Here is the Tweet from the AJC's David O'Brien about the possible retirement announcement from Braves third baseman Chipper Jones:
Chipper retiring? I haven't confirmed this, but heard from 2 people that Larry Wayne Jones is set to announce he's retiring at end of season
He had a great run... a Hall of Fame run, but his power is gone, and for whatever reason the rest of his game is leaving him too. And this is even with very productive hitters hitting in front of and behind him. Here are his stats for this year, not very Chipper-esque.
UPDATE:
From Mark Bowman we get word that there will be no announcement today:
After talking w/ Braves mgt. Chipper does not plan to address the media. Believes it's premature to talk about his potential retirement.
Probably best to wait, but after witnessing his apparent desire to retire several times this year, we have to believe that unless Chipper has a dramatic turn around at the plate, that he will indeed retire after this season.
0 recs | 177 comments
I saw this coming but it still hurts to read. Gonna miss him
Shoert - June 15, 2010
Can’t blame him, I’d be frustrated too if things like swollen fingers were keeping me out of games. He just hasn’t looked good on either side of the ball, and I bet that eats at him more than anything.
10-4 - June 15, 2010
We love you Hoss.
My plan:
Move Prado to 3B
Infante to 2B (add a year or two to his deal)
Werth in LF
ShawnG - June 15, 2010
Oh and Brooks in Infante’s old spot.
ShawnG - June 15, 2010
We don’t need Werth, we have POWAH! Extend him now Wren!
BigG1392 - June 15, 2010
This
Glaus to third, sign a first baseman.
jtw126 - June 15, 2010
Glaus to 3rd...promote Freeman
DolphinNation - June 15, 2010
Glaus can’t play 3rd, because of his shoulder.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
I keep hearing that and maybe it's true
but I don’t think it has ever been confirmed. After a full season of playing, I think we should let the Braves front office and medical staff make that decision before completely writing him off.
was385 - June 15, 2010
Glaus is in the team to mash. 1B is the safest position for him. He also isn’t a defensive wizard in either position.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
What does his offensive ability have to do with where he plays?
The bottom line is a first baseman (whether it is Freeman or someone outside the organization) is much easier to find. If Glaus can play third, then he’s probably our best option. Also, he’s been a pretty decent defender at third, even the last couple seasons. I just don’t understand what your point is here.
was385 - June 15, 2010
I think the point was that due to his shoulder surgery, he is no longer capable of making the long throw across the diamond from 3B to 1B. It’s not about whether he can field balls, or how well he hits.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - June 15, 2010
yeah but I already responded to that
Has anyone ever actually seen something confirming that? All I’ve ever seen is speculation from fans. I get that it’s not a sure thing but let’s not write him off based on pure speculation.
was385 - June 15, 2010
+1,000,000
HansonManCrush - June 15, 2010 via mobile
Exactly! And I absolutely hate Jayson Werth. It’s a rule. I have to hate Phillies because imma Braves fan.
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
+100
for werth
bflobraves - June 15, 2010
-1,000 for the mention of Jayson Werth
GeneParmesan - June 15, 2010
Heck no, he’s going to want a fairly big contract and he’s 31 years old already.
Mighty Healthy - June 15, 2010
-100000000
for liking werth
RichmondBraves - June 15, 2010
Werth is too expensive and entering the declining years of his career.
Infante is a backup player, offensively and defensively.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
Probably not possible, but maybe it will be with extra $$ from no Chipper, but I would rather get Crawford than Werth.
McLouth Maniac - June 15, 2010
Crawford will certainly be in pinstripes next year.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
What a wonderful crystal ball you have
Not that I think there’s any way we sign Crawford, but isn’t it a bit early to be assuming he goes to the Yanks?
Jacob Peterson - June 15, 2010
Well, if he doesn't go to the Yankees
He’ll sign for too many dollars with other team and the Yankees will be involved. Teams shouldn’t enter in bid wars with the Yankees.
It’s lose – lose. Even if the other team wins, they’ll win a mostrous contract for too many years for a player in his declining years. That’s the recipe for failure for a middle and small market team.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
Teams should bid against the Yankees, yes,
but they will. And what’s more, the Yankees might just enter the bidding to drive the price up, not because they are actually interested. I think there’s a less than 50% chance he signs with the Yanks.
