Today on MLB Network Radio on SIRIUS XM, hosts Jim Bowden and Casey Stern spoke with former Atlanta Braves outfielder Brian Jordan, who commented on the health of his former teammate, current Braves third baseman Chipper Jones:
Host/Casey Stern: "Brian, we're talking about tough guys a lot today, and you played with, and you know, Chipper is still here. He always seems like he's always battling through injury. I don't even know if on an off-season he's ever 100 percent. The guy always has something that's wrong. ... What's the story though? I know he hasn't gotten off to a good start, and as you can imagine, most Braves fans sit there and they wonder, Is Chipper done?"
Brian Jordan: "Well, I mean, he leaves you scratching your head because, you know, it's been a problem, especially his obliques the last couple years, and I think he just doesn't think he's aging. (laughs) As you get older, you've got to work out a little harder to prevent injury and I'm not sure if he's really dedicating himself, his body, to doing that because I was really surprised to see that oblique injury pop up so early this season. Because he said he worked out, he got himself in better shape but, you know, I know the fans, I know myself, you know, we're all scratching our heads and we're just crossing our fingers that he can stay healthy. And I think [Jason] Heyward is taking some of the pressure off that he can relax and know that he doesn't have to put the team on his shoulder and he can just go out there and play. So it's just one of those things where, you know, you just scratch your head."
Host/Jim Bowden: "So, Brian, you think that he's getting hurt because he's not working out hard enough and staying in shape at his age?"
Jordan: "Uh, you know what, I really believe so. I think at some point when you start getting older, you really have to do the extra things. You've got to get in that whirlpool, you've got to stretch, and really work hard to keep your flexibility before you get out there on the field. And I'm not sure if he's dedicating himself to doing that. He's so used to - you know, I played with him so long - just sitting around and waiting for the game, and take a couple jogs and go play. But as you get older, you know, you cannot do that. You've gotta go the extra mile to be ready to play."
Those are some pretty harsh words, accusing Chipper of not working hard enough. I know Jordan is around the team a lot, but is he around Chipper all the time? Does he know his daily routine? Jordan may be on to something, but I wish he was speaking a bit more authoritatively and acting more informed rather than just guessing without any indication that he actually knows Chipper is not working out enough, or not working hard enough.
I don't really like the tone that Jordan sets, but I do appreciate that he is now, as a member of the media, actually sharing his honest opinion about the team, and in this instance a particular player. It must be hard for an ex-teammate like Jordan to go from the clubhouse where everyone is supposed to have each others' backs, to the media side of the game where reporters are supposed to seek answers and ask the tough questions.
The Braves have often insulated themselves from this by controlling who is hired to be on-air talent for the game broadcasts. They have further insulated themselves by hiring their former players, who are less likely to criticize the team when criticism is deserved. It will be interesting to see if Chipper gets wind of these comments and how this plays out off the field.
0 recs | 126 comments
brian jordan
doing a poor job commentating….this is nothing new
StottsEra - April 22, 2010
THROWDOWN!
sddbaker - April 22, 2010
Not good
Reminds me of Smoltz/Chipper a few years ago. This will do nothing but piss Chipper off leading to another war of words.
Bobby Cocks - April 22, 2010
Or Chipper hitting .370. Which is fine
BraveSaluki - April 22, 2010
this
Smoltz's Beard - April 22, 2010
I thought it was Rocker/Chipper....
Or did I miss another Chipper confrontation? Perhaps he thought Chipper impregnated hi…BAD DOGDAYSOFSUMMER BAD
DogDaysofSummer - April 22, 2010
I just remember the Smoltz one. Where Smoltz talked about guys not playing because of injuries and Chipper getting pissed about it.
Bobby Cocks - April 22, 2010
Fuck off Brian. You’ll never be as talented as Chipper is. Go give the Yankees players another vocal BJ.
Scott Coleman - April 22, 2010 via mobile
Was Jimmy Rollins not taking care of himself this offseason since he pulled a hammy warming up? Do tell us, Dr. Jordan!
BraveSaluki - April 22, 2010
sddbaker - April 22, 2010
Perfect use, well done.
