Terence Moore

By Dawgonit

January 7, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

Do it! Maybe I’m naive, but I still believe in loyalty. It’s a rare thing in sports amongst players and management, but I think fans still love Andrew. Think of all he’s done for the Braves. It’s a risk worth taking.

By You're an idiot

January 7, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

Terence, Are you serious? This guy doesn’t care. All he wants is his paycheck. He weighs too much. He strikesout too much. He batting average is too low. If he was white, you wouldn’t even consider this Terence.

By bulldogbubba

January 7, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

Why not? Tom Glavine has proven to be a great addition. Not!!

By kevin

January 7, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this

I think the Braves have enough question marks as it is to be adding more. AJ had a good run while he was in Atlanta. Let the future begin today, not tomorrow.

By Dawgman

January 7, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this

You must be crazy !

By Bill

January 7, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this

Yea, just what they need: rf=Frenchy, cf pick from 3, LF A. Jones=together their AB 230 their 25 hrs =one great outfield. Yes just what the Braves need. Another loser!

By ttough44

January 7, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this

Hey, we dont need AJ. Hey choose the money last time over loyalty to the Braves organization. Actually, it was good to send him on his way. His production was terrible. Strike out, pop out…..I say we dont need him focus elsewhere!

By ttough44

January 7, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

And, another thing, when a man is on third and we need a sacrifice fly to score a run….he struck out or hit into double-play, Terrence, ck it out , I am right! And see for your self!

By SR

January 7, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this

Not true and is emblematic of the thinking that has this putrid team in the spot it now occupies; bringing up the rear but for the Washington Nats. Have you forgotten the scope of this player’s rally killing abilities? The flailing swing? The rolling over the top into DP after DP? The predilection to pull every single stinking pitch, no matter how far off the plate outside? Good lord man, do you really believe what you have written or did you write it simply to draw incoming fire?

By Don

January 7, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

You have got to be kidding. Can’t imagine a worst example for youg players. There may never have been such a waste of raw offensive talent. If he did not have such great, great talent, he would not even have been able to make contact - the way he overswung. He was one of the most overrated players on offense in the history of the game - was never clutch — significant amout of HR and RBI production was in meaningless situations. Now Fat Albert is not even good defensively. And he seems to have learned nothing — in his comments about playing winter ball and attempting to work out his problems, he said nothing about trying to hit ball to all fields (stopping trying to pull everything) and about stopping his severe overswinging. With his ability, could have been one of all time greats offensively - but wasted it all. He is the very last thing that we need.

By tech75

January 7, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this

Bad idea….. very bad idea.

Players don’t just wake up one day to find that they’ve lost it…. and can never find it again.

My hunch is that something changed in his “diet” after the 2006 All-Star Game.

By Dexter

January 7, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this

The Braves need to stay away from Andruw Jones. I do miss him being a Brave but things are different now. He is not the same Andruw that we grew to love. I think that Josh Anderson should be given the shot to be the everyday centerfielder. Andruw is overweight and swings at everything but the kitchen sink. It is terrible to watch.

By Brave fan

January 7, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this

He’s made over $100 million in his career. Should play for free! God given talent comes with a young body. He would have to work harder than he ever has to play with the 20 somethings. Is he willing to do that - the 20 somethings are playing for the 100 million, Andruw would have to play for a Championship - I have seen his golf swing - not going to make much money on the golf course! I hope he has a little left, HOF Brave player Go Braves!

By Joe

January 7, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

I always loved Andrew’s defense. And he hit for power before MLB started testing for roids. Not sure if there’s a correalation but he’s definitely lost his mojo since then. Nice guy, but I’ll pass.

By One Man's View

January 7, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

Going back to Andru is a bad, bad idea. He has shown over 2.5 yrs that he is washed up. It happens. He has the money to live a great life. I only hope he has the brains to do so. He could sell the entire stable of totally useless expensive cars he owns for starters - they are too valuable to drive.

Unless Wren pulls off some moves in the next few weeks, the Braves are on a path to being one of the worst teams in the NL.

By Jimv

January 7, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

I feel like Jim Mora and the word “playoffs”. Jones? Andruw Jones? Back to the Braves? Jones? The guy who forgot how to play baseball? Jones????

By Jacob

January 7, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

Yeah, right.

If you “ROLL” the ball to the plate he’ll swing at it.

By dogsbrekky

January 7, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this

Interesting how certain stars production collapsed around the time/s that MLB started hunting down the steroid users

view Pudge, Clemens, Gagne, Andruw, Lo Duca etc etc post Jan 2007…. there are many more examples

Of note - the power production of MLB is down in terms of both hitting and pitching since mid 2006…. FACT…

Baseball is now a clean young guys game with a smattering if class veterans (read Maddux etc)

Braves should sign 2 pitchers, pay Manny a truckload, ditch Frenchy and Andruw unless they play at 210 and 200 lbs respectively and spend 40 hours a week in a batting cage and actually put in some hard yards like most normal humans do who earn millions

By Ron E.

January 7, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this

If Andruw is the answer for the Braves, it must be a very stupid question.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

January 7, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Terence, Andruw was completely done when he left here. The Dodgers threw millions away on the guy and got absolutely nothing for it. He can’t play anymore! No point in re-visiting this part of Braves history now. It’s in the past and so is Andruw’s baseball career. He’s thirty-two but he may as well be 92. It’s over!

By Ron Roberts

January 7, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Terrence, ARE YOU HIGH???

The 230 lb CF won’t have the range he used to have, obviously always lacked the plate discipline (and it’s worse now than when we groaned about his big-time whiffs) and is a psychological mess.

If Dr. Jack Llewellyn could make something of him, great, but I wouldn’t hold out any hope.

I’d prefer to have a decent batting average and marginal defense in CF over no batting average an sub-par (at this stage in his career) defense.

Sorry, Mr. Moore, but your column gives no valid reasons to re-sign him (it seemed as if you were trying to talk yourself into this and failed miserably, really). You’re making an emotional call, and baseball’s a business, anymore. Andruw wasn’t a coachable player, and I doubt he’s changed much, despite the woes. He’s struggling in the Dominican, struggled in L.A., and struggled mightily, scoffing at coaching, his last season in Atlanta.

I’m sure he’s a nice guy, and I’m sur eyou miss having him to pal around with in the clubhouse, Terrence, but he’s a horrible fit for a team with money to burn but not money to waste.

