Sports Columnists

By Beth in P'Cola

August 6, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

AMEN and AMEN

Sometimes politics gets to the sickening stage - and this was one of those times. We had better start behaving like human beings before we really screw up our team.

GO BRAVES!!

By Spider29

August 6, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

The Braves should keep Andruw if at all possible. He is the best defensive outfielder in the game and he’s finally becoming an offensive force. He and Smoltz are, to me, the heart of the team. It does scare me a little that Boras is his agent and may have a much bigger influence on Andruw this time around. If the Braves can afford to, they should use Andruw as one of the cornerstones of the team for the next few years.

By Jwork

August 6, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t of have said it better myself

By KB

August 6, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones should absolutely never be traded. Who out there in baseball would be a better replacement for AJ in CF? The answer is nobody! He is the only CF that can hit 40-50 homeruns and catch every ball hit his way. Trading AJ would just make the Braves be an average team!

By KB

August 6, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones should absolutely never be traded. Who out there in baseball would be a better replacement for AJ in CF? The answer is nobody! He is the only CF that can hit 40-50 homeruns and catch every ball hit his way. Trading AJ would just make the Braves be an average team!

By I can't believe it!

August 6, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

JS, if it’s time for Andrew to move on then it’s time for JS to move on as well!

By Pa. Braves fan

August 6, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

Thank you !! Possibly this is why we dropped two out of three against Cincy. This kind of stuff messes with the psyche of the player involved as well as the team morale. A couple of days ago it sounded like the beginning of a fire sale..Scherholtz !! Keep Jones..Let’s play the rest of the season with what we have !!

By Mike C.

August 6, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

Langerhans, Giles, Hudson, and 3 relievers need to go. But for gosh sakes if you trade Andruw make sure you get at least 3 top players. I would like to have seen Theo do the deal for Andruw with the players JS asked for. Andruw is my favorite player period. But I could have lived with him in Boston. After Atlanta, the RedSox are the only other team I cheer for.

By Mr C.

August 6, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this

You never trade a player that’s in his prime. He’s only 29 years old. He’s probably the best player behind Albert Pujols in the NL. When all is said and done, Andrew will be in the HOF. For all those saying that Scott Boras is his agent, he took a big pay cut the last time when he resigned with the Braves.

You don’t trade your best player who happens to be the best center field in the game. I will trade Chipper before i trade Andrew Jones if paycut is an issue. Please don’t tell me Chipper doesn’t have a trade value. We can wait till he gets healthy and starts crushing the ball and then you can trade him.

If Andrew is ever traded, this city will live to regret it. Period

By Lemke Fan

August 6, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this

i’d hate to see him go but if you cant resign him youve got to get something out of him…even if they did resign him he would take up atleast 1/4 of the payroll…like a-rod in texas…maybe you can get rid of chipper and in a couple of years hampton,hudson and smoltz will be gone then you would be able to afford to pay the man what he deserves

By Shaun

August 6, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

The Braves would be better off trading Jones for three young really good players. I know it would be tough to see him go. But it’s better, objectively speaking, to spend a sum of money on three good young players than one expensive older player. Players peak in their late 20’s, as the evidence tells us, so this would be a good time to trade Jones. Schulz is wrong about when players peak. Schuerholz, Billy Beane, Theo Epstein, Terry Ryan, all make unpopular decisions to improve their teams which is why they are the best GM’s in baseball.

By Shaun

August 6, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

This was obviously sensationalism. The fact that Jones was on waivers and claimed was NOT A STORY! If the team was names and players were discussed, then it becomes a story, but nothing like that was mentioned in the story Friday. The mainstream media is mostly useless for information gathering.

By Shaun

August 6, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this

This was obviously sensationalism. The fact that Jones was on waivers and claimed was NOT A STORY! If a trade was actually discussed, then it becomes a story, but nothing like that was mentioned in the story Friday. The mainstream media is mostly useless for information gathering.

By TD

August 6, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

I don’t think A. Jones will be with the team beyond next year. Once the sale of the team to Liberty is completed, I have no reason to believe the new owners want to add money to the payroll. Why would they? I am sure some corporation in Colorado is interested in what is going on in ATL? And the possibility of local owners being able to pry the team away from TW is almost nil since TW would have to pay taxes on the sale of the team.

By mike

August 6, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

The only time I would accept AJ being traded would be if Dave Dombrowski was our new GM and did the trading.

By Alex

August 6, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this

Jeff nice try. Spin this. Your newspaper sounded the sirens about this move and made something out of nothing! Of course you won’t admit to it…since you are employed by the AJC.

Andrew Jones will walk away and sign for big money, because most likely…it will be his last chance at a big money contract. The Braves will not able to afford him and will get nothing in return if he’s not traded while we still can. Use the fact that he’s a great player, to help rebuild the pitching staff.

