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DEL.ICIO.USChipper optimistic about health, team
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Like almost any pro athlete who is nearing 35 and coming off an injury-plagued season, Chipper Jones felt compelled to reassess things this past winter.
The result of that reassessment just isn’t what you would have expected: Shorter workouts and more drive-thru.
“Last year I worked out three hours a day and I still played 110 games,” Jones said. “I worked so hard on my core last offseason, and what happens? I get two oblique injuries.
“I was drinking a lot of whey shakes, eating a lot of protein bars, a lot of oatmeal, a lot of yogurt, a lot of eggs whites.”
And now?
“And now, I still have a lot of egg whites, but with the yolks,” he said. “Candy bars have taken the place of the protein bars. Instead of the whey shakes, I get those cookies-and-cream milkshakes from Chick-fil-A.”
The baseball writers association is considering suing for copyright infringement.
But there it is: If Jones can stay healthy and play at least 150 games for the first time since 2003, he will redefine the workout habits of elite pro athletes everywhere.
“I’ll be Johnny Kruk all over again,” he said.
With a renovated bullpen and a realigned rotation, the Braves could be the Braves all over again this season. But that depends partly on Jones, a franchise original entering his 14th season. He averaged 157 games for eight seasons from 1996 to 2003. But he dropped to 137 games in 2004 (once on the disabled list with a strained hamstring), 109 in 2005 (once on the DL with a toe ligament) and 110 last year (three DL stints: ankle and knee, oblique, oblique).
It was the concern of injury before last season that led Jones to hire a new trainer who both cooked for him and designed new, expanded workouts.
So much for that idea.
He blames the injuries on “fluky things,” not his regimen. That said, the trainer is now an ex-employee. Jones dropped the sit-up marathon and the eat-to-win mentality. He went back to 45-minute workouts in the weight room and eating for taste.
“I’m just gonna enjoy life a little more, do things my way and hopefully get back on the field a little more,” he said.
Even with the injuries last season, he hit .324 with 26 homers and 86 RBIs. Had he been able to play at least 150 games, he said, “I feel like we would’ve been talking about a career year.”
Instead, some now wonder about the durability of a player who has sat out 105 games over the past two seasons. One of the biggest topics of this spring: Chipper Jones’ bunions. To lessen the pain, he is wearing special cushioned insoles in cleats that are one-size too big.
There is, of course, another remedy: “I can have my feet broken and reset. But no doctor in America is going to take the chance on possibly ending my career with that surgery. So nobody’s going to touch me until I get done playing.”
(For what it’s worth, there are only two people I have ever had a conversation with about bunions. The other was my grandmother.)
Jones is bothered that some question whether he can still stay relatively healthy over a season. People have asked him, “Can you play 120 this season?” and he looks at them like they’re from Neptune.
“I don’t go into a season thinking I’m going to play 110 or 120 games,” he said. “I want to play every day. Now, I’m a realist, but 150 is very attainable.”
If Jones hits that mark, the numbers will follow. So will the Braves’ success. With a presumably fixed bullpen — which blew 29 saves last season — Jones said there is no reason why the Braves can’t reclaim the division and go back to the playoffs. He described the closer situation last year as being “like a ticking time bomb. Every game, it was, ‘When is it gonna happen? When is it gonna happen? Boom! It happens.’?”
Jones doesn’t view his own body with the same sense of doom. Now that he has refined his workout and eating habits, everything should be fine.
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By Topher_24
March 4, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
Well, he may not have played as many games as he would have liked, but that regimen may have brought to fruition the great statistics per atbats Chipper enjoyed last year. McDonald’s, Chik-fil-A, and Snickers may translate into more games and fewer homers and rbi per AB… But, Chipper is Chipper. He’ll do what he always does: perform at the highest level every game he plays.
By Charlotte
March 4, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
Every player is optimistic for the upcoming season. They have to be. Who goes into a season actually planning only playing 110 games? No one. I’m optimistic right along with Chipper, I really hope he can go 150, and I think he can do it, but the last couple of years indicate it’s unlikely. I’ll be pretty happy with 135 from him.
By dexter dawg
March 4, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
Every one…. Pray for A healthy Chipper! He is due for one more 30 homer , 110 RBI year, to solidify his place in the Hall of Fame. He will be remembered as one of the greatest Braves ever. GO BRAVES
By Jay
March 4, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s logic is awful. He says he was on the way to a career year but doesnt see the corelation between that and the workouts/dieting he did before the season…so he is just gonna eat whatever.
Translation: “I dont care as much as I used to, Im going to get paid my 30 million the braves owe me no matter what, my response to my 2nd straight injury season is to do nothing because thats all I care to do.”
Ive very often defended Chipper, but this really disappoints me.
By Tim
March 4, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
I think Chipper is going to have a great year and help carry our Braves to the playoffs and another World Series! No doubt in my mind. GO BRAVES!!!