By oldmike

January 7, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this

Please, we need to get younger and try to remake the team like we did nearly 20 years ago. With young pitching and position players. As a big fan I’d put up with another year or two of struggles to possibly have another 14 year run at the top. Let’s see what we really have in the system. Give it a shot.

By TradeFrankWren

January 7, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this

We’ve got $50 million to spend and the best we can do is giving up our top offensive prospect for a sub .500 pitcher, getting screwed by Furcal, and bringing back AJ?!?!?! WTF?!?! Bang up job there Frank!!!!

By WAKE UP!!!!

January 7, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

PLEASE SIGN MANNY!!!! CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE CHIPPER IN THE 3 AND MANNY IN THE 4?!?!? Yeah Yeah, he’s too expensive!! News flash: High prices usually come with high numbers!!!! If you don’t think .314/41/133 over a 16 year period isn’t worth the price in today’s market then your crazy!!!!!

By JOE

January 7, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

why not? what have the braves got to lose.Invite him to camp and see what happens.No worse that sticking with Hampton and bringing Tommy Glavine back.Maybe it wil pay off…we got nothing else going right now..

By Stephen

January 7, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this

Instead of ranting, let’s look at this as though we were a general manager. The comparison is Andruw Jones for $1M vs. Grigor Blanco for $400K. This is actually a semi-tough call.

Looking at projections for next year, their OPS’s are pretty similar (AJ ~750; GB ~725), though anything putting too much weight on Andruw’s terrible last season, which was an outlier should be readjusted. I won’t bore readers with other stats, other than to say that they are comparable with AJ in the lead by a fair margin.

Fielding, even Andruw of last year beats GB at CF. For the stat nerd their UZR/150s were 12.4 (AJ) and 5.5 (GB). For the non stat nerd, even a 230lb Dodger AJ did much better than Blanco.

Now let’s look at the bigger picture. AJ is not part of any future, competitive Braves team, but then again neither is GB. With a good season, maybe GB could be trade bait as we rebuild for the future, and he is marginally cheaper. Then again, if AJ returned to 2007 Braves AJ (which was still a terrible year for him), this comparison isn’t even close, and AJ wins by a mile over GB. As for some intangibles— a lot of Braves just seem to play better for whatever reason when they’re with us. Let’s call it the Cox factor. And AJ could be yet another example.

If I were Frank Wren, * I would sign AJ * to a one year deal. I don’t even know you need to add incentives, as TM suggests. AJ needs a monster year to revive a career that’s in critical condition, which is all the future-money incentive he’d need.

Note: the Josh Anderson comparison is even harder, and I don’t feel informed enough to answer the “more time in the minors vs. gettin’ to the big’s now” question.

By J Pat

January 7, 2009 12:36 PM | Link to this

Everyone wants to see homers than complain when a player starts over swinging. Start paying the Punch and Judy hitters the big money and you will see sluggers start stroking the ball to right.

There was an old saying in baseball, “HR hitters drive Cadillacs and singles hitters drive Chevys”.

Offence aside. If Andruw can get in shape, playing centerfield isn’t something that leaves you.

He was worth a run a game, in center, according to Maddux and Glavine, that’s the same as driving in 162 runs a year.

By some sense

January 7, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

No, No, and, ah, no.

Nothing to gain here.

Been there…done that.

For all the magic of the vacuum cleaner in center field, the image is obscured by all the flailing around at bat.

By Dosomethingplease

January 7, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this

What a great addition to teach Frenchy to hit! I would rather have Edmunds.

By Dosomethingplease

January 7, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this

What a great addition to teach Frenchy to hit! I would rather have Edmunds.

By J Pat Dyer

January 7, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this

Just a second thought….Terry Pendleton.

Frenchie from good young hitter to bust.

Andruw and Jeff make Terry look like a genius….three years later they are washed up?

What’s the common denominator?

By Jim

January 7, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

I say - sign him to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. That way he has to earn his spot and MAYBE it will push him to produce!

By Kentavo

January 7, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

NO, NO, NO, NO, NO.

Not even if he paid the Braves to come back.

Bobby Cox does not recognize Andruw’s diminished ability and will misuse him.

No, no, no, no, no.

By glorydays

January 7, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

Terrance, I agree, AJ is worth the minimal salary with incentives (of course he won’t need the money). The upside on AJ is that he will realize that he can no longer be stubborn and lean on his immense natural ability. If he wants to play he will have to listen and work to be good, the days of just showing up are over. With maturity he could also teach Frenchy some lessons. I remember Chippers quote last spring when JF was trying to pummel every pitch in BP which was “Lose and Andrew, gain an Andrew”. That statement proved to be prophetic. Maybe AJ will come back a more mature player maybe not. But he is worth the risk and when he is right he plays with great joy, which is fun to watch.

By Blair

January 7, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this

One big plus no one has mentioned: we would have the support of the ENTIRE Curacao populace by signing Andruw, instead of the divided loyalties of last season. ;-)

By Gman

January 7, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

Has Andruw lost appreciable weight since we last saw him?

Has Andruw changed his “swing for the fence on every pitch” hitting philosophy?

Does AJ have more desire to play the game then when he was here last?

If the answer to any of the above is no then plaese, don’t kid yourself. The guy was a terrible situational hitter even when he posted decent stats.

A good at-bat for Andruw Jones is when he makes only one out per plate appearance.

By Mac

January 7, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

I don’t care either. All I want is my flippin’ paycheck. That said, as a major leaguer in a developmental league organization, what I mail in is tons better than anything they’ve seen before.

God, life sucks.

By BRian

January 7, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this

Sign Manny to a 3 year $60 mil contract, then take a chance on Sheets. And, Please fire Wren and kidnap John until he decides to be GM again.

By bobbylee

January 7, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

Millions for a bum that didn’t hit hit weight last year… when hot dogs are $10 at the Ted just wonder why.

By Dixie Dawg

January 7, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

He’s not a good “fit”, he’s a good “fat”

I say, HELL NO, no more washed up players.

This seems to be becoming the “Wren Trend”.

By Ryan Klesko

January 7, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

Hey everybody,

Great news. Frank Wren called and said he’s putting the band back together!

Look for me, Andruw and Otis Nixon is spring training this year. Frank even told me that Ron Gant and Lemke may leave the broadcast booth for comeback attempts as well. SO EXCITING!

It’s gonna be a great summer! Just like old times (the 70’s and late 80’s that is)!