By don

August 6, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

Excellent column full of truth. How refreshing to read something from the AJC that actually questions the actions of Schuerholz. It has been needed for some time. Thank you, Mr. Schultz. Andruw has been with the Braves since he was sixteen. He has been loyal He is a future Hall of Famer. He deserves the loyalty and respect of management.

By John K

August 6, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

Andruw is leaving after 2007. The Braves have let everyone else go, and unfortunately Jones is just another expendable piece to this organization. No sense worrying about it. J.S realizes this more than anyone and is trying to get something for him before he leaves. He’s all but gone!

By Back, back..back, Gone!

August 6, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

We can’t really believe that Andruw is going to want to stay with a team that will soon lose Smoltz and possibly Chipper? Throw in an uncertain payroll and commitment from a new, corporate out of town ownership.

Would you let YOUR client resign? Like it or not the franchise changed with two moves.

Keeping Maddux the extra season and the trade for Hampton. Maddux was ineffective and Hampton at best has been iffy.

By DRIXIE

August 6, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

Yes! Let’s make sure Andruw stays a Brave.

By Dave

August 6, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

Good grief… 60 years of watching baseball and JS is this casual/indifferent about maintaining a good relationship with his key player? I say let JS take a hike and, like six years ago, have Bobby sit down with Andrew and his father now and work out a long-term contract that both sides can live with. Andrew seems to me like a very reasonable guy who likes his teammates, his manager, and the city.

I’m really disappointed with JS on this one. It’s as bad as his taking forever to fix the bullpen. No, it’s worse, it’s just plain unwise, unprofessional behavior on his part filled with after-the-fact excuses. Time for a “mia culpa” John. Of course, we’ve never heard that and never will.

Am I wrong about this? If so, I’d like to know.

By Wedgie Evans

August 6, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

The Braves need to trade a Jones, but it’s not Andruw. The reason we won’t be able to afford to keep him is because of Chipper Jones’s $15 mil per year salary, which is about double what he should be getting considering his injury history. I’m sure the Yankees or Red Sox wouldn’t mind adding Chipper to their already bloated payrolls for a few prospects. Keep Andruw, he should retire a Brave.

By Dave

August 6, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

I’m so made at JS that I misspelled Andruw’s name twice. Sorry about that, AJ.

By Mike in Macon

August 6, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this

TWO SIDES TO THE STORY !!! Jeff..your article had some merit..Jones is and has been an exceptional talent..yes, his offensive side was generally below par until 2005 but his defense was superior to most all of the cf’s in all of baseball (all-time,too)…he has been exemplary both on and off the field..Andrew’s abilities are a known commodity…I would LOVE to have him here for the rest of his career…BUT, JS knows what he is doing..has proven this time and time again! You should know the disdain that baseball owners and fans have for a hired gun like Boras…this is the UNKNOWN factor…and a risk we perhaps should not take…JS has no real obligation to tell you or any other writer their private business deals or attempts at trades for fear that it might affect the outcome..come on..are you that important…this isn’t world politics!!..we fans will learn when a trade happens WHEN it happens…not before…rumors are OK you know…I like the AJC and Andrew just fine..I also like the Braves and JS too…Let’s enjoy them all without pointing fingers..

By Dave

August 6, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t agree more, Wedgie…

By Drummerdad

August 6, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this

John Smoltz said that everybody gets put on waivers. I heard an interview with him the other day in which he said so. Not too many of us want to see Andruw traded. JS is probably more disgusted by the notion of having to deal with Andruw’s agent than anything else. Timing is everything, and he has to time his handling of Andruw’s situation. Scot Boras is not going to negotiate with Schuerholz before Andruw’s contract runs out. The only way that Andruw remains a Brave is with Boras raping the Braves to get there. Bank on it. Schuerholz has been thinking of trading Andruw for a while. And right now he’s thinking of kick butt starting pitching.

By Everett Millican

August 6, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

I guess the Braves management have taken loss of their senses. Fire Bobby Cox and maybe the whole management. Sorry from the misprint on Bobby, its Booby.

By You Dont Say

August 6, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

You dont lose a player like AJ until you have to. We have him through 2007. Then we dont know what we have. We may have an owner like Steinbrenner who throws money left and right. With John S and money nothing could stop us. Just to give him away because of the unknown is a very very stupid thing to do indeed.

By Rip

August 6, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this

Mike in Macon you are correct and to the point. I love Jones but his agent Boras is one main reason the Braves with not resign him. If he really wants to stay he should fire his agent and get another. He will demand 18 million or more for 4 years. Thats more than all of the Marlins team and he is not worth that. If JS can get three or four top players ,MAKE THE DEAL and whats left over put on free agents. ONE PLAYER DON’T make a team.

