Kevin C. Cox - Getty Images
Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution put up a good Q&A with Braves third baseman Chipper Jones early this morning. In an off-season lacking much Braves news, it's good to have something to talk about.
Of course, the big question in regards to Chipper is always his health, and he had this to say when asked how his knees are feeling.
Everything is pretty good. I've been working out for a month, month and a half. I played in (Brian McCann) Mac's charity softball game about six weeks ago. I was really worried coming out of that because my right knee was killing me. I had been away from playing for a month and really had seen no improvement. But now I've been taking - not live swings, but swings with aggression - here at the house. Six weeks ago I couldn't put any weight on my right knee at all, as far as swinging right-handed. Now I'm basically swinging as hard as I can. I'm able to sit back on my backside, which is something I couldn't do at the end of last year. I feel strong.
There's some pretty worrisome stuff in there, but the good news is that his right knee appears to be better than it was at the end of last season.
One of the few moves that the Braves have made so far this off-season was firing hitting coach Larry Parrish and subsequently hiring former White Sox hitting coach Greg Walker for the same job in Atlanta. The reaction to Walker's hiring was pretty mixed, but it's hard for anyone on the outside to truly evaluate a hitting coach. Here's what Jones had to say about the Braves new hitting coach.
Guys like (Paul) Konerko and Adam Dunn - they love him. (They say) he's very accessible, always one of the first guys at the park, last one to leave. You also want a hitting coach that is not going to turn somebody into his prototypical-style hitter. You've got to be able to watch film and recognize what guys are doing when they're successful and recognize what they're doing when they're not. Each guy's swing is going to be different, so you can't teach everybody to hit the same way. And it seems like he's got the philosophy of (treating) every hitter singularly.
These comments are good to hear, as it appeared that at least part of the problem with Parrish revolved around the fact that he struggled to come up with plans to improve or fix certain hitters in the Braves lineup. It'll be interesting to see how the Braves offense does under Walker, but it appears his philosophy is certainly a better fit for Atlanta than his predecessor's.
Jones talked about a myriad of other subjects in this Q&A, including the last month of the 2011 season, his thoughts on the Braves lack of off-season moves, his mindset going into the 2012 season, and if he has thought about playing in 2013. It's well worth your time to read.
0 recs | 66 comments
The quotes that really stuck out to me was:
and
I really hope he is in mental shape to play well this year, not just physical.
abraves257 - January 10, 2012
Chipper generally tells it how it is...
and I’m glad he’s honest about it. I wish he would have said “I think I need to be more mindful of resting my body” or “I need to work with Fredi on making sure my workload isn’t too much”…but then again entertaining that line of thinking really isn’t who Chipper is.
TBuzz - January 10, 2012
Correct
Chipper is unique in that he doesn’t involve himself with “coach speak.” You ask him a straight question, he gives you a straight answer. He is also the team spokesman, without the title.
I frankly can’t think of another figure in professional sports like Chipper. Someone with the candid approach, ease with the media, and the authority to essentiall “speak” for the Atlanta Braves.
kalesi - January 10, 2012
And the quote about the knee, being good now but not after last season
makes me worried about how he’ll be next September, and if he won’t be in pain again following a season’s worth of wear and tear. I think this is his last season.
Mr. Sanchez - January 10, 2012
I have a feeling that we will be seeing him take a chunk of time off in the middle of the year like last year. Maybe not because of surgery but I can’t see him making it March through September on that knee.
abraves257 - January 10, 2012
Not a chance imo...
which only ups the need to keep Prado, and add a better backup for him than Diaz, again imo.
Mr. Sanchez - January 10, 2012
I agree completely with this. Its such a weird situation. We know we are going to need a LF for anywhere from 30-60 games, but cant afford to pay a solid everyday outfielder to sit for the other 100-130
abraves257 - January 10, 2012
Do your homeworkDolphinNation - January 10, 2012
what?
abraves257 - January 10, 2012
LOL - hey bro
Haven’t classes begun yet?