By Gman

January 7, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this

OK, so this week we have Stafford and Moreno going pro, UF winning another national title and Andruw Jones coming back to the Braves.

I’m sure it can get worse, I’m just not sure how.

By Jerry

January 7, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this

I must say again. Isn’t it strange the very time they blow the steriod scandal wide open, Andruw Jones has tanked. Boras said down to 230. Geez that tells me all I need to know. Thanks for the memories.

I, like others, have had a blessing bestowed upon us. The like others are the 40, 50, 60 & 70 year olds that have followed the Braves since their inception.

I got to watch Hank play, Rico Carty, hell Pat Jarvis was my Sheriff for a while. My personal all time favorite player was Bob Gibson. My first experience with baseball on tv was the 1965 series Boston/St.Louis. It just stayed with me and never left.

Now my favorite Brave was Hank and Hank is the greatest baseball player in the history of baseball. If a man can do what Hank did in his career, under the pressure he was under, and play ball like he did, that has got to be the best player ever. In his young career he was treated bad for his race, as all blacks were, and as he neared the Babe he had pressure too. The records itself & the racism. Just to let you know, I’m white but that doesn’t mean anything. Frank Robinson was my 2nd favorite. Strange how my 1 and 2 are exactly opposite players but Frank was tough. He should be our next manager. Bring some fire back.

Here’s my point. I think I know whats best for the Braves.

We have McCann, Chipper, Yunel and Kotchman. These guys are a given, will & should be there opening day. Mark my word about Kotchman. He will produce.

Based upon history our outfield is up for grabs. I can’t count on Frenchy. I can count on him when he shows me he is back to himself. He had a crap year after he decided not to sign a higher long term contract like McCann. It affected his play. Someone other than Frenchy pull that crap he would have been gone. History tells me that about the Braves. I mean look, he was up for trade rumors.

I don’t want to trade for an outfield and give up any young talent. Lets hang onto our kids for awhile and let them develope. For now we have to approach this through the free agent market. Why couldn’t we sign Burrell for what he is going to get paid. We don’t trade for Swisher or Nady, that would take from our system. So that leaves Dunn, Manny and some others. There’s no one really there that I would want.

Our only choice is to bring in our roster outfielders and kids from our system to spring traning and give the jobs to the best preformers. If Heyward earns it give it to him. I remember Horner. Some guys can move up and handle the big league pressures of many games and dealing with slumps. Heyward, Diaz, KJ, Josh, Gorkys, Frenchy, Blanco and others all come to compete for the outfield spots.

We play Infante at 2nd and Prado is our super utility guy. Infante can hit. Line drives I mean.

We signed Ross when we should have brought up Flowers or kept Sammons. Do you remember when Murphy first came up. It was hard to watch. Your backup catcher should always be a young kid. My thinking at least. We could have saved a couple of million there.

Relief pitching is our least concern, except for getting a couple of them signed long term.

Starting pitching is where we need help. By far Derek Lowe is our man and I would not be afraid to offer him a 5 year 75 million dollar deal. Its not crazy. We need to go ahead and sign Smoltz. He is our stud and he will come back and lead us forward for a couple of more years. We get Huddy back for 2010 and lets go ahead and extend his contract. So long as Huddy worked out he pitched good. His first couple of years with us he didn’t work out like he does now and it hurt his play. Thats what p** me off about him. He began working back out and his preformance improved. He gets it now.

A starting 5 of Lowe, Smoltz, JJ, Javier and the 5th sarter is between Morton, Hanson, JoJo, Campillo andothers.

I keep hearing Hanson has the stuff, then bring him up and if he gets drilled the first few games he’s either going to bulldog up or fade away. I would rather find out now that he would fade away then 2 years from now because absolutly nothing is going to change in that time. Seasoning you say. Bull

Let’s play ball.

By Steve

January 7, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

Sometimes you get what you pay for… Andruw Jones has been a Superstar… Keywords “has been”…

By Oasisbraves

January 7, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

SIGN MANNY!!!

By Dixie Dawg

January 7, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox does not recognize common sense.

By JP Swain

January 7, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

Provided he got himself down to 190 or so and managed to listen to what a hitting coach had to say, maybe he might be a good addition- in left field.

By Braves Win

January 7, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones is a good fit for the Braves only if the hole in their roster is shaped like Fat Albert.

By Zach

January 7, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this

I think it’s a good move. He could hold down centerfield until one of the young kids is ready and then in 2010 if he performs well this season, move him over to left field where his range want be such a factor. Maybe Jones could re-unite with Cox and his old mates and put together a few good seasons and retire as a Brave. If he adds a few solid seasons to his profile, he’ll land a spot in Cooperstown.

By Trey

January 7, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this

I’d only take him back at the MLB minimum as a utility outfielder. I dont want this guy anywhere near the plate.

By Yeah Right

January 7, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

B.S.!!!! The Braves do not need to spend money on over weight, out of shape, do not care, ball players. Jones ate himself into a bad player. He did not learn. He swings at everything that comes up to the plate. I have never see him hit a breaking ball. In the DIRT, AJ swings, EVERYTIME!!!! He is playing winter ball to get his game back. BIG DEAL, the bum is hitting in the .100’s as he did with LA. NO!!! HELL NO!!! 100 TIMES HELL NO!!! He and Adam Jones may hit a few HRs, but both will strike out 175 times. Rally killers each.

By DHD

January 7, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

I have 2 “if’s” for this.

IF we can sign him to a minor league contract, paying him the minimum.

IF Bobby Cox will ONLY use him when he’s helping the team.

Otherwise, no way.

By Jim H.

January 7, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

What’s up Terence? You are confusing me. This is normally the time of year that you have (many times in the past) said that the Braves should go after Ken Griffey Jr. Now that we are in a situation where that might actually make a little bit of sense you say we should get Andruw!

But anyway, I say sign him to a minor league contract but guarantee him nothing. He definitely should not be the “big bat” we are supposedly still getting this off season. He should only be considered a bonus if he makes a come back —- And if he shows up to Spring training overweight like he did last year with the Dodgers, cut him immediately (because that would show he obviously isn’t serious about reviving his career).

By BO......

