Sports Columnists

By jarrodmon

September 26, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

I don’t know. His RBI’s may be in his glove, but if he signed, say, a five year contract, would they still be when he was 33 or 34? And you can bet he’ll still have more strike outs than hits at that age because if he hasn’t learned to stop swinging outside the strike zone by now, he certainly won’t worry about it after a $100 million contract.

I’d say take that money and invest in a couple of starting pitchers.

By Braves Fan Forever

September 26, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

I will be very disappointed if the Braves fail to retain Andruw Jones. It has been said repeatedly that the Braves find ways to come up with the mone to keep their best white players while allowing players like Justice, Dye, and Betemit to go on to prosper elsewhere. I can’t say that I agree completely because they did also allow Glavine and Maddux to leave knowing that each of them had productive seasons ahead, so I guess it comes down to the dollars. Granted Andruw is not hitting well right now but we all know that he can hit better (remember what he did when Chipper was hurt). He’s not a greedy guy and he has shown loyalty by staying for less money before. It’s time for the Braves to show a little loyalty of their own. Sign Andruw Jones!

By billy g

September 26, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

I like to keep Andru, but at what price?

By Every curve ball pitcher in the NL

September 26, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

I hope the Braves keep him. If he comes to my team or an AL team, my ERA will shoot up and my strikeout total will come down. Keep Andruw please!!!

By NASCARfan

September 26, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Yeah, the Braves need to keep Andruw, so that IDIOT Bobby the Booger Picker can keep on batting a .200 hitter 4th in the lineup, costing the team the playoffs yet again.

No. It’s time the Braves got rid of this selfish player who “only wants to hit homeruns” and could care less about moving runners over or getting them in with sac flies, who grounds into rally-killing double play after bases loaded strikeout.

And it’s time the Braves ejected the reason behind EVERY single October failure as well.

By Paul

September 26, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

If we can get a good pitcher for him, I’ll take that trade all day long. The lack of pitching in the 3,4 and 5 spot is what doomed us this year. Everything else is in order.

By Bob in SF

September 26, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Hey Terrance, was this piece the substitute for the annual “trade for Griffey” column? Let Andruw take his .200 avg, almost 200 K’s a year and outrageous Boras driven contract demands elsewhere… He has become an out machine at the plate that his numbers simply don’t justify anymore.

By Randy

September 26, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Let Andrew go somewhere else and hit 220, he look totally lost at the plate. Spend the money on pitching which has cost the Braves a playoff spot!

By Mark

September 26, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Shutup Terrence and find another panel to be apart of. We need to get Andruw out of here. He is good player, but we need more pitching. We have basically had a good season with him giving us nothing. It’s time for him to go. His time is up here. Hell, we never won a WS with him here.

It’s a shame that someday Andruw may go to the HOF, but here in Atlanta we will say that he never reached his potential. That is TRUE!

He made a statement earlier this year and that was ” I am a pull hitter and that’s it.” Anybody that makes a statement like that isn’t open to learning. They feel that no one can tell them anything. That type of person isn’t a team player. A player like that won’t ever improve themselves.

Get him the hell out of here! We need that money.

By Roswell Ed

September 26, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Terrence:

Everything else is secondary. The high strikeout totals. The low batting average. His struggles with runners in scoring position.

Secondary?

Why don’t we see what Otis Nixon is doing these days when he’s not writing bad checks and smoking crack?

He played a mean center field a

How would we be worse off with:

Johnson in Rt

Francouer in Ct

Diaz in Lt

Rent at Short

Escobar at 2nd?

We can use that money we would spend on Jones to get a pretty good pitcher.

By Dap

September 26, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

I love Andruw. He should be a Brave the rest of his life. But he chose Boras and he deserves the consequences of that decision.

Andruw is great but not at the price that they will demand.

By Ripme

September 26, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

T Moore you sound just like Mr. Boras. How much did he pay you? Please let AJ go, no glove is worth that much money and his “D” is not as good as in past. You can get a Great glove and bat cheaper. The Braves need pitching more than anything else,put the money on pitching and that’s not Glavine! Also, go ahead and sign Tex to a long term contract . *Please don’t sign AJ *.

By Ryder

September 26, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

As much as I would love to see Andruw remain a Brave the rest of his career, it’s painfully obvious that Atlanta will not contend again until they improve their depth in their starting pitching. Instead of spending that money on one outfielder who doesn’t hit as well anymore, they can use that to obtain two solid pitchers to back up Smoltz and Hudson. No sense in waiting for Hampton to come back and get hurt again. Besides, I really think Atlanta can get a servicable centerfielder who can also bat leadoff.

By ebineezer

September 26, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Let him go. For heavens sake, let Andrew go. The srtike out king. The king of the loafing on the base paths. He does not have the speed he had early in his career. He steals no bases. Sure, he catches balls he can get to but he is not the center fielder he once was. No matter how many RBIs Bobby says are in his glove, there are just as many or more in plenty of other gloves. Andrew Jones does not equal the HOF. Future Hall of Famer, that is a joke. Andrew has 2 assists all season. That is 2 assists all season. Let him go. He is the 5th best outfielder on the team. Let him go.