Smoltz's Beard - April 22, 2010
You Got It Right
Man this photo is just how I feel about Jordan’s comments
BravesMania - April 22, 2010
Perfect.
HereComesBream - April 23, 2010
sdp - April 22, 2010
lol,
Brian frustrates me by always saying “you know” and “scratching my head”. I don’t take anything he says seriously, because I don’t think he knows what he is talking about. Geez, just shut up Brian!
HEYJUDE - April 22, 2010
Laughed really hard at that.
PWHjort - April 22, 2010
If Chipper is not doing any extensive stretching, just a “couple of jogs”, maybe Jordan has a point. Maybe he should have kept his mouth shut too.
bighop - April 22, 2010
Um.......
Obviously he’s speaking the truth. Most of you Chipper fans may not want to hear this kind of news but as a person who works out a lot and play in several 30+ mens basketball, softball and football leagues there is no way he should be getting injured so easily. Again once I post this I know people are going to get upset cause Chipper’s their hero but he’s soft regardless if you like it or not.
Jay212033 - April 22, 2010
Well yeah, because your rec leagues are very comparable to a professional sports league. Hitting that softball with an aluminum bat must really take way more effort than hitting than hitting a 95 mph fastball.
/sarcasm
dunnytwogloves - April 22, 2010
You just compared these things to playing Major League Baseball? That might be the dumbest thing ever posted on this website.
cbwilk - April 22, 2010
Come on cb, its only 162 games…30+ leagues only get like 5 days off a week..
bwellnjonesco - April 22, 2010
Seriously.
Smoltz's Beard - April 22, 2010
No this may be the dumbest
Being active is being active. Like I thought the Chipper protectors would be out in full force. How many other superstar type player have these freak injuries that Chipper has? Pujols played almost all of last season with a pretty serious arm and back problems. Face it Chipper’s just soft!
Jay212033 - April 22, 2010
The Chipper Protectors!
I’ve been called a lot worse.
sddbaker - April 22, 2010
He’s also 8 years younger, so that comparison doesn’t work.
Everyone’s body reacts different so saying that he’s “soft” isn’t the issue, it’s the fact that Brian Jordan is pretty much calling Chipper lazy and a liar.
Smoltz's Beard - April 22, 2010
I think somebody just misses Dale Murphy. And while Brian Jordan is entitled to his opinion I hope he isn tplanning on winning any popularity contest with the Atlanta fans.
Shoert - April 22, 2010
FTFY
J-Freak - April 22, 2010
+1
Smoltz's Beard - April 23, 2010
Or he's simply saying Chipper isn't adjusting with age...
and isn’t doing the little things he needs to do to stay flexible as he gets older. I don’t think it’s a work ethic thing as much as adapting to/admitting the reality of being old.
Mr. Sanchez - April 22, 2010
I think it’s the liberties that Jordan is taken that offend most people, at least me personally. How does he know what Chipper’s doing unless here’s there, you know? Of course you do.
Smoltz's Beard - April 23, 2010
Come on guys
This dude works out and play in 30+ mens basketball, softball and football leagues.
He is obviously the authority. It’s a shame it has taken us this long to see that a former NL MVP is soft.
gramsey712 - April 22, 2010
My question is...
Why hasn’t Frank called up Jay and offered a roster spot? There are only so many great athletes in America.
Skyagusta - April 22, 2010
Especially when it's obvious who Jay really is:
He scored 4 touchdowns in one game!!!!!!!!!1
gramsey712 - April 22, 2010
Plenty. Chipper also played almost all season with various problems, so your point is?
FitzFan - April 22, 2010
He also had more ABs than anyone else just last season
So if he’s soft, I guess everyone else is just softer?
Skyagusta - April 22, 2010
Actually it was games played
But still
Skyagusta - April 22, 2010
Because baseball is such a physically demanding sport...
what with those high flying athletes like David Wells and John Kruk.
Mr. Sanchez - April 22, 2010
John Kruk's not an athlete, he's a baseball player.
He said so himself.
J-Freak - April 22, 2010
Bingo, just cause a guy plays MLB doesn't automatically mean
in shape (although Chipper seems like MUCH more of an athlete than either of those I mention).
Mr. Sanchez - April 22, 2010
Actually, I just love that quote. Suggesting that baseball doesn’t require athleticism would be asinine.