January 7, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this

I Loved Andy as a kid. Trouble is he never grew up. Yes baseball is a game, but when you get paid, it becomes also a job. If he could get serious from now till March, He could be as good as ever, hes in his prime. Just needs a commentment. Like to see him at 200 lbs. Thats not much to lose for a great athelete like baby Andruw. Bobby once said, if he hit 200 and bat eight he would be good enough. ANDRUW JONES are you a has been or a hall of famer……

By Darrin "The Vent King"

January 7, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this

Man I can’t believe its come down to all this. It seems just like yesterday when Andruw was setting the world on fire hitting those homers against the Yanks in the ‘96 World Series. Now he couldn’t hit the side of a building with a dump truck. I am getting old.

By sjbrave

January 7, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

If he is committed to getting in shape then I think he could be a good option even if it is just for defense. Cox needs to tell him that when he stirkes out to kill a rally, he needs to wipe that stupid grin off his face. I would see that and want to put my foot through the tv.

By Jerry

January 7, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

Sign Lowe and let KJ, Blanco, Anderson, Diaz, Frenchy, Brandon Jones, Gorkys and Heyward earn a spot during spring training.

All we need is to sign Lowe. 5 years 75 million. He’ll be around in 2014 and pitching like he does now.

Infante at 2nd with Prado our super utility guy.

I just wonder why our GM keeps wanting to trade Gorky Hernandez. He is insanely fast and speed increases hits, steals and runs.

Remember when we brought up Dale Murphy at catcher. He wasn’t ready then and he came through real good. Sometimes you just have to put them out there. Cox doesn’t do that though. He likes veterans.

As for Andruw I say again, his numbers fell right when the steroid scandal broke.

We need a big Bobby Cox final tour and then hire Frank Robinson. We need some fire. Or hire Don Baylor.

The biggest thing I saw this past year was poor fundamental baseball and that’s the coaches fault. If you brought back Leo Mazzone, Jimy Williams as our 3rd base coach and Don Baylor as our hitting instructor and Pat Corrales as our bench coach we would have won at least 15 games more than we did last year. Corrales placing outfielder would have been good enough for 10 of those wins alone. That’s if we’re going to keep Cox year to year.

That 15 games won would have put us where? Hummm!!!

By LivininAL

January 7, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this

I somewhat agree with you. Nothing lost if signed to minor league contract with incentives. If he drops a pound a week from now till Spring Training he might function somewhat again. I would add one thing Terence; not only time in the batting cage, but attempt for the 1st time in his career to become a student of art of hitting, use the field, listen and learn from coaches and if he does not then he can HIT THE ROAD.

By 1eyedJack

January 7, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this

Only with a “make good” contract.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 7, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this

At a minimum salary deal when the previous team is picking up the entire salary, anyone is a good fit.

But I am tired of bringing back reminders of the Braves’ glorious past. Those days are over, like it or not. The Braves are a mediocre team and bringing in Andruw is not gonna make a significant difference. The Braves need to take a long look in the mirror, see that they are not catching the Phillies or Mets with this group of veterans any time soon, and blow up the team and start over. I’d rather sit through two or three last-place seasons followed by a Devil Rays-like resurgence than sit through an indefinite number of .500, 3rd place seasons, which is what we are gonna get as it stands right now.

By BamaBrave

January 7, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this

Jeez… What’s next? Marcus Giles at second?!!? Andruw will always be a Brave, but let’s move on. Give the kids a shot in CF. That, at least, would resemble a Plan.

So, Mr. Wren, I guess you’ve been trying…but I’ve not had one single, solitary off-season moment that makes me feel like we’ve improved, or made me pump my fist in anticipation of ‘09. Not one. Not even close.

And sorry, the possible return of Jesus H. Smoltz doesn’t really get me worked up either. Maybe in August I’ll get stoked about him if he’s won 10 games and has an ERA under 3.50.

I traveled to The Ted eleven times in ‘07…five last year. Call me fair-weather if you want, but if I begin to see our front office taking on the personality of the Reds, Pirates, or any other brain-dead franchises, I simply won’t attend. You’ll lose me and a ton of other people. Please don’t send this franchise down the tubes…you have money and a well-stocked farm system.

Andruw Jones? Arrrrrrrgh….

By Bill

January 7, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this

You got to be kidding me He is fat and was on a decline when we had him!Give the kids a chance he had his What incentive does he have he still is getting paid by the Dodgers.He would be worse than what we have now!!

By Chris in Marietta

January 7, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

ARE YOU NUTS?

Andruw is NOT a good fit.

IMHO, Andruw is like many young ball players today that have talent however, once they start making the big bucks ad living the high life - fancy cars, homes, etc. - they get fat and lazy.

Well, there you go. That’s basically what is going on with Mr. Jones. He was fun to watch as a kid, and productive too. I’d rather the Braves spend the $1M that you want to throw away on Andruw and bring some young kids who want to play, have passion for the game, and haven’t been spoiled by those same perks that have softened Andruw Jones.

By Theo

January 7, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

You have got to be kidding me!! We can’t afford to have Andruw and Frenchy’s bat in the same lineup. Since steriod testing the guy isn’t even a shadow of his former self. He would be more suited in the American League where he can play outfield and have the pitcher bat in his spot. Truth is he couldn’t fall out of a boat and hit water! I would much rather have Bonds, he may be older but he’s a much more disiplined hitter.

By JR

January 7, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this

I think the beginning of the end for AJ was when he said “I’m a pull hitter and that’s all there is to it”. What a ridiculous thing to say. Did he ever watch one of his helpless at bats against a good location pitcher when he made his great whiff on the 3rd strike 2 feet outside and going away with the tying and or winning run just waiting to be driven in? I’m amazed at the thickheadedness( is that a word )of this so-called Pro. I can sit at home and watch him and even I know what pitch the guy is going to get. If he admits that he needs to become a more selective hitter and loses some weight that would be a start back. Don’t count on it. JR.

By Dean

January 7, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe I just read this article. I mean, any time there’s no news on the Braves front, we either get a filler article like this one or nothing at all. It’s just a ploy to keep readers occupied and annoyed. This way they keep coming back for something better. It’s a great way to lower expectations of readers. Unfortunately it works too often.

Let’s face it. The Braves will not compete next year like we all want them to. Whatever they put on the field will be too little too late. They might as well save money, prospects and the inevitable disappointment of fans by being up front about rebuilding.

Even if the Braves were to somehow get an ace like Peavy and a legit power hitting outfielder they just won’t compete well enough with the Phillies and Mets - not to mention the Marlins. It’s mediocrity, just like this article that the Braves are breeding. Go ahead Braves, rebuild. And go ahead AJC and gives us no “news” if you can’t find real news.