By Big Ed

September 26, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

How can a guy be on a steady march to Cooperstown and have to have a strong lineup around him to compensate for his weaknesses. You totally contradict yourself. We could spend a lot less money and improve the team at the same time. If Andruw had even hit .250 this year we would be in the playoffs. Also lets not put him on top of the league in center field. Take a young guy like Curtis Granderson of the Tigers. He has over 20 triples, 20 doubles, and 20 stolen bases. He’s also batting around .300 and is closing in on 100 RBI. We need to go younger and find a guy that is coachable when it comes to making adjustments for the good of his team instead of his contract.

By scooter

September 26, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Sorry Braves Fan Forever - We need to dump Andruw, move Willie to center and let Diaz play every day.

Then go out and get some pitchers!

By Scott

September 26, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

I hope the Braves spend the money they would on Andruw and maybe sign someone like Aaron Rowand. He’d probably come a little cheaper and we could use the extra to help keep Teixeira in Atlanta. I think Torii Hunter is going to probably be out of our price range.

By bravefan

September 26, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

I think the JS and the braves should keep andruw jones. ya he stuggled this year but look at the other years he had. 10yrs straight with 25HR and about to get his 10th straight Gold glove. no one else in the majors can give u that.this was just one bad year for him.

By Roswell Ed

September 26, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

I see MV7 with the help of the Lord has gotten his life straightened out.

What a surprise?

You know you have a drug test and you still test positive.

Is there anyone dumber than MV7?

Besides all those idiots that were cheering for dog fighting yesterday I mean?

By Pete

September 26, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

The “Town Hall” meeting was a joke……………meaningless !! You couldn’t change the Vick Lover’s attitude if you put a gun to their heads. Combined, their I.Q. level was approx. 10 points above plant life. I NEVER witnessed such a level of ignorance in my life. Stone age.

By Tommy

September 26, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

First off, I don’t know if Andruw is a lock for the hall of fame anymore. If he loses a step in the outfield he’ll quickly become the Latin Dave Kingman. Players with Andruw’s skill set decline quickly after age 30 [See Dale Murphy for an example].

He’s worth around $9 million a year, but boras will demand $15 million, which would be ludicrous for a team like the Braves to pay for an increasingly one-dimensional player. They won’t do it.

Given his likely salary demands, there are only about six places Andruw can go—Boston, either New York team, the Cubs, the White Sox [who have wanted him for years for some reason] and the Angels. So if he goes to Boston [which is my bet, since Manny Ramirez will be off their payroll soon], the Braves should make the logical move and trade for Coco Crisp. He’s still young, has a live bat, good glove, and would fit right into the leadoff spot. He’s had an off year in Boston [like Renteria in ‘05], but has been hampered by injuries all year [like Renteria was] and would probably be rejuvenated here [like Renteria]. Plus he’s black, so Moore probably wouldn’t mind too much.

Do that, spend the savings on locking up teixiera long term, get a reliable #3 starter [jon garland], hope mike hampton can hold it together for 25 starts, and get the bullpen healthy. If this happens we’ll be the consensus preseason favorite next year.

By stan

September 26, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

If the Braves have an unlimited, Yankees-like budget, then sure, they keep Andruw just for his defensive abilities. But from here on out I think he’ll be at best a .260/30/100 type player, and those numbers will decline over the life a multi-year deal. Is that really how the Braves want to use their money? Everybody knows that the #1 reason the Braves aren’t in the playoffs this year is lack of depth in the rotation (Andruw’s horrible hitting, especially in scoring-opportunity situations, is about the #3 reason.) I’d like to see them re-sign Glavine for 1 year as the 3rd starter, trade Renteria for a decent middle-of-the-rotation guy who’s got some years left (Jeremy Bonderman? Rich Hill?) and face the fact that with Smoltz’s age and Chipper’s brittle body, the Braves need to load up for a one-year run before bringing up some of the talent they have at AA and AAA. So, no, assuming there’s a payroll limit of $85-$90 mil — do NOT bring Andruw back.

By Roy

September 26, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Sign Teixeira first to a long term deal … if there is money left offer Andrew a 1-year deal to prove this year was just an off-year and not growing decline. Meanwhile … give Escobar a winter course on playing center-field if there is no Andrew and keep Renteria for one more relatively low-cost year. In 2009 review the situation … Escobar could go back to short or if he’s good in center leave him there and bring up another prospect.

By NSHS FAN

September 26, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

What most people said about Andrew is very disturbing. I realize baeball is a business but to say all the ugly things about him. Dale Murphy’s body was never as durable as Andrews and he had a few bad years but he was still admired. You rearly ever heard the call for trading him and certainly not condemning him. What about those bad years Chipper had and being out on the injured list? He came back to be better than ever. Look what the Braves would have missed if he had been traded. If Andrews leaves let him go with dignity and thank him for his loyalty to the Braves family.