By Jimbo

August 6, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this

ROBERT THE BEST WHERE ARE YOU? JS knows what he is doing and time will tell. Go Braves.

By Pay Him

August 7, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this

The Braves must do everything possible to re-sign Andruw. From a numbers perspective, has there ever been another position player (other than Hank Aaron)better over their career? In the new steriod testing age of MLB, have a guy who can truly hit 50 homeruns a year (and win a gold glove or 2 as an added bonus) is a must keep at all costs.

Andruw has shown his committment to the Braves….the Braves must step-up.

By Jay

August 7, 2006 02:49 AM | Link to this

Andruw Jones is not in his prime. His prime ended last year. He’ll never put up stats like he did last year. But its more then the fact that he’s back to hitting .260 with 30 homers.

1. His back, according to Bobby Cox (and what does he know?), is messed up. A messed up back and you arent even 30 is not a good resume to get 15 million a year.

2. His glove has regressed. He doesnt get to nearly as many balls, he isnt as fast, doesnt dive at all.

3. He is lazy. Remember that ball he hit to third earlier in the season that he could have been safe on, but just gave up?

4. Its not too hard to drive in 100 runs from our cleanup spot when you have two players in front of you hitting .310 or higher, and protection behind you in someone batting .340.

Jones is winning Gold Gloves on reputation alone. He’s getting slow. He isnt going to be worth the contract Boras will be looking for. Trade him now while his value is high. We need to continue to evolve this team. Jones never won anything here…its time for him to go.

By royce Brown

August 7, 2006 03:54 AM | Link to this

Trade Andruw? No way. Lets trade Hudson to the Red Sox. Maybe he’ll remember how to pitch if he is back in the AL.

By Train Wreck Bystander

August 7, 2006 04:00 AM | Link to this

Thanks for a nice column - all the Andrew-bashing in these blogs gets a bit tiresome.

AJ is a plus on offense and defense - and worth every penny he makes.

By Dave nockahomer

August 7, 2006 04:14 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Jeff! great article about a great player. HE NEEDS TO RETIRE A BRAVE!!!!
Why some think he could be traded for some other commodity? They are daft as h-e-double l. Knowing JS and his proclivity for the aged [who come cheap], it wouldn’t have surprised anyone if he had traded Andruw for a couple of “over-the-hill, seen many better days, old fart” pitchers. He’s had done it before.

and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was JS, his own self, that leaked Andruw being on waivers. Haven’t watched the Braves since the fiasco of putting him on waivers. Betemint trade was almost too much, but the idea of trading Andruw was the final indignity to this fan.
I will find some other team to pull for. Have been a LOYAL Braves fan since early 80’s and pulled for them during the period when they did even know what it was like to win! Went to Fulton Co. stadium [which was a true baseball complex; not some friggin’ entertainment-centered Turner Field] but it is NOW time to move on as the management is too stupid to bear!
JS could and should have done something LONG BEFORE THE PURCHASE of Baez and Wickman to plug up the leaking bullpen, but he didn’t. Why? cause he is losing his ability as a GM. getting a bit senile, if you ask me! At my age, I can spy another ‘senile brother’ a mile away!

By Shaun

August 7, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this

I can’t bash Andruw, but three pretty good players are better than one player. Especially considering Andruw is going to take a large percentage of your payroll. Look what happened in Seattle after they traded Arod. They won 116 games because they spread that money around. One player is only one player, no matter how great he is.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 7, 2006 07:49 AM | Link to this

Mr. Schultz, you are mostly right. JS didn’t play it out right. He should have called Andruw and explained what being put on waivers really meant. Andruw obviously didn’t understand the waiver process, which kind of scares me…..especially with Boras as an agent. I think the Braves’ concerns are legit. Boras is a snake. In his world that’s not a bad thing. If I were an athltete I would want someone like him as well. But, if I were JS I would loathe him also. The reality of this situation is that its not like it was before. Andruw and Boras could almost certainly demand 17-20 mil on the open market. If the Braves kept the current roster there is no way they could sign him.

Now, Jeff, I assume you are not a stupid man. You said who knows what the new ownership will do. Well, you can guarantee they won’t increase it. JS has to look out for the entire team. A smart GM would never put all his eggs into one basket. And that is what he would be doing by just giving Andruw whatever he wanted. This is baseball and not basketball and you need more than one guy to get you a title.

I think the Braves will definitely have to make a trade to keep Andruw. Some combination of Giles, LaRoche, Davies, Horacio, Langerhans, Salty, and Bryan Pena would have to get moved. I believe the first thing JS should do is sit Andruw down and ask him his true intentions. If Andruw truly wants to stay a Brave then sign an extension in the offseason and give a little bit of a discount to HIS team knowing they can’t do what the Red Sox or Angels can do and give him whatever amount of money he wants. Now, if Andruw waivers, then trade him. Better to trade him to the Red Sox and get something for him then let him go to free agency and sign with the Red Sox anyway and only get some token draft pick. Wouldn’t that make more sense?