By reebok

January 7, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this

Should have saved this for your April Fool’s column. Andruw is fat, lazy and doesn’t give a crap.

By Stephen

January 7, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this

Many of the comments don’t really seem to come to grips with the fact that there is virtually zero chance that the Braves will be contenders next season compared to the Phillies and Mets. ManRam, Peavy, and “hooo boy, we sure do need us [insert name here]!” can’t change this.

This isn’t what you want to hear, but: Stop Wren hating. Stop demanding signings that will waste money on a rebuilding season.

On a random note- props to everyone for Frenchy hating. Even though many a (female?) fan loves him, he was literally the worst player in major league baseball last year (with a -4.11 WPA). In lay terms, what he did at the plate in the situations he was placed in was tremendously counterproductive to the team. No other player in baseball hurt his team more at the plate.

In terms of defense, his UZR/150 was -7.4. Translated- that means he cost the Braves approximately 7+ runs over a season with his terrible range and fielding. That was good enough for 4th worst in MLB last year.

A shockingly bad season in every possible way. And this continued his downward trend.

By Dixie Dawg

January 7, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

according to some kind of law, Liberty Media has to retain the Braves for two years.

So, that means one more year of hell before, hopefully, Arthur Blank will step in and buy the club and bring them back to glory.

By Get Real

January 7, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this

Come on Terence! AJ USED TO BE a good player but that ship has sailed! Do you really not see that, or will you write ANYTHING to try and get more color on ATL sports teams? You do know you have lost all credibility don’t you? When you’re not on your racial soapbox you have written some decent articles in the last couple of years…

By JEANTOBY

January 7, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this

it’s been a good year to top it off i have agreed with you for the third time this year

By BOO U

January 7, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

THATS ALL WE NEED IS TO GET BACK THE GUY WHO LEFT MORE PEOPLE ON BASE AND KILLED MORE BIG INNINGS THE LAST YEAR HE WAS HERE. IF HE IS OUR ANSWER TO A POWER HITTER WE ARE SCREWED!!!!!

By john

January 7, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

Terry, Terry, Terry. Are you frikin’ nuts?! The only thing Andruw can still hit is the all you can eat buffet. He was awful here even before he bombed in L.A. At least give some young guys a chance who are hungry to play, not hungry for another Whopper.

By Over The Hill

January 7, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this

Hey, I haven’t played baseball since highschool but I think I could probably hit close to 205 and I wouldn’t cost nearly as much……

By Skeezix

January 7, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this

What?!!? Huh!!?? Andruw was one of the best defensive centerfielders ever. But he went to pot, got fat, and is completely lost at the plate. Your position that he can now help the Braves makes me think that all ajc sports journalists ought to be required to submit to drug testing.

By jch

January 7, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this

Between yourself and DOB I’d have to say I’m convinced having Andruw back isn’t such a bad idea.

Especially since it looks like ‘09 will be written off as a rebuilding year. Which I’m all for.

Give the young talent the opportunity to earn some major league playing time. And, without having to worry much about our position in the standings, when they’ve earned some PT it can be made availabe whether it be in the rotation or the field.

Come 2010 we should have many of these guys ready for the bigs and we can get back into playoff contention with a group who’ll be together for a while.

And with the current state of the economy it may not be a bad idea to conserve some cash for future use.

By SimpleDawg

January 7, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this

On one hand, I’d love to see Andruw back…if he loses weight and stops trying to hit HRs every at bat.

On the other hand, he refuses to hit the outside pitch to right field, he swings at too many bad pitches, and he seems to have a problem controling his weight.

Having said all of that, he’s still the best defensive centerfielder to ever play the game, and if proves in spring training that he’s serious about reclaiming his place among the best players in the game, he will be a great addition to a young team….another bridge to the glory days.

Go For It !!!

By Chris

January 7, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this

Why do the numbers 6-4-3 continue to run through my head?

I should sharpen my scoring pencil. The letter K will be the norm.

I like the past, but the Braves need to stop reminiscing.

I love Andruw, but let’s move on.

By Charleston Hank

January 7, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this

The Braves don’t owe Andruw a thing. He never put in the work to maintain or improve his stroke while he was here. Cox benched him early in his carreer and he still didn’t get the message. He’s had a phenomenal year or two sandwiched between many mediocre years throughout his carreer. I liked watching him in CF but with his eroded fielding skills and below sub-par bat, he should be allowed to seek employment in KC or Pittsburgh where they need mediocre centerfield help.

By Conan438

January 7, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

Hell NO! They sign that stiff again…first i will vomit and second I will not get season tickets again to watch him whiff, whiff, whiff, whiff

By Lee

January 7, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

Terrance Andruw is not a good fit. Not even if he went on celebrity fit club. Don’t you remember the garbage stikeouts that we had to live through once already. I’d prefer Josh Anderson who has heart and hussle things the old Andruw never really had.

By Rick

January 7, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget… this is the same Terrance Moore who said the Falcons shouldn’t draft Matt Ryan.

By KD

January 7, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

Moore is a good fit for the Kingston Gazzette in Tennessee too.

By CJ

January 7, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this

Why not just bring back Dale Murphy or Ralf Garr or even Hank Aaron? At least they hustled, caught routine fly balls with two hands, threw routine balls to the infield overhanded, Threw balls to the plate through the cutoff man instead of 15 feet over his head, swing at fastball strikes and hit outside strikes hard to right field.

By Woodrow

January 7, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this

A good fit? To strike out 200 times? or to be named Fat Mac’s patron of the year?

By Fred

January 7, 2009 4:16 PM | Link to this

To be honest, I’ve lost the burning desire to be a Braves fan as baseball in general is a joke.

Sign AJ for “only” a million plus incentives (basically similar to the entire payroll any small business with 35 employees that just had to close due to the economy) - what a steal. NO - WHAT A CROC.

Sorry - I gave up the hero worshipping many years ago when it stopped being a game for these high priced prima-donnas.

All that said - I AM surprised that the negative AJ posts are outnumbering the positive AJ posts by about 25 to 1.