By Maurice

September 26, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Thank you NSHS FAN, you said everything right. Andruw is one of my favorite players because of his defense I hate to say it though but I think he could be much more productive at the plate. Oh and Chipper is 35 after 2 years of injuries and is hitting .341 and 28 homers. I’m not saying that Andruw could or would do something like that but it’s possible. It seems that everyone or should I say most of the white bloggers don’t like Andruw. Just to let you know your opinion means nothing to him. You are insignificant. The only opinions that matter to him are TP, JS, BC, and his teammates. My own opinion means nothing to him. So with all this about Andruw not meaning anything to the team let him go, and no other pitcher will be willing to come to Atlanta next year. Ask Tom Glavine.

By Roswell Ed

September 26, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

NSHS FAN:

If Andruw was under contract this article would not be here.

I think everyone is a fan of Andruw but I’ve heard of his salary being as high as 18 mil a year.

Is he worth that? NO

For any proof just read the comments above.

And besides Murph was batting .232 when he got traded and believe me the lineup around him didn’t have anybody named Chipper Taxiera Renteria Escobar etc around him.

By mike

September 26, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

NSHS Fan, i couldnt agree with you more. Andruw hasnt had a good year, but everyone seems to forget how many great moments hes had as a brave or even two years ago how he single handedly kept his team in the playoff race for several months. Hes still got some good baseball in him. Is he worth the money that he might be asking given the braves payroll restrictions? Probably not, but if he moves on Im very grateful for all the effort hes given the braves fans (very spoiled braves fans might I add) over the last 11 years. If I were the Braves I would take care of the most important need (starting pitching) first and then see if there is enought money left over to offer Andruw a 1 year deal to give him a chance to bring up his worth again. A 1 year deal is not much of a risk, especially since hes likely to bounce back and since the lineup is pretty strong at just about every position. Some of the comments to ship him out so quickly reminds me of the Red Sox fans giving up on Renteria after 1 year or when Soriano was struggling for about 6 weeks this year. What happened to those people that were saying Soriano is garbage, release him trade him? Now they’re praising Soriano as the closer as the future

By Ralph Hardie

September 26, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

 Dear Terrance;

      On the ESPN panel about Mike Vick; you made the statement about the Atlanta treatment of the "Stone Mtn" black sports figures

Dominique, Deoin, and Michael. Excuse me; what about Hank Aaron; who dwarfs all three on and off the field!! Shame on you!!

By Dawgs2007

September 26, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Terrance:

You really need to go back and do your research. Maddux already had all of his CYs before Jones was the everyday centerfielder. Smoltz got his in 1996, when Jones was just called up. Glave got his last one in 1998.

So only one CY is credited to Jones in center. Plus one World Series appearance in 1999 and plenty of early round departures.

In short, wehave not done Jack since Andruw became our center fielder.

By Dawgs2007

September 26, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Terrance:

You really need to go back and do your research. Maddux already had all of his CYs before Jones was the everyday centerfielder. Smoltz got his in 1996, when Jones was just called up. Glave got his last one in 1998.

So only one CY is credited to Jones in center. Plus one World Series appearance in 1999 and plenty of early round departures.

In short, wehave not done Jack since Andruw became our center fielder.

By Eric

September 26, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

If he’s going to be paid what he is now? No…if he’s less? Probably. If not, that money could be better spent on a quality 3rd Starter.

Pitching is what has held the Braves back this year, not the bats. They’ll be fine without Andruw.

By Train Wreck Bystander

September 26, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

I hope we can keep AJ, but if he wants the big money then there’s nothing we can do to keep him.

Let’s get creative and pay by performance. Sure, he’s still great in the field - but his plate performance is suffering.

Try this: 220 / 260 = about 85%. Offer him 85% of what we paid him this year for each of the next 5 years. If he bumps his numbers back up next year, set up his contract so that he gets incentive money that raises back up to this year’s levels or better.

And let’s hope we see AJ roaming center field for years to come.

By Fred

September 26, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Time for Andruw to go - it’s best for the Braves and for Andruw. He needs to get out of his comfort zone that he has with the Braves. I don’t think he has the maturity or the work ethic to better this poor season if he stays with the Braves. If Boros moves him to a market like NY or Boston he will produce or be villified. I have seen to many runners aboard this year with A. Jones batting - usually a DP or he just strikes out and laughs about it on the way to the center field. Poor coaching by Cox - needs to pinch hit a couple of times for Jones

By D-Cider

September 26, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Terrie, you are a complete and total idiot. jones looks completely lost at the plate half the time and apparently, refuses to listen to his hitting coaches. Also, the idea that he helped any of those guys win the Cy Young award takes away from those players accomplishments. Besides, like other bloggers have pointed out, he can only claim an assist for one, two tops, and none for Maddux. Seek some treatment for your mental illness.

By bluefox

September 26, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Keep Andruw, he’s age-wise in the prime of his career, may very well be a Hall of Famer, and the Braves have allowed too many future all-stars to escape (Dye being a prime example). As he’s proven in the past five games, Andruw’s hitting problems are correctable.

