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DEL.ICIO.USAndruw: Once and future Brave?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Staff photos by Hyosub Shin
Former Atlanta Brave Andruw Jones would like to come back home.
“I’ve got one more year in my contract,” said Jones, now playing with the L.A. Dodgers. “Hopefully, I can come back to Atlanta. I would love to finish my career here.”
Jones’ first year with the Dodgers ended early. He was moved to the 60-day disabled list on Sept. 13, after hitting .158 with three homers and 76 strikeouts in 209 at-bats.
“I’ve been rehabbing, working out again,” he said. “I feel good.”
Jones and wife Nicole have continued to make metro Atlanta their home. They’re gearing up for this year’s “Fairway Affair,” the gala they host each year to support Jaden’s Ladder. The organization serves survivors of domestic violence.
Fairway, held at a private residence in Buckhead, starts at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8. Tickets are $300 each and they’re going fast - really fast. JL co-founder Oneta Bobbett received a steady stream of requests for the few remaining tickets during our chat Thursday morning. If you want to go, hustle.
This year’s goal is $250,000, which Bobbett feels sure they’ll meet. She credited the Jones’ involvement with making the event a success each year.
“I’ve got so much respect for my mom,” Jones said, explaining his passion for the cause. “My mom kept me on that straight path.”
Jones and his wife met with three Jaden’s Ladder scholarship recipients Thursday morning in their Sugarloaf Country Club home. This year’s group included brothers Latrell Mitchell, 22, and Jamal Mitchell, 20, both of Decatur; and Cheryl Smart of Temple.
Latrell Mitchell is pursuing a degree in audio production at the Art Institute of Atlanta. Jamal Mitchell is working on a degree in homeland security and emergency management at Savannah State University and wants to go on to law school.
Mitchell plans to study at West Central Tech to become a registered nurse. She said living through her ordeal and working with Jaden’s Ladder has taught her, “You don’t have to live in fear.”
Roxanne Mitchell, Jamal and Latrell’s mom, could relate.
“It does get better,” she said of the difficult journey she and her sons lived through. “There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Nicole and Andruw Jones, from left, with scholarship recipients Latrell and Jamal Mitchell.
While the scholarship recipients met with Andruw Jones, Nicole Jones swooped in to scoop up Latrell’s 7-month-old, Arriana. The Jones’ son Druw is about to turn 5 and is looking forward to Halloween. The home’s spooky decor - a chain around the mailbox, plastic bats in the trees - as well as the mountain of candy in the kitchen, indicates everyone’s getting ready for trick-or-treating.
“I’m going as myself,” Jones joked.
He said it’s been tough adjusting to a new team, and misses the guys from the Braves clubhouse. For now, his goal is to return to Los Angeles healthy and “finish strong.”
“When it’s time to be done, it’s time to be done,” Jones said. “Whatever happens, happens.”
As for life after baseball?
“I might want to go to work full-time for Oneta,” he said, smiling at Bobbett as she visited with Andruw and Nicole Thursday morning.
“I couldn’t pay you enough,” Bobbett cracked.
Oneta Bobbett, left, with Nicole and Andruw Jones
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Comments
By Rico
October 30, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Anytime Andruw. One bad year and the fans written you off. Those were not fans those were Funs because they only see the game for fun rather than how serious you are about basebal and Atlanta. Hey nobody is perfect and if I was Atlanta Management I would take you back without Question. 99% of these people out here that are critical of your (1) bad year in Atlanta could not even do 3% of the year you had, so no worries just come back home.
By Rico
October 30, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Anytime Andruw. One bad year and the fans written you off. Those were not fans those were Funs because they only see the game for fun rather than how serious you are about basebal and Atlanta. Hey nobody is perfect and if I was Atlanta Management I would take you back without Question. 99% of these people out here that are critical of your (1) bad year in Atlanta could not even do 3% of the year you had, so no worries just come back home.
By Billy
October 30, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
There will probably be a serious pay cut involved!
By DecaturTechFan
October 30, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Whats the league minimum? Shoot ….as soon M Vick is sprung lets resign him too. Base pay is a wonderful thing.