Jacob Peterson - June 15, 2010
my money is on the dodgers or the angels…Crawford is moving west in my opinion…he fits the Angels mold perfectly as a guy with great speed decent OBP, good defense, and moderate power.
as for the dodgers, i know they arent spending money, but the move would make them the best team in the NL, IMHO…a 2-4 of Crawford, Kemp, Ethier….is disgusting.
Swo12bv - June 15, 2010
He's going home to Texas or Houston.
FitzFan - June 15, 2010
that makes no sense….neither of those teams are looking to add OFers right now or traditionally spend the money that would be required.
Swo12bv - June 15, 2010
You never know what will happen by the off-season
FitzFan - June 18, 2010
If the Yankmes want him
they will get him. It is that simple. Must be nice to be able to buy any player you want regardless of cost. I have said of the NYY for nearly 40 years; if they can’t beat you then they will buy you.
Mountngrown - June 15, 2010
not from what I hear
the Yankees love him, but THEY’RE going after Werth and probably don’t have the $$$ for both of them.
I think we’ve always loved Crawford and I could REALLY see the Braves giving him a 3 year deal.
Prado to 3B. Intante to 2B. Freeman up. Crawford in LF. Diaz traded/DFA. Melky traded. McLouth/Schafer CF.
apoxonbothyourhouses - June 15, 2010
wait
did i say the Yankees won’t have $$$?
i’m dumb.
apoxonbothyourhouses - June 15, 2010
No way Crawford signs a three year deal…he will get 5 at a minimum..even if I don’t think its warranted.
Swo12bv - June 15, 2010
Prado to 3B drops his value...
…and Infante is great as a super sub, not so hot as a regular.
As for Werth, the Yankees would rather have Crawford, and Werth won’t sign with them anyway—-he’d have to get rid of the facial hair. As for Crawford, he gets far more than three years. We’ll just have to see how it works, but my guess is that we just pay for a 1-2 year rental at thrid—-that’s fine, we can pay market rate for production at some positions, we have enough money for that.
cavebird - June 15, 2010
It doesn’t drop his value if he plays better defense in the new position. It’s not just about positional value, it’s about putting Prado where he can perform better.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
It drops his value to him
but if the team can find a better value at second, than third, then it could make sense to move Prado over for the team, though he might not be all that excited about the idea.
was385 - June 15, 2010
I thought the same thing about Damon. But what’s a scruffy beard compared to millions extra?
I wish we’d dump Lowe & use his money to sign CC.
FitzFan - June 15, 2010
Beltre at 3B would suit me fine...
then look for maybe Damon or another option for LF, someone that won’t cost 8 figures over 4-5 years like Werth.
Mr. Sanchez - June 15, 2010
Beltre won’t be cheap like last winter. He is having a fantastic year with the glove and bat. And if I think he is a Scott Boras client.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
But he likely wouldn't be more than Chipper's $13m he'd be paid next year...
and is young enough to last a while.
Mr. Sanchez - June 15, 2010
I’d be more concerned about the nbr of years it would take to sign him….He would probably get what Figgins got last offseason, maybe a little more. around 3-33M, or 4-40 would be my guess…and im not sure I want that commitment
especially from a guy this inconsistent… I am a big Beltre fan…I thought the Red Sox were geniuses…..but he is inconsistent and his power is a mirage it seems.
Swo12bv - June 15, 2010
Inconsistent and a mirage in Seattle...
I think Beltre is good enough, especially on D, to be worth those numbers. Unless we are confident in Linares and other internal options to be ready soon.
Mr. Sanchez - June 15, 2010
if be ok with the three year deal…but after that id start to get worried…i still dont know about his power…i dont acknowledge he took steroids for one season…it makes no sense, so why’d he hit 48 HR….I understand the power dissapating in Safeco, but Dodger Stadium isnt a bandbox….and he has hit with more power this year, but not a ton more…not enough to offset the differences between Fenway and Safeco
that all said I love players who are good defenders…defense is much less fluky than offense, IMHO….and he is good enough with the bat to be above avg offensively…so like i said if we got him at 3 years for around 30M id be pysched.
Swo12bv - June 15, 2010
So sad...
Great ballplayer, pure class, awesome swing… Greatest switch hitter ever imo
HansonManCrush - June 15, 2010 via mobile
So, this story has been fanshotted, fanposted, and now on the front page. Have we missed anything?