By reddog

September 26, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

You gotta be kidding me! AJ is worth about 5-6 million per year. Dale Murphy never hired Scott Boras to overinflate his value. Also, when did Chipper have a bad year.

Andruw has a dang old body for a 30 year old. He has been great defensively, and providing a powerful RBI bat, but his skills have diminished. Sign him for 5 years at 75 million, and in 2 years all these losers on here who want to keep him will be crying about his contract, like they are crying about Mike Hampton’s now.

Sign him for 2 years for 10 million, with a club option for the 3rd year at 10 million. Otherwise, let him leave if that’s what he wants.

By gary schmidt

September 26, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Why has his bat been dead for the past 2 years? He’s a fatty! An out of shape orca flopping on the ground in center field.

Good riddance.

By Curtis Jones

September 26, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

After watching Andruw flail away at pitches closer to the on-deck circle than the plate for most of his at-bats this year, I say: Let him go.

I’d rather have Rick Camp at the plate in a clutch situation.

By jeffrey

September 26, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

We really need to stop this craziness here….if the pitchers, our great pitchers like Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux said they needed Andruw then we need him…he saves a run a game and he STILL does that…he cant stop pitches that leave the yard…he cant stop pitchers from not being able to throw strikes…How about we get a new hitting coach who preaches patience at the plate instead watching batters hit like they are in a track meet…last time I checked we have 4 players in the lineup tonite…but thats another story…Our team is weakened as a whole without Andruw…we let him leave and he will play like a 5 tool player everytime we play him because we let him leave…face it, we have been spoiled with his defense…lets stay spoiled rotten…I do feel Andruw, if he stays,needs to commit himself to baseball this year. He should drop 15 pounds, he is way too heavy…he needs to stay

By Tyger

September 26, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Cant blame Andruw for the lack of starting pitching.

Who signed Mike Hampton to a $16M contract anyway?

If anything or anybody is handicapping this club, look no further.

By jeffrey

September 26, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

4 players with 100+ strikeouts

By clueless Bob

September 26, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Tyger we don’t blame AJ for the pitching or Hampton. We blame him for 220 ba. record k’s, don’t run to 1st base on ground balls. Can’t run anymore. did you see him come from 2nd yesterday and slide in at home? what a joke. Yes his D has been good but if you watch games other than braves you will see some da*& go CF’s that don’t cost 14 plus million. AJ should give the Braves back half his salary this year as he waas a joke. Just pitch him outside and down and he will go after it. Let him ride. JS will do a go job of replacing him, bet on it. Please don’t bring back Glavine.

By Whitey

September 26, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Terrance,

Sounds a lot like your David Justice whining from years back. Would you be suggesting that the Braves should keep AJ if he were white? Why don’t you limit your race baiting comments to Micah Vix…..he still continues to provide plenty of material.

By Gayle Abbott

September 26, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

the Braves had a chance to unload Andruw last year to the Red Sox but they turned it down. This is the same management that keeps Andruw and Bobby yet dismisses Glavine, Maddux and now Skip Carey. This is a classless and shortsighted organzation that is now in its second year of no postseason with many more to come. From now on you can choose to go to Six Flags or Turner Field - the entertainment is about the same.

By BravesRule72000

September 27, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this

This is ridiculous…there is no way to justify Andruw Jones being paid 14 million dollars a year to be a defensive specialist…otherwise Eddie Perez would be alot richer…Furthermore the suggestion that Andruw won Cy Youngs for Smoltz, Maddux and Glavine is unbelievable! the only Cy Young won during Andruw’s reign in MLB was Tom Glavine’s 1998 Award?!? It would be alot better to sign a cheaper CF who can hit .280 to hit in the 7th spot (like a Aaron Rowand) and put the extra money toward a starter!

By Dad

September 27, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this

Braves! Please don’t keep Andruh. I get so tired of watching him strikeout, pop up, or hit into a double play. Then, he goes out to the field or back to the bench with that so what smile. I had rather watch the Braves lose a 100 games than watch another year of Andruh.I believe that the article that appeared in the Richmond paper that Liberty Media is going to reduce payroll in 2008 is accurate and true. If so, the Braves won’t be able to resign Andruh. Thank goodness. I believe Andruh is gone for 2008.

By BROOKS

September 27, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this

I’m goin to say re-sign ANDRUW JONES. He is still the best center fielder out here so why let him get away?? True enough he has struggled but the power numbers are still there. Name one player in the MLB who is batting .220 and have close to 100 RBI’s and 30 Homers.. NOBODY. And people wanna talk about Druw like he haven’t none anything to this organization. It hurts my heart to hear such words especially when we have let Dominique, Deion and a cast of others walk away from this Great City. So what the man strikes out a lot. Hell Ryan Howard just broke a record. And everybody is praising Chipper for his outstanding year. We have been waiting on this for years. Nobody said anything when he was batting .220. Atlanta Braves Give This Man A Chance.. RESIGN ANDRUW JONES!!!

By drixie

September 27, 2007 3:01 AM | Link to this

Andruw’s defense is great, and he may have “an rbi in his glove,” but he has too many LOB’s in his bat.