Now golf, on the other hand…
J-Freak - April 22, 2010
+1
You’re doing well for yourself in this thread
Smoltz's Beard - April 23, 2010
I’ll take it. Thanks.
J-Freak - April 23, 2010
Pure speculation on your part. You have no idea what Chipper does on a daily basis, or the way his body reacts to whatever it is he does.
Smoltz's Beard - April 22, 2010
You don't either
But when other players have called this guy out for being “soft” there may be something to it.
Jay212033 - April 22, 2010
You’re right, I don’t. But I’m not making outrageous claims.
Smoltz's Beard - April 22, 2010
Brian Jordan has more access to the team than I do
But when he speculates like this, it’s just pure speculation, and to say something like this unsubstantiated is just casting random aspersions, and it’s not sound journalistic practice to make such accusations.
Bronn - April 22, 2010
This
HEYJUDE - April 22, 2010
The words he uses
“Yeah, I don’t think he’s doing what he needs to do. How else do you explain an oblique injury so early?”
Serious logic missing here.
Bronn - April 22, 2010
So I guess
Smoltz was just bumping his gums as well?!?!
Jay212033 - April 22, 2010
And what exactly was it that Smoltz said that was so wrong?
Bronn - April 22, 2010
He also called out Chipper
For not “manning” up basically.
Jay212033 - April 22, 2010
I remember that now
It was what, 2005? He was upset at losing a game when Chipper was on the bench, and complained about fighting through aches and pains while apparently other guys weren’t doing the same.
He also later apologized for his comments.
Bronn - April 22, 2010
2007
Jay212033 - April 22, 2010
Yeah, I would like to know also.
I have not heard of it before now!
HEYJUDE - April 22, 2010
Apparently Smoltz said this:
"You can’t worry about who’s in the lineup and who isn’t. You can’t worry about that stuff anymore."
Added Smoltz: "I certainly appreciate the effort of the guys who are on the field busting it."
And it Jones thought Smoltz was calling him out and Jones got pissed. It turns out Jones apologized to Smoltz, not the other way around.
DogDaysofSummer - April 22, 2010
Ah, that's right
Had it wrong.
Bronn - April 22, 2010
Pretty much, yeah.
It’s not the only time he’s had a case of verbal diarrhea.
sddbaker - April 22, 2010
So was Chipper soft last year when he played in the most games of any Brave despite his ailments? Was Chipper soft when he played everyday for all those years? Or did he miraculously become soft because he gets injured?
Brian is calling Chipper out of shape & a liar. Yet he has zero proof to support his attacks. He also is wrong about Chipper being off to a bad start. Brian is not a player & did not call him soft. Brian was washed up at this age, so WTF would he know about what Chipper should be doing.
FitzFan - April 22, 2010
Good point about Chipper’s “bad start”. Dude’s got an OPS over 900, Brian Jordan’s just an idiot b/c he doesn’t see the counting stats.
Smoltz's Beard - April 23, 2010
Jay, as a 49 yr old, I agree with what you are saying. I have no clue how old everyone on this board is, but stretching gets tremendously important the older you get. I spend more time stretching than working out or lifting.
bighop - April 22, 2010
Thank you
Someone that actually get what i’m saying. The older you get the more you have to stretch before you workout or do any type extreme exercise or sport.
Jay212033 - April 22, 2010
I have no clue what Chipper’s pre-game routine is, I don’t know if Jordan knows either. But if all he’s doing is jogging, it’s no wonder he has oblique problems.
bighop - April 22, 2010
Bingo. I know you are agreeing with Jay’s statements, but you might want to remove yourself from Jordan’s statements…because he’s flat out wrong.
Smoltz's Beard - April 23, 2010
Medical tests conducted on military units showed that stretching did not prevent any more injuries than not stretching.
justincredubil02 - April 22, 2010
Not being a smart ass here, but were those military units 38 yrs old? There’s a difference when you get some age under your belt. Everybody ages at a different pace, but age does make a difference.
bighop - April 22, 2010
Not sure. Just telling you what a Physical Therapist told me.
justincredubil02 - April 22, 2010
Can we please green this?