By JayHater
March 4, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
““I dont care as much as I used to, Im going to get paid my 30 million the braves owe me no matter what, my response to my 2nd straight injury season is to do nothing because thats all I care to do.”
Translation: Stupid idiot talking.
By Tampaparrotthead
March 4, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
I think Chipper is one of those rare athletes like the Mick, who can just show up and hit .300 with 25-30 HR’s and 85-100 RBI’s. That’s not an average year for an average player but it is an average year for an exceptional player, which Chipper is. But an athlete like that who gives just a little extra and works at it just a little bit can hit .325 with 30-40 HR’s and drive in 100-130 runs. I think Chipper’s history has proved this theory and if that theory holds true for 2007, based on his comments here, we’re going to see an average year for an exceptional player. These numbers aren’t bad for the average player, but for Chipper most would consider them sub-par. Too bad he doesn’t see that and decides to give a little more effort.
By Matthew at the SLC
March 4, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
Tim, like most Braves fans, you need to gain some perspective.
By gotigers72
March 4, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
Chipper is still an elite MLB player. He has had bad luck with injuries for three years now. I predict he will stay healthy this year and be in the hunt for MVP at the end of the year for the division winning Braves. He and a lot of other Braves hate losing, and I believe they’ll do something about it, especially with the new guys in the bullpen.
I especially hope he does well, because then i can tell my wife, “Honey, I have the eating habits of an elite athlete”. Come to Papa cheeseburgers and milkshakes!
By David Banner
March 4, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
The last three years the Braves have had to go offcoarce and find someone that could play third base; because the third baseman that they have so much trust in have not been there. His injuries and lack there of at the position defensive is a liability. Granted he does help the Braves out offensive when he is in there, but do anyone knows when he going to be in there before he’s stubbling over his foot again and be out for two-three weeks. People I know injuries is part of the game, but damn the braves should have gotten rid of him years ago and by now (the braves) would have had a third baseman they could have counted on for 150 games and play better third base. The plus is by letting him go three years ago, we now would have had money to spend on the best Atlanta Braves player in history in Andrew Jones.
By Jeff S
March 4, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
Hey, David Banner. Please try and form a coherent sentence before posting your ebonics in this blog.
I agree with most here. Chipper’s comments do not reflect that of someone who went into this offseason trying to make himself a better ball player. It’s true Chipper has given a lot to Atlanta and to the Braves; but for him to say that he chose not to work out as hard as he used to, and not eat as healthy as he should have—he is telling us that he has not made it a point to make himself better. It’s sickening to hear him say what he said. And it sounds as if he is saying this in such a way that he really doesn’t care as much as he used to. Chipper definitely lost a lot of respect from me. Very sad.
By Braves fan 202
March 5, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
I sure hope chipper will be okay. If he can play 150 i will be so stoked. The braves rely on him to produce and lead. They will be succesful if he can play 150.
By Head Coach
March 5, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this
I’ll believe it when I see it. 150 games , that is.
By Spike
March 5, 2007 3:04 AM | Link to this
I guess it depends on whether the glass is half full or half empty. People who don’t like Chipper Jones will use his comments against him(Jay), and others like myself who think Chipper has been one of the best third baseman of his era, will see a man who probably wants to play 150 games this year, but also understands that he’ll be lucky to continue at the same rate as the last two years. His foot injury, by his own admission, won’t heal by itself so he’s trying to wear three socks to ease the pain. I am a huge Chipper Jones fan, but if wearing three socks is the best cure for an ailment that has sidelined me for the last two years, my expectations would be minimal at best.If I were in Braves management I would sure as hell have a backup plan.
By south will rise
March 5, 2007 4:49 AM | Link to this
when are we having an Andrew Jones blog, he is the only player that matters to Atlanta!!!
By Jeff R
March 5, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this
Maybe Chipper will avoid his “fluky” injuries this season. But my guess is he’ll play in the 120-game range. Do the Braves’ have any 3rd sacker in the pipeline to replace Jones? Any chance of getting Marte back from the Indians?
By Emilio
March 5, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this
He is what he is, an aging, very good baseball player. His stats speak for him! I’ve never seen the Chip as a hard working, physically prepped athlete. I believe he pays the price with an old body. They say Frank Robinson, another great, had an old body (old before his time).
Contrast Chippers fitness work ethic with Julio Franco, for example. Is it possible that proper diet, exercise, and stretching might help? Oh, it’s all in the genes! Me thinks, NOT all! Anyway, most of us love some brand of fast food, but I have a real problem defaulting to a rationale that suggests this is the ticket to 150 games.
I’m a big Braves fan and supporter, so my best wishes to Chipper, but we need to be looking at what if the Chip breaks. Not just for this year, but how does it all play long term? It is a business. I really believe that far more effort on the health and fitness front would have paid dividends for Chipper and the team.
I’m excited about our chances this year. Chipper can help, so keep the tacos, chic filets, and milk shakes coming. Perhaps, mind over MATTER will work! At a minimum we will add a size or two to his uniform to go with his big shoes!
