More On The Injury To Braves Third Baseman Chipper Jones
by gondeee on Aug 12, 2010 2:13 PM EDT
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PrintThe Braves have just made the news of Chipper Jones' injury official. A team press release just confirmed that he has a torn ACL and that surgery is required. Recovery time is about six months, meaning Chipper will miss the rest of the 2010 season.
Today on the MLB Network Radio channel on SIRIUS XM, hosts Jim Duquette and Kevin Kennedy spoke with Chipper Jones' agent, BB Abbott, about Jones' knee injury. The quoted sections below are Abbott's responses:
"[Chipper] was told that he has a substantial injury in his ACL. It was described as a pretty major stretching and Dr. Royster thought he had a tear in his ACL. He kind of indicated to him that it would probably be something that needed to be fixed immediately. And obviously Chipper has injured that knee before back in '94 and it was, I think, a much more substantial tear at that point. But there is definitely a substantial injury in his knee and it is in his ACL. I think at least the initial diagnosis is that it is something that would probably need to be repaired immediately."
On whether they would seek a second opinion:
"Chipper has a tremendous amount of respect for Dr. Royster. That being said, obviously getting a couple more sets of eyes on it is never a bad thing and it's something that we always encourage our players to do. I'm flying up to Atlanta today. I'm going to sit down with Chipper and his wife and we're going to kind of talk through it. ... It might be something where he gets somebody else, like a Dr. Andrews, to take a look at it but like I said he has tremendous respect and admiration for Dr. Royster who did surgery on his knee before. That's why he wanted to get back to Atlanta to get in front of him so he could take a look at it."
On what this could mean for Jones' future:
"Obviously he has two years left on his contract. It's not a secret that he was considering what he was going to do and really talking that through with his family and with people he's close to. I think it's just going to be a situation to where he has to take all this in and process it. He usually is a pretty thoughtful guy when it comes to decisions like this and that's why he backed off of any kind of statements that he had made, just kind of looking and seeing where the team was at the point and knowing it was Bobby [Cox]'s last year and things of that nature. I think that's why he backed off of making any statements one way or the other about his retirement. Obviously this is going to factor into it but the way he was swinging the bat lately and I think that he had a little sense of renewed invigoration for the game and for where he was and where the team was. Obviously it's a very good team. I just can't imagine he would want to go out this way but sometimes these things happen and he understands that more than anyone. It's just ironic that it starts in '94 with this and hopefully it doesn't end that way for him."
Frank Wren will be talking to the press at 4pm, so we may have some more information about the team's direction after that press conference.
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"Never doubt Derek Lowe's ability to win despite himself."
by EricGreggWasPaidOff on Aug 12, 2010 1:40 PM EDT reply actions
What's worse
This, or when we found out Smoltz needed shoulder surgery?
I fed a fish to a pelican and Frisco bay and he tried to eat my cell phone he ran away
this
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Aug 12, 2010 2:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This is worse Because Chipper was injured in an unpredictable,spur of the moment play in a game. Let’s be honest – is there anyone here who really was shocked about Smoltz? The only think that shocks me about Smoltz is that he lasted as long as he did. I thought for years he was one pitch away from his career being over.
This is more of a punch in the gut.
"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
This season...
"Curve: The loveliest distance between two points." ~ Mae West
by NCChopper on Aug 12, 2010 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
oh my Heyward, this is amazing
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Aug 12, 2010 2:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This is making me choke up a little bit
But I love it
by BravesDawg16 on Aug 12, 2010 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
After being extremely pissed at first, the fact that this might be the end of his career suddenly sunk in and now I’m depressed as hell.
"UNLIKE CYBORG REYES JOJO MY CPU DOES NOT REQUIRE 'EARNED RUNS' FOR NOURISHMENT"
I really hope it doesn't end this way...
and the quoted comments, out of him from DOB and now his agent, make me feel that Chipper agrees that he doesn’t want that to be how his career ends. It makes me think he’ll be back next year to make one more run for a ring.
The question now is though, what do we do about it? Immediately, call up Hicks or Timmons (I really hope it’s Timmons between the two), or perhaps Thurston or even Freeman with Hinske sliding across the diamond? And then the inevitable do you go outside the organization, and if so, for who and how much? Damn, this really, really sucks.
Yeah I know.
I want to cry and hit somebody and then cry some more.
"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
Ok guys. Lets put this into perspective. This does not REALLY hurt the 2010 Braves chances.
I love Chipper. Always have, always will. But we are not losing 1999 Chipper Jones.
We are losing the Chipper who hit .261 with a .350 OBP in June and hit .243 with a .329 OBP in July all while never seeing a day outside of the 3 hole.
Losing Chipper the clubhouse guy is bad, sure. He’s the heart and soul around there.
But moving a guy who lately has hit .250 with a .340 OBP out of the 3rd spot may actually end up being good for the lineup. If Glaus moved to 3rd and Freeman to first, who’s to say that combo won’t do even better than what we’ve been getting.
I know it sounds sacrilegious, but lets think of the positives here. This is no the end of the 2010 season.
60% of the time, it works every time
I agree with calling Freeman up regardless (as does everyone on this site I’m guessing), but Glaus at third with his range and knees seriously concerns me. I think we’ll see Infante at 2nd and move Prado to 3rd, or leave Prado and platoon Infante and Conrad… Or move Hinske to 3rd and Freeman at first… Ok, you’re right, there are plenty of options.
by Bmacbandwagon on Aug 12, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Talk about not being in tune with the 2010 Braves....