By Tony

September 27, 2007 3:46 AM | Link to this

Sorry to all Jones’s fans. Why we just don’t get ready of both Jones’s. After all they are young and they can’t hardly play at the level they once played. That is one level above medium. Yes I did love to see both Jones’s in the field when my hope of seen a Mean Braves team with more than one World Series ring in their hands. They already picked in performance and what we are getting ready to see from both of them is not pretty. I am sure the Braves organization has a couple of double AA player that can play equal or better than the Jones’s can do at a fraction of the price. His is one area they haven been able to demonstrated year after year. We can’t rebuild a team base in the old line up. It will take a lot courage from the front office since they think these player can sell lots of ticket even more than a winning team. Go ahead Mr. VP and sell the Jones’s show that you have some new direction for this team.

By NCBravesFan

September 27, 2007 6:50 AM | Link to this

I think the Braves should pretty much say to Andruw - “look, we’ll give you one year and that’s all. If you want to stay beyond that, you’re going to have to work on your hitting.”

AJ just comes off like a guy who has mailed it in at the plate. He needs a challenge, and a 5 year deal from the Braves is not a challenge.

By David

September 27, 2007 7:00 AM | Link to this

I disagree. I think you will find that for the same money, the Braves could land Tori Hunter of the Minnesota Twins. He’s a great defensive center fielder and at this point in his career, he is a more reliable hitter than Andruw. Likely for a little less than Jones, you could ink Aaron Rowand of the Philadelphia Phillies. Rowand is a solid defensive player and is always a threat at the plate. In the bargain basement area, you sign Georgia native Mike Cameron. It would surprise me if Andruw landed in Atlanta next season anyway with Scott Boras as his agent. Boras is going to seek huge money and it would seem at this point that it is completely unjustified. With the way pitching has been an obvious need, the Braves may go the route of putting Martin Prado at second, Yunel Escobar at short and Kelly Johnson in center. This would free up Edgar Renteria for trade bait and money to sign a pitcher. There are some strong free agent pitchers this year.

By daxxed

September 27, 2007 7:29 AM | Link to this

Emphatically NO!!….Go back and look at how many games AJ had the opportunity to drive in runs and failed to do so… He is a 90% guaranteed inning killer… Sure he has made some great catches…but so have many of the other more run producing Out Fielders that will be available…Or even give one of the prospects a shot, they sure could not do much worse offensively. With the money the Braves could save could bring another arm or two into the rotation. Why not teach Escobar how to play the outfield this coming spring…He sure has the speed and the arm for it…and his bat is much more productive and he plays so more aggressive than AJ…

By Fred

September 27, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

Some idiot played the race card….on the AJC website? No Way! I dont believe it! I like Jones, and i hope they keep him. He’s a good player, and a solid citizen. Stop making a race issue out of it! They’ll either keep him, or let him walk based on his ability to play baseball, not his color. enough with the conspiracy theories already!

By Willie Coyote

September 27, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

I’d love for Druw to stay also…just not for 16 - 20 mill a year. As much as I’d hate to see him go, I’d rather ensure that Tex is resigned and the pitching staff is improved. If Druw does walk, they need someone who can steal some bases to take his place in CF.

By baseball fan

September 27, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

Brooks, don’t use outright lies to make a point. Chipper has never batted .220 and is a career .300 plus hitter.

By Charles

September 27, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

NASCAR FAN it never seems to amaze me of how you are so negative regarding the african american players. I might add this he plays regularly every year and his defense has been and is still the best in baseball. So, please stop it!!!! Check yourself before you drive into the hood.

By STRETCH

September 27, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this

If Andruw wants to stay…ONLY he can determine that. I get so sick of these OVERPAID atheletes talk about “its not about the money”. Well if its NOT about the money then…say “Im staying in Atlanta”. Thats all there is to it! These guys are making 15-20 million dollars a year to stand around for 60-75 percent of a game that last for 3 hours? ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME????!!

I mean right now at this very moment, Andruw and even his great grand kids will never have to take on any kind of 9-5 ever….EVER! So if AJ really wanted to stay in Atlanta this wouldnt even be an off-season distraction for the organizaion when everyone clearly knows where the focal point should be…PITCHING.

Old school players would walk in to front office and willingly take a pay cut(thats because its all about the team). But not today, its so sad. Teachers, Policeman, Firefighters, our Military Forces, these are the people who strive under unbearable conditions for some, to make the country safe so that these atheletes can play sports and collect those big FAT undeserved paychecks!

Face facts people, Andruw is GONE. And after all my raving and ranting, im going to hate to see him gone. But thats society folks, “show me the money or im gone.” And Andy is gone.

By Michael T

September 27, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

Fred, have you seen those sport cars Andruw owns? Self aggrandisement and conspicuous consumption doesn’t make a solid citizen. It makes a foolish, neurotic boy. And, this boy is losing his throwing arm, slowing arm and getting chubby. How long will he be an asset to the team?