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
Yes
it is 7:03 AM, I am about to go to my 8:30 Calculus class. This is going to be fun…
abraves257 - January 11, 2012
That’s why I said you need to be doing your homework…LOL
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
Ohhh
haha you meant literally. Well this is week one of classes so luckily no real homework yet.
abraves257 - January 11, 2012
Trade Jurrjens, or just pay a larger payroll
I wish they’d do one or the other. Let Jurrjens go for the best prospect package we can get (preferably returning a near ready 3B or CF), or if Wren is unwilling to do so or not enticed by any offers, up the payroll a few million until we can unload some other salaries by signing, since Beltran is already off the board, a Cody Ross, Ryan Ludwick, Yoenis Cespedes, JD Drew, Kosuke Fukudome, etc.
Mr. Sanchez - January 10, 2012
But look at it this way, if Chipper plays 100 games, that leaves 62 games of Prado at third. So if we want someone better than a Diaz or Constanza to start 62 games in left, who do we get? do we invest 4-5M a year in a guy like Ross or any of those names? I would rather not. If they could send Jurrjens to Colorado for Blackmon plus some, like Jonathon Herrera? I honestly don’t know much about his defense, though. Would he be the defense-first type of guy to put behind Pastornicky?
abraves257 - January 10, 2012
Does this account for the possible 15-30+ games Prado misses injured as well?
Mr. Sanchez - January 10, 2012
So lets add 20 games to that, we’re at 82. That’s still only half a season. I’m not saying it’s right, but the FO will have a hard time spending upwards of 4M on a guy to play half a year’s worth of games.
abraves257 - January 10, 2012
Then they are very silly. 82 Games is a lot for a guy who is not a front-line starter. So while it might be difficult to justify spending starter money on someone who is not, in name, this is a pretty large impact on the season. Especially if the alterantive might not be serviceable for that much time, Hinske or Diaz.
Not to mention that if it is the right guy, then 82 games could end being a very conservative projection because he could potentially back up all OF spots, including a quick second option if the infield needs Prado.
Either way, the guy who answers these questions is supremely important to Braves success.
GumpBrave - January 11, 2012
Add in another 20 for Heyward going on the DL
now you’re getting about 100 or so games out of the guy. And for a team that will be on the cusp of playoff contention, having that 1-2 extra wins from a better backup corner OF could make or break or playoff chances, just like 1-2 extra wins were the difference in playoffs or no playoffs the last two years. Not to mention the better chances you get once you’re in the playoffs having that guy on your bench, in the field for an injured starter, and the extra rest/health/production you can get from those starters thanks to having a high caliber backup giving them regular rest from the wear and tear of a 162 game grind.
Mr. Sanchez - January 11, 2012
Agreed, in theory. But you can sit there and play the hypothetical scenario game all day, like ‘what if
Chipper Prado Heyward and Bourn all get hurt at once, we need to sign an entire roster of backups to play in Gwinnett ’just in case.’" At one point you have to consider that these guys are not playing for the money, they want to be able to make a difference and play every day. If the money is the same, you can bet that they will go wherever they have a guarantee to play frequently and make an impact.
abraves257 - January 11, 2012
yes, we need to keep Prado, but no, we definitely should not trade Jurrjens when he is under-valued and opposing GMs think we have to deal him because of financial reasons. And Diaz should be released if he is not clearly the caveman of lore in ST. The obvious solution is a higher payroll. Unfortunately, ownership is seemingly not willing to pay something slightly more than is budgeted in order to field a championship level 25 man roster. Wren is in a tough spot with limited options.
fandave - January 10, 2012
I don't know how everyone else here would feel about it
but I would like to see us take a shot at Chris Heisey of the Reds . He’s cheap , has shown good power , under team control til 2017 , and has played all 3 OF spots at a decent clip . He does SO a few times , and his OBP dipped a little last year . But he has good looking numbers in the minors (as far as OBP and SO’s) and could be had for possibly a cheap price in a trade with the Reds .
bravesdude - January 10, 2012
Screams
This screams “DON’T TRADE PRADO”
ChillyMutt - January 11, 2012
A great future coach
Nobody lays it out there quite like Chipper. I think it’s obvious what a great coach/hitting coach this guy would be. His quote about how fast the game feels now for him caught be off guard though. He’s a proud guy, didn’t expect him to essentially admit he feels kinda overmatched out there.
HeyBattah - January 10, 2012
Would not be suprised
to hear in the next few years of us signing Chipper to be an assistant coach of some sort just to keep him in our system as a coach in waiting . With all of the younger talent on the team right now , they would all know him and respect him and would be willing to play hard for him .
bravesdude - January 10, 2012
When I hear Adam Dunn, hitting coach, and 2011 in the same article I get sweaty.
bwellnjonesco - January 10, 2012
Same here.