TradeAndruw - April 22, 2010
talking chop
has a lot of defenders. If you throw out a new idea, or play the devil’s advocate, people are more likely to call you stupid than actually engage in a dialogue with you where you arrive at an end together. It’s much easier to say something insulting and move on.
On this particular issue, Jay may have a point. Allow that into your brains for just a second. Take one second and ponder, “could he be right at all?” before you mock him. We’re all here together discussing something pretty useless. Let’s at least get along.
ronjba - April 24, 2010
Okay...
I’ve thought about it for about three days.
No, he is not right at all.
But I love ya brother.
sddbaker - April 24, 2010
Also...
regarding the individual stating in the question, “I know he hasn’t gotten off to a good start…”. HUH? His slash stat’s for the year are .270/.413/.514 with a .927 OPS (career OPS of .947). Yeah, he’s not driving in runs yet, but that’s more a product of him not having guys on base.
dunnytwogloves - April 22, 2010
What are you talking about?
The Braves are rocking it at the leadoff spot!
DogDaysofSummer - April 22, 2010
This is true. :)
dunnytwogloves - April 22, 2010
This is the Internet. Of course he’ll find this info sooner or later.
TonyAlmeyda - April 22, 2010
Considering that most people who work for MLB Network are full of shit, Brian Jordan fits right in.
Smoltz's Beard - April 22, 2010
Still better than baseball tonight.
DogDaysofSummer - April 22, 2010
Although I suppose that's like saying at least this turd isn't green.
DogDaysofSummer - April 22, 2010
Oh god, absolutely. Haha.
Smoltz's Beard - April 22, 2010
And Burglecut was the tallest man of his village
Mr. Sanchez - April 22, 2010
LOL
Jacob Peterson - April 22, 2010
super rec
Smoltz's Beard - April 23, 2010
Has Jordan considered writing for the AJC?
Wren_and_Stimpy - April 22, 2010
The thing that bothers me...
and will probably make Chipper mad is not just Jordan saying he’s out of shape, but basically saying that Chipper lied about working out more:
sddbaker - April 22, 2010
As a fan...
…I wasn’t conerned with Chipper’s oblique. Maybe I’m wrong, but I thought him missing the games was (yes, he was hurt, but was more) preventative – to make sure the injury didn’t get worse to the point of the DL.
Wren_and_Stimpy - April 22, 2010
His comments were stupid, but I can’t stay mad at him. One of my favorite baseball moments was watching him throw out a guy “casually” running to first from left field on a blooper…
bwellnjonesco - April 22, 2010
I don't like the comments, but ...
I think a lot of the visceral reaction some of us may be feeling has to do with Chipper’s status as Chipper.
Heck, just lack week, Smoltz threw McClouth under the bus, making some comment about how you’d think (as a pro) he would figure out how to avoid the slow starts (i.e., put in more work so he’d start hotter).
Basically Brian dissed the wrong current Brave. Then again, he was preeeeetty harsh.
FrankyWren - April 22, 2010
Smoltz said that about Teixeira
And it was an entirely different context. Teixeira is a guy who starts off slow every year, and it’s well known. He’s been absolutely horrible this year. Smoltz was saying that you’d think, a guy who always gets off to a slow start should eventually figure out how to avoid it because he’s a professional with a long track record. Slow starts happen to people, but repeated ones seem to indicate a flawed offseason program.
Bronn - April 22, 2010
No ...
If you tivo’d it, go back and listen/watch again. He threw McClouth under the bus by analogy shortly making the comment about Teix – and he was making the same argument re: both players.
FrankyWren - April 22, 2010
shortly = shortly thereafter
FrankyWren - April 22, 2010
Brian Jordan needs to recognize
who he criticizes. This would be like walking into Pittsburg and calling out Sidney Crosby or going into Cleveland and calling out LeBron. I know he’s not the smartest guy, but come on Brian.
Scott Coleman - April 22, 2010
exactly
FrankyWren - April 22, 2010
Yes, he dissed the one Brave that has done more for this organization than any current player. Why shouldn’t people be upset about that? Especially when the criticism is as unfounded as it is.
Skyagusta - April 22, 2010
Never said they shouldn’t be.