By Tim Scott

January 7, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

ARE YOU PEOPLE KIDDING ME ? WHY WOULD YOU EVEN CONSIDER BRINGING THIS GUY BACK. A GOOD FIT HE CAN’T EVEN BUY PANTS OFF THE RACK HE IS SO LARGE HE HASN’T SEEN HIS OWN SHOES IN AT LEAST 2YRS. HIS BEST DAYS ARE BEHIND HIM AND THAT AIN’T ALL. IT WOULD BE TYPICAL OF THE BRAVES TO BRING HIM BACK. HEY WHILE WE ARE AT IT WHY RESIGN RON GANT, AND JUSTICE, MAYBE THE HAMMER HAS A FEW SWINGS LEFT. COME ON MANAGEMENT IT’S TIME TO GET REAL

By Ed Glennon

January 7, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t pay more than $5 a pound for him.

By Born2Buzz

January 7, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this

Offer him a minor league contract.

By TM

January 7, 2009 4:30 PM | Link to this

People may pay money to see a few “reunion” games with ex braves but drop below 500 again with too many old guys, with this economy, and see where attendance goes. My advice is to get Bobby Cox back in charge of drafting, player personnel, and player development (hog tie and gag Hank Aaron-not literally), hire a clown like Chuck Tanner to blow smoke up our a* for 2-3 years while we restock with massive numbers of quality high school arms and teach all the things in the Minors that Andruw apparently missed. And in a few years produce another Greenville Braves team like, Javy, Klesko, Lemke, Blauser, Justice, Gant, Glavine, Smoltz, Avery etc. Sign a Pendletons, Maddux or Bream each year to fill holes, not “fill seats”-LOL.

Don’t re-live yesteryear with the same players that are old and injury prone. Duplicate it with the next generation.

Give the strings of the organization to Bobby so he can develop it for Atlanta a THIRD time (and Toronto ONCE)!

By gl

January 7, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this

ONLY if he lost about 50# and worked out like a mad man should they even consider it. He lost the great talent he had almost two years ago. The Dodgers were crazy for even signing him, let alone paying him what they did. The Braves would be worse than crazy to bring him back. ABSOLUTELY, NO WAY SHOULD THEY BRING HIM BACK.

By Drago

January 7, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this

Yeah, maybe as a defensive tackle for the Falcons…

By Dan

January 7, 2009 5:02 PM | Link to this

Taking a chance on a player coming off a terrible year with a minor contract and invite to spring training is not a bad idea, even if it’s Andruw………..As long as the manager doesn’t think he’s Willy Mays regardless of how he actually plays.

If they sign him, Bobby will put him in CF no matter how bad he produces, no matter what stupid things he says. Maybe Andruw will come out and say something like “Because I’m a pull hitter, I don’t hit to LF. I also chase bad pitches feet outside of the strike zone, that’s just the way it is. I don’t care about being in shape and I don’t like to hustle that’s just the type of player I am.” Then Bobby will come out and support him.

Look what happened when Andruw tried to pull his crap with Torre. He got benched.

By BOBBY COX

January 7, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this

Gee, Skip. If Andruw hits the ball as hard as he hits the buffet bar, we’ll be in great shape. His .160 batting average won’t make Frenchie feel so insecure about his paltry average. I’ve got Andruw penciled in as my clean-up hitter.

By Paddy

January 7, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this

I WAS TOLD BY A HALL OF FAME EXECUTIVE A LONG TIME AGO….THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN TO TAKE SOMEBODYS AGING SUPERSTAR.

By jch

January 7, 2009 5:09 PM | Link to this

Between yourself and DOB I’d have to say I’m convinced having Andruw back isn’t such a bad idea.

Especially since it looks like ‘09 will be written off as a rebuilding year. Which I’m all for.

Give the young talent the opportunity to earn some major league playing time. And, without having to worry much about our position in the standings, when they’ve earned some PT it can be made availabe whether it be in the rotation or the field.

Come 2010 we should have many of these guys ready for the bigs and we can get back into playoff contention with a group who’ll be together for a while.

And with the current state of the economy it may not be a bad idea to conserve some cash for future use.

By jch

January 7, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this

Between yourself and DOB I’d have to say I’m convinced having Andruw back isn’t such a bad idea.

Especially since it looks like ‘09 will be written off as a rebuilding year. Which I’m all for.

Give the young talent the opportunity to earn some major league playing time. And, without having to worry much about our position in the standings, when they’ve earned some PT it can be made availabe whether it be in the rotation or the field.

Come 2010 we should have many of these guys ready for the bigs and we can get back into playoff contention with a group who’ll be together for a while.

And with the current state of the economy it may not be a bad idea to conserve some cash for future use.

By Shannon

January 7, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this

I saw people speaking of loyalty…Where was that when Murphy was at the end of his playing days oh yeah we sent him to Philly, the way I see Andruw is he needs to earn a spot not a $1 mil contract. If he wants to be a brave sign a minor league deal earn a spot in spring training. Why should he get a free pass. If we are going for power and strike outs I think Dunn is still out there, but we do need a power hitting righty to offset our lineup. Why not bring Ken jr. in and let him platoon with Anderson and Blanco, that way we have a Vet who knows how to play and can teach the younger guys what it takes to be a great outfielder. Just a thought

By Hillbilly Deluxe

January 7, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this

I think it’d be less of a gamble to bring back Brett Butler.

By GT

January 7, 2009 5:26 PM | Link to this

What a joke of a column. If the answer is bringning back Andruw Jones, trust me - you’re better off not asking the question.

Seriously Terry - what is going on in your mind to possibly think this guy would help improve the Braves next year?

Signing Andruw Jones would be the final nail in the coffin that is already enveloping the Braves’ 2009 season. And its still January.

By Dozer

January 7, 2009 5:26 PM | Link to this

I think it would be perfect - maybe we can bring back Barry Bonnell for left field, and while we’re at it, Steve Avery for the rotation. Seriously, if we’re talking about this possibility, does anyone out there really think that this franchise is moving in the direction of a championship?????

By Ben

January 7, 2009 5:30 PM | Link to this

You have got to be kidding. He hit around 200 2 years in a row, is overweight and lost speed. No way he should come back. Bring up a young prospect. You would have to grossly overpay him to come back. There is plenty of hungary young talent out there. Go after Rocco Baldelli of the Rays.

By Chief-Noc-A-Homa

January 7, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this

Me say do it….and bring back Mike Lum for 1st base, and Darrell Chaney for SS. Terrence, stay outta firewater !!

By Chief-Noc-A-Homa_

January 7, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this

Me say do it ! Also bringum back Mike Lum for 1st base and Darrel Chaney for SS. Terrence, stay outta Chief’s firewater

By Steve

January 7, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this

For the love of all that is good .. DO NOT bring this loser back.