By Pete

August 7, 2006 07:49 AM | Link to this

Andrew Jones is the best centerfielder since Willie Mays. There is nobody, nobody, who even comes close.

To trade or let Andrew go from the Braves is insanity.

By Pete

August 7, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this

Andrew Jones is the best centerfielder since Willie Mays. There is nobody, nobody, who even comes close.

To trade or let Andrew go from the Braves is insanity.

By batrol

August 7, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

Did JS try to handle this in the worst possible way? If so, he succeeded. I think the man is losing his mind. 1st he makes a lousy trade with Betemit, now this-all in the span of a week. JS needs to retire before he really messes things up.

By Byron dawg

August 7, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this

Jeff, could not have said it better myself.

By Charlie

August 7, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this

Jeff, I agree with you 100%! The Braves must RE-SIGN ANDRUW JONES! He is the cornerstone of the franchise.

By louie

August 7, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

For the 1st time in 14 yrs. we are all getting upset at the fact that our braves are playing <.500. To back Wickman wasn’t here in April, like he should have been. We would be 8 games over the mets by now. JS made some bad moves this yr(Reminger, Jordan to name a few)Letting Leo go for 200k was a big mistake, they are tring back McDowell. Please, we broke camp with a pitching staff that was unprepared for the season. 7-9 pitchers are on the DL at all times. Come on, how do you expect to win?

By Nathan

August 7, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

Schuerholz has shown that no one on the Braves is indispensible. No one. Justice, Klesko, Dye, etc. No one. Second, I don’t think the media has an agenda here but rather think that there is nothing else to talk about when it comes to the Braves (b/c it’s going to take quite a miracle for us to pass all the teams ahead of us) so why not blow up a story of something that happens all the time. In fact, Schuerholz says he never comments about this, it’s confidential. Therefore why keep talking about something that much of the media says is going to bother a player, does bother a player and thus, inevitably hurt the later signability of said player. Schultz you’re so concerned about keeping him here, well then tell your colleagues to keep the mouths shut rather than do something that may fuel agitation on both sides. Personally, I think Andruw Jones is one of the best ever defensively to play CF and I think offensively he is has made some big strides the past 2-3 years. However, no one is safe. No one. We may scratch our heads at times but its hard to argue with 14 years of results. Besides just easy do you think it is going to be to sign Andruw after next season with Scott Boras at the helm who almost certainly is going to command salary in the 15-17 mil a year range.

By Realistic Ricky

August 7, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

Jay,

Your item #4 that “driving in 100 runs is not that hard to do” is one of the five DUMBEST things I have ever read on the AJC blogs. It is okay to side with those who are in favor of trading Andruw Jones, but at least come up with some half way SENSIBLE reasons for doing so. Have a nice day, DA.

By Nick

August 7, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

Huh. You wrote something I agree with and Hell didn’t freeze over. Go figure.

By Jim

August 7, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

None of this really matters unless the Braves are sold to someone who wants to win and is willing to spend money to do it! We will lose them (good players) all if that doesn’t happen. The Braves of the 1980’s is “right around the corner” if the current ownership deal happens.

By olcottr

August 7, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

“The Media” That ranks right up there with “the Rich”, “the Powers-that-be” and the ever so popular “They” No one knows who they are, but they sure are responsible for a lot of things.

By Jeff

August 7, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Jeff…reality check: Braves’ owners (whoever they may be)doesn’t want to expand the team payroll to pay Jones what he’ll command and shell out more bucks for pitching, which is critical.

Look, Jones is a very good centerfielder and a slugger. The Braves can find a good centerfielder. Sluggers—well, if sluggers won championships, Barry Bonds and the Giants would have done it every year Bonds was healthy. And don’t forget the Braves had Hank Aaron all the years they were playing sub .500 ball.

The Braves want to rebuild—they should, and you rebuild first with pitching. Position players are never top priority.

By Dave

August 7, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

I think we all agree that Andruw Jones is the centerpiece of the Braves franchise. It is also true that he is effectively irreplaceable. No one could match his defensive prowess, and the Braves would need to sign a Vladimir Guerrero, or Manny Ramirez, or David Ortiz to replace the huge hole that would be left at the cleanup position in the batting order.

That said, John Schurholz HAS to be on the alert for ANY potential trade for Andruw, because the Braves may NOT be able to afford the $20M per year salary that Scott Boras is going to demand for his client. The only problem is that, if the Braves cannot pay it, the Red Sox, the Yankees, the Mets, the Dodgers, the Cubs or the White Sox CAN and probably WILL pay it.