By KJ Sampson

September 27, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Y’know, when this season started I kinda hoped Andruw would have an off year just so we could afford him next year. But his year has been just awful at the plate. If he were a better hitter, we’d be up a good 5 games in the win column instead of practically out of the chase as we are. Worse, this year he’s shown signs of slowing down in the outfield. At this point he’s no longer worth what we’re paying NOW, much less worth a Boras-level raise.

It looks like we have some solid young players in the outfield. Let’s offer Andruw a very modest one-year deal that leaves room for getting a good pitcher and we’ll see if he really wants to stay in Atlanta. If another team wants to pay a premium for aging goods, that’ll be their problem.

By bob

September 27, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Andruw’s batting average with RISP in 2nd half of season—.097, strikeouts with RISP in games lost by one run—16; likely lowest batting average for season in National League—.220; jogging to first base on ground balls—always; being ignored by teammates in dugout after another strikeout—always; laughing at his failures—always; intensity of effort—never. Why is there even a debate over the one player who contributed more than any other to our not being in the playoffs?

By Johnny Evans

September 27, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

By all means=the Braves needs to keep Andruw=Not to long ago=Chipper had subpar years=yes years=Glavine no way=he had his chances to return to to the Braves=Maybe 25 starts=Andruw a 155 starts= Glavine is no Clemens=I would not take clemens neither=I believe JS knows the conversation re Glavine in the past=Js is not the GM all says he is==if he brings Glavine back one year==Andruw has his best years ahead of him JOhnny Chesapeapeake, Va

By Ron

September 27, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

You’re wrong on this one, TM. Andruw is the ultimate rally killer. Runners in scoring position, two outs: walk whomever is in front of Andruw and then feed him a steady diet of low-and-away curve balls. He can’t lay off. He lunges at ball four. Inning over. Time to let him go do it somewhere else. Yes, his mad defensive skills are a luxury, but the bottom line is a guy eating up as big a chunk of payroll as AJ does shouldn’t be the weakest bat in the lineup.

By Johnny Evans

September 27, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Some of these A Jone critics should look at the strike outs of some of the other big sluggers in baseball==Look at Howard in Pa. for instance=look at Frenchy’s strike outs= Recommend look at the big name sluggars=and one will see=most hast more k’s than Andruw. Look at the big contracts some has=and they are nowhere near what Anfruw has done over the years=get real Johnny Cheaspeake, Va

By Brett

September 27, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

I totally disagree with Mr. Moore. The Braves have plenty of offense w/o Andruw in the line-up, and sufficient outfielders to make up for his defense. The money it would take to keep him here should go to a starting pitcher. We also have some players we could trade for another starter. Our bullpen looks already stronger for next season. Some can go…Villareal, Yates, to name a couple, but the likes of Acosta, Soriano, Dotel, Mahay, Moylan, are the makings of a good pen. I hope they keep Renteria if at all possible, but if he is gone by trade for a starter, we still have 8 very good every-day players on the field. Here is what I would recommend. Tex 1b, Escobar 2b, Renteria ss, Chipper 3b, Diaz lf, Francouer cf, and move Kelly Johnson back to the outfield, rf. If Renteria is traded, then Kelly stays at 2b and platoons with Prado. Escobar moves to ss, and Brandon Jones takes over in cf or rf, with Francouer taking the other spot. That looks like an awesome team to me, providing we get 2 more very good starters to go with Smoltz and Hudson. What do you think?

By Jay Dub

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

Two points about this paragraph “The Braves have a powerful enough lineup to compensate for most of Jones’ weaknesses. Not only that, who’s to say he won’t dramatically reverse his nearly two-year hitting spiral next year?”

1) Yeah, that’s a great argument. I can see upper management making personnel decisions based on “can we overcome his difficiencies” as opposed to “does he make us better.”

2) I’ll say he isn’t going to have a ressurgence of batting prowess. If he’s a team motivated guy, he had plety of reasons and chances to hit with runners in scoring position. He didn’t. If he is personally motivated, he had millions of reasons to play well in a free agency year. He hasn’t.

As far as the “RBI’s in his glove,” do you think opposing teams face the Braves worried about Andruw’s defensive skills or excited about the virtually automatic out at the plate? You have a hard time making up for an 0-4 offensive night with good defense. It isn’t impossible, but it doesn’t happen very often.

I like Andruw also, but he simply won’t make economic sense compared to an average-hitting, solid centerfielder like, say, Aaron Rowand.

By JimK

September 27, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

After this season, last in qualifying hitters in AVG, Andruw should be offered arbitration only.

If he decides to refuse higher bids and hope for a comeback season, we should adjust his salary downward and make a hard case against him in the arbitrators.

But I’d really prefer the cash and the draft choices. We’ll need the money to extend Teixiera, and high draft choices can turn into major league starters pretty fast as we’re seeing from 2004 picks Verlander and Humber.

By Gary

September 27, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

In the series the last 14 games between the met and phillies that the Braves played ANDREW did nothing..these were key series to make the playoffs..they were close and I repeat Andrew did nothing!!!!!!i TOO WOULD RATHER HAVE RICK CAMP at the plate in all those crucial at bats!!!!!!please please do not resign him!!!!!