10-4 - June 15, 2010
I love you Chipper.
BigG1392 - June 15, 2010
Respect
To the ultimate Brave and mlb player. 1 team, 1 manager, HOF numbers, may never happen again in major league baseball. Hats off to my favorite player of all time.
michaelcooksey - June 15, 2010
I LOVE CHIPPER JONES!
also, I don’t think DOB should’ve said that, don’t think Chipper would be happy that someone let that out. He’d be too worried that it would distract the team.
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
that's true.
it seems really out of character for someone who has always put the team first.
GeneParmesan - June 15, 2010
I agree completely.
How does tweeting speculation count as journalism? Especially when Chipper has already said in several interviews that he may very well retire after this season. Let Chipper speak about it when he so chooses.
poormrtoad - June 15, 2010
When he officially announce his retirement, I will believe it.
The past two years have been struggles for him. He played alot games last year and didn’t perform as well as he can. This year he has been fighting injuries and hasn’t performed because of it. Maybe the best thing for him is too heal completely, clear his mind, and go on the 15 day disabled list. Whatever decision he makes at season ends, I support him 110 percent.
Braves24 - June 15, 2010
Oh man this hurts to read! Hopefully this isn't true...
If it is, all I can say is thanks Chipper! One of the best players ever.
Future= Glavine GM, Chipper Manager, Smoltz Pitching Coach
Braves111 - June 15, 2010
What about Maddux?
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
Well..
He would be the best manager in my opinion but I fear the Cubbies will scoop him up
Braves111 - June 15, 2010
why would they?
when they have Sandberg?
plus, Heyward should be player-manager.
GeneParmesan - June 15, 2010
Duhh Jason Heyward can do anything. And Maddux will always be a Brave :)
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
Man..
That would be sweet, keeping them all together again. Chipper= Hitting Coach, Maddux =Manager, Glavine= GM, Smoltzie = PC.I would love that! And Jey Hey can do anything and everything!
Braves111 - June 15, 2010
Mad Dog would be an awesome manager
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
He would surgically disect our opponents! It would be unbelievable!
Braves111 - June 15, 2010
O.O
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
I was screaming for us to bring him in as a special assistant last fall to groom him to replace Bobby, but we waited too long to reach out to him and the Cubbies snatched him up for their FO.
J-Freak - June 15, 2010 via mobile
That would be the ideal situation that could last for 15 years
michaelcooksey - June 15, 2010
Smoltz as pitching coach?
But then we wouldn’t get to hear his jokes!
Jacob Peterson - June 15, 2010
Moylan and Smoltz would make a darn good comedy act.
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
A 3-man booth of Joe, Smoltzie, and Moylan. Now that I can get behind
eaheckman10 - June 15, 2010
Lost in all of this...
Lost in all of the talk about how Chipper has played as of late and his eventual replacement is the talk of the career he has had. Baseball is a game of memories and Chipper Jones has surely instilled a fair share of them in all of us. What this player did for this franchise can be said in one word, honor. He took a pay cut so the team could sign more talent, he moved positions for the same reason, and he is giving up millions of dollars in this retirement. There are so few players in this day and age that care about their team as much as Chipper does, and I can assure you I will be in Cooperstown the day he is inducted.
BenDuronio - June 15, 2010
See ya there...
I live an hour and change away…and I’ll be sure to be there in 2015.
DolphinNation - June 15, 2010
Me three...
I grew up fifteen minutes away!! And now live thirty five to fourty minutes away… PS one of the guys that attracted me to the braves in the 90’s!! One player that the game will sorely miss…
UpstateNyBravesFan - June 15, 2010
Why would he retire?
He’s got 3 steals without being caught! He’s got speed to burn!
Seriously, though, if this is true, I just hope Chipper is comfortable with his decision. As long as he’s happy, I’m happy. He’s earned the right to go out on his own terms. I still think he’s a useful player (that .375 OBP is still quite good), but I can also understand if he feels that that doesn’t meet his standards. He shoudl be a first-ballot HOFer, regardless of when he retires.
Jacob Peterson - June 15, 2010
I think Chipper realizes with his finger problem and his numbers not where he wants them that this is the end. it sucks to see him go but I think he realizes that the team is better of without him out there everyday. I do think he could be a great pinch hitter off the bench in late situations (especially with his ability to draw a walk) and also to give guys a day off.