And that, in the final analysis, is the problem that John Schurholz faces now and has faced FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS. He is playing on a vastly uneven playing field. Unlike the GMs for the above-mentioned teams, he does not have a 100+ million dollar payroll budget. He has to constantly evaluate the talent on his team and make the HARD decisions as to who he can afford to keep and who he has to let go to free agency.

The $20M that Andruw will command could be used to sign a proven closer PLUS a proven set-up man PLUS a serviceable replacement in center field. Or he could move Langerhans to center and sign a slugger who can play left field. When you add the fact that Marcus Giles will also be in his last year before free agency in 2007, and you begin to realize the magnitude of the problems that John Schurholz faces on a DAILY basis.

The fact that he has provided Bobby Cox with teams that compete and win EVERY YEAR since AOL took over the team in 1996 and began to impose these budgetary constraints is nothing short of AMAZING.

I KNOW I could not do Schurholz’s job. I don’t think there is another GM in baseball who could match his long-term success given the constraints he has faced for the past ten years. I can only hope he remains on the job for the next ten years to keep the Braves winning, even if they don’t make the playoffs THIS year.

Just my humble opinion!

By Moore Cowbell

August 7, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

The media doesn’t have an agenda? What a load of Cr@p!! What other reason are you milking this NON-STORY(!!!) again! TO SENSATIONALIZE AND TO MAKE MONEY, THAT IS YOUR AGENDA!! Please don’t insult our intelligence…or at least those us that have it. Pander to the rest of the morons but sell the BS about Andruw and JS to someone else.

For those of you that don’t get it, if JS didn’t expose Andruw to waivers, when the RED SOX needed to make a deal, he would not be doing his job. The only way Andruw gets dealt is if we address 2-3 glaring weakeness’. Pitching and team speed or a leadoff man. JS is not a moron, he is not going to unload his only REAL bargaining chip for nothing. If Andruw gets dealt JS would have had blood on his teeth because some team just got slaughtered to get him.

Lets not make something out of nothing. Andruw is great, a future HOF’er but he is not indespensable and he won’t be compensated accordingly. A-Rod is getting booed out of New York for what he makes. Do you think Andruw want to go there? No. Do you think he wants to go to Boston? No. The Braves will not pay him more than 75mil over 5 years and the only teams that will be in the running will be the Dodgers, Angels, Cubs and Rangers. Its up to Andruw at this point where he wants to spend his prime years. I’d say we have a better than even chance of keeping him if we can structure the contract right.

By Joe Coffey

August 7, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

The whole deals must have been using the alpha listed roster and chose the wrong Jones to put on waivers, as Andruw is before Chipper. Andruw is way too valuable to lose and Chipper is now an overpriced played for the ability, attitude and health he now giving. And trading MArcus Giles would be a mistake as his efforts, abilities both on and off the field are great and needed.

By Robert Carter

August 7, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

AMEN.

By Robert Carter

August 7, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

AMEN.

By Robert Carter

August 7, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

AMEN.

By Robert Carter

August 7, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

AMEN.

By Robert Carter

August 7, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

Amen to an excellent article.

By Ron Kline

August 7, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

You didn’t criticize John when the Braves were winning. Why now?

By dap

August 7, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

Perhaps JS should have been focused on the pither that the Braves used on Saturday. If that is the best that the GM can provide for an emergency 5th starter,then that GM is not doing his job. Don’t try to save money on Andruw, look elsewhere.

By Robert Carter

August 7, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

Amen to an excellent article.

By Moore Cowbell

August 7, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

For all you guys saying unload Chipper, he aint worth it. Well, yeah you are right, Chipper is 34 and making $15 mill a year and is virtually untradable because of that contract. That is exactly what we will be saying about Andruw in 3-4 years. Andruw will be 30 when his contract expires and he will want a contract of anywhere from 4-6 years making $15 million + per year. What you have to weigh is how many years will he be worth $15 million?

The wiser thing to do is trade Andruw and invest in McCann and Francouer long term. Don’t forget Chipper!!

By logicman

August 7, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

I have just two words, Scott Boras!! In a perfect world JS would keep Andruw forever to the delight of all of us. But we ALL know that if the negotiations at the end of next season are handled by Scott and not Andruw and his father, he is headed to the Yankees, Red Sox or Mets. We can no longer compete for top level free agents. Those days ended when Ted sold us down the river.

To his credit, JS did NOT trade Andruw just to get something in return. He knows Andruw’s value. However Jeff, with your perfect logic, you will be leading the chorus of boo birds when Andruw signs with the Mets, and you will profess never to have seen this coming. That is, of course, if you are still here. Your agent may well have gotten you more money in New York.

BTW, anyone who opines that we need to trade Chipper has absolutely NO understanding of the economics of baseball. HE is owed about $50M on his contract. This is about 3 times the total payroll of the Marlins. Not eve Steinbrenner can shallow that.

By jed

August 7, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Amen, brother!