By Matt
October 30, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
I would welcome him back only if he agreed to a significant pay cut. $7M per year, two year deal. Incentive layden contract of course. If he hits .270+ 30+hrs 90+RBI then it kicks up to $10-13M a year.
By Joe
October 30, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
I support him coming back to Atlanta in 2010 but his salary would have to be sliced.
By ShaSha
October 30, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Would love to see Andruw back. His defense alone is worth something. Maybe not runs produced but runs saved where others couldn’t even get to the balls hit. I’m sure management considers this. The problem before was his salary requirements. I’m sure those have been lowered now and we can resign him for a more reasonable figure. Hopefully his batting will improve a little and we can bring him back because he’s still got a shot at the HOF and also a shot at 500 career HR’s…providing he improves at the plate to where he’s his old self. Best wishes Andruw. Come back home soon.
By Go Braves
October 30, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Our centerfielder of the future in tne minor is about ready for prime-time. If Andruw wants to retire as a braves, then he’ll have to take 1/3 less of what he is making now and will have to accept as role player.
By DHD
October 30, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
I would take him back if the Dodgers are paying 75% of his salary. Or, in 2010 for cheap.
He has more than ONE bad year. He strikes out as much as Obama changes his tax plan.
By The Undisputed Truth
October 30, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
While it’s understandable that some nostalgic fans are longing for the days of the “old” Andruw Jones, those of us who have a firm grip on reality understand that he is washed up.
A. Jones didn’t just have “one bad season”. He had a God-awful 2007 with the Braves, and he followed it up in L.A. with a season that one ESPN writer called one of the worst individual offense performances in the history of major league baseball. (His defense is slipping, too.)
This is the bottom line: A. Jones SAYS didn’t have to leave Atlanta, but he followed the money to L.A. (This, despite the fact that he was already more wealthy than 99.9 percent of the American population.)
At the end of the 2009 season, when he is once again a free agent, A. Jones will sign with whoever offers him the most money. It’s really that simple.
By brAves Sucios
October 30, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
next year double that average and cut the salary and strikeouts, then we’ll see. Love the familiar faces, but I’d rather get to know some new ones if that’s what it takes to get back to October.
By fieldofdreams
October 30, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
If Andruw wants to earn some redemption, at a rookie’s salary, he’s more than welcome. Unfortunately his whale-shark-remora agent, Scott Boras, is a perfectly trained predator who thinks his clients are entitled to salaries, not responsible for them.
By BrandonC
October 30, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
I’d rather see Schafer in CF next year. Andruw was one of the greats in Atlanta history, but it’s time to move on.
By DirtyDawg
October 30, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Shoot, I’ll bet the Dodgers will pick up at least half, if not more, of his salary next year if Atlanta will take him back. I’ll take a 6-8 million (or perhaps less) rehabilitated and re-tooled Andruw in CF in a minute.
By Oasisbraves
October 30, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
While Andruw Jones was a great Brave…we have to move forward, not backward. Dale Murphy was great too, doesn’t mean he’s coming back.
Thank you Andruw for everything. You could have stayed if you really wanted to. I guess we found out what you really wanted.
By Najeh Davenpoop
October 30, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Definitely bring Andruw back, if it’s at a minimum salary and as a utility bench player who is willing to back up all three outfield positions and possibly even first base. Otherwise no.
By len
October 30, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Hahaha. He did not “just” have a bad year, he had maybe the single worst year in the annals of baseball history. Letting him go was about the only thing the braves have done right in awhile.
Maybe if the Dodgers trade him, pick up 98% of his contract, and take him back anytime we want.
The braves need to learn how to move on, we seem to have a soft spot for our washed up players.
By big o
October 30, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
F. Wren please bring this kid home. Work a mike hampton like deal. I know the dodgers will pick up half of his salary.He will have one hell of a rebound year. do it !!!!
By scott
October 30, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Andrew needs to lose some weight I remember him in 96 a five tool player in the making . 12 years on he is far too bulky I understand we gain weight as we get older, but as a professional athelete and at his age there is no excuse I”ll would take him back if he was 40 lbs lighter,
By Najeh Davenpoop
October 30, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Also LOL at people who act like Andruw is some money hungry player who bailed on the Braves. The contract Andruw had signed previously was well under what he could have got on the open market. After taking one below value contract it’s unrealistic to expect him to take another significant pay cut.