My problem is, I think we need to go out and get a 3rd baseman now. I think Prado is great, but if you move him to 3rd his offense doesn’t look as gaudy as it does not as a 2B. Not only that but neither him nor Infante really provide the power that you should get from a 3B. I’m not sure who they could get (Uggla maybe?) but I’d think that we could get someone to fill that role…although it might not be this year.
Dave_D - June 15, 2010
Bobby would never bench Chipper
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
rightfully so.
plus, as long as he’s getting base, why should he?
GeneParmesan - June 15, 2010
He’s still helping the team by getting on base and mentoring younger players.
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
exactly.
GeneParmesan - June 15, 2010
I’m all for Dan Uggla at 3rd… Can you imagine a L/R combo 3-6 of Heyward, Glaus, McCann, Uggla? So sick…
HansonManCrush - June 15, 2010 via mobile
Dan Uggla isn’t better than Prado.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
My scenario assumes Prado stays at 2b and leads off… Why mess with success?
HansonManCrush - June 15, 2010 via mobile
Prado is above average at third and below average at second.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
Says who?
eaheckman10 - June 15, 2010
Defensive metrics, watching them play and scouting reports.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
He is slightly below average the past few years, and playing slightly above average this year. We can live with that
eaheckman10 - June 15, 2010
Yes, but...
…second is a tougher defensive position and harder to find good hitters who play it. So, slightly below average at second is better than slightly above average at third. Think about positional adjustment in WAR.
cavebird - June 15, 2010
That’s true. It depends on what can the Braves get in the market. There is no prospect in either position in the minors who could claim a starting job.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
How can you count those, when he was coming off the bench? This year he is above average.
FitzFan - June 15, 2010
Pretty sure
he’s not advocating Uggla over Prado. He’s saying Uggla in addition to Prado.
Jacob Peterson - June 15, 2010
Uggla is a bad defender. His future is at first base.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
i just don't want a guy with the last name
UGGLA on my Atlanta Braves roster. We have cool names. Don’t screw it up!
Jareth Cutestory - June 15, 2010
but then think of all of the Coyote Uggla jokes Smoltzy could make.
GeneParmesan - June 15, 2010
well now I've already heard it!
gosh.
Jareth Cutestory - June 15, 2010
too short for 1B
Mr. Sanchez - June 15, 2010
DH then.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
There are no DHs in the NL
Mr. Sanchez - June 15, 2010
yeah,
this is REAL baseball!
Jareth Cutestory - June 15, 2010
Exactly
He is not a good fit .
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
Well obviously.
I was just clarifying the other guy’s statement. I do think Uggla could be passable at 3B for a couple years. You don’t need as much range over there as you do at 2B. I wouldn’t want to try it on the Braves, but I wouldn’t be surprised if another team tried it with decent results.
Jacob Peterson - June 15, 2010
I'd think LF fits him best
Mr. Sanchez - June 15, 2010
Good point.
You could probably hide him there, and his bat would play.
Jacob Peterson - June 15, 2010
If Prado moves to third base, it wouldn’t be bad. If he were a third baseman he would be 8th in wOBA in the majors with .365. And the move would benefit the Braves defensively. Prado is below average at second and above average at third.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
Just curious
What are you basing your “Prado is above average at third” statement on? I think it’s probably true, but there’s not nearly enough data to support such a conclusion. Is this just based on observation? Because I don’t think I’ve seen enough of him over there to form an opinion, either.
Jacob Peterson - June 15, 2010
I know he hasn’t played enough 3B for defensive metrics to show a reliable measurement. but the metrics are positive. And I’ve seen him play third and he plays very good defense (also Brooks Conrad). He looks comfortable in that position.
I can say the opposite about Infante in 3B. He played horrible in there in the Dodgers series. I know, sample size, but again my eyes plus metrics confirm.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
This is painful, but it’s the right call for Chipper. Hopefully he and Bobby can play their final game in the World Series this October (November?).
redwards95 - June 15, 2010
RINGZ RINGZ RINGZ
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
I take everything DOB says with a grain of salt
Unfortunatly he is the best sports writer at the AJC… MB is the worst. Can’t stand him.