Do you honestly think Troy Glaus can still play 3rd? He can’t even play first! The man obviously has some lingering problems in his legs and has nowhere even close to the mobility or range needed to play 3rd, and that’s before you even start to consider how his arm may have deteriorated.
by Quilvio Veras on Aug 12, 2010 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
The point wasn't about Glaus
It was about the fact the we are not losing an offensive or defensive leader.
If Heyward is finally moved to 3rd in the lineup and the rest of the lineup shifts accordingly, who know, the lineup may actually improve from here on out.
60% of the time, it works every time
lets forget
he was hitting .400/.471/.833 in August.
by drumzalicious on Aug 12, 2010 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
What, you're going to be a stickler for small sample size while you were grossly understating his numbers?
It’s not .250/.340, it’s .265/.381 for the year. C’mon, man. And it’s not just that we’re taking it out the third spot, we’re taking it out of the whole line-up, and putting someone else into the line-up who’s not going to be even close. We’re not going to let you just underrate how good a Chipper is, even in a down year for him.
Didn’t come to bash Chipper. Just trying to take some of the doom and gloom out of things.
This lineup can survive without Chipper Jones for the next few months just fine. That was my point.
60% of the time, it works every time
and ignoring
the fact that he recently had starting hitting very well.
by drumzalicious on Aug 12, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
He was hitting great the past few weeks. But would he have kept it up the rest of the season or reverted back to his mid .700s OPS of the past few months? I guess we won’t know now.
I was really looking forward to seeing Chipper be a part of perhaps his last playoff push. All I am saying is that losing him now does not put an end to our world series hopes. It simply causes Bobby and Wren to shift some assets and I believe that if correctly done, the Braves offense could end up actually benefiting.
60% of the time, it works every time
I don't anyone is mailing in the season
But this definitely doesn’t make it easy. We’re going to have some very sketchy options at third base, regardless, especially while Prado is on the DL.
Until Prado comes back it will be sketchy.
But Prado at 3rd and Infante at 2B wouldn’t be bad.
Figgins at 3rd and leading off allowing Prado and Heyward to each move down a slot wouldn’t be bad.
There are a few options that would if not actually improve the team, would at least keep things lateral.
60% of the time, it works every time
We don’t want Figgins on this team.
Give me Prado at 3rd, and Infante and Matt Young at 2nd.
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
by Scott Coleman on Aug 12, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Figgins can play...
or at least could, and if they took back one of our excessive salaries to balance the money I’d be good with it.
I’d only trade him for McLouth or Lowe, and I don’t think they’d ever do that.
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
by Scott Coleman on Aug 12, 2010 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
That ignores that the man was...
at worst league average for a 4th or 5th starter when we actually had him play, and the strong connection to Japan with the Mariners. Plus he’s cheaper next year without two more years after it on the deal. They could use starting pitching, at least to get them by for a year, and might want him gone that bad. Don’t underestimate the desire to swap bad deals, especially with a decent P.
Other than King Felix...
not really. Not as bad as their hitters, but they aren’t exactly set like the Rangers, Braves or Rays in the rotation.
I guess, but we’d need to really think about it. If Figgins doesn’t get better, he’d make 4 million more than KK next year and 12 million the year after that.
That’s basically a move that wouldn’t let us get a big bat in the next 2 off-seasons. I’ll pass.
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
by Scott Coleman on Aug 12, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
That's not true with your math...
IF Figgins can return to his Angels form, that gives us a 3B until the kids are ready (Leonard, Salcedo, etc) at a decent price, and a quality leadoff hitter WITH SPEED that we’ve lacked since Furcal (yes Prado is a good one in the 1 spot, but would work just as well in the 2 and 3 spot, and we’ve lacked speed on the basepaths in general let alone for SBs for a while now).
And Figgins is owed 9, 9, and 8 over the next three years (not counting his bonus, which is prorated in the cot’s spreadsheet, or the unlikely vesting option). So with KK slted for $6.667, that’s only an increase of just over $2m, for a player we are much more likely to use, and freeing up money in a roundabout way for an OFer (savings by moving Kenny plus eliminating the need to spend for a 3B).
I could’ve sworn the contract was 3/36. If it’s only what you’re saying, I guess it’s not that bad.
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
by Scott Coleman on Aug 12, 2010 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I checked a while ago...
according to Cot’s (not the spreadsheet where they pro-rate the bonus, but the listed contracts) that’s what they are. KK has next year for $6.667m. Figgins has next year at $9m, and again in 2012. 2013 is for $8m, with a vesting option in 2014 of $9m if he has 600 plate appearances in 2013 (which as I say above is not likely, especially if a team doesn’t want it to and platoons him a bit).
That’s not a good deal as he’s playing in Seattle, but if he returned to his numbers in LA it is.
I always felt like there’s something fishy about Seattle, but he certainly could return.
Would they take KK though? I would think so, especially with the Japanese connection, but who knows. That GM is nuts.
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
by Scott Coleman on Aug 12, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Before the injury
I was on that train, but I have now jumped off
You are so wrong, with the numbers & with logic. He was finally having sustained success at the plate. Our lineup isn't great to begin with.
Loosing ANYONE who contributes is a blow. We do not have a replacement rite now for Chipper. Plus our deep bench gets thinner.