And it’s not the good “oh look there’s a hot girl” kind of sweaty. It’s the “oh no I just ate Taco Bell and now I have a 12 hour flight” kind of sweaty.
Doghnut - January 10, 2012
The airplane lavatories can’t repel firepower of that magnitude!
abraves257 - January 10, 2012
LMFAO...there's a rec
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
My word
Listening to Chipper talk about how the new hitting coach is, and how a hitting coach should be, only makes me want Chipper to be the hitting coach more!
ROBravo - January 10, 2012
I haven't read the entire interview yet
But I was wondering if chip has said anything or been asked about having surgery before the season. I’m especially thinking of Kobe’s recent knee surgery in Germany (I think). Seems too have worked alright and his situation seems somewhat similar.
PhillyBrave - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Diaz
Does anyone else feel that Diaz is taking up a very valuable roster space? I love Caveman, but his defense is suspect and he’s a limited hitter. You can’t waste the payroll and straight release him, but he’s someone that isn’t easy to trade.
thejivingturkey - January 10, 2012
Being a fan of the Braves and Florida State
I like Matty-D as well , but he is definitely taking up a much needed roster space and needed salary .
bravesdude - January 10, 2012
Plus it's not really good to be an athlete named Matty in Atlanta right now...
TBuzz - January 10, 2012
Ha
Don’t feel bad Falcon fans . My team , the Buccs , regressed badly this year and fired their coach over it . At least the Falcons were able to make it there .
bravesdude - January 10, 2012
bucs fan here too
I usually keep that to myself on Braves boards though cuz everyone is a Falcons fan. You live in Florida? Im in Orlando and I have season tickets to the Bucs.
Alex H - January 12, 2012
It’s better to waste payroll then a roster spot. Also it’s $2mil + $.5mil to replace with someone cheap who’s better.
Send Diaz to AAA if he isn’t good enough, if he leaves, he leaves, someone will sign him and you’ll get $.5mil salary relief at least.
Broccoman - January 10, 2012
Well … I guess at least Diaz hasn’t made 3 errors in a single playoff game yet.
ChillyMutt - January 11, 2012
if he played 2b
he would
Alex H - January 12, 2012
"Somebody's got to pay"
That’s what I like hearing from the Old Man. To hell with other teams signing free agents, the Braves owe the NL East teams an ass thumping.
bighop - January 10, 2012
This
My favorite part of that Q&A was chipper addressing the NL east “moves” and what happened last year. His answers were spot on and that’s EXACTLY what u wanna hear from a chipper jones. Also, as people before have mentioned his voice in that organization is obviously extremely respected from top too bottom. He will play as long as he can that’s extremely clear. I’ll ask again just because I haven’t seen it brought up, but does anyone know anything at all about Kobe Bryant’s “unorthodox” surgery he underwent and if chipper could at all be a candidate for something similar? Just asking bc Kobe seems too be having a much better year than last and I’d like too see #10 play well as long as humanely possible. Sorry for rabbling but if any1 has ANY insight on chips health and if he plans on doing anything besides ‘hoping’ for the best pls do share.. Thx
PhillyBrave - January 11, 2012 via mobile
Walk rate
His LD% seems to be declining pretty rapidly and his 10% BB rate last year was by far the worst of his career. I’d take that line again in 2012 in a heartbeat, but hopefully he starts working the count like he used to.
Undocorkscrew - January 10, 2012
I don't think he's going to be better at walking, unless he magically finds quite a bit more bat speed.
walknbalk - January 10, 2012
He doesn't have to match his career rate or anything
2008: 16.9%
2009: 16.9%
2010: 16.0%
2011: 10.0%
His bat speed couldn’t have taken a hit big enough to be the primary reason as to why his walk rate plummeted. He was walking more in the 1st-half while also striking out more, but he reversed both and had a great 2nd-half. Hopefully the walks were just an anomaly, his projections look pretty good all-around in 2012.
Undocorkscrew - January 11, 2012
Love Chip
If only he’d feel generous and take a pay cut and allow the team to spend a little in an effort to send him out on top this year. $3-4 million skimmed off the top of his 2012 salary would create some wiggle room for a trade and sign.