And stop kidding yourselves, if you were in his position one year ago knowing that your skills were diminishing, and someone came along and offered you $36 million guaranteed for two years, you would a) hope the Braves came anywhere close to that and then b) take the money when you realized they wouldn’t. The Braves made the right move and so did Andruw.
By Bobbymahlon
October 30, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
No way do I want to see Andruw back he has slowed done and can’t hit anymore. I have noticed Anderson gets to balls Andruw doesn’t. Lets get the youth movement going and forget about the old has been. Having Franceour in right is enough low average hitting outfielders.
After watching Pat Burrell this season and in the World Series he would not help the Braves because he can’t run,field or hit for a decent average and strikes out alot but does hit homeruns and bats in 80 or so runs. If we got him we have to take him out late in games for defensive replacements (not worth the money).
By noAJ
October 30, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Bring back Andrew? Why not….we have a team of losers already, what difference will one more make.
By roger
October 30, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Should be able to get him for the league minimum than….
By NoDrew
October 30, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Well, maybe he could play for the Gwinnett or Macon Braves and teach the young guys that sleeping with strippers given to you by mafia men isn’t a good idea, especially if you put the evidence on video.
By bobby
October 30, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Some people have different memories than I do if they think Andruw has just had one bad year. His fielding has dropped off almost as much as his hitting. ie: not getting close to balls that he used to make look easy. By the way, I’m sure the Dodgers would love to send him back to Atlanta any time.
By Ttop
October 30, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
I would personally love to see Andruw back in a Braves uniform again. I know he hasn’t done so well for the past two years or so, but I feel like if he comes back to Atlanta for at least one year it will make him and most of the fans happy. Then again, this is coming from a life-long Andruw fan so it might be kind of biased. Good luck with whatever happens, Andruw!
By FalconsFan
October 30, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
This guy couldnt hit when he was here. He cruised through the years making his millions.
He reminds me of Alge Crumpler who couldnt push away from the table.
The Braves dont need no has been players they should have gotten rid of 4 years before they did.
Trade Larry Jones also as he is used up.
The only thing Andruw should do is retire.
The Dodgers got screwed also.
The loser
By JoeNo
October 30, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Sorry, Andruw, the Braves have too many washed up players as it is.
By JT
October 30, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
I lived in LA and he was daily fodder for the sports writers and fans in LA. All things considered I think he should go back to Atlanta. They deserve him
By Paul from Milton
October 30, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Just what the Braves need…another overpaid, underperforming, washed up, uncoachable so-called player. Here’s a unique idea - let’s give some free agent money to a free agent who actually provides value for money…instead of attitude for money or injury for money.
By Pompano
October 30, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Great guy! Hope he gets his hitting stroke back and would love to see him return to Atlanta. His last contract with the Braves, he took less than market value to remain in Atlanta. We fans owe him some loyalty for that.
By Canton BravesFan
October 30, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
No offense Andruw but OH GOD NO!!!!
By PTC DAWG
October 30, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
Not NO but ##LL no. Who needs this lazy .230 hitting clown?
By dustin
October 30, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Don’t listen to al these losers Andrew, Come back to the Braves if you want, all of us true fans will be happy to have you back!!!
By fairy god mother
October 30, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
I enjoyed Andruw Jones while he was here.
His amazing fielding ability…and, his long ball hitting ability. Were something to behold.
But, let’s face facts Andruw’s abilities over the years have deteriorated to the point he should no longer even be considered a major league ball player.
The Dodgers screwed up by signing him, the Dodger fans are fed up with him, Matt Kemp has replaced him as the center fielder.
Andruw needs a home, but guess what we can do just fine without him!
By caballo muerto
October 30, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
I doubt even the Braves are that stupid.
Enjoy all your stolen loot from LA, Andruw!
How do some people have to nerve to ask for yet another handout?
By Frankie Wren
October 30, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Of course he wants to come back with the Braves. The Braves, or any other team on the planet that would have him.