Where the heck are you getting these numbers for Chipper? Sounds like you’re yanking them out of your ass to try & prove your POV. He’s been on fire in the 2nd half, while most of the lineup as been hurt or slumping.
Nobody said this was the end to the season by a long shot.
If you think Glaus is more valuable than Chipper, you’re kidding yourself.
"Infield hits are sexy, because they require technique."
-Ichiro
by VivaLosBravos on Aug 12, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
rotten luck...
just when he was back on the boil and making me eat my words…
hard to know what to wish for now.
I just found out about this on Bleacher Report.
My condolences.
I’ll bet Pendleton still has it in him to take a charge at third.
Exiled from MCC by a banhammerhappy harpie and doing my best not to look back.
by victor frankenstein on Aug 12, 2010 2:50 PM EDT reply actions
I hope
he doesn’t retire this year. It would suck to see his career end like this. Get well soon, Chipper.
A picture says a thousand words unless it is a picture of the Alabama football team then it only says one word.........CHAMPION!
by AlabamaTitans2009 on Aug 12, 2010 2:54 PM EDT reply actions
This latest update actually gives me some hope.
It sounds as if he may get a second opinion. It may work out that the surgery can be held off until the off season, and he can wear a brace on his knee and be used as a pinch hitter off the bench. I would love to know we still have his leadership on the bench to encourage the young ones as we make a run for the play-offs.
It's good to get a second opinion
But all too often, second opinions are echoes of the first physician. IT sounds like he went to a very qualified surgeon and got a no-BS assessment.
it would be best if Chipper had surgery as soon as possible
so he can be ready for next season and finish out his career on a high as note as possible instead of limping around doing more damage and not being very effective.
so am I
I just think that if he tries to gut it out this year, he’s not going to be very effective, and really runs the risk of making the injury a lot worse which will jeopardize the rest of his career.
I was only suggesting this if indeed he does plan to retire after this season.
I had rather have him on the bench to help with hitting advice, leadership and encouragement. If he has decided not to retire this changes everything.
I'm sure they are weighing the pros and cons
of half a dozen or more options. If they think his knee can withstand “baseball activities” in a brace, then I’m sure it’s one of them.
In Honor of Chipper
For one day, the name of this site should be called “Talking Chip”
by Jman781 on Aug 12, 2010 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 10 recs
Talking Chipper, maybe, lest someone be confused we’re honoring Chip Caray.
"Jason Heyward was a Greek philosopher reincarnated as a baseball player." - Don Sutton
Considering this is all we are going to be talking about for the next few days it seems appropriate.
by dragonhawk26 on Aug 12, 2010 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Hard call for Frank Wren
We probably wont see any sort of decision trade wise until Frank talks to Chipper. If Chipper is thinking about retiring he could get someone who would be under contract a little longer. If Chipper is leaning towards coming back then we would probably stay internal with a replacement for him.
I guess Infante could work at 2B and Prado at 3B but i really like Infante being able to come off the bench and play any position.
Give Timmons a shot at the job. Why not?
"Give him the heater Ricky."
by Pavy848 on Aug 12, 2010 3:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Compared to Brandon Hicks?...
I’d love to hear them. Better hitter, good fielder, might actually be able to do more than pinch run and be a defensive replacement.
Hicks would be a perfect fit….if we had a great, powerful lineup. He would be awful in our lineup now.
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
by Scott Coleman on Aug 12, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
No one says he is
But when Prado gets off the DL, we don’t need either guy. We just need someone else who can play SS. We’ve already got Diory on the roster, and we don’t want to see much of him, but he and Brooks are basically bench players. Timmons just gives us something very redundant to Brooks Conrad, only he probably can’t play second base, and he doesn’t have the same kind of power.
Fair enough...
although he can play 2nd. But when Prado returns, I agree on keeping Diory around instead. Before that though (since we have a few days), I’d prefer Timmons to Hicks to fill the void.
I just woke up to this news
Fuck. I almost feel like crying or something.
This isn’t the way Chipper was supposed to go out. It’s just not. It’s not fair.
Damnit, we have to win the whole thing. It’s not really an option at this point.
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
You woke up at 3:00 PM?
I fed a fish to a pelican and Frisco bay and he tried to eat my cell phone he ran away
12pm actually
but yeah, i hate mornings.
Class in 2 weeks is going to be a bitch.
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
by Scott Coleman on Aug 12, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
This really isn't fair!
It’s been a while since the Braves had a chance to make the playoffs and when Chipper starts to play some of his best baseball he’s out for the year. Hopefully the Braves won’t miss a beat without him, but this is a huge loss.
What does chipper have to lose?
If he can wear a brace and gut it out and play in the playoffs I think he will. If he has not torn it and can somehow man up and play then that would be great. Don’t hold your breath though.
That would be epic.
I fed a fish to a pelican and Frisco bay and he tried to eat my cell phone he ran away
We are talking about a sport (baseball), not an activity which can be played by 80-year-olds.
I fed a fish to a pelican and Frisco bay and he tried to eat my cell phone he ran away
Could you hit a golf ball 300 yards and walk 18 holes on a torn ACL and broken leg? I don’t think most people could do that…
by ducheneaux13 on Aug 12, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Question
I should know this by now, but will Chipper still be able to sit on the bench? Will we still see him hobbling around in a cast encouraging guys and giving advice, or will he be forced to be with some facility rehabbing his knee most of the time?