By don

September 27, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

I agree. Keep Andruw.

By Charles

September 27, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

What ever happened to loyalty. Andrew as been a great player and even accepted a lesser deal that his greedy agent wanted last time. I think if the Braves negotiaed in good faith Andrew would stay. Terrence you are right. Keep Andrew. Just because he had a bad year this year he still shows that he cares for the Braves and the city of Atlanta. I have really lost interest in sports because there is no loyalty in teams and players and it has become about how much money can be made or saved. Yes we need pitching but there is no guarantee that letting Andrew go so they can sign a good one as we have seen with their past deals.

By Rick Long

September 27, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

No one has been a bigger fan of Andruw over the years. Unfortunately, Schuerholz made a huge mistake not trying to trade him before LAST year’s trade deadline and letting him vest as a 10 and 5 player shortly thereafter. Andruw continues to say all the right things, but face it, he has Boras for an agent and made it clear he wants to test the free agent market. The net result is that Andruw will leave and the Braves will get a compensatory draft pick for one of the best players of the past decade. I also think that Andruw is a player in decline. Given his stubbornness (i.e. insistence on hitting his way—“I’m just a pull hitter”), that decline should accelerate sooner rather than later.

By matt

September 27, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

I would have to say it would depend on the price. If we can better our pitching staff substantially with the money that would be spent on AJ I would have to say to let him go. I don’t really see how re-signing him for a 1 yr. extension would be good for anybody but him. There’s no doubt he is special defensively though!

By Fred

September 27, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

MICHAEL T….. I didnt realize using the several million dollars he makes to buy expensive toys makes him “not a solid citizen”. My bad….. I thought wife beating, DUI, and dog execution puts you into the “not a solid citizen” category. It wouldn’t bother me a bit if he spent 16 mill on beer and pizza, as long as he didn’t get drunk, not eat enough of the pizza (wasteful!), beat his wife, then get into one of those fancy cars and do 200mph down I 75 on his way up to ” Bad Newz Kennels”.

By DavefromChattanooga

September 27, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

I am a HUGE Braves fan and have been for 35 years. After viewing Andruw Jones’ home in various photos this morning one thing has become crystal clear. He, his wife and son live like royalty NOW. After the absolutely pathetic performance he has “mailed in” this year this guy should be offering a REFUND to the Braves (worst B.A. of ANY regular in the N.L.!) and not letting that bonehead agent of his ask for lots more. If he wants to stay in Atlanta he’d accept no MORE $$$ as have Smoltz, Chipper, etc. We’re about to see Andruw’s CHARACTER on display. If he insists on more $$$ don’t let the door hit him …. Good riddance, underachiever.

By wg

September 27, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Good awful assessment of Andru. He does not deserve a long contract and the 10 or so games Cox says he saves with his glove might drop to 3 or 4 with a Rowand or Cameron out there who can get more RISP home than AJ has in the last 2 years. He is certainly great but we need to use the money on a quality pitcher who we should be a ble to get for Edgar. Use the money and sign TEX long term and let’s get back to the playoffs.

By david williams

September 27, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Anybody who says that AJ needs to be let go is obviously on crack cocaine because only crack would cause somebody to want to do something that ridiculous. People, were talking about one of the best centerfielders in baseball history. AJ’s at least in the top 5. It is my opinion that if Braves management were to let him go, they would be making one of the dumdest moves (or non-moves) the anyone has made since the Red Sox traded the Babe. i dont know about you, but, I dont want my team to end up with some kind of curse on them.

By wg

September 27, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t think anyone who wants to get rid of AJ is on crack. It is simple math. What have you done for us lately (last 2 years) and is 15 or 16 mil per year going to get you turned around? I doubt it because 13 mil hasn’t done it. You cannot pay that kind of money to a 220 hitter and a 260 lifetime hitter. RISP needs to be addressed and TEX is the way to go first and pitching to follow.

By BossLady

September 27, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

All MLB, NFL and NBA players live like royalty. That is a given in our society. What is the big deal about how he lives anyway? That old saying, don’t ever let people know what you go, they will begrudge you for it. There is a site on the web that features many athletes homes and cars. If you judge one go look and judge them all, will ya?

By DavefromChattanooga

September 27, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Hey Boss Lady? If you and I were being paid exhorbitant amounts of money and gave the effort and had the same results as Andruw has for the past two (2) years we would most certainly be unemployed. Make of it whatever you wish but that is a fact.