GwinnettBraves - June 15, 2010 via mobile
Chipper Announces That
“He’s likely leaning to retirement”
I’m not sure this is actually anything of substance. A few weeks ago he said his swing was fine and retirement talks were done.
BenDuronio - June 15, 2010
Aaaaaaaaagh it’s not the Braves without Bobby and Chipper.
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
I posted this on the fanshot
I guess it’s only fitting for Cox and Chipper to call it quits at the same time.
DolphinNation - June 15, 2010
Chipper Jones
Only Switch Hitter in ALL OF MLB HISTORY with a .300 career BA and over 300HR (he has 429).
Nova Scotia Steve - June 15, 2010
Larry Larry Larry !!!!
Here’s to the biggest Mets Killer of all Time !!! Larry, Larry, Larry !!!!!
ggotch - June 15, 2010
I hope that the Mets fans will at least show him and Bobby some respect. But that’ll never happen
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
exactly
i actually think they may show chip respect
bflobraves - June 15, 2010
Sure hope so. They don’t have to cheer or clap – i’d be happy if they didn’t boo.
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
If it’s known that Chipper is retiring toward the end of this season, my bet is he gets a standing O in his last trip to NYC. The Mets fans are harsh, but they do appreciate the game.
CharlotteChop - June 15, 2010
Wouldn’t it be great if he hit his last home run in New York? He hit his first home run there..,so it’s fitting.
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
I'd prefer if he hit his last home run in the World Series
The Goche - June 15, 2010
i’d prefer if he hit nothing but home runs for the rest of the season.
GeneParmesan - June 15, 2010
lmao
i nearly pissed my pants!
TCfromDubVee - June 15, 2010
That’d be awesome too. But i meant regular season homahs
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
THIS
saipol - June 15, 2010
They will show a ton of respect...
because they have a lot of respect for them.
sddbaker - June 15, 2010
Here’s to ya Chipper! Who woulda thought that kid that I saw make 5 errors in one game as a Durham Bull back in ‘92 would turn out to be my favorite player! I hope he plays out the rest of the year as much as possible instead of riding the bench. I don’t care if he is declining or not! I want to see him play!
jdmarine - June 15, 2010
Maybe this is the right time. As you attest, not only is the power gone, but the rest of the game seems to be fading too. If that ball in Minnesota was hit right at him (the one in game one he never saw) it would have beaned him. Thank goodness it wasnt hit at his face.
CharlotteChop - June 15, 2010
It was because of Minn’s tricky backstop, he says he lost the ball in it and an umpire says he can see the problem with it. Don’t forget, Chipper has made some great plays this season, too.
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
Oh, he has, definitely. Even though he has to make the great plays at a smaller range than in the past he can still pick it. The reaction time decline is more noticeable to the “fans eye”, which typically is a year or two behind the actual begin of the decline anyway – IMO.
CharlotteChop - June 15, 2010
I’d rather have Conrad play 3B then Chipper right now. Or move Prado to 3B (isn’t he better there?)
That said, Chipper- awesome career, and would love to have him stay around in management.
Broccoman - June 15, 2010
too soon.
GeneParmesan - June 15, 2010
Conrad can play defense. He can’t hit enough to be a starter in any position of the diamond.
Alvaro Andres Pizza Varela - June 15, 2010
Don’t think Conrad is a full-time player and I certainly don’t think Chipper is ready to be a pinch-hitter when “healthy.”
McLouth Maniac - June 15, 2010
He's still always trying to belt homers
just do what you did in ’08, Chip. go for the single.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - June 15, 2010
He hit like 22 homers in '08
just sayin’
Jacob Peterson - June 15, 2010
Actually, I don’t think he is going for homers all the time, I think he swing got messed up going for that batting title in 08. About midway through that 08 season, his swing became “single-oriented” and he had never been able to re-find his groove at the plate in the 1+ seasons since. In his last game before re-injuring his finger, I really liked the swings he took but it just seems anytime he puts good swings on the ball he hurts himself. So he feels the need to just kind of float the bat out there gently and hope the ball falls in instead of taking his usual full swing and risk getting hurt.
McLouth Maniac - June 15, 2010
This makes me sad...
in many ways and for many reasons, but I know it’s probably time.
Chipper = baseball
sddbaker - June 15, 2010
DO IT NOW!
