Braves Chipper Jones Now Says He May Not Play In 2011
by gondeee on May 27, 2010 3:38 PM EDT
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PrintBraves third baseman Chipper Jones has still not ruled out retiring after this season. Here is a transcript of what he said earlier today (hat tip, MLBTR):
One thing that I have always said is that I've never played this game for money. I play it because I enjoy playing it and I've been pretty good at it for the last little bit. The reality is that I have a lot of things pulling at me away from the game. I've got four little boys at home and a wife who has sacrificed a lot during my team in the big leagues. I make no bones about it. I am seriously considering it no matter how this year ends up for the Atlanta Braves. It's something that's still in the works, but hasn't been ruled out for the end of the year. I'm not going to stick around and hamstring this organization if I'm not playing well and not enjoying myself... I've committed to play this year. I'm not going to walk out on the club. But at the end of this year, if I don't feel like I can contribute at a high level like I always have, then it is a possibility that I will walk away... There's no line. It's just a feel of whether I'll be able to continue to do this at a high level past this year.
Here's a link to the MP3 of the audio interview from 790 The Ticket in Miami. As is usual with Chipper, it's a pretty good interview.
I'm going to go ahead and state what I've been thinking for some time. If Chipper continues his current pace, then he should hang them up after this season. That will free up a lot of money for the Braves. My ideal scenario would be to move Martin Prado to third base, re-sign Omar Infante (or someone else) to play second base, and sign Jayson Werth to play left field (yes, I have a baseball man-crush on the bearded outfielder). But that's way down the road. Chipper's still got time to turn it around... and I really hope he does.
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I told all of my friends
before the season started that I thought it would be his last year. It just seemed to me like everything was aligning “perfectly” for this to be his last year, particularly with his increasing age, declining skills, and with Bobby going out this year.
He’s been my favorite player since I was 10 years old, so much so that I fully expect to shed a tear at his retirement press conference, whenever that may be, but it’s time for him to go out with Bobby and leave his legacy as the best Atlanta Brave ever.
I’ve made it one of my goals to not visit Cooperstown until his Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Weird, I know, especially considering I only live 2 hours away.
PS
I would love that plan if we could corral Werth. A power-hitting outfielder (that’s not a 20-year-old prodigy) in Atlanta? I’ll believe it when I see it.
Same here nick
…and I live about an hour away from the HOF. I’ve never been there, and I won’t until #10 goes in. He’s been my favorite player since I was 20.
Eddie V
by DolphinNation on May 27, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve never been to Cooperstown either (I live further away though), but I will definitely be there for that. TC Meetup Day!
"UNLIKE CYBORG REYES JOJO MY CPU DOES NOT REQUIRE 'EARNED RUNS' FOR NOURISHMENT"
by Smoltz's Beard on May 27, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Chipper
has more class. Thank God !
If Chipper officially announces his intent to retire after this season, he will follow through with it, imho.
I think we can dismiss any speculations of him staying within the organization as a hitting coach, etc. It sounds like he wants to be available to be a part of his boys lives. That said, I fully expect him to remain in the organization in another capacity, one which would not require him to be away from his family as much as he is now.
Chipper and class
I agree with you and I wish he would stay around, but I also know the pull of a family.
I was thinking the exact same thing 10-4, LOL.
Here is comes the closer we get to the end of the year “Is Chipper Gonna Retire” How are we gonna replace him" Simply put you cannot replace a Hall of Famer such as Chipper Jones. One of the if not the Greatest Switch Hitter of all time. All great things have to come to an end and at-least with Chipper he knows it is about time to call it a career. If not in 2011 their is no way in hell he is going to play in 2012, I wish Chipper would just go ahead and annouce this already simpler to what Billy Wagner did and be done with it.
I just hate to see once great players hang on and put up joke numbers way under their career averages. Chipper I love ya man but it is time. I have said this all along and plus Chipper is not going to play for anyone but Bobby Cox so that has to be a huge factor as well.
Go Braves.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on May 27, 2010 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
“One of the if not the Greatest Switch Hitter of all time.”
Mantle. Rose. Eddie Murray. Tim Raines. Chipper is in the top 10; probably in the top 5. Not the best, though. Let’s not get crazy. He’s not Mantle, not by a long shot.
On the HOF issue, Chipper is probably a HOF player, but not without warts.
His WAR is on the low end of modern 3b inductees like Schmidt, Brett, and Boggs. Chipper has really low Black Ink and Grey Ink, too. He is above Brooks Robinson, though, and Brooks is a “modern” 3b inductee, in my opinion.