.100 hitters aren’t hard to come by.
By kenneth h. branham
October 30, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
i would like the cincinnati reds to sign andruw jones.
By roan st
October 30, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
He only has himself to blame for being shown the door in atlanta. Jones got fat and lazy and took his job for granted. Is it to much to ask a guy making 15 million per year to stay in shape? These pro baseball players have enough money to build a home gym and batting cage. All it takes is 45 minutes of cardio 4 or 5 days per week, 1 hour of weight training 4 or 5 days per week. Maybe 1 hour a day in a batting cage 4 or 5 days a week. Thats less than three hours per day with 2 to 3 days of rest per week. Is that to damn much to ask from a guy who has one of the best jobs in the world? Plus these guys have the money to hire a professional chef who can cook some wonderful low calorie meals. No excuse for not staying in top physical condition. I’m 38 years old and make only 50,000 per year but I’m able to make it the gym 4 days per week. I’m in pretty damn good shape and my employer doesn’t even require it. So why can’t a guy making this kind of money with all kinds of time in the offseason stay in decent shape? The only conclusion you can draw is that he is lazy and doesn’t care. Andruw could have fulfilled the promise of possibly being the next willie mays if he would have had the fire and determination to succeed. But his laissez fair attitude derailed the chance to become one of the all time greats. I saw this day coming many moons ago.
By Jimmy
October 30, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Come back as what? A stadium usher??
Maybe….
By Larry
October 30, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
The Braves would have kept AJ if it were not for the huge price tag his agent wanted. Send the agent packing and I am sure AJ would be welcomed back. And maybe he could return to a respectable in the batters box. He does need to shed a few pounds and work with the hitting instructors a bit and be more open minded about coaching.
By Wayne
October 30, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Andruw made his bed, now it is time to lie in it.
To Andruw and the Dodgers, enjoy!
By JohnnyTide
October 30, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Never sign the smiker. A little league could strike this bum out.
By Are you Crazy
October 30, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Jennifer,
You really need to be writing about politics, fashion or the weather. Andruw Jones was absolutely washed up as a hitter 2 years ago. Let Boras take a beating, not the Atlanta franchise (and fans). I hate to sound unappreciative but we don’t need a bunch of old “has beens” (Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, Chipper-though Chipper had a great year last year). We need to start over, and draft a bunch of future Andruws, Glavines, Smoltz’s, Avery’s, Wholler’s, Chipper’s, Javy Lopez’s, Justices’s, Klesko’s, Gants’s, Lemke’s, Cabrera’s, and sign a few Pendletons’, McGriff’s and Maddux’s a long the way. Didn’t you have to take two history courses to get your journalism degree? EVERY MLB team is copying whaat Bobby Cox did in Atlanta, Toronto and Atlanta again. Maybe you should research that yourself . Google Sherholtz as well-LOL.
Kennesaw
By Jess
October 30, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Braves please to fall for this overpaid Dodger! Who wants a some one hitting .159 with a handful of RBI’s, the biggest jackarse as a agent, Boras, all for only $18M…LOL!!!!!
By Jess
October 30, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Braves please don’t fall for this overpaid Dodger! Who wants a some one hitting .159 with a handful of RBI’s, the biggest jackarse as a agent, Boras, all for only $18M…LOL!!!!!
By Black Reverand
October 30, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
We should sign Andruw for $400K with a bonus if he doesn’t get injured & another bonus if he reaches 30HRs and 100 RBI. Reach those goals and we could give him a raise in 2010. But it would be based on him fulfilling basic obligations (show up fat to spring training and your contract is automatically cancelled.
By William J. Clinton
October 30, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
When the Dems steal the presidency back, don’t worry my childrens. It will be law that pathetic hacks like Andruw Jones get their 16 million dollar jobs one way or another.
Too bad Atlanta Braves (cracker beyotches)!
By will
October 30, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
No way!!!! DON’T BRING HIM BACK TO ATLANTA!!!! You are only getting an overrated, overpaid centerfielder!!
