new blood will change things for the better….but hopefully Chipper and AJ won’t taint them they way they were tainted by the “business professionals” when they came up to Atl.

By josh

May 16, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

I understand everybody’s take on aj but come on chip haters. Would you rather him DOG it on a routine ground ball and still be out and be out for another week or would you rather him take it easy on a routine groundball and stay in the game and hit all those extra base hits? Seriously, I think that there are some major chipper jones haters that love to ‘Dog’ him. Trust me, I understand the whole hustling concept. I hustled my @$$ off in college and that’s what I took pride in but if he has bad leg problems he has bad leg problems. Andruw Jones on the other hand, isn’t hurt. He just half runs on routine grounders because he’s only interested in hustling when it makes him look like ‘superman’(defensively)

By Kathy

May 16, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Granted I’m a ChipperBopper, but I think Chipper “dogging it” down to first base has more to do with his feet issues than lack of effort. I cringe everytime I see him running full speed down to first trying to beat out an infield hit, yikes!

By metsmanintheatl

May 17, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

today just shows you guys are dead meat…5 run rally in 9th for us and you cannot even beat the pathetic nationals…THERE IS A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN AND IT IS THE NEW YORK METS…TOMMY GLAVINE IS GLAD HE STAYED WITH A WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!1GO METROPOLITANS!!!!!!!!!WE RULE..GOODBYE PRETENDER BRAVOS

By bobbymahlon

May 19, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

I’m like your niece I hate to see Chipper and Andrew dog it like that. I have always blamed BC for letting them get away with it. If they have a chance for a infield hit they will go all out but otherwise they will jog to first. It does not look good for the others who hustle. Because they are vets Bobby will never do anything about it so we have to live with it.

By johnny

May 25, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

With the amount of games these guys play, busting it down the line when there is absolutely no play only needlessly strains their body’s, putting them at greater risk for injury. If it’s the playoffs and their doggin it, then that’s a problem. By the way Metsmainthreat, we have taken every series from your precious, overpaid, and “bought” team. What do you have to say about that you loud mouth “metro” jerk?