The Braves without Andruw would be like a lunch counter without sweet tea, another sterile imitation of what gives the South its soul.

If you have a classic Cadillac and 6 junk pickups, which do you get rid of?

By TennesseePaul

August 7, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

after I locate my “agenda,” which I’ve also never found
So you have no agenda? How do you even find the strength to get out of bed in the morning?

How many times in 25 years has the Braves’ star player been so publicly exposed like that? Because I’m thinking it’s, like, zero.
Looks like you have found an agenda right here. Finally, after 25 years you were able to expose a JS player.
I’m not clear on how the news got out about the waivers. But, from everything JS has said or implied, this wasn’t the first time the Braves have put the likes of AJ on the waiver wire. Apparently he has done this with everyone on the team at some point. The only thing that was new this time, was the AJC pasting it as a head line on the sports section. Did yall feel out done when ESPN was first to promote the Smotlz rumors. That Boston was first to report Epstein called about AJ? What was it? Just felt left out or was it that you didn’t trust the very same GM who has won for the past 15 years and has 14 straight division titles.

Andruw Jones isn’t going anywhere before he is a free agent. That is not JS’s style. Never has been. We’ve had a slew of “rental” players. Fans get up set that we’d get these guys instead of keeping those whom we traded for them. But this merely points to the fact that JS would rather keep a good player and risk the free agent market than give up on the season to get a couple of unproven minor leaguers. Andruw will be a Brave until he is a free agent. And I stipulate that he will be resigned and stay a Brave until the end of his career. The whole of this “story” was “crap”. A lot of ink wasted on absolutely nothing.

By F Kaneko

August 7, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

Honestly, if the Braves trade Andruw, I will not watch anymore. I have been a fan since 1979, through winning and losing. But trading Andruw will be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

By Janice Edmunds

August 7, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Jeff,

Amen. You’re article was right on. Andruw has been an OUTSTANDING player ever since he joined the Brave’s organization. I feel Andruw has NEVER received the full recognition he desires from the Brave’s staff. However, that said it is certainly obvious from his peers that Andruw is highly resepected as a player and a person. After Andruw’s treatment by the Brave’s organization regarding this waiver situation it would not be a surprise if Andruw decided he no longer wanted to be a part of their organization. He deserves better respect from the Brave’s management.

By hop

August 7, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

JS is making the braves a small market team. his recent efforts to even discuss a trade for andrew is absurd.

andrew has proven his loyalty to the braves it is time for the js to show his to andrew!!!!!!!!

one problem JS has is he picked the wrong jones guy and has put the big money on chipper instead of andrew.

this was a horrible decision by the brave, but the past few years they have made many bad ones.

i am afraid this is the beginning of the end.

By MT

August 7, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

The reader responses on this blog are evidence enough of why they shouldn’t be GMs. I hate to say it, but you don’t base business decisions on “loyalty.” True, Andruw is the best all-around centerfielder in the game. However, as Mr. Schultz pointed out, he’s played the most games of ANYONE since 1997. He’s played those games with all-out effort and reckless abandon defensively. When he breaks down (and he will), we’ll be paying him $15 mill ++ per year, if you “experts” have your way, while getting perhaps 50% of the Andruw we’re getting now. Then you’ll probably be the same people that will say “Schuerholz shouldn’t have signed him to a long-term deal; he had to know he’d wear down soon!” If he could get two top of the line, 22 and younger starting pitchers AND an above average, young center fielder for Andruw, it’s something he’s got at least explore. And Dave Knockahomer - who are the “over the hill old farts” that Schuerholz traded top talent in the midst of their prime for? You say “He had done it before.” I guess by your grammar I should assume that you’re an idiot, even though the statement itself cements that fact.

By Long time Braves fan

August 7, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

JS, please, there is no such thing as an indespensable player and there never will be. I dont blame JS for not sharing with everyone his strategies of running this ball club. The Braves stunk before he got here and have been great since he arrived. Thats enough for me to let him do his thing and not question the man that turned this franchise into a winner. If the Red Sox, or anyone else for that matter, offered 10 players for Andruw would you not let Andruw go? There are some deals you just cant pass up and many more that you can.

By Chris

August 7, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this

Very few come along like Andruw… he is a keeper. Reminds me of Ali with his charisma…. Braves better keep him.

By Louis Vales

August 7, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

Just think if Andruw wouldn’t have been here since 1996 you would not have won all those World Series Championships which are so proudly draped in left field!! What’s that?? those banners are what———????

By Louis Vales

August 7, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

The Braves Have Not Been Great!!! Once Again—The Braves Have Not Been Great!! They have dominated a division and have been GREAT in that division. Would you agree that GREAT teams win World Series Championships??? History with some seperation in time and ability to judge the era will not define a team that dominated a division that produced NO World Series Championships—Except for YOUR Florida Marlins(Twice!!)—As Great!!