By cwartillery
October 30, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Best to remember Andruw for the Brave he was and move on. They have players in the minor leagues that need the chance to become the next Andruw hold that position for the next number of years.
By Kevin
October 30, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
Offer him the league minimum with incentives. His skills are not worth anymore than that. Thanks for all you did while you were with the Braves though.
By Jared
October 30, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Lets see,
Bennedict or Javy at Catcher McGriff or Gallaraga at 1st Lemke at Hubbard at 2nd Chipper holds Third Shortstop: Andrew at Center Murph in Right Justice in Left
Maybe we could get Niekro, Spawhn, Garber, Zane Smith for our rotation, especially since Glavine and Smoltz and Hudson will need help because of time on the DL. Oh, lets not forget the guy who offended all the New Yorkers for the bull pen.
It would be cool to have Bob Horner, Sid Bream, Ron Gant off the bench, HANK AARON COULD MOVE FROM THE FRONT OFFICE TO A BACK UP OUTFIELDER!!! Is Eddie Matthews still alive?
NOW THIS TEAM IS REALLY LOOKING GOOD ON PAPER. I bet it wouldn’t cost all that much to field them either… PLEASE DONT CC TIME WARNER ON THIS POST!!
By JW
October 30, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
Are you Kidding!?!?!?! He is on the Yound side of 30, and if he loses the weight and gets dedicated could you imagine Him in Left with Sheafer in Center and Frenchy in Right…. With Blanco and Diaz coming off the bench??? That depth would be huge. He could hit 7th in our lineup and RAKE!
By Vince
October 31, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Still cannot hit outside curve balls, refuses to go to opposite field. A waste of money. Pass on Andrew and spend the money on some new talent.
By THE MAN
October 31, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
HEY JENNIFER BRETT, STAY AWAY FROM SPORTS
Stick to your gutter-scraping hollywood gossip. You have no business even touching this topic, because anyone that knows anything about sports - in particularly Braves baseball - knows that Andruw’s days in Atlanta are over.
How you would even bring this up to Andruw is beyond me.
But check it, we have Dave O’Brien to keep us informed about our Braves, so leave us alone.
Stick to what you suck less at. Go ask around about which Hollywood snatch Lindsey Lohan is munching on these days, or where Ryan Seacrest’s favorite tanning bed is - YOU SUCK.
By joni
October 31, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
will he is working out. i saw him at the gym this morning.
By Carly
October 31, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this
What are you talking about Andruw being fat? Look at this arms in the pic…he looks buff and muscular. Very sexy too. He should be photographed shirtless. That would be hot.
By UGASlobberknocker
October 31, 2008 5:08 AM | Link to this
dont want him back with the Braves; too old and speed is gone in feet and bat..that said, I sure hope he remains an Atlanta area citizen for the rest of his life. We need first class people like him in our town.
By Tim Scott
October 31, 2008 6:22 AM | Link to this
HEY AJ JUDGING FROM THE LAST 2YRS I THOUGHT YOUR CAREER WAS ALREADY OVER. SORRY BUD WE HAVE ENOUGH PROBLEMS YOU ARE NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION
By Bud Wiser
October 31, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this
Lose 40 pounds, weight check clause, dietitian provided by Braves, major league minimum plus maybe a little (to see how bad he really wants to play here), add in performance gates and guarantees, such as games played, batting average, etc., Gold Glove Award bonus, All Star or Comeback Player bonus; and yes, if he agrees to all or something close to that, then take a look. No roster or no-cut guarantee.
By Sad Brother
October 31, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this
You idiot fans aren’t serious are you? NO WAY with WRONG WAY ANDREW! What a joke.
By Kevin
October 31, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this
Andruw jones back No way we need pitchers n better left fielder we have a new CF u remember from richmond now gwinnett braves..Please do not get andruw(soft)jones can see it now 144 avg here no homers 9 errors can u say Boooooo at GM Wren n bobby cox…Oh gawd cox is here i bet he get him back…what a ripoff another sub-500 season for sure!