FrankyWren - April 22, 2010
touche
Skyagusta - April 22, 2010
Warning ... Biased comment comming
F&^$ Brian Jordan…
Chipper has been the backbone of this organization for the last what, 17 years?
Brian Jordan is just jealous nobody wants him between the chalk anymore…
Vance in Sacramento - April 22, 2010
Fixed.
Wren_and_Stimpy - April 22, 2010
Fixed again…
Vance in Sacramento - April 22, 2010
Ha
Thanks ;)
I’m at work, it’s difficult to proofread :P
Wren_and_Stimpy - April 22, 2010
Well sometimes criticism works out good
Whether it’s right or wrong two good things could come out of this.. #1 Chipper goes out trying to prove everyone wrong and succeeds. #2 Brian Jordan is demoted to commentating the Danville Braves games. I’ve always been a chipper fan.. I’ll admit he’s getting old, he’s been a good one, he’s a hall of fame player..however the only time I was ever dissappointed in him as a player was in 96 I was at a game as a kid and he airmailed one over crimedogs head and then through his hands up in the air like mcgriff should have gotten it.. That one bad memory has always stuck with me, even though I’ve always liked chipper.
SidKotchman - April 22, 2010 via mobile
I dont really think Chipper would take criticism from Brian Jordan to heart
but who knows…
Scott Coleman - April 22, 2010
I wouldn't so I guess maybe we can expect
#2
SidKotchman - April 22, 2010 via mobile
There is no bigger Chipper fan than me, but Brian’s opinion on this subject shouldn’t be discounted just because we love Chipper and Brian is a mediocre announcer. I hate it when people speculate, especially about injuries, but the fact that Brian has played the game and remains close to the team means a lot more and gives him a basis to express this opinion.
The problem I have with it is that Brian doesn’t really know for sure whether Chipper is getting hurt because he’s working hard enough or because of bad luck with his body – however, for someone close to the team, the opinion that Chipper may not be making the adjustments that are necessary to stay healthy as one gets older is valid coming from someone who has himself aged as a professional athlete.
This is much more valuable than criticism by those saying that Chipper should play hurt more when he does have the injuries, because that is only going to make them worse. Criticizing a player’s preparation is fair and not necessarily a “rip.” Brian clearly made the comments as both a fan who wants Chipper and the Braves to succeed and as a commentator giving his honest analysis of the situation.
Sir Stealth - April 22, 2010
Lies, all lies...
My son’s name…
Chipper Vance in Sacramento
okay, okay… Vance in Sacramento isn’t my last name, but you get the point…
Vance in Sacramento - April 22, 2010
haha
Smoltz's Beard - April 23, 2010
I guess we finally know why Jordan had a 63 OPS+ for the Braves in ‘06. It was because he didn’t train hard enough in the off season.
redwards95 - April 22, 2010
Bazinga!!
SidKotchman - April 22, 2010 via mobile
Wait a second...
So Brian Jordan, who was completely washed up by age 37, is telling Chipper how to play at that age? Does he realize that he is a huuuuge hypocrite for doing this?
He might be right about Chipper, but unless you’re a Julio Franco type, there’s no way you should be criticizing 38-year-olds for not stretching.
Jacob Peterson - April 22, 2010
Whew
Man whatta chump Jordon is,he has had it out fot the Braves ever since he got traded.
BravesMania - April 22, 2010
Let’s not forget, Brian Jordan played professional football, which requires a far more intense offseason workout regimen than does MLB. So it is safe to assume Brian Jordan is well-versed in high caliber athletic conditioning programs. I’ll grant him that. However, he is NOT a certified physical therapist, nor does he possess any medical background whatsoever. So for him to start talking like he’s an expert on how other athletes prepare themselves is just foolish.
Also, Ron Gant is a better analyst than he is. He flat out sucks on the mic.
UMDBHIK - April 22, 2010
Good point about football, but if he’s going to be throwing a franchise icon under the bus it’d be nice if he could prevent a decent argument instead of idle speculation…you know?
Smoltz's Beard - April 23, 2010
Anyone who insults Chipper Jones insults Alanta, the Braves franchise and the team as a whole. Gosh, Jordan. Chipper is a team player and he DOES work hard. That is all.