For some comparisons, look at the number of years of WAR for Boggs/Brett/Schmidt/Robinson that are over 6.0. Chipper had 5 of those but no years that exceeded a WAR of 8. Schmidt, for instance, had 12 years over 6 WAR, including 11 in a row. Schmidt exceeded 8 WAR in 4 years and would have in 1981 but for the strike. Brett had 5 years over 6 WAR, but he had 3 years over 8. Boggs had 7 years over 6 WAR and 5 years over 8 (!).
Chipper’s absolute numbers for counting stats compare favorably with no context, but viewed in context, Schmidt/Brett/Boggs were all more remarkable players playing in more muted offensive times. The reference points are listed below.
Chipper belongs. He’s been good for a long time and his WAR justifies him being in the hall. He’s between Robinson and Brett in terms of WAR. That’s good company.
Remember the Phitans
by RememberthePhitans on May 27, 2010 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions
You seem to be one confused person.
"One of the if not the Greatest Switch Hitter of all time."
Mantle. Rose. Eddie Murray. Tim Raines. Chipper is in the top 10; probably in the top 5. Not the best, though. Let’s not get crazy. He’s not Mantle, not by a long shot.
On the HOF issue, Chipper is probably a HOF player, but not without warts
So, you say not to get crazy, He’s not one of the greatest switch hitters of all time, probably just in the top 5. He’s not Mantle, not by a long shot.
You then back this up by comparison to other non switch hitting third basemen, using primarily WAR, and stating that all other stats are favorable, unless viewed in context of the time (period) of each player’s career. All of which has nothing to do with the quoted statment, since it qualifies,
Greatest Switch Hitternot greatest third baseman.
In relation to Mantle, not by a long shotagain is an exaggeration, at best.
Looking at Chipper’s absolute numbers (Your term)The statisticts are not dramaticaly different. Chipper currently has a slightly better career batting average, and Mantle has sligtly better career slugging numbers.
The argument can be made, at the least, that Mantle and Jones are the top two switch hitters of all time. Not everyone will agree, and anytime you begin to compare baseball players of old, with their modern counterparts, You invite controversy. Chipper’s career is not yet complete, and so future opinion can still be influenced with how He closes out said career.
I am open to consideration of anyone’s opinion, but believe You should review your statement,
Chipper is probably a HOF playermost anyone who follows baseball, and is honest (which I believe You are), will admit that Chipper is a shoo-in for The Hall.
by RamblininAlb on May 27, 2010 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I made 1 post about 2 topics. Sorry to confuse you by doing that. Topic 1 was “Chipper is not the best switch hitter of all time”. That topic was in response to the post I replied to which stated Chipper was “One of the if not the Greatest Switch Hitter of all time.”
I called BS on that, but acknowledged that Chipper is a great switch hitter, just clearly not the best of all time. I went on to say I thought he was top 5 and gave my reasons. You then linked my “HOF 3B” comments (which was topic 2 of the post, but not at all related to the switch hitting by any fair reading) to the switch hitting issue. Again, sorry to confuse you by putting two thoughts into one post.
Back on the point of switch hitting, Chipper is nowhere near the player that Mickey Mantle was. Your suggestion that slugging percentage makes them comparable is ridiculous. Mantle accumulated 120 WAR as compared to Chipper’s 77.9. Mantle is 12th all-time in MLB for the position player WAR category. Chipper is in 39th place. Mantle kills Chipper, and it’s not even close. Chipper never exceeded 8.0 WAR in a season. Mantle did it 5 times, exceeding 11(!) three times.
If you look at career WAR for other switch hitters, Chipper is a distant third with 77.9 behind Mantle and George Davis (90.7). Rose and Frankie Frisch are breathing down Chipper’s tailpipe with 75.3 and 74.8, respectively. Eddie Murray is at 66.7 and Tim Raines is at 64.6. I did not look at those WAR numbers till this AM. I wasn’t expecting this to be a federal case. In any case, my rough guess turned out to be pretty close to the mark, with the exception on my missing George Davis.
When I used “absolute numbers” I meant raw numbers, unadjusted for context. That comment was included in the 3B/HOF comparison, not in the switch hitting portion of my post. Sorry that you did not pick up on that. You can certainly argue to people that Chipper Jones is just as good a switch hitter as Mickey Mantle. It’s a free country. But Mantle led his league in OPS+ for 9 years. Chipper did that 1 time. Chipper’s best-ever full season OPS+ was 176. Mantle beat that 8 times.