60% of the time, it works every time
I kind of get this feeling
That Wren will keep it internal. If he can pretty much steal a 3B off waivers he may try it but he can’t let his emotions make his decisions and has to keep the future of the franchise in mind.
wren has kinda proven he lacks in the emotions department…
by forgotten_glory on Aug 12, 2010 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions
This season I've heard So many complaints about Chipper, or as some would say "Grandpa"
not being able to contribute anymore, and how he needs to retire. Now, the same people are acting as if our season is over if we lose him to surgery.
As for possible replacements, the only guy I would want is Dan Uggla
Prado
Diaz/Hinske
Heyward
Uggla
McCann
Glaus/Freeman
Gonzalez
Ankiel
That’s actually pretty good.
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
Uggla is not getting to us through waivers. Plus, Marlins will ask for everything we own for him.
by romone_braves91 on Aug 12, 2010 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think he would either, and it was just a dream. I’m still figuring Matt Young and Infante will platoon at 2nd.
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
by Scott Coleman on Aug 12, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I am going to wait and see what the FO are going to do. They have pulled surprises before. I still think the Braves have a great team with the players left. We are better than Padres, Giants, and Phils. Reds and Cards are the only teams we would probably have a tough time beating. But only have to face one of them in October.
by romone_braves91 on Aug 12, 2010 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
no
"I'm like Yankee fans. I expect perfection from my team. I wish more Braves fans were like me." by AndyInGA on Jul 29, 2010 12:43 PM PDT
by ByrneSupremacy on Aug 12, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Right after that, we'll trade for Evan Longoria, Chase Utley, Buster Posey, Cliff Lee, and Josh Hamilton
Get it done, Frank Wren.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Well sure,
for
Teheran
Freeman
Salcedo
Minor
Bethancourt
Delgado
Schafer
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
by Scott Coleman on Aug 12, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
only players we are going to get off waivers are players with terrible contracts or poor performance.
by romone_braves91 on Aug 12, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Rios is different. He wasn’t playing particularly well before the trade.
by Andy Braves Fan on Aug 12, 2010 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
we are going to miss chipper hes been there for the the braves all these years what ever he decides to do every braves fan should respect his desition he dosent deserve any bad talk. as for our season being over, come on guys, its the braves and they still got to win one for old bobby. chipper has been hot the past couple of months and we are going to miss him i belive the braves will work past this and make it the W.S. they are so deep in the line up that they are going to be fine.
Sad Sad Day
But I think we need to stay positive, Infante will move into that role, it’s great that we have the depth we do.
I’ve never much liked him but, I did respect him as a player not unlike the way I feel about Mariano Rivera I can’t stomach the guy but damn if I wouldn’t have loved to see him in red pinstripes.
Hey Dez, it's 2am do you know where your mother is?
by sowhatifitisasportste on Aug 12, 2010 3:38 PM EDT reply actions
we are going to miss chipper hes been there for the the braves all these years what ever he decides to do every braves fan should respect his desition he dosent deserve any bad talk. as for our season being over, come on guys, its the braves and they still got to win one for old bobby. chipper has been hot the past couple of months and we are going to miss him i belive the braves will work past this and make it the W.S. they are so deep in the line up that they are going to be fine.
I'm getting down on the Braves' chances.
I haven’t seen a plausible waiver deal, one which will fit the Braves’ price range and could possibly make it through all the waiver claims before ours. I think it is by far most likely that we’ll fill the hole internally.
Now, if Infante continues hitting like he has been, and if Conrad suddenly starts hitting much better, and if Hinske returns to his early-season form, and if Glaus is really coming out of his terrible slump, that could work. But that’s a lot of ifs. Other than Glaus, you’re talking about basically spare parts—guys who have no track record of consistent, prolonged league-average or better major league hitting. So basically, we’re just left hoping that we hit the jackpot—that all of these guys start (or stay) playing over their heads for the rest of the season. And that just is not likely.
I wouldn't mind the...
KK to Minnesota, Lowell to Atlanta option.
Let’s not forget that there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Dumping salary in one area allows us to take on salary in another.
-C
Has Lowell cleared waivers?
And would KK? Surely there are a few contenders out there who would like a league-average starter at approximately market value.
Neither's been reported.
Lowell would have to clear waivers, but look at his contract and you’ll see not too many people are going to even consider it.
KK wouldn’t, we could just drop him on whomever claimed him and it’d create the necessary salary dump.
-C
Lowell is also kind of a miserable hitter these days.
Probably better than Diory Hernandez and Brandon Hicks, though.
Lowell just got off the DL
And has a hit in every game he’s played since then except one.
The question would be whether Boston can afford to get rid of him with Youkilis out. Hard to say on that, depends on how close they are in contention for the WC spot.
-C
I just realised
we won’t hear Bobby scream “c’mon Chip” or “good rip kid” to Chipper any more… I’m devastated
"I'm like Yankee fans. I expect perfection from my team. I wish more Braves fans were like me." by AndyInGA on Jul 29, 2010 12:43 PM PDT
by ByrneSupremacy on Aug 12, 2010 3:41 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
but Bobby won’t be in the dugout next year either way
"I'm like Yankee fans. I expect perfection from my team. I wish more Braves fans were like me." by AndyInGA on Jul 29, 2010 12:43 PM PDT
by ByrneSupremacy on Aug 12, 2010 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Please stop.
I’m already depressed enough today.
"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
If there was a time for the Organization to come out and say something
it would be now. The guessing game on what is going to happen now and what they are going to do to fill the void of Chipper is going to drive me nuts today.
by romone_braves91 on Aug 12, 2010 3:48 PM EDT reply actions
There's not a whole lot Wren can say.