By Pat
October 31, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
By Arkie Fan
October 31, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
Take him back - sure under certain conditions - Get a personal trainer, lose 20 to 30 pounds. Then, Andruw, hire a hitting instructor to teach you to keep your hands back on the ball, shorten your swing and be able to hit to all fields. Can it be done? If not take him back as a role player at a LOW salary and let him retire as a Brave. A GREAT player derserves no less. Adruw, I think that you are in the top three center fielders of all time. Learn to change.
By Coop
October 31, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
Come home, Andruw. Get well. Straighten out your swing. Come home.
By Huh
October 31, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
And here I thought his career was already over…
By Puh Leeze
October 31, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
Yaa, the Braves can bring back Andruw, re-sign Smoltz and Glavine, and extend Chipper’s contract (maybe even work out something with Maddux). They’d then be ready to make a run at the 1999 division title.
By fleming
October 31, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
It’s amazing to me to read all the comments on the AJC blogs from people who have never played organized sports above the Little League level who think the are more experts than the professionals who are paid to make the decisions. If Wren and Bobby think that AJ can help the ball club at a reasonable salary then they are the experts and should go for it. If not I don’t think they would ever agree regardless of their feelings for Andrew. Ditto on Smoltz and Glavin. I enjoyed watching Andrew play when he was in the ATL and playing some of the best centerfield in history.It was him along with Chipper, Smoltz and Glavin that was responsible for 14 consecutive titles and would love to see him make a strong comeback and do it with the Braves where he belongs. Who knows. It happens. Thats why they have comeback player awards. But the decision and expertise is not mine and it’s not yours. The decision totally belongs to the experts. I guess bashing Andrew, Chipper, Smoltz, and the like on these blogs makes everyone feel better about their own deficiencies and lack of talent but it shows a lack of class and a lack of appreciation for all they have given the Braves for a lot of years.
By Eyes Wide Open
October 31, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Nicole and Oneta are hotttttttt!!!!!
By Roddie
October 31, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Wow, his wife is hot!
By braves70
October 31, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Thank you Andruw for all the great plays, thrills, and memories. It would be great to have you back but at probably a much lower salary. I hate that Scott Boras got you into the mess with the Dodgers. Hang in there and win comback player of the year in 2009 and we will see you in 2010.
By brave heart
October 31, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Not only NO, but HELL NO. Stay Away Andruw.
By N GA BOB
October 31, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Jellybelly made his bed, now let him lay in it. The Braves shouldn’t take him even if LA pays them to!!!!!!!!!!!!
By jack
October 31, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
“Larry Jones is washed up”??????
The man just won the batting title.
Andruw? give him a year to straighten it out in LA. He owes them. Then come back for incentive laden contract.
By Delaware Dave
October 31, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Andruw - thanks but no thanks. You are all washed up. I’ve seen you strike out enough.
By NYC Braves Fac
October 31, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Andruw had his chance to finish his career in Atlanta and he turned it down. Just like we allowed Tommy G to come back, we would allow Andruw but at a mere $2mil a season with options for Atlanta and incentives for Andruw.
Both Andruw and Tommy left for the dollars, where Johnny S did not. Difference is Glavine pitched will in NY and Andruw has had a really bad last 2.5 seasons.
Andruw, you have to earn your money and earn the respect and admiration of the fans. You turned your back on us, and we stood by you during your lazy days in center field and your pathetic high strikeout seasons. Gotta take the criticism with the cheers.
By lin
October 31, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
braves be crazy to take him back. he does not listen to what he is told to do that simple. bad enough they got problems with frenchy who needs go also. soft hearted bobby most likely take him back. for once i hope braves be smart
By Van
October 31, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
he is better than the centerfielders we have now plus the braves bring everyone else back for a second go round why not andruw..and chipper has had one good year this year please only reason why he one the batting title is becuase he sat out the rest of the games to keep his avg up..and andruw’s defense would have probably cut down on alot of one run defeats the braves suffered last year chipper said that himself bottomline andruw has to take a pay cut and he either going to strike out or hit a homerun those other guys blanco and anderson arent ready and frency had an andruw type year yall need to get on him
By Dale
October 31, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Andruw “Whiff” Jones is a washed up never been. The Braves shouldn’t event sign him for the league minimum.