By Bobo
March 5, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
Chipper did not say he wasn’t working out, just not as hard, which can be a good thing on an old body which tends to break down with overuse. I believe the motivation is there and if Chipper listens to his body, he should be good for 140 games plus some pinch hitting in others.
By Cox Comments?
March 5, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Jeff- Given that you did not allow comments on your Cox article, here are mine. The sooner Cox retires the better off the Braves are- this assumes the goal is to win Titles not divisions. A strong case can be made that Cox squandered more talent than he utilized and to get only one Title in 14 playoff appearances is ridiculous. Cox should have been let go a long time ago. He was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time as a decent coach would have won 2-3 Titles with all the talent Cox had to work with.
By Najeh Davenpoop
March 5, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
I have a feeling we are reading too much into these comments, as we tend to do with nearly every comment any high-profile athlete makes. I doubt there’s going to be any significant drop-off in Chipper’s play because he drinks milkshakes. When he’s healthy, he’ll still produce — the talent is still there. But I don’t think at his age, with the amount of wear and tear on his body, and with his chronic foot condition, that he will ever be counted on to stay healthy for an entire season, regardless of whether he works out 24/7 or eats 10 turduckens a day.
By Gene
March 5, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
There is no question about Chipper’s talent with a bat, but he seems to think that fielding is not part of his job.
By BamaBrave
March 5, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
Like every Braves fan, I’ve disagreed with some of Bobby Cox’s playoff decisions, but to say Cox should have been fired years ago is simply ludicrous. The ‘91 and ‘96 World Series could have easily been victorious for Atlanta, and I fault the baseball gods for those losses - not Bobby Cox. Just be glad we have the one title. The players love him, and he’s probably the most respected manager in the game. I’m willing to bet that somewhere around July of ‘09 we’ll be yearning for the good ole days with Cox at the helm.
By Judy
March 5, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
This is not a contract year for Chipper thus he has no incentive to be in shape or workout. Three years is a pretty good indicator that he will not play more than 128 games this year and may play in fewer. 24 homeruns and 79 rbis this year will be ok but it’s not why he makes the big bucks.
By tsmonk
March 5, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Waah, Chipper. I force down whey shakes in the morning when I’d rather go to the Waffle House. I mix flaxseed with V8 and fantasize as hard as I can that I’m having a Bloody while watching the Bama game. I do core exercises, interval training, all that crap - because I want to be in shape. Not because, I dunno - it’s my JOB TO BE AN ELITE COMPETITOR.
By Cox Comments?
March 5, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
BamaBrave- The players love Cox because he leaves them alone just like an employee loves a boss that gives them freedom to do what they want. In the end, Cox’s lack of leadership and motivation is why we have had so many playoff dissapointments in Atlanta. If I had a dime for each time the Braves came out flat in the playoffs or for every time Cox played a struggling veteran over a hot bench player, I would be a wealthy man. I agree that 91’ can be chalked up to rub of the green but 96’ was a meltdown of manager and team. I believe Cox would have been fired after the 96’ or 97’ season had this occurred in any other major market. Fortunately for Cox, he had the friendly confines of AOL/TW to keep him in play. These are the same guys that gave Kasten and Babcock lifetime contracts. The Hawks are still paying for those decisions.
Cox had his chances here and it is time to start anew. We have a new team that needs a new attitude- not Cox’s businesslike approach. We need someone who will construct and manage our teams to win Titles by design- not by accident. Cox made good money and will get a trip to the HOF for his fortunate time in Atlanta. Now it is time for him to become a spectator- like us.
By kenny d
March 5, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
does chipper ever stop to think that maybe his injuries are occurring because he did not take care of himself when he was younger?
no, he does not think enough about that.
Instead, he says the workout regimen was not working so he is is going to go back to not taking care of himself.
What a fool.
If I go out and start running eight miles a day for the next year but still have a soft belly next year, would I blame the fact that I have been running eight miles a day for the past year and go back to being a lazy bum.
No! I would realize that my soft belly has alot more to do with the damage I did all those years I was a lazy bum.
By Eugene
March 5, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Chipper has to have a good year for the Braves to be feasible. Andruw will give us his usual 150+ games, great catches and 35-40 Hrs. Now we need Chipper, Franceour and McCan to step up and do some work. Bobby Cox gets the most out of his players. I still would like for us to get a left fielder to help with the hitting. Right now that position is manned by AAA personel. GO BRAVES!!!!!!
By George Plimpton
March 5, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Mo faux “Robert,” is stupid.
By sprinkles
March 5, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Chipper needs to find balance. His last trainer worked him out for 3 hours a day…talk about overtraining!! No wonder he got injured so much last year. Eat right, drink the water, stretch, do cardio and strenght training in moderation and he should have a FUN and Healthy season.
By serbok
March 5, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
This isn’t the NFL, Chipper relies on his natural talent~ I for one do not believe that candy bars and or steroids make that much difference~other than premature death and Babe Ruth like caricatures