Not a lot of 3B depth in house, and past the non-waiver deadline, he cannot honestly promise that a trade will be put together. Sure, he should come out and say we’re not giving up on the season, but realistically his options are very limited.
Ummmm
Omar Infante is not depth enough to play everyday? Or platoon with Conrad? I think there is plenty of depth, it’s not like we’re supposed to have another all-star third baseman waiting as a bench player (wait…..we do, Omar) Thats more than a lot of other teams can say
Infante still isn't an everday player to me.
He’s hitting way over his head, and his glove, while passable, is not elite. I do not like the idea of having to rely on him to maintain his current pace down the stretch.
Conrad really isn’t much good at all. Fine for a pinch hitter and spot starts, but his bat doesn’t play even as a platoon partner.
those who doubt Conrad have Grand Slams hit off them
by SuperHeyward on Aug 12, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
But my point is
That there aren’t many teams in baseball that could pull an All-Star off their BENCH to play in case of injury. We need to be thankful that we have SOMEONE to put in their. And if you ask me, Infante has shown, in Prado’s absence, that he can play everyday. He’s been one of the hottest hitters we’ve had in the past couple weeks. Gotta stay positive man, we have a 2.5 game lead in the east, why throw in the towel now??
I'm not throwing in the towel.
We have to probably keep Infante at 2B and send Prado to 3B, and hope like hell Infante continues playing over his head (and probably that Glaus hits a big resurgence, since our offense was barely wheezing along even with Chipper coming back strong lately). I’m not saying we should call up some guys from AA and give them catchers’ mitts in protest of the unfairness of the universe. We should do the best we can. But our best is not very good, and it may not be enough to hold off the Phils.
"Our best is not very good, and not enough to hold off the Phils"
Sounds like a towel being thrown in to me…..
Well, I said "may not."
Maybe I am throwing in the towel. I guess I don’t what that means, as a fan. (If you’re the FO and you throw in the towel, you start selling veterans and giving prospects auditions. Fans can’t have any effect on their team’s actual operations.) Tuning out? I still plan to listen to all the Braves games that I can. Bashing Frank Wren for not anticipating this disaster and somehow hedging against it? That’s dumb, and I don’t plan to do it. Negatively evaluating our chances? Well, yeah, I guess I am going to do that, since that’s how the situation appears to me. So if that counts as throwing in the towel, I guess that’s what I am doing.
I won't bash you
But I think I heard someone holler for the bus to pull in front of Frank W’s house so he can craw underneath again……yes, he gambled that Chip would make it through the year….yes he gambled that Troy would have a comeback year (that would stretch the whole year)…yes he gambled that his pitching staff would not have any serious injuries (and that KK would produce better)….
But as a long time Braves fan, whenever we are sitting in 1st place halfway through August the only towel I have going anywhere is the “Victory” towel waving over my head!
Go Braves
I just want anything at this point. You are right that he is limited to what he can say/do at this point.
by romone_braves91 on Aug 12, 2010 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
for some reason
I went to the phillies blog and were reading the comments about Chipper. It sounds like they could care less because they were planning on winning anyways. Why do I hate the phillies so much. I have ever since ’93 with John Kruk. I have to turn off ESPN when he is on.
to be fair
it was not like ppl on this site were saying good things about Beltran/Wright going down last year or Ryan Howard/Utley/Rollins going down this year. We as fans only concentrate on our own team and that’s basically it.
by romone_braves91 on Aug 12, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Philadephia
Has the lowest IQ sports fans of any city in the northeast. In a couple of years when that team goes the way the Mets have gone the last two years, most of them won’t be yapping so much.
Of course, by then most of them will be yelling “IIIIIIIIGLES!!” all day or in jail (or both), but still…comeuppance will be a bitch.
"You must be outta your damn mind!" - Burton Guster
Perhaps not
But we weren’t talking about career threatening injuries either. When David Wright suffered a concussion, we were mostly classy about that because it’s a scary injury. We did get some schadenfreude out of Ryan Howard getting hurt as we think about that huge contract he signed, but he doesn’t have the same kind of long-term ramifications (and besides that, we weren’t too un-classy at the news, either).
This statement may not count but...
I think Braves fns as a whole are pretty classy most all the time!
by UpstateNyBravesFan on Aug 12, 2010 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I seem to remember
calling out another TC poster for celebrating an opposing team injury. I wasn’t alone. Every crowd has its bad apples, but we police ourselves pretty well here.
by Andy Braves Fan on Aug 13, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Chipper will be back
He need to get some milestone before ending his career
10 hits to 2500
7 doubles to 500
9 RBI to 1500
3 SB to 150
So really what I should have posted was...
Do you think the Braves wil make a trade for Jeff Keppinger?
What is there to decide?
They can’t decide to get Uggla. They can’t decide to have a major-league ready third baseman at AAA. They’ve got to throw Conrad out there until Prado is healthy, and then they’ve got to go with Prado and Infante.
FW
says Glaus is not the answer because of his bad knees. This does not change the FF situation. I don’t know what he means by that,
It means Freeman is still blocked.
They still think Glaus is the best option at 1B, but that he would be a terrible option at 3B. The second of those claims seems obviously true. The first is hard to evaluate, because Freeman hasn’t had to hit against MLB pitching.