3. I then agreed that Chipper is an HOF-caliber player. I did not say that the prior post raised that issue, but in fact said specifically: “On the HOF issue…” and then went on to conclude “Chipper belongs. He’s been good for a long time and his WAR justifies him being in the hall. He’s between Robinson and Brett in terms of WAR. That’s good company.” This whole topic has been replete with Chipper is going to the HOF sentiments. I was agreeing with that. I just added the additional context that he is comparable to modern 3B in the HOF and rated him using a fairly objective standard to provide a little extra information.
So my conclusions were pretty much on the money: Chipper is not close to being the best switch-hitter ever. He is in the top 5. On a side issue, he is an HOF 3rd baseman. I said that to begin with before you got all defensive.
What’s to argue about? Sheesh. You don’t have to convince me that Chipper is an HOF player — I wrote that to begin with. On the other hand, I don’t vote for the HOF. The idiot baseball writers do. They are the reason Bert Blyleven is not in the HOF and that Tim Raines and Lou Whittaker are not in the HOF. Deserving players are frequently excluded. Chipper might be, as well, though I hope not. That is why I wrote that he is “probably a HOF player”.
Chill out, dude.
Remember the Phitans
by RememberthePhitans on May 28, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Chipper Jones
He was the reason I picked #10 on my little league baseball team, and the reason I wore #10 while I played basketball. I even learned how to switch hit because of him.
Sadly, that player seems to be a distant memory now. Still love the guy, and hope he manages a good season, but it will be good to free up that money to go after someone who can produce at a high level.
60% of the time, it works every time
by ATLandUNC on May 27, 2010 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I fucking love Chipper Jones.
"Batting 4th and doing the catching, says here this guy weighs 210 pounds...I'm not buyin it! It's Brian McCann."
by Scott Coleman on May 27, 2010 3:46 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 12 recs
Green this shit.
"UNLIKE CYBORG REYES JOJO MY CPU DOES NOT REQUIRE 'EARNED RUNS' FOR NOURISHMENT"
by Smoltz's Beard on May 27, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Love me some Chipper, but this one is easy to see that this should be his last season. Just makes sense to hang em up when Bobby does. Gotta go out on top. Also I would like to see him start hitting like he did in 2008. Just to give of us one last taste of a Braves Hero.
As far as replacing him, I think move Glaus to 3B and call up Freddie Freeman to play 1B.
Yes, I don’t like Infante starting. KJ is a free agent after this year.
I fed a fish to a pelican and Frisco bay and he tried to eat my cell phone he ran away
No he's not
He still has a year of arbitration left.
"Batting 4th and doing the catching, says here this guy weighs 210 pounds...I'm not buyin it! It's Brian McCann."
by Scott Coleman on May 27, 2010 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, but I’m not sure Freeman’s ready to take on 1B Opening Day next year given his early struggles, there’s always the chance he’ll turn it around, but we’ve gotta remember – he’s not Jason Heyward.
Either way, Glaus needs to hang around for at least 1 more year and we’ll have to sign a 1B/3B FA if Chipper decides to go.
Kawakami - 1, Halladay - 0
I guess we will have to see, and I didn’t know Freeman was doing that bad. I thought he was hitting close to .300?
by TCfromDubVee on May 27, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
hah
I Do but not as much as i should i guess. Plus I just happen to stumble onto TC about a week ago!
by TCfromDubVee on May 27, 2010 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks, TC (Talking Chop) beats the hell out of talking to numnuts on espn.
by TCfromDubVee on May 27, 2010 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
775 OPS I believe...he's had a pretty solid May, IIRC.
"UNLIKE CYBORG REYES JOJO MY CPU DOES NOT REQUIRE 'EARNED RUNS' FOR NOURISHMENT"
by Smoltz's Beard on May 27, 2010 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s actually doing great, considering he’s a 20 year old at AAA. But he does need to learn a bit more patience and figure out how to draw a few more walks in order to survive against big league pitchers. I think, for a guy that size with arms that long, you can get carried away with your plate coverage. Yes, you want to be able to drill a ball that’s on the outside corner, but you don’t really want to make contact with a ball that is outside the zone. He might be knocking a few hits against AAA defenses off of those, but he’d be better off limiting his swings for pitches in the zone that he can really jump all over.
Already have a $2.5M option on Infante for next year
$14M in cash would at least give us some more flexibility. Werth’s great now, but will he turn into an albatross at the end of whatever contract he’s going to demand (and likely get)?