ATLandUNC - January 10, 2012
MLBPA doesn’t allow that do they?
bighop - January 10, 2012
Didn’t he renegotiate his contract a few years ago?
ATLandUNC - January 10, 2012
Yes, it allowed us sign Tim Hudson.
abraves257 - January 11, 2012
Yes he did
But I think they changed the rules. I could easily be wrong, but I’m pretty sure I’m right.
bighop - January 11, 2012
He basically worked out an extension where he took a lower annual salary but got more guaranteed years. The MLBPA doesn’t allow members to just give back money.
Lennox - January 11, 2012
Right, but couldn’t he defer money after he calls it quits?
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
It happens with guys like Bonilla,..
but it’s usually when they are releasesd and not playing.
Although, maybe they change the contract, shave off a couple mil in return for guaranteeing next year (or 2 more years). But then, I don’t see it happening. Chipper’s probably on his last year, and if we approached him about it, could easily respond by saying, “haven’t I don’t this enough already over the last decade plus?”
Mr. Sanchez - January 11, 2012
He’s been HELLACIOUSLY generous already – multiple times. He’s given the Braves a “hometown discount” more times than I can remember, consistently passing by bigger riches as a free agent to re-sign. He’s said that at some point getting extra money really is pretty meaningless if you have enough already. And he renegotiated to get Tim Hudson signed. Asking him to do more is kind of like saying “Thanks for that kidney. Now let’s have the other one.”
I’m just going to be blunt here. The Braves as an organization are a bunch of ungrateful bastards. They’re two faced and they really don’t appreciate anything a guy like Chipper does. They see it as an entitlement when the player gives in on salary. Chipper has more than done his fair share. If there’s not enough money, then too bad. That’s life.
Zontar - January 11, 2012
Chipper and maybe tony Gwynn years ago
Always seem to have pride for the game and a crap TON of loyalty to the respective clubs. I could be wrong but aside from a snark comment from a ‘fair-weather’ fan on the interwebs I haven’t heard FW, Chip or anyone else suggest he renegotiate again. I do think the org. realizes & respects what he’s done throughout the years esp. when u see guys lik A-Rod, Tex and many other high $ players the league has seen soo much of. The braves can’t and won’t sign a FA over 2, 4MM max. To be blunt; anyone that suggests #10 should give money back then ur just a fool in my eyes. He IS the Atlanta Braves face and “team spokesman” and rightfully so. It’ll be a sad day when he hangs em up and thankfully that won’t be in 2012.
PhillyBrave - January 11, 2012 via mobile
He didn't, technically, take less money.
He renegotiated by signing a longer contract. His salary was lessened at first, allowing us to pay for Tim Hudson’s contract, but the only reason the MLBPA allowed the deal was because Chipper was also given more guaranteed years at the end of the contract.
gilley - January 11, 2012
My bad.
Meant to hit the reply button.
gilley - January 11, 2012
Chip
please be our hitting coach for then manager for the next 40 years
drumzalicious - January 11, 2012
Rec'd
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
Crap…reply fail to drum.
DolphinNation - January 11, 2012
Wtf
Did not expect to open ajc blog to find a picture of chip wearing an Affliction t shirt…
Cream - January 11, 2012
lol
Not going to lie, as with the case of Chipper and many other pro-athletes I’ve liked throughout the years, sometimes it’s best to not see them out of uniform.
royhobbs - January 11, 2012
The old Charles Barkely role model commercial
these guys are athletes, and we like them because of what they can do on a field/court/etc. Expecting them to be someone we like away from that area is not always the case (although sometimes it is).
Mr. Sanchez - January 11, 2012
Case in point
Jason Heyward is the most boring person alive
ATLandUNC - January 11, 2012
The truth.
swainzy - January 11, 2012 via mobile
I appreciate this new hitting coach says
every hitter is an individual. But what frakking retard is going to say otherwise? That all hitters on the team must hit to right field with a toe tap?
walknbalk - January 11, 2012
add some pop
braves need to get prince fielder while he is available, he could turnthat team around for years, I am sure freeman could play a corner outfiel position and let prado play short. May have some defense problems for awhile but they would smoke teams offenseivly. come on wren, pull the trigger,
mayman59 - January 13, 2012
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