By Georgiavol
October 31, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Sure, he can come back. But for the veteran minimum.
By uncle peepot
October 31, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
I would only bring Andruw back if he agrees tothe following conditions,first is to fire Scott Boras and he and his father negoiate a contract with the Braves like they did before.i would give him an incentive laden contract.He personally is getting what he deserves by betraying the Braves and defecting to the Dodgers. I like Andruw but he is hard headed and wont listen to TP and the other coaches.if he truly has turned his life around and is serious about meeting the aforement conditions that I listed then yes bring him back,if he can’t meet them let him keep on trucking somewhere else.Thats what greed and pride will do to you.Boras is a no good agent who doesn’t care about his clients,he just wants money.not loyalty. Ok Andruw if you are serious then kick Scott Boras to the curb,you don’t need scum like that.so lets see if you are for real or if you are just blowing smoke.its your turn Andruw.
By JBR
October 31, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
One bad year??? How about one horrible year. Three home runs for 18 million dollars. He should donate that to his cause. The year before wasn’t so great either. If they would take him the Dodgers should give him to the Braves.
By LIO
October 31, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Andrew you deserve to be treated the same way that you treated your fans. You are a bad product, is whe are wrong, don’t you need to prove yourself??? Give to us the Fans of baseball the respet, and play baseball in City that deserve a good player
By NHS
October 31, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
The Braves would be fools to bring Andruw Jones back. The Dodgers really got burned, but I hope it teaches all the clubs a lesson. These long term deals seldom work out.
By Michael S
October 31, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Come on home Andruw! The only thing enjoyable about the Braves the last few years was watching you field Center (and parts of left and right field).
By Ruby
October 31, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
I take pleasure in writing this note on behalf of Andruw Jones. I didn’t like the idea of his leaving in the first place. I sought of lost interest in the Braves when he left. It seems as if you always get rid of the best players. If it is not broken why try to fix it. You don’t get rid of your children when they are not doing exactly right, you work with them. You get new people and it take some time for them to become acustom to the workings of the club. BRING ANDRUW BACK.
By fleming
October 31, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
These same people who are complaining and want Andrew, Chipper, Smoltz, and Glavine gone because they are in decline are the same ones who would be shouting holy h*ll and wanting to sue if the company they worked for let them go because of declining production.
By Train Wreck Bystander
October 31, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
As much as I would like to see it, I can’t imagine it ever happening.
The Braves will have their next center fielder in place by then, and there will be no spot for Andruw.
By redbeardbob
October 31, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Maybe all of you bandwagon fans should learn how to spell his name (Andruw - not Andrew) before you start ripping on him. Someone has a rough year or two and everybody jumps on him then wants him run out of town and out of the game. Watch Frenchy turn it up this year.
Since you people have a warped sense of reality, you might as well vote for Obama. Stop falling for his lies and deception! It’s not too late to do the right thing. McPalin ‘08 is where it’s at this election!
By podivad
October 31, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
The only way Andruw will ever be a Brave again is if the Braves start having a designated hitter. And if his stats don’t improve next year, Andruw will not even be considered for that position.
By sloan
October 31, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Andruw wants to finish his career as a Brave? Let’s all hope that he has already done that.
By pat
October 31, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Hmmm, he hit .222 the last year with the Braves and his a whopping .159 with the Dodgers…When your weight is higher than your batting average, that is not a good thing. No thanks. We can get some minor leagures to play sub-par baseball for far cheaper. I am all for nostalgia and all, but I want to win.
By thomas
October 31, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
When healthy, he’s still one of the best in the game. The Braves would be lucky to get him back. Wish we could get him back for 09’. Schaffer is still a couple years away from being productive at the major leauge level
By Henley
October 31, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Don’t look back, you can never look back
By LADODGERFAN
October 31, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
What angers me is that he just doesn’t get it. If he performed in any city the way he performed. I would guarantee he would get booed. He should just shut up and better himself. I kinda felt bad for the guy during the season and hoped that he would get back to his old form. But now knowing what kind of person he is. I really want him out.