Freeman is a pure first-base guy. The FO doesn’t think we have a hole at 1B. Even if they did, that would have been just as true before Chipper went down. There’s just no way Freeman is part of the solution to this setback.
In that case, I want Conrad to get the first crack at it. Two week trial, if that fails go to Infante.
That's our best bet
Preferably coupled with a DL stint for Glaus and a callup audition for Frederick Freeman, Esq.
"You must be outta your damn mind!" - Burton Guster
I would think it means...
they do not consider Glaus or Hinske as possible 3B, so no flipping one of them to fill in for Chipper, meaning no need for Freeman.
I was on the call
its over. FW was about to discuss Prado and some jagoff put his phone on hold which meant we had to listen to his BS hold music which FW didn’t like and ended the call.
not really anything new, except FW said that they were really surprised to find it was an ACL tear this morning. he also hinted that they may have been blocked on waivers already.
off topic but…The folks at AA have pledged to donate money to a charity for each time David Wright strikes out. No joke. That’s hilarious.
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
The external trade option appears to be dead.
Per MLBTradeRumors, there have been a flurry of waiver claims in the last couple of days and practically every decent hitter and relief pitcher has been claimed. Time to face facts that we have to replace Chipper from within.
hopefully Timmons gets the immediate call from AAA anyway
"I'm like Yankee fans. I expect perfection from my team. I wish more Braves fans were like me." by AndyInGA on Jul 29, 2010 12:43 PM PDT
by ByrneSupremacy on Aug 12, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Freeman in 2011?
Sounds like they stuck a sock in the Freeman rumors, Cox says he hasn’t been discussed and Wren says we need an infielder not a 1st base. Also said by one of them, “no change in Freeman’s timetable”
Heyward is pretty good
The ap write up says chipper hurt himself on a routine ground ball….absurd
by ottie on Aug 12, 2010 4:47 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I’ve got a name that maybe hasn’t been thrown around yet.
Kelly Johnson
Not sure if the D’Backs already put him through waivers, but he’d be somebody that could give us an added bat in the lineup at 2B and allow Prado to shift to 3B. Our right-side infield defense would be crappy, but we’d have a more than replacement level bat.
if at all
he could arrive and go through a streak of suck
by drumzalicious on Aug 12, 2010 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats all I'm saying man!
I have faith that the Braves managment knows what they are doing. Which is why he is in Arizona!
by UpstateNyBravesFan on Aug 12, 2010 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Bad News
Definitely lessons our star power. I’m sure Chipper, Big Mac, and Heyward put a lot of fear into people. We still are solid, wish this never happened but would have been better if it happened before trade deadline, just seems like this is somebody saying its not meant to happen, but I could be wrong and this could be just a test of wills
If the offense continues to struggle
I would not be surprised when Freeman gets called up that they try him in left instead of first.
Thoughts?
if they're not bringing him up to play third
they won’t bring him up to play left. Its first or nothing.
"I'm like Yankee fans. I expect perfection from my team. I wish more Braves fans were like me." by AndyInGA on Jul 29, 2010 12:43 PM PDT
by ByrneSupremacy on Aug 12, 2010 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Apparently Chipper is #56 all time for Career WAR
http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/WAR_career.shtml
"Your beard is weird" "Your stache is trash"
Freeman should hope for a trade
If I was Freeman I would hope to be traded because apparently Troy Glaus injured and in a slump is better than Freeman healthy. Sucks for Freeman kid deserves to be on the big league team.
by FreddieFreemanTime on Aug 12, 2010 5:31 PM EDT reply actions
Oh boy.
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
by Scott Coleman on Aug 12, 2010 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
this is a Braves blog
not a Freddie Freeman blog
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on Aug 12, 2010 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Last I checked Freddie was a Brave
by FreddieFreemanTime on Aug 12, 2010 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
You don’t know me i could be your mother for all you know
by FreddieFreemanTime on Aug 12, 2010 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions
You're right.
Which is why I didn’t call you a fuckface.
However, it is immutable truth that you SOUND like a fuckface at the moment.
-C
And, FWIW
My mother never gets ballplayers’ names right.
So, unless you start calling Freddie Freeman by the name of Frank Freeland, I know you’re not my mother (I would have used a better example, but Freeman is the only name I’ve seen you type thus far).
-C
Last I checked, not bringing up a 20 year old, regardless of how well they’re doing in their first 3 months of AAA ball, is not a big enough deal to warrant creating an account and trolling the fuck out of a Braves blog.
WINNER!
Don't kiss an ass if it's in the process of shitting on you.
"…aren’t worthy enough to hold his (Pujols) ass cheeks apart while Playboy models wipe him with thousand dollar bills after he craps out the cure to whatever previously-incurable disease." by royhobbs 1/7/09
I know
but always you come here to talk about Freeman, about free freeman, in a Chipper post, you talk about freeman, in a recap you talk about freeman, in any post you talk about freeman, talk about something else.
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on Aug 12, 2010 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions
45 comments on here were about the possibility of bringing up Freeman. I think someone who has proven himself down in the minors deserves a chance to be up on the big league squad. Matt Young deserves a shot as well.
by FreddieFreemanTime on Aug 12, 2010 5:50 PM EDT reply actions
Just shut your face man! We all know about Freddie and his time will come!
by UpstateNyBravesFan on Aug 12, 2010 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions
All I'm sayin is...