By dave

September 27, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

sign AJ you won’t find a better defensive center fielder. no case of raceism. The guys left elbow was hyper extened saving a home run from happening. takes more than one player to get the team to post season. Their not dead yet but badly limping forward

By bh

September 27, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Terrence, you should really work harder on your research because Andruw did not join the Atlanta Braves until August 15, 1996. If you look at Cy Young Award winners only two of the three Braves pitchers (John Smoltz, 1996; Tom Glavine, 1998) have won the Cy Young Award while Andruw Jones played outfield. Andruw was a rightfielder during 1996 which is during Smoltz’s Cy Young year, so I will give you credit for getting two right. Andruw did not come up until the season was pretty much over. Next time, you should check your research before publishing. I’ll give you credit because you made a good argument, but you should look at who Andruw’s Agent. Scott Boras is known for big contracts that do not go well for the team. The Braves need to negotiate without Scott Boras if they want Andruw for a reasonable price. Andruw takes up 14 million a year, so Atlanta could find a new outfielder and pitcher for that amount of money. I agree with one of the comments about the Braves looking at Aaron Rowand because he is a free agent this year. Aaron Rowand is a Gold Glove quality outfielder because he ran into the wall breaking his nose and he still caught the ball. P.S. I did and checked my research.

By DavefromChattanooga

September 27, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

I think that Andruw thinks he’s worth $25 million a year. Game over.

By joe

September 27, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

I could not agree more. If he is honestly saying that he will come back for 5 years and 75 mil then without a doubt you resign him!

By jas

September 27, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

This “quick hit” is senseless. What is the logic in signing a guy because everyone else can pick up the slack for him? There are no RBIs in his glove, because for every 2 he may save a game, there are 3 to 5 he misses at the plate. If he hit .270-.280 this year, the Mets would be out the wild card by now. But no, really, he stinks, but lets keep him anyway.

By wg

September 27, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Joe. Get Real. $75 mil for 5 years. Maybe with AJs numbers $15 mil for 5 years would be too much. I agree that he is the best in CF but you cannot expect the rest of the team to carry him for 162 games. They tried this year and look what happened. Boras will go for the throat and buyer beware. Look what’s going on with AROD. Never won anything for all that money. We need TEX because AJ cannot bat 4th 5th or even 6th on this team and you cannot pay that kind of money for a #7 hitter. God bless him because he really gives his all but if you read the reports that say his body is giving out and he plays a step slower why would you waste all that money. Let’s go get Rowand and a pitcher.

By FIRE MOORE!

September 27, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

SO LONG ANDREW! No one is worth the kind of money you are seeking - (except teachers and soldiers)! GET OUT OF HERE!

By white but not hating

September 27, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

offer andruw an average salary for his below average efforts and if he says no, show him the door and say its been real t** been fun but it aint been real fun. what andruw needed this year was a good b*** slap to wipe that strikeout smile off his face. that could have been done by dropping him to 8th in the order. i forget what AL team they were playing but the loves to hit smoltz was pitching and i wished they would kept andruw from the plate and let smoltz bat with someone else DHing

By bmobraver

September 27, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Huge Brave fan here…I believe we have seen AJ bat as low as 7th in the batting order this year. It can’t be good to have a big money man batting that low in the batting order. His performance put him there. Grant it he stays relatively healthy. Everyone got hyped when he hit the homers at age 19. A few years later he launched a lot of homers. Overall, he has been consistent. Consistent that he will strikeout, have a low batting order, steal hardly no bases, few assists (but few teams test his arm), and horrible in the clutch. The other pitchers in the league have his number. His high RBI’s are due to the batters getting on above him. He walks too little. AJ luv ya’, but can’t keep ya’ at the price. Hell, can’t keep ya’ because I don’t want a possible number 4 hitter batting .220.

By A.Loflin

September 27, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

My favorite baseball is a pitcher’s duel—small ball—fabulous defense, score 1-0, preferably a no-hitter for both pitchers. I don’t “dig” the long ball except when it goes to die in the glove of Andruw Jones. I am disappointed only because he’s drawing the criticisms of the commentors here. Other center fields can go back as well as Andruw, others can go forward or sideways as well, BUT he is without a peer who can do it all.

By Luv 2 hate Me

September 27, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

If the Braves can’t sign Tori Hunter then keep Andruw. Everybody else out there sucks. Let Mike Hampton pitch winter ball then shop him and Edgar. Try to sign either Glavine, Silva or trade for Garland or Willis. Pick up some reliable utility players or pull from the farm. Resolution for 08 season.

By Rick Roberts

September 27, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

I agree with Terence—if, AJ would go 5 yrs. @ $15M per year, then the Braves should keep him. Also, do not lose Tex!! Spend some money for next year—we will have a great blend of youth and veterans. Our only need would be for one SP. AJ should keep Scott Boras out of it, too. Anyway, we have a solid minor league system, good young talent that put one year of experience behind them, and excellent vets. Keeping AJ and Tex for the next five years would be great. By the way, congrats to Chipper, Frenchy, Yunel, Huddy and Smoltzy.

By Ole Prof

September 27, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Andruw’s “loyalty” has already been redeemed in the big bucks he has already been paid. Since he’s not producing now, and there are many good glove players out there who will save runs for less money, let him take his demands elsewhere. Loyalty has nothing to do with it.

If we keep him, we will be moaning about his lack of production for years to come.

By Ole Prof

September 27, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

TM.. It’s not about race, it’s about baseball….The world loves winners !!!!!!!!!

By DavefromChattanooga

September 27, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

Amen, Professor.