By Ken

August 7, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

In a perfect world, Andruw and Chipper don’t age and remain Braves all their lives. Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz stay in their prime. Our kids don’t grow up and leave home, either. Kind of depressing, huh? Maybe it is time to face the music and realize that Andruw probably will not be a Brave his whole career. Too bad.

By braves fan

August 7, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

I think the thing that Jeff Schultz has missed during his rant is that no one with the “BRAVES” has said they will be losing Andruw Jones anytime soon. Sure there are rumors that AJ might be leaving as a free agent. But the source of those rumors are not from the “BRAVES”. Did John S. listen to an offer from Boston? Yes. But if the information about the offer he countered with is true, it tells me that he wasn’t serious about dealing Andruw. (Reportedly John S. asked for John Lester, a young fireballing lefty starter who is already major league ready, a pretty good young reliever and Coco Crisp, who while isn’t the offensive player AJ is, he is a pretty good defender.) In most circles a high ceiling starting pitcher prospect is like gold, while a 30hr-100rbi OF is easy to pick up. I’m not trying to lower the value of what AJ is to the Braves, but asking for those three players means John S. wasn’t about to part with his golden CF for nothing less than a king’s ransom, even though he will cost $13.5 million next season and could walk away after 2007. Those are the only options now that AJ will be a 10-5 guy, with veto power. All John S. did was see if any team was desperate enough to help the Braves rebuild their pitching staff in one trade. And John S. rarely gets fleeced in trades, so if AJ had been dealt, it likely would have been a good thing for the Braves future. I think instead of taking an insult out of this, AJ should feel flattered that John S. wanted so much in return for him, that no one could justify giving John S. what he wanted.

By James

August 7, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

The trade of Wilson Betemit was a mistake. Everyone knows that the slow footed Marcus Giles is not the answer. Betemit and Renteria was the solution up the middle for years to come. The Braves have conceded. Thabks a lot. Disgruntled Braves Fan

By Alex

August 7, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

James, to further prove your point, that same Wilson Betemit got the clitch hit with bases loaded yesterday to beat the Marlins! What was missing from the Braves lineup over the Cincy series!? Clutch hitting!

The Braves lost their two of their best hitters in the clutch when Chipper went on the DL in the most important stretch of the season for the team, and the other was traded to the Dodgers!

By Long time Braves fan

August 7, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this

All the folks that have lived in Atlanta for less than 10 years need not comment on JS and the Braves. You dont remember when the Braves werent a good team and 3K showed up to the games. And the Braves won the WS last when AJ WASNT roaming CF but Chipper WAS on 3B.

By Patrick

August 7, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

BRAVO!!!

Great article Jeff. That should be on the front page of the AJC!!!

Finally, someone in Atlanta has some common sense!

Great job!!!

By rian

August 7, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this

Jeff - I have read in multiple plces including Dave OBriens blog that the Braves are one of the teams that put their entire roster on waivers and also read in that same place that DOB is sure Chipper and Smoltz have been on waivers before…And if you did not know this saying ‘I won’t trade my best player’ is breaking the confidentiality of the waiver process…Schuerholz was following the rules of MLB

By Patrick

August 7, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

BRAVO!!!

Great article Jeff. That should be on the front page of the AJC!!!

Finally, someone in Atlanta has some common sense!

Great job!!!

By David Watkins

August 7, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

Thank You!

By Andy

August 7, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

Now that the dead line has passed and Andruw will not be traded—I’m glad—-I feel his ability to play everyday will keep jones in the game and push him to some all time records—I think he has a chance to hit 600 home runs easy—easy. And if he has a few 40 plus home run years before he is forty—then yeah I see Andruw putting up 650 or so home runs—monster rbi numbers. So yeah I hope the braves keep him.

By Tom

August 7, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

Suggestions: 1. Isn’t Torii Hunter a free agent after this year? Why not sign him? He would be more affordable, due to his injury, than Jones. Then, try to sign Andruw BEFORE his contract runs out. Wouldn’t it be fun to see Jones, Hunter and Fancoeur in the same outfield for at least one year? If Jones insists on going free agent, trade him for good prospects or take draft picks. 2. A good backup at third is a must due to Chipper’s injury problems. When was the last time Thorman played third? I believe he was drafted as a third baseman. 3. Due to the young players coming along, Giles is expendable. MAYBE Aybar will be the leadoff man so badly needed. Trading Giles may free up some cash. 4. Letting Thomson and Reitsma go would also free up some cash. 5. Does anyone really believe that the Braves would have three starting lefties next year? (Hampton, Ramirez and James) One of them could be trade bait. 6. Sign Baez for two years and Wickman for one more year to allow young pitchers to mature (like Boyer, Devine and Startup).