HereComesBream - April 22, 2010 via mobile
as a fellow Brian,
I know my Brian’s, as I am one. So I’d like to think I’m an authority on Brians. And I think Brian Jordan is lame. If Chipper says he worked out harder, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt instead of making asinine assumptions.
Brian Jordan sucks as a TV personality/announcer/analyst. He slouched in his chair and makes his unfounded statements sounding as if his mouth were full of marbles. Oh, how I miss Jerome & Katy.
Jareth Cutestory - April 22, 2010
*correction: I know my Brians (no apostrophe)
*
*correction: He slouches in his chair (not slouched)
Jareth Cutestory - April 22, 2010
Uh, well, you know, we all know that you know you know what you know when you know you know it, you know.
F$#k off, Brian Jordan.
justincredubil02 - April 22, 2010
I don't see how people can disagree
Chipper always seems to have a new tweak or strain. Brian’s comments aren’t so ridiculous, and they make sense.
homerun - April 22, 2010
Then why did Chipper play more games than anyone last season?
justincredubil02 - April 22, 2010
wow…
Smoltz's Beard - April 23, 2010
I for one
WAS NOT scratching my head when Chipper got hurt. It was no big deal at all.
WarEagle86 - April 23, 2010
Well it’s not Chipper’s fault he gets hurt. He’s a team player, and without him the team would stink. Not just this season but Chipper has always been a key to our team and our offense. He’s 38, after all. I wonder if Chipper has heard these comments yet, because when he does I’ll bet he’ll work harder than ever.
HereComesBream - April 23, 2010
Love this article:
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/brian-jordan-says-that-chipper-jones-doesnt-work-out-enough.html.php
Especially this:
sddbaker - April 23, 2010
Devil's advocate...
considering the nagging injuries that plagued him late in his career, would Brian Jordan not recognize such problems and perhaps now know of ways he, and others, could avoid them?
Mr. Sanchez - April 23, 2010
Not all injuries are created equal. Unless he’s Chipper’s physical therapist, he’s talking out of his ass.
Skyagusta - April 23, 2010
Well...
the author’s point is that Jordan is saying that :
Increased working out = less injuries
and Chipper isn’t working out so he has more in injuries.
PLUS
Jordan was (and is now) known as a workout “freak” (i.e. works out a lot) and still had a lot of injuries.
So, it is stupid for Jordan to say that working out more will prevent nagging injuries, when it obviously didn’t prevent his own nagging injuries.
PLUS
He doesn’t know how much Chipper worked out over the winter to prepare for this season. Chipper has said in several interviews which I have read that he knows he has to work harder and he did just that this offseason. Jordan says he’s lying. That’s reprehensible.
sddbaker - April 23, 2010
Having played Division-1 basketball and baseball, Chip IS soft..
but oh well, it is what it is. I’m a Braves fan because of Chipper Jones (and Michael Tucker) and TBS. Let’s not be biased enough as Braves fans to ignore that our idol is soft. Theres only one Brett Farve lol. Farve can not workout during the off-season and perform at a high level in the regular season. Chipper obviously isn’t cut from that cloth.
He probably needs to start training like an athlete, not like a baseball player I guess.
Mighty Healthy - April 23, 2010
First of all, were you 37 years old when you played college ball? Secondly, if Chip is soft, then the rest of the team was softer last year, when Chipper played in more games than any of them.
Since you’re an expert, you should send Chipper some workout tips. I’m sure he’d appreciate it since he clearly has no idea what he’s doing.
Skyagusta - April 23, 2010
Don't kill the messenger
I’m a huge Chipper Jones fan, but even I wonder if Chipper needs to change his training regimen.
I don’t question the frequency or intensity of his workouts, but with his repeated oblique strains I can’t help but wonder if what he’s doing is working for him.
I hope he finds an answer before making good on his threat to give the game up if he isn’t playing to his own high standards.
Brian Jordan’s comments may have been impolitic and less than articulate, but he does speak some insight —not just as someone who has trained with Chipper, but also as someone whose own career enjoyed a resurgence after rededicating himself to an intense and innovative workout regimen.
John Drake number 6 - May 6, 2010
correction: speak WITH some insight
John Drake number 6 - May 6, 2010
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