He refuses to put effort into his career despite ridiculous talent. He is an absolute waste of at bats for this organization. Terrence and his love for ex-Brave OF’s of color will never end. Every one we jettison he thinks should be in the Hall of Fame, while he never has any problem with the Braves getting rid of other players for one reason that is obvious.

Give the at bats to Blanco, BJones, and Anderson to see what they can do. Let Diaz, Infante and Frenchy get most of the other AB’s for the outfield and be done with it.

It is not about the money, as I don’t care how cheap we can get Andruw Jones, there is a reason he is that cheap. He is horrible. Stop living in the past and move forward, as we have plenty of OF’s with more potential than Andruw right now. Potential is the key word, as that is all Andruw is now. You don’t waste at bats on old players with ‘potential’ when you are rebuilding.

By Darren

January 7, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

Great article Terrance!!!!!!!!!!! Let’s get Andruw back!!!!! He’s a freakin studhorse!!!!!!

By Baracked the vote!

January 7, 2009 6:02 PM | Link to this

why not sign AJ? The Braves are 4th place franchise. This makes perfect sense to me and will ensure the team will not be competitive in 09

By Steven

January 7, 2009 6:02 PM | Link to this

Sure, put him on the roster because it doesn’t really matter since the Braves will be at the bottom of the NL East regardless. 2010 will the year we contend, or start to contend that is.

By TP (last name not Pendleton)

January 7, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this

I may be one of the biggest Jones bashers around. I don’t like his style, his work ethic and many other things about him. But let’s subtract all emotion from this discusion. It’s clear that he wouldn’t help this (or any other) team win. The facts are indisputable in that regard. The question is - do the Braves want to win in 2009 or is he just a placeholder? Based on the inaction and so far questionable moves this winter, the Braves obviously are NOT planning on being a contender next season. Given that, all that is needed is to do a simple equation. What is the price for Jones returning? No matter what he is signed for it will cost: a) wins b) the opportunity to evaluate future prospective players What is to gain?….I’ll have to get back with you on that.

By Chad

January 7, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this

While we’re being loyal, why don’t we just offer Dale Murphy and Phil Neikro a contract too?

By homie91447

January 7, 2009 6:43 PM | Link to this

prob. not going to finish 1 in east whats wrong with giving young kids who want to play a chance. it does work . look fla. try it for the pre. who needs to spend a lot of money for washed up vets. who do no better than most 1st or 2nd year guys. at a lot more $$$$. AJ (NO) there is a lot of talent in this org. (even if Tm) dis agrees. GO BOBBY AND THE BRAVES

By Terence Moore

January 7, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this

I can’t stress this enough. If Andruw doesn’t work out in spring training, the Bravs can drop him.

No problem. They really can’t lose by not signing him.

They could lose if they don’t sign him, especially if he goes somewhere else and becomes anything close to the old Andruw.

By Nelson

January 7, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this

Terence: I don’t know if you know that Andrew is looking HORRIBLE in the Dominican Rep. Winter League, Honestly I don’t know who could fix his hitting problems, but I’m sure is not T.Pendelton, if the Braves take the advantage of the lower priced Andrew they also has to save some money for a personal hitting instructor!!!

By Alvin

January 7, 2009 7:11 PM | Link to this

Terence, you need to stick to football as it’s obviously you have no clue when it comes to baseball. The last couple of years when Andruw came up with a runner in scoring position and less than 2 outs, it was a double play to end the inning. As a matter of fact, I use to call either a strike out or double play when he came up and planned my bathroom breaks around his at bats.

By richbrave

January 7, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this

Nowhere to go with this OF thing. May as well see what the young man’s got in the tank. We did it with GLAVINE. The club is not going to land a great or even good OF for next season without hitting the farm pretty hard. This is it. Do the deed. I’m betting he comes in to ST at 220 and bashes 20 HR’s during the season with a .265 average. Good enough to sign for 2010. By then SCHAFER and maybe HERNANDEZ will be ready to take over.

By bwhitley

January 7, 2009 7:18 PM | Link to this

If the Braves Front Office Decision Makers consider bringing him back,it puts an exclamation point on how desperate they are and how bad the organization has gotten if that is the only viable option they have.A young athletic talent that can be developed slowly from the farm and/or a proven dedicated major leaguer is a better option.Anyone that has any ability to judge talent can obvisouly see that Anddru Jones will never be at the same level he was and if you run your ballclub like a business paying him a million dollars is not good business sense.

By Augusta Jd

January 7, 2009 7:19 PM | Link to this

It would be a big mistake to bring Andruw back. His (quality)playing days are over and I’m surprised the Braves are even considering it. Nice guy but no heart anymore. He’s got his money so playing is really not what he needs. Bring on the young guys as replacements.

By kool&kat

January 7, 2009 7:19 PM | Link to this

This column is a weak rehash of DOB’s beat blog. T. Moore once again proves he’s no journalist. As for Andruw, the juice wore off. Thats all. Same for Marcus Giles. Can’t believe the Giants signed him. Same thing happened to Javy.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

January 7, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this

I think its worth the gamble to get Andruw. He is as good an option in the short term as some of the free agents that are available who will be more long term. I personally like Bobby Abreu but his price tag is a bit steep. Adam Dunn isn’t bad but I have this feeling he is a year or two away from being what Andruw Jones is right now without the defensive skills. Of course, Burrell is now off the market and anybody who could be acquired through trade is likely going to cost some solid prospects or quality current major leaguers.

Andruw wants to come home and I don’t think he will listen to Boras and his ego inflating bs. Both Boras and Andruw knows that nobody really wants Andruw right now. And if they do they are likely a team who has NO chance to contend like the Royals, Pirates or Nats. And even if Andruw has a comeback year he is not a difference maker for a team like that to make the contenders. But, he could be good enough to be that one piece the Braves need!

By SlimG

January 7, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this

NO Way. This guy couldn’t hit you T. Weight higher than average, definitely not good. Also, either can’t understand hitting or just doesn’t listen or care. He has lost many steps since his hay day, has no reality of timely hitting, and disrespects Bobby. Sorry dude, make sure you get those property tax checks in the mail though.

By Suicidaire

January 7, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this

Is Dale Murphy available?