Then we can spend the prorata portion for this year on a bat at the deadline….
He isn’t helping us from the DL…
flyers13 - June 15, 2010
Gotta love your sense of loyalty
dunnytwogloves - June 15, 2010
get out
RichmondBraves - June 15, 2010
this sucks...
i hope it’s only conditional. What I’d like to see is Chipper go on the 15-day DL (maybe even retroactively would be enough) to heal up. Then we can witness him go on one last tear or two. Following his career, his HR seem to come in bunches, and he IS hitting doubles and such when he gets a good pitch to hit.
I just don’t wanna lose him now. Hopefully if he can pull his average up to .280 or so with 15-20 HR by season’s end, he’ll reconsider. He is still very valuable.
/shedding tears (almost) for my all-time favorite player.
In Chipper’s MVP season,he became the first player to ever hit over .300 (.319) while slugging 40 or more home runs (45; 3rd in the NL) and doubles (41), drawing 100 or more walks (126; 3rd in the league), notching 100 or more RBIs (110) and Runs scored (116), and stealing 20 or more bases (25).
1st ballot, all the way. Not to mention a career .300 hitter with 426 HR—the only switch hitter in MLB history with that kind of pedigree.
Jareth Cutestory - June 15, 2010
Yeah, i’m about to cry too. Nah, just kidding. But i did get poked in the eye today. Ouchh
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
facebook?
Jareth Cutestory - June 15, 2010
LOL no. My little sis poked me in the eye – really.
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
sounds like that poke war has gone too far.
GeneParmesan - June 15, 2010
Eh, I love Chipper and hate to see him retire, but thats not really true. Chipper has hit 3 doubles since May 15th with a .307 SLG%. Judging but what I’ve seen this year, I really have no hope left for a power surge at any point.
ATLandUNC - June 15, 2010
i only have to go on what i’ve seen (no peachtree or sportsouth here) and i’ve seen chipper hit a few doubles. sorry for the mistake in stats
:-/
Jareth Cutestory - June 15, 2010
I wish he would go on a power surge and hit 8 homeruns in July or something, but he doesn’t seem to have it left in him at this point.
He said the other day that first his left handed swing went first and now his right is starting to go with it and its snowballing on him. Chipper of old would never have let his swings get this bad. He just doesn’t seem to be able to compensate anymore.
ATLandUNC - June 15, 2010
it's been a real treat to watch him play for the last 16 years...
a true brave, hall of famer and the braves leader..
wisco - June 15, 2010
+1
was385 - June 15, 2010
So if this comes true...
and with Prado able to play 2nd or 3rd, and Escobar possible for 3rd as well, and no legit options internally to fill those holes besides perhaps Donnell Linares or Omar Infante, available free agents would be:
Orlando Hudson
Adrian Beltre
Juan Uribe
Johnny Peralta
Aramis Ramirez? (player option for around $15m)
Brandon Inge
Jorge Cantu
Edgar Renteria
Nick Punto
Cezar Izturis
Christian Guzman
Aki Iwamura
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/09/2011-mlb-free-agents.html
Mr. Sanchez - June 15, 2010
That is an awful list. I like Cantu, and that’s about it. I could live with Beltre, but the rest I have no faith in being an every day third basemen. I don’t like the idea of moving Prado to 3B. Having a middle infield bat over there really hurts your overall production. Replacing a 3B with a 2B is never a good formula.
BenDuronio - June 15, 2010
Cantu gives back most of his offensive runs on defense…he is a decent player, and will be cheap, but is hardly the guy we need…we mine as well go with Beltre he is at least worth the money it would take to sign him.
So far this season Beltre has been worth twice as much as Cantu and Cantu has been very good this year (and he probably won’t keep that up)
Swo12bv - June 15, 2010
No way in hell we move the best defensive shortstop in baseball to 3rd. And yes, that’s Escobar
eaheckman10 - June 15, 2010
as you said in reference to Prado’s defensive skills…
“Says Who?”
Swo12bv - June 15, 2010
Yunel Escobar Runs Saved / League Rank
2008, 15, 2nd
2009, 13, 3rd
2010, 16, 1st
eaheckman10 - June 15, 2010
Yunel Escobar UZR/150 / League Rank
2010 : 7.6 / 4th
2009: 1.7 / 15th
2008: 3.6 / 6th
you need to acknowledge that there’s another metric which completely disagrees with you. It’s not fair to pick and choose.