Give the kid the rest of the month to beat up AAA pitchers! Then let him rake with his roomie the rest of the year!
by UpstateNyBravesFan on Aug 12, 2010 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Is there any chance
He would be able to play in left field some?
"Your beard is weird" "Your stache is trash"
Tomorrow is Friday the 13th. I wonder what the superstitous players will do?
"Tony Gwynn made sacrifices. Cal Ripken made sacrifices. I'm not sure Derek Jeter made sacrifices given the ungodly deep pockets the Yankees have." - Chipper Jones
by MBL1 on Aug 12, 2010 6:37 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Sacrifice Mr. Met?
"Jason Heyward was a Greek philosopher reincarnated as a baseball player." - Don Sutton
someone notice that KK started tonight
and it seems that he isnt a winner even in Gwinnett. He is losing the game 2-0 (1ER)
Gwinnett RISP 0-7
LOBs = 10
Chipper as an extra hitting coach the rest of the season?
Not sure what his rehab will require but it would be great if Chipper gets to travel with the team the rest of the season. He can take on a bit of a player-coach role.
Dodgers up 9-5 on the Phillies right now. The best case scenario is sort of what is going on right now: Dodgers leading but just struggling enough that they have to use their core relief guys. Phillies would be 3 GB if Dodgers can hold on.
by LEastCoastBears on Aug 12, 2010 10:09 PM EDT reply actions
Just wanted to say I hope this isn’t the last time we see Chipper play. He has come a long way from the guy I saw playing shortstop for the Durham Bulls back in the early 90’s! Can y’all believe he made 3 errors and struck out twice in that game! He got on base one time and got picked off! HAHA! That game was against the Kinston Indians and I’m pretty sure Albert "don’t call me joey’ Belle was on that Indians team! I believe there was a young Charles Nagy on that roster as well.
Anyway, best wishes Chipper! I hope you can make it back for one more season! If not though, It will always be etched into my mind that you went out making an awesome play, one that you make better than anyone else I’ve ever seen! Not to mention, you were going all out! The only way that I’ve ever known you to play!
Sorry if this is a lil’ jumbled y’all, I am at home with some friends and we toasted some shots to the MAN tonight! Let’s not give up on this team! We can still do this, we’ve got good depth. One more thing, this only applies to a few, you know who you are. Can we stop all this Glaus at 3rd and Freeman at 1st nonsense? Last thought, sometimes the best move is the one that you don’t make!
Wow
So, I’m kind of shocked by two of the more popular “fixes” I’ve seen thrown around.
1) Move Glaus to 3rd base. I can’t believe how many people said this. Really? Glaus is average at best at first base, and no way in the world could he play 3rd base. Even so, moving him to 3rd would require us to bring up Freeman. That might be a good thing, but it could also be a really bad thing. I don’t think its the best time to call up a 20 year old who has limited AAA experience and throw him into a team that’s fighting for the division. So please, stop posting for this to happen! This could almost be the worst move for the Braves to make.
2) I said, “almost” the worst move to make, because the worst move would be to trade for Chone Figgins. I’m absolutely floored by how many people suggested this. Yeah, the guy had a good year last year, but you all realize that he is 32, has a huge four year contract, and – by the way – is playing at the same level as a certain former Brave that goes by the name of Yunel Escobar. Please, whatever we do, it will most certainly not be Chone Figgins. If it is, the team is just shooting itself in the foot.
I know a lot of people are expecting a big move or change, but nothing more dramatic than making Infante a regular starter is going to happen. Either Infante or Prado are going to permanently move 3rd, and Hicks/Conrad/Hinske will serve as platoons/subs. Frankly, its too bad this didn’t happen two weeks ago, when Wren could have had the opportunity to really go after someone. Although, I would not have been surprised if he didn’t trade for anyone. Infante is a very good player, and while we will lose bench if he becomes an everyday player, we’ll be better off for it at the end. Well, as better off as we can be with Chipper gone.
/end essay
by sag969 on Aug 12, 2010 10:15 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Stinks however stay positive and plz no more trading !
Chipper’s Done .
Really stinks that Chipper is gone for the year and I believe his career is officially over after this latest injury. Comes a point when you have to call it a career and Chipper is was well past that point when this year started and this latest injury may be the final nail in the coffin, which really sucks and Chipper is a first ballot hall of famer in my book and made the ATL BRAVES in the mid – late 90’s & by that I mean he was the face of the franchise and the team leader on and off the field.
Replacement ~ ?
Look we need to go with what we have in house; really their is nobody to get that wouldn’t cost one of our untouchable guys or even a mid-higher class prospect that is not one of our elites. simply put just move Prado to 3b for the rest of the year and post season and have Brooks spell him when needed. Two let Omar Infante keep starting at 2b for the rest of the year and post season. Granted now with have a weaker bench but I would rather have a weaker bench then have a totally weak farm system and make a dumb move such as trading for a 32 yr old C. Figgins.
Now who could we call up ? B. Hicks sucks (regardless of whether he is on the team or not and really I don’t care) My idea is to bring up a vet think Joe Thurston who is a good defensive player and could play a couple of our infield spots or back them up rather.
Moving Glaus to 3B ; NO
Calling up Freeman : NO (do you want another S. Thorman on your hands ???)
Trading for Figgins and giving up a prized pitching prospect : NO
Staying the course and filling our need in house: YES & our only opition.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Aug 12, 2010 10:33 PM EDT reply actions
comparing Freeman to Scott Thorman
is asinine. It also refuses to read or look at scouting reports. Thorman was a 3 outcome player: homerun or strikeout or fly out. that’s it. Freeman is MUCH better.