For his mid 30s...
I’m afraid Werth would be similar to Lowe, and just don’t think he’d be worth the money he’ll be asking away from the dynamic Phily O. As said elsewhere, I don’t want him, and would rather focus on others. If no Chipper, why not Beltre?
The reality is, we’ve got no depth whatsoever at 3rd base. Yeah, we could move Prado to third and have Infante play second, but that really diminishes our depth off the bench.
I’d much rather sign Troy Glaus for another to year play 3rd (assuming he finishes out the year healthy, he’s proven so thus far). But given Freeman’s struggles so far in AAA, I’m not quite sure he’s gonna be ready for Opening Day next year. We could always snag someone like LaRoche off the free-agent market to play 1st… or leave Glaus at 1st… how’s the 3rd baseman FA market looking this offseason?
Kawakami - 1, Halladay - 0
3B has no one overly spectacular, outside of maybe Ty Wigginton on a 1 year, incentive-laden deal. 1B however, has Adam Dunn, Carlos Pena, Paul Konerko, and Derrek Lee as options. Not sure how those options would work since the organization is grooming Freeman for either mid-2011 or opening day 2012 as targeted dates, though.
"These two teams are constantly going at each other verbally. You know, win with class, lose with class. Just keep your mouth shut and go play your game."--Chipper Jones, commenting on the Muts/Phaillies verbal girl fight.
I think starting him in AAA in 2010 points to the fact that they were hoping for him to START 2011 in Atlanta
60% of the time, it works every time
Very true, but I was thinking more along the lines of if his (hopefully temporary) struggles in AAA continue. I’d love to be wrong!
"These two teams are constantly going at each other verbally. You know, win with class, lose with class. Just keep your mouth shut and go play your game."--Chipper Jones, commenting on the Muts/Phaillies verbal girl fight.
I certainly hope he rakes the rest of the year. The thought of two 21 year old (inexpensive) sluggers propelling the Braves next year gets me all hot and bothered.
60% of the time, it works every time
I’d like to see Glaus play third some this season to see if he still can, although I think that the Braves were thinking all along that he might be called on to play third were something to happen to Chipper. I have to say that he’s been pretty well flawless at first.
Wasn’t there some buzz about the Braves moving Escobar to third to accommodate a shortstop prospect?
Do you guys really see Glaus making a diving stop on a 3rd base rocket down the line and then springing up to toss the batter out at first? I’m not trying to hate on Troy, but I just don’t see him being that solid at 3rd base at this point. IMO he’s doing great at 1st base.
I would like to see him at 3rd at some point this season to see how he does though. I’m a fan of Glaus and I’d like to see how he does, I just doubt he’s got that spring in his step for 3rd base right now- lol, but I’d like to see it so he can prove me wrong.
You mark that frame an 8, and you're entering a world of pain.
LOL…right now I don’t see either Chipper or Glaus making that play. I’m not sure I see Prado, Infante or Hinske making it, either, although I’m one of those “Prado can do aaaaaaaaaaanything” guys.
Glaus was second in Gold Glove voting just two years ago, but I don’t think it was because of the amount of ground that he covered. He finished with the best fielding percentage in that season, tho (if I’m not mistaken).
I don’t see him making all the plays, but I do see him making all the make-able ones. When he gets there, he’s not going to fumble the ball or misfire on his throws. He may not prevent all the infield singles we’d like him to, but runners won’t be advancing to second on errant throws, either.
-C
2500 Hits
I would really love to see Chipper put up a career 2500 hits before he hangs ’em up. And he will.
He will, he only needs 66 more hits to reach 2500!
by TCfromDubVee on May 27, 2010 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know...
if this will be his last season, but I believe he’ll pick it up. He’s only two years removed from a batting title. I don’t think he’s fallen off that much. If anything does him in it will be injuries. He’s a little fragile out there.
Not a Werth believer
I wouldn’t give Werth a big contract, his numbers are obviously boosted by playing in CBBP and his in speed numbers have disappeared despite being on-base more than in the past and despite sporting his best career average so far this season, he is struggling in all the crucial situations and dominating with the bases empty.
Maybe it’s just me, but it just seems like Werth is going to put up some gaudy numbers this season, get that huge deal and flame out like so many players in the past.
I really hope he turns it around, too. When I actually stop and think about the Braves without Chipper, it makes me sad.