By Maurine

January 7, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this

HOW DARE YOU BAD-MOUTH ANDREW JONES..HE WAS AND STILL IS MY FAVORITE. I’M LOYAL TO THE BRAVES, EVEN THO THEY HAVE HAD SOME HEALTH ISSUES WITH PLAYERS BUT WE WILL COME BACK IN 2009 WITH , I SAY, WITH ANDREW JONES IN CENTER FIELD WHERE HE BLONGS. GO GETEM’ ANDREW !!!

By PN

January 7, 2009 8:27 PM | Link to this

Given Andruw’s skin color and Terrence Moore’s column history I must say that Moore’s stance on this completely shocks me! Quite honestly, no, Andruw is not worth bringing back. I would rather pay for Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreu and know that with Dunn I’m getting .250 50 100 with a .400OBP and with Abreu a solid .290+ hitter who gets on base over 40% of the time and plays defense and doesn’t weigh 50lbs over weight.

By Kenneth Simpson

January 7, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this

You keep saying Schafer is not ready. What does he need to do to get ready? All we heard last year was that in 2009 or before he would be the center fielder in Atlanta and for a long time or at least until he becomes a free agent and the yankees gets him. Forget Andruw. He was good in his prime and he chose to leave the braves. He is just another example of how these high priced free agents act once they sign the enormous contracts they get like the one Tex and CC and AJ got. See how well them 3 preform now knowing they have more money then they can ever spend.

By joseph pagan

January 7, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this

take the risk with Andrew Jones and find a general manager that has the know how to close a deal sign Lowe 3 /$45,Garland 2/$10, Smoltz 1/$3 and if still possible Abreu 2/$14 .How about Molina as backup catcher and trade Blanco and Prado for a good setup pitcher and sign Joey Cora and we have almost all the tools and if you want to take a risk Martinez and Glavine

By Todd

January 7, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this

Mr. Moore,

I must agree that Andruw Jones is worth a shot. Schafer did not exactly tear it up at Double A and Blanco slumped in second half especially at the speed department. I would love to see Andruw in center and the Braves could still afford Abreu in left and Franceour in right, think of the potential there. I do like Josh Anderson but would see how Andruw performs as the opening day starter.

By LivininAL

January 7, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this

Sign him to a minor league contract. Nothing to lose but maybe one more pound a week til spring traning. That way he has to earn a spot. Should be in batting cage as suggested, but he should become a student and finally listen to coaching for a few weeks; but first visit Smoltzie’s phychologist. And dont let Bobby bat hime above 7 or 8 in the lineup.

By terri

January 7, 2009 8:59 PM | Link to this

The thought of Andruw coming back is exciting.Despite his weak effert last season,he’s still a power hitting outfielder.He just needs to find is swing back.Even if he just hits 20 or 30 home runs if he is with us next season,if you are a true fan,you will know he at least tried.

By Miserable Braves Fan

January 7, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this

I hope the Braves are not reading your column Terrence. What a joke. Bringing Andruh Jones back, would be the most stupidest thing that the Braves could do in the off season.

By terri

January 7, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this

I think it would be an good idea.Despite is performance last season,he’s a great player.He just needs to find his swing back.If he his back with us next season,and only hits 20 or 30 homeruns,if your a true fan,you’ll he at leasted tried.

By Bearcat

January 7, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

Money has ruined that FAT CAT. AJ needs to try out maybe in spring training but if “The FAT CAT” weighed over 215 lbs. tell him BYE BYE and go enjoy your erections you have in your garage. I am afraid that BC & FW will consider him to take Pudge Pendletons job as HC. If the Braves try to think that Andruw “I CAN PULL ANY THING YOU THROW ME” Jones has anything left in his tank, the whole front office needs to be overhauled.

By Michael

January 7, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this

Everyone must admit this: Andruw will be a better value than Mike Hampton was. Even if Jones struggles at the plate, he’s still a great fielder.

By Kevin

January 7, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this

Good point Terence. The Gwinett Braves will begin playing in April and they could use a big name like Andruw to draw fans. I don’t know if Andruw would agree to play in AA since it is more difficult for minor leaguers to get strippers from the Gold Club to come to their hotel with them though.

By Harpie

January 7, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

$1 is too much to pay for that fat f#$%%up! If the Braves take him back, I have cheered my last for the Braves.

By ray

January 7, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this

With Bobby’s love affair with his players I’m guessing the Braves will try to bring back AJ, in yet another move that won’t work out. Hey, maybe Albie Lopez is still available too!

By tim

January 7, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this

Gotta do it. That is very little risk for a guy who could possibly be a difference maker. Give him a chance, he loves it hear and will surely be more motivated to become is old self. And if he doesn’t, who cares you’re out a minor league contract.

By Not an IDIOT like the rest of the people that have posted

January 7, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones and the braves a good fit?

YES!

This isnt RACE, this isnt living in the past. This is paying near minimum or minimum salary to see if someone can regain something close to their old form.

Dangit the braves gave Javy Lopez, Raul Mondesi,Brian Jordan and many others chances to redeem themselves.

Why not?

Let him come to spring training. Dont worry if he hasnt dropped his weight or is performing like last year. He will be cut before May, if not spring trainging.

This is what the Braves do best. reclemation projects. Dont bash the Terrance for his opinion and say its because hes black. It has to do with a COST/BENEFIT ratio,

GUARENTEED SOME TEAM WILL GIVE ANDRUW THE MIN. SALARY TO PLAY.

By Russ

January 7, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this

TM—What makes you say Schafer isn’t ready? Shouldn’t he be given the chance in spring training to prove he isn’t? The Braves have had a long tradition of bringing up the young guys and letting them play. Guys like Chipper, McCann, Francoeur (before this past season)and the 19 year old Andruw Jones all seemed to do pretty well when they started out. I think the CF job is Schafer’s to lose and Anderson’s to win. This team needs to look to the future, not live in the past. A definite NO to Andruw!

By doc

January 7, 2009 11:08 PM | Link to this

terence are you saying the braves organization is done kaput or they are as bloated and out of shape as andruw jones and they are now a perfect fit? andruw was once the epitome of a youthful and elegant team making all the right moves. to bring back andruw only parodies that in its worst way. andruw as well as he has played never won a series and came in and watched and played as the organization dropped off the screen. i loved him and that era as i loved all the eras before it. it is done and let us move one gracefully.

By BigHittas

January 7, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this

I agree T Moore, AJ might work and is worth the gamble.

Jim, good idea on the minor league contract, along w/inviting him to spring training, I’m sure he’d still be VG in CF even @230.

AJ has zilch to do with Frenchy, Frenchy should alerady know how to hit.