As for “staying the course and filling our need in house”: we have NEEDS. Wren still hasn’t addresses the OF, so what makes you think he’ll address the 3B issue correctly?
There are options, but we’re shackled by finances and the waiver wire.
by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 13, 2010 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I LOVE it...
First you say “stay positive” in your header, then the first line of your post?
Chipper’s Done .
Excellent consistency there!
"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 don't like this
#2…watching some of the errors during the TV replays showed the limitations of Infante at second…..We need Prado at Second….Infante can play third…Brooks comes in after the 6th (as noted most if not all of his homeruns have come then….though this could be a “duh” since he subs mostly after then?)
As for calling up Freeman…I say why not after the end of this month…get him a taste…maybe he will nevery want to go back?
FUCK THE DODGERS!!!!
Anyone seeing this meltdown, once again the Phillies win it in the 9th. 9-6 coming into the inning….Broxton better pitch like shit against us too. UGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH
yeah, i saw the end of that…very unfortunate results for us
Phillies didn’t even get a hit until the game winner (HBP, BB, BB, Errors to start the inning and score 2 runs)
by LEastCoastBears on Aug 12, 2010 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Dodgers Sucks
they are winning 9-2 in the 8th. Please, continue sucking when will play against us.
Bellisario and Broxton...
combined for 0 IP, 5 hits, 2 walks, 1 HBP and 7 ER.
All I can say is that if the Dodgers take a single goddamn game from us this weekend, they should all be rounded up and summarily executed by the Atlanta Police.
Things I hope...
1. Their plane is stuck on the tarmac in Philly for 2-3 hours
2. Their plane is stuck on the tarmac at Hartsfield-Jackson for 3-4 hours
3. The elevator is broken when they drag their asses into the lobby @ 9:00 AM
4. A Tyler Durden fan prepares room service for Sherril and Broxton
5. We stomp the immortal piss out of them this weekend. I mean like bunting runners over with a 9 run lead. Just rub their faces in it.
"You must be outta your damn mind!" - Burton Guster
by Sam Jethroe on Aug 13, 2010 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
4. A Tyler Durden fan prepares room service for Sherril and Broxton
hahahahahahahahaha
by apoxonbothyourhouses on Aug 13, 2010 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions
That reminds me...
of those commercials with Peyton Manning where the hotel staff keeps being rude to him.
"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
"Take a hike!"
“Yeah, I’m thinkin’ about doin’ that. Maybe a nice swim…” Peyton is a wonderful commercial dork.
"You must be outta your damn mind!" - Burton Guster
Craig Counsel
would be a good addition. Another super sub like Infante is all we need.
by crack of the bat on Aug 12, 2010 10:59 PM EDT reply actions
Fuck LA.
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
by Scott Coleman on Aug 12, 2010 11:13 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Reply Fail...
Dodgers suck.
"You can't print what I said, but they have to catch us." - Chipper Jones
Sid Bream reincarnate
please oh pujols let Chip get a PH and have him hobble around third to score and win……
infante
Bobby loves him coming off the bench as conrod and hinske . I’d rather have someone who is a veteran like Young.
I hate saying this, but on the financial end, I hope Chipper does retire. He was playing good at the end, but I don’t think that’s his normal performance now. He’s got that huge contract, and if he retires, I’m sure insurance will be paying it- and we can use $13mil, or half of it, to get a more useful player for 2011 then a gimpier Chipper (who I have doubts would make a full recovery until May at least, and even then might have Sid Bream-like mobility) If NL had the DH, I’d be saying something different.
Plus this means him and Bobby can enter the hall together in 5 years.
chipper needs to retire
we wouldnt go into the player market and sign a late 30’s player who is on the downside of his career after having major knee surgery to a $13M a year deal – so why should anyone talk about wanting Chipper to comeback next year. And dont start this crap that we owe him – look at what he has made over his career – we owe him nothing. BB is a business andtheowners need to run it that way. Chipper retiring frees up dollars to significantly add to the team. FW should buy out his contract if he needs to .
by llabyug on Aug 13, 2010 11:24 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
While he's made a lot of money...
We certainly didn’t pay market value for his services on the whole.
-C
so what are you saying
its not a question of that. the question is what would you pay him next year. at most the same deal Glaus got. look at it realistically-for his salary you can really plus the team. major knee surgery at his age – low percentage thinking to think he will come back 100 percent and he is already injury prone. he has had a great career. leave it at that and take the $13M and get a thirdbaseman and an outfielder.
by llabyug on Aug 13, 2010 3:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What I'm saying,
First and foremost, is that the team can’t do dick about it either way. And if he makes the whole $13MM next season and doesn’t play a game, the Braves have still come out ahead in payroll for his career. If he chooses to play, he gets the money. The contract is guaranteed, so the Braves have no say in the matter.
He’s played for us for years at well below market value. He’s made sacrifices that your typical ballplayer hasn’t and won’t make. Granted, his salary is still large, but he’s not making Todd Helton money right now (similar situation…past-prime, oft-injured, face of franchise).
He’s never made Todd Helton money (comparing 1st year to 1st year, second to second, etc.) and he’s been the better player of the two for the majority of their careers.
If Chipper said, “Hey, I don’t know how well I’m going to play next year, let’s restructure my deal,” I know they’d do it in a heartbeat. But he doesn’t have to do that.
-C
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