Yunel is definitely in the top 10 and probably one of the top 5, but to declare him as the best defensive SS is a bit presumptuous
Swo12bv - June 15, 2010
EXACTLY!!!
pamie jo - June 16, 2010
Aramis Ramirez would be nice but I doubt he declines that option considering his 2010 season.
jeg - June 15, 2010
In the words
Scott Coleman - June 15, 2010 via mobile
Stupid iPhone
Scott Coleman - June 15, 2010 via mobile
In the words of
Scott Coleman - June 15, 2010 via mobile
Stupid iPhone
Scott Coleman - June 15, 2010 via mobile
Haha
In the words of who?
TradeAndruw - June 15, 2010
TCfromDubVee - June 15, 2010
Hah, nice one
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
In the words of Major League
Do you know what this means?
We gotta win the whole damn thing.
Scott Coleman - June 15, 2010 via mobile
Not ready for Chipper to retire yet
And I don’t think he’s ready yet, either. I think he’s still getting unlucky on balls in play, and leaving several balls just short of leaving the park. Some part of his struggles are due to a bum finger.
I can’t think that his skills have declined so drastically that he’s completely done just two years after posting a .446 wOBA. It’s too drastic and sudden, considering his skillset. I have to believe he’s got at least one good year left in his bat worth of hitting. You simply don’t go from one of the best hitters in the league to barely hanging on two years later.
Bronn - June 15, 2010
Nagging injuries can have that affect on a player's overall playing abilities.
I feel a completely healthy Chipper could still put up good numbers, but all of his injuries have taken a toll on his body and batting.
HEYJUDE - June 15, 2010
He was playing through a slew of injuries two years ago, with the bunions and various issues he’s had with hammys and his back. He still was forth over 7 WAR. I think if he can just take a little rest and let his finger recover-stop swinging for like a week-he’s not done as a major league player yet.
Bronn - June 15, 2010
I would love to see this happen.
It’s sad to think about him retiring.
HEYJUDE - June 15, 2010
Atlanta Braves Jones considers retirement speculation premature
HEYJUDE - June 15, 2010
I posted this article in Fan Shots
HEYJUDE - June 15, 2010
It's about time
The Series Cynic: Braves wrap up road trip; Jones returns home on Rascal scooter http://bit.ly/cL33jh
UGAstudent4UF - June 15, 2010
Seems like he’s waffling a little. He’s still getting on base just fine, but the power just isn’t there like it used to be. He’d be perfectly fine in another spot in the batting order, but I doubt Bobby would ever do that unless Chipper asked.
FineHamAbounds - June 15, 2010
He pretty much has done everything but request it...
but telling Bobby he would be okay somewhere else in the order.
sddbaker - June 15, 2010
should be "by" not "but"
sddbaker - June 15, 2010
I’m glad he decided not to announce it. Just like Chipper, he doesn’t want to distract the team.
MBL1 - June 15, 2010 via mobile
My favorite baseball player
ever.
JC29 - June 15, 2010
sorry i'm late to the party
but what’s with the doom and gloom in this thread? chipper is going to finish out the season, there’s no ways around it, and we still have 100+ more games to go. it doesn’t matter what he’s thinking, or thinking about thinking right now. there have been retirement rumors floating around since last year. chipper will play out the season, and then he’ll decide what he wants to do, and that’s that. there’s no use in being melancholic here and now. who knows what will happen. all this talk is what chipper said it is: premature.
atl192485 - June 15, 2010
I’m young so I cant even remember watching the Braves without Chipper or Bobby. Lets atleast send these guys off in style.
saipol - June 15, 2010
defer his contract to coaching salary
what if he deferred his salary to coaching salary and finish the years he dedicated to the team as a coach. We all know he is the best internal option. We need an interim coach to lead these braves the next couple of years, we dont really have a great replacement, even the marlins manager we like so much has another year on his contract.
willlinn - June 15, 2010
Chipper retiring...
I just have this thing in my head (crazy thoughts) that Bobby retiring is going to result in Chipper getting his job or somewhere on the coaching staff. Just can’t shake the thought. What do y’all think? I work over here at the Mississippi Braves stadium. Love baseball.
pamie jo - June 16, 2010
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