By James

August 7, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Andrew is worth his weight in Gold. We should have kept Benemit and traded Chipper he has been so injury prone over the last 2-3 years. It’s time to get serious about baseball again in Atlanta. How does a team do a SWANN dive in the span of 4 months. This team was better than this at the start of the year. What is really going on? That’s what I would like to know.

By genuinebravesfan

August 7, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

This was one fine read. Amen to all of it. If Schuerholz trades or doesn’t resign Andruw, I’ll consider never watching the Braves again. Andruw is the cornerstone of our present Atlanta squad. I also believe the front office has thrown in the towel for ‘06 (we traded Betemit-how crazy was that)? Back to the Andruw thing-if JS doesn’t retain Andruw and let him retire a Brave, we more than likely will be a “run of the mill” team like the Royals.

By Akagi

August 7, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

Trading Andruw would make the Braves an average team? Then by all means do it because that would be an improvement since they are now well below average.

By Metsman

August 7, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

Who cares about Andruw! It’s all about the Mets! Lets go Mets!

By Nelson

August 7, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

I recognize Andruw is a great player, but he is not my favorite one, basebal is not just hitting fielding and pitching, it is also running and be on the game 100% and perform according with the situation of the game!. I think he doesn’t realize the key roll he is playing in this team, I don’t think he takes hitting as serious as he should (even when I heard he has his own batting cage), or probably he has a problem in his mind, I can’t explain myself why all pitchers still fooling him with that breaking ball outside the plate, yes it is like raining on flooded ground! Probably he is wearing a pair of shoes bigger than he is capable of, perhaps if he is moved down in the line-up and without that big pressure he could perform better, but the big problem with this team is that he is our RBI man, the day we can relay on another one I’m sure then he will be much better. I also think that BC is not the kind of manager that push players hard enough. We are also dealing with Francouer free swinger problem. I think with some harder work they both could be much better hitters. I say it again BRING BACK DON BAYLOR!

By El Paso Braves fan

August 7, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

Great article, about a great Brave. If the Braves want to win next year, or even make a push for the Wild Card they need Andruw Jones. In quotes from the weekend, A. Jones said that Chipper and Smoltz would never get treated by managnment like he was being treated, and AJ is right. What everybody needs to understand is AJ is at the same status level as Chipper and Smoltz. Chipper and Smoltz may have more history with the Braves than AJ but all three are required to “step-up” and be leaders. Chipper, AJ, and Smoltz together are a must in red and blue to continue a winning tradition.

By El Paso Braves fan

August 7, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

Great article, about a great Brave. If the Braves want to win next year, or even make a push for the Wild Card they need Andruw Jones. In quotes from the weekend, A. Jones said that Chipper and Smoltz would never get treated by managnment like he was being treated, and AJ is right. What everybody needs to understand is AJ is at the same status level as Chipper and Smoltz. Chipper and Smoltz may have more history with the Braves than AJ but all three are required to “step-up” and be leaders. Chipper, AJ, and Smoltz together are a must in red and blue to continue a winning tradition.

By Connie

August 7, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

Jeff I agree w/ your column. TRADE CHIPPER “MR DL” JONES! If any pathetic team would even want him. He swings a bat occasionally and hustles even less.

By Patrick

August 7, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

BRAVO!!!

Great article Jeff, that should be on the front page of the AJC!!!

Finally there is a voice of reason and some common sense in Atlanta!!

Great Job!!!

By Patrick

August 7, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

BRAVO!!!

Great article Jeff, that should be on the front page of the AJC!!!

Finally there is a voice of reason and some common sense in Atlanta!!

Great Job!!!

By Claudette

August 7, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

Good ariticle Jeff. I hope that Andruw and his Dad work out a deal with the Braves and not his agent Scott. Andruw is a great player and I hope that he is in Atlanta for a long time. We need him.

By Jett

August 7, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Braves, your trading the wrong Jones. Lets see what you guys can get for Larry, when hes not on the DL. You guys are still not ready to take this franchise to the next level.

By GTRules

August 8, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this

If the Braver ever trade Andruw, this lifelong fan will cease rooting for them forever. You do not trade the team leader or plays through pain, just now coming into his prime, best defensive player in the game, perhaps best CF of all time, likely future Hall of Famer….this guy must retire as a Brave. We need to get this ownership thing settled and get him resigned right away. I for one would not blame him if he leaves now to free agency after being disrespected by team management in this dispicable manner!

By GTRules

August 8, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this

If the Braver ever trade Andruw, this lifelong fan will cease rooting for them forever. You do not trade the team leader or plays through pain, just now coming into his prime, best defensive player in the game, perhaps best CF of all time, likely future Hall of Famer….this guy must retire as a Brave. We need to get this ownership thing settled and get him resigned right away. I for one would not blame him if he leaves now to free agency after being disrespected by team management in this dispicable manner!