Andruw Jones no longer a Brave

Slimdust · 10-02-2007, 06:52 PM

Quote:

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves are cutting ties with Andruw Jones, saying they can't afford to keep the perennial Gold Glove center fielder who's spent his entire career with the organization.

General manager John Schuerholz announced the decision Tuesday, shortly after breaking the news to Jones at Turner Field.

While hoping to stay in Atlanta, Jones wasn't caught off-guard by the team's stance. He made $13.5 million this season and was looking for a raise despite slumping badly.

"I'm fine with it," Jones told The Associated Press when reached on his cell phone. "I'm appreciative of the chance they gave me to play for Atlanta all these years. I understand the decision they have to make. That's just the way it is. It's a business."

Indeed, the move was not unexpected as the 30-year-old Jones batted only .222 in the final season of his $75 million contract. He's eligible to file for free agency after the World Series.

"It just doesn't work for us," Schuerholz said. "It doesn't demean or diminish everything he's done."

The Braves plan to use the money they'll save on Jones to bolster their starting rotation -- a glaring weakness beyond John Smoltz and Tim Hudson -- and to sign first baseman Mark Teixeira, who made $9 million this year and is eligible for arbitration.

Still, it was the end of an era in Atlanta. Jones first joined the Braves as a 19-year-old, hitting two homers in his first World Series game at Yankee Stadium in 1996. He has been one of the game's greatest defensive outfielders, winning nine straight Gold Gloves with his diving catches and over-the-wall grabs in center.

Jones also was one of the game's top sluggers in 2005-06, combining for 92 homers and 257 RBIs, but his production tailed off dramatically this season.

Jones fell to his worst average since becoming a full-time starter in 1997, with 26 homers and 94 RBIs.

Schuerholz said the team got an offer from Jones' agent, Scott Boras, last December but never seriously considered it.

Boras withdrew the offer, believed to be in the $20-million-a-year range, over the summer when the Braves never responded, Schuerholz said.

"What that did was to signal what we could fully expect," the GM said. Asked how much Boras was asking for, Schuerholz held his right hand over his head. "I can't reach that high," he quipped.

Jones spent much of the year preparing to play elsewhere in 2008

"I've been telling people this for a long time," he said. "It's a business. You can't take it to heart. I just have to move on and start with a new team."

When it comes to contract matters, Schuerholz normally deals only with a player's agent. But he decided to call in Jones for a face-to-face meeting.

"It was appropriate for Andruw," Schuerholz said. "He deserved that."

espn.com

Blitzkrieg · 10-02-2007, 07:59 PM

It's a sad day as a Braves fan. I understand what they intend to do, the rotation is crap after the top 2 and they want to sign Mark, that's all fine. I'm just sorry to see Andruw go. He's been such a great player for us over the years, It'll be interesting to see where he lands. I wonder if this season will have a huge impact on his asking price.

Captain Planet · 10-02-2007, 08:19 PM

Oh, it probably will, but is this the part where I act surprised at this news? You know act like the entire world and their mother didn't know it was coming...

Danny Diamond · 10-02-2007, 08:26 PM

Most.Overrated.Player.Ever

And he will get at least 12 million a year. Shit, the Red Sox should sign him and give a ton of money to ANOTHER guy that doesnt even come close to earning it.

I am saying this right now. If Jones gets more than 16 and 2 then some GM should get fired. He has had two decent seasons. The rest is smoke and mirrors.

Blitzkrieg · 10-02-2007, 08:28 PM

Simon, the guy is the best outfielder maybe of all-time. Plus he hits for power and has had a knack for hitting in the clutch. I understand he's only a .260 hitter but c'mon!

No Suntan, I'm not surprised, it's just sinking in now..

Captain Planet · 10-02-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blade

Simon, the guy is the best outfielder maybe of all-time.

Roberto.Clemente

Blitzkrieg · 10-02-2007, 08:42 PM

Maybe. I didn't see him play. Cox said he was and I quote, "the best I've ever seen".

Cox doesn't just say shit for the hell of it, so while I'm sure there are others, I rank Jones pretty damn high..

Danny Diamond · 10-02-2007, 11:52 PM

I think Torii Hunter is better than Jones.

Blitzkrieg · 10-02-2007, 11:54 PM

I don't know.. I know he's great, but most people's train of thought is "well.. this guy makes a bunch of unbelievable catches"

That's very true, but there's more then that to make up an outfielder.

Captain Planet · 10-03-2007, 12:02 AM

Hunter's Vitals: .271/192/711/.324/.469/.991

Jones's Vitals: .263/368/1117/.342/.497/.992

Those are just the basic stats, I'm sure Tom can provide a more in-depth analysis

btw that's BA/HR/RBI/OBP/SLG/FLD

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Andruw Jones no longer a Brave

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