By eric in albany
October 31, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
The Braves already have an outfielder who can’t hit! I wouldn’t pay him 3 bucks to come back to Atlanta… I wouldn’t even let him play for free, Wren not only has limited funds for players he also has a limit on roster spots.
I love you Andruw but our team needs a power hitter and/or an outfielder. Unless you can pitch 3rd in the rotation for us, fans won’t support you back on our team. We can only do so much remembering; aka javy Lopez, Julio Franco, Tom glavine, We wont win the series with old timers who you once loved! There are much bigger fish to fry if we want to get back to our winning ways!
By bigeasy830
October 31, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
By Najeh Davenpoop October 30, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this Also LOL at people who act like Andruw is some money hungry player who bailed on the Braves. The contract Andruw had signed previously was well under what he could have got on the open market. After taking one below value contract it’s unrealistic to expect him to take another significant pay cut.
You are again correct sir. Andruw signed for less money with the Braves and said he did so so the Braves could get more players to help win a World Series. Time Warner/AOL did not want to spend any money. The reason the Braves won only one world series is they would not spend the money to keep their best players. Not to mention the fact they got rid of David Justice, the clutch player that drove in the winning run and Grisom and Jermaine Dye at the same time. Talk about a mistake. I would take Andruw only if he lost that weight and got his speed and quickness back. That weight is killing his career.
By keef
October 31, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
180 pounds works out with Derek Jeter’s trainer Accepts $330, 000 if all 3 conditions are met: then HE JUST GETS A TRYOUT
By JB
October 31, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
How soon we forget Andruw’s agent (Scott Boras) making crazy salary demands before the end of the 2007 season. Andruw could of easily stayed a Braves player if he was realistic about his value and the market. The five-year, gazillion dollar contract Boras guaranteed Andruw turned into a short two years on the West Coast that the Dodgers overpaid for. Kudos to Braves management for not being held hostage….
By Dodger Fan
November 1, 2008 1:50 AM | Link to this
Please ATL take him back, We’ll give him to you, I cannot imagine anyone paying this guy 7M. Pay me that much and I’ll hit more jacks than this guy hit this year. Hey LA is not for everyone, atleast not for AJ! to sweeten the deal we’ll throw in the monkey that gave him 18M/ yr to begin with.
By Drixie
November 1, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
Take Andruw back if: He gets his playing weight to 190 or so; he proves he can do more than hit in meaningless situations that only serve to pad his stats; he tells Boras to take a hike; he is willing to sign for the league minimum. He was great in the field, but always had the potential to be better than he was at the plate. Taking Andruw back only makes sense if it’s virtually risk-free for the Braves.
By Rick Long
November 1, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Let’s get real! I wouldn’t trade a dozen baseballs for Andruw Jones. It is hard for me to imagine a player who has wasted so much natural ability and dropped so far so fast principally because he is tremendously out of shape and too stubborn to listen to anyone and persists in “doing it his way”. I actually was embarrassed to watch him take the field last year for the Dodgers. His performance last year epitomizes the professional “fat cat” syndrome of players who could care less after they get the big contract.
By Johnny Rocket
November 2, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
Andruw is a great guy for the community and I would not mind seeing us sign him to a 1 day deal, so that he can come back in to the clubhouse, put on the Braves uniform and hold his retirement press conference.
By Cranbery
November 2, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
What a wonderful young man……….I truly Wish he will be able to come home to the Braves.
By Ambrose Ljubicic
November 3, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
I loved Andruw Jones, but face it people, he is done. He is no longer a major league quality player and it would be a stupid move bringing him back. Since MLB introduced steroid testing, Jones has disappeared.
By GermanBravesFan
November 3, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
HOW ABOUT…. a one-day contract, so that he can retire as a Brave???
By ATLfan
November 3, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
NO NO NO NO NO and please NO!!!!!
By CRM
November 3, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Sign him as a non-rostered free agent and make him earn a spot on the 40-man roster in spring training (2010). If he’s good enough he might get a shot at a spot on the 25-man roster, but in my book the hill he has to climb is way too steep.
By Mr Bill
November 3, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Unfortunately, I think Andruw just finished his career as a Dodger.
By bobby
November 3, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
And a frog would like to have a cushion on his butt.