"Dum spiro spero"
by Bravely going forward on May 27, 2010 3:55 PM EDT reply actions
Not to Rosterbate here too much but...
If Chipper were to retire, with Wagner and Saito gone, we’d have roughly $24 million to spend. If we can get Kimbrel ready for that closers role that money will give us some major spending options…
I just can’t imagine him with any sort of range over there. Not like Chipper is wowing us lately, but still.
"UNLIKE CYBORG REYES JOJO MY CPU DOES NOT REQUIRE 'EARNED RUNS' FOR NOURISHMENT"
by Smoltz's Beard on May 27, 2010 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
listen to the mp3
if not for the funny game the radio guys play with chipper at the end called “douche or no douche.” starts around 11:50
As for Chipper
He is still sporting his career best walk rate and a strikeout rate right around his career average. His batting average on balls in play is a dismal .245, so hopefully he starts “hitting it where they ain’t” and things turn around for him this season.
At the end of the day, the team has played really well in May despite getting barely anything from their #3 hitter – especially in big situations. If Chipper turns it around, watch out!
Doesn’t he have like, 13 warning track flyball outs?
If those were hit a bit further, he’d have 15 homers.
It's deja vu all over again.
You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six.
It ain't over til it's over
-Yogi Berra
And if we used excuses for every player, they could all have over 10 HR
60% of the time, it works every time
Another Scenario for you
How about picking up Infante’s option, Signing Orlando Hudson to play 2B, moving Prado over to 3B. Hudson can be had for 4-6 million and plays GG defense and is a great guy at the top of the order. We can then try and deal one of our starters to make room for medlen who deserves the spot in the rotation. Maybe a KK deal at the deadline this year for a more proven starter or to a team desperate for pitching to pick up an OF.
We could have a very good IF next year with the options I listed. I am also a big proponent of signing Jayson Werth as it not only strengthens the Braves but weakens the Phillies. Werth I think would be wise to sign a 3-4 year deal like jason bay and then cash in again in 3 years it is just good economics to do so. Just think about what Lebron and this FA class are doing in the NBA as a model and sell it like that for Werth. Plus the agent gets 2 commisions instead of one.
Don’t think anybody would take Kawakami (or Lowe for that matter) so we are stuck with them.
by McLouth Maniac on May 27, 2010 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
This is not a big deal, Randy Gress will be ready to inherit 3B in 2011.
"Matt Diaz is a baseball player."-Joe Simpson
I’m going to Mississippi on Monday, and it’s jersey off the players’ backs night, and I’m thinking about getting Randy Gress.
I’m also going to the Rickwood Classic on Wednesday, and Daunte Heath is playing there, and they have a jersey of the back day too. I think I’d really be pimpin in a Daunte Heath jersey.
If you get a Gress jersey, replace the TC logo with it.
"Batting 4th and doing the catching, says here this guy weighs 210 pounds...I'm not buyin it! It's Brian McCann."
by Scott Coleman on May 27, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Never wanted to find myself saying it, but it’s for the best at this point. This just further reinforces the fact that I need to get off my ass and make it down for a weekend series this year. 4th of July weekend against the Fish, maybe? Are there any promotions or events going on in the city that I need to know about that I can scheduled it around?
"UNLIKE CYBORG REYES JOJO MY CPU DOES NOT REQUIRE 'EARNED RUNS' FOR NOURISHMENT"
We don’t even need to discuss what Chipper should do.
Chipper will know when the time comes what he should do. And he very clearly intends to and will in fact do it.
I have been watching Chipper closely for many years. He is still having fun and enjoying himself. He fully expects that he will click it into gear and hit much better than he has so far this season.
But if he doesn’t, this is exactly what he keeps talking about.
Great interview, but...
I am a little disappointed in Chipper for calling ‘no douche’ on the affliction t-shirts.
we wont be able to afford beard man
the Yankees have more of a man crush than you do.
they’ll make him the highest paid LF in the game.
by apoxonbothyourhouses on May 27, 2010 4:44 PM EDT reply actions
I dunno about that. Where they gonna put Crawford?
Help me! Some bullies threw my shoes over a telephone wire...with me in them!!
by !Vive la Francoeur! on May 27, 2010 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Its hard for people my age to imagine the Braves without Chipper and Bobby. Chipper has been my favourite player since I was 5 and I still believe he can turn it around. That being said, its very big of him to walk away from the game if he feels it will help the team. Most players these days have too big of egos to do that. So yes while his skills are declining and his age and injuries are catching up to him, Im not betting on him hitting .22o the rest of the year.
