Andruw Jones' career as a Brave

Atlanta Braves

Andruw Jones' career as a Brave

General manager John Schuerholz said Tuesday he told Andrew Jones in a noon meeting in his office that the Braves could not afford to bring him back based on the initial contract expectations made by the centerfielder's agent, Scott Boras.

Andruw Jones has ruled centerfield at Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field since 1996. The Braves have decided they cannot afford to bring him back for a 12th major-league season based on the contract expectations ($20 million a year) for next season.

Jones, signed as a free agent in 1993, began his career with the Braves as a top prospect in Macon in 1995. The then-18-year-old from Curacao, Netherland Antilles accumulated 11 home runs, 18 stolen bases, and 50 RBIs after 50 games.

Jones' dynamic catches became a staple at Turner Field. The nine-time Gold Glover last won one in 2006.

Jones ranks 64th on the career home run list with 368.

Jones marked his World Series debut with a two-run homer in Game 1 of the 1996 World Series between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees.

2005 was a career year for Jones, slugging 51 homers and finishing second in the MVP balloting. He was rewarded that year with the National League Hank Aaron Award, National League Gold Glove at OF, and the National League Silver Slugger Award.

Jones was the marquee star of the Netherlands team in the World Baseball Champtionship of 2006. The Netherlands and Braves played a friendly exhibition game at The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports, which was won by Atlanta 4-0.

Jones struggled at the plate this season, finishing with a .222 batting average and 26 home runs.

And then there were the thrilling catches. Diving in the outfield.

And then there were the thrilling catches. Climbing the wall.

And then there were the thrilling catches. Basket catch over the shoulder.

And then there were the thrilling catches. Over the wall.

It is believed that Jones' agent, Scott Boras, is asking for at least seven years at close to $20 million annually. A price to heavy for the Braves to pay for the 30-year-old outfielder and thus ending his career as a Brave.

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Andruw Jones has ruled centerfield at Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field since 1996. The Braves have decided they cannot afford to bring him back for a 12th major-league season based on the contract expectations ($20 million a year) for next season.

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