I don't want him to retire
I want him to fucking hit.
I'd rather sign Adrian Beltre for 3B than Werth for LF...
cheaper, younger, and if need be we can still stick Infante at 2nd and let Prado play LF for a year or two until CoJo, Milligan, Hanson, or another is ready.
Might be reasonable
But if we’ve got $14 million coming off the books, there’s no reason not to spend every bit of it to get as much talent on the field as we can. There’s definitely no need to spend anything on upgrading our rotation. Plus we’re going to have Billy Wagner’s contract coming off the books as well (assuming he follows through on his own retirement) so we’ll have extra money to focus exclusively on the bullpen.
I’m looking for the best player we can reasonably sign with that $14 million. As far I can tell, Werth is it, unless there’s some shenaigans involving Carl Crawford.
Personally
I’d rather see some hits start falling for Chipper (it’s still largely luck, guys) and for him to bounce back, have another solid year, and stick with us for another season.
Ideally, of course...
let Chipper have back to back 850+ ops years and go out with another ring or two.
I'm just not sure Werth can keep his production up as...
a) he enters his mid 30s, and b) doesn’t have Utley, Howard, etc on in front and around him. Plus, in 3 years, it’s hard to project how much we’d need him, especially if he still has another $30+m left on his deal.
I’m thinking Beltre could be cheaper, take fewer years, and be perhaps as productive if not more so. Plus there are other options for LF besides Werth that could make sense and also not be potential bad deals two years down the line.
Line-up support has no effect on a player’s ability to hit, as far as statistics can tell. It certainly does affect counting stats like RBIs and Runs, but I don’t really care about those when I’m talking about Werth. He’s a combination of very good speed, very good power, and he’s great at reaching base, so he’d be bringing a lot to the line-up.
I understand what you mean about his aging curve, but I’d hate to cut costs again next season (regardless of what Wren tells us, we’re not spending as much as we did last year), especially with attendance trending up. I probably wouldn’t offer Werth a 5 year deal because we won’t want him for his age 37 season, but I don’t think he’ll completely fall off a cliff at 35, either. It’s a tough call since he’s got a fairly unmapped aging curve-he never got a shot at a full time job until he was 29 years old, for whatever reason. He’d had solid results prior to that, in limited time. Most of his similarity matches are current players around the same age, like Josh Willingham, Nate McLouth, Ryan Ludwick, and Xavier Nady.
By the way, anyone the story with Werth’s age 26 season? Must have been injured since he didn’t seem to play at all that year.
Support in and of itself, I'd agree...
but as far as hitting more often with runners on, and the pitch selection guys see, I’d disagree.
Plunked on the wrist ..
as I recall. Took him a bit to recover.Finally came back to no job.He is great support to a good team,not the consistent good hitter that Heyward will be.
by mikie baseball on May 27, 2010 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Good
He was a great player in his time, but sadly that time has passed. I’m also impressed that he seemed to turn his life and public image around after that Hooters/illegitimate son incident.
I still think he could have another year or two left in him as a DH with some good protection around him, like that season he hit for extremely high BA with Tex as protection.
Frankly, I’m really not going to give this topic much thought until at least September 1.
So why post in here at all you ask? Because everyone needed to know this. I frequently feel the need to unburden myself on complete strangers for no apparent reason.
"Jason Heyward was a Greek philosopher reincarnated as a baseball player." - Don Sutton
This thread....
shows the need for a group hug.Dave is correct in his Chipper will know when it is time.There is nothing we can do about it,but root and appreciate every great at bat from here on out.It is so difficult watching our heros fade. I keep hoping for a good two or three week stretch of line drives in the gap,with an occasional homer. This team will respond and he will feed off that.Its gonna happen….it is gonna happen,
by mikie baseball on May 27, 2010 10:25 PM EDT reply actions
If Chip is indeed leaving.
Then we might be a bit screwed.
Dont want to really move Prado away from 2B as he is one of the top offensive 2B in the league and would become a bottom of the barrel 3B.
Dont want to make Infante a starter because his versatility off the bench to essentially play every position is just a great value.
We could always sign Orlando Hudson though. If we signed Hudson and Crawford somehow then the top of our lineup would be quite good.
He’ll show all of you, he’s not done yet.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
I love it....
Many of you younger folks cannot put it into the context of Brave history.For the next 100 years Chipper will be one of the greatest of them all.Right now, he doesnt believe in himself,no matter the words.I sense a real fairy tale ending here…
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