Andruw Jones


rhine16

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Just saw on sportscenter that the Braves have announced that they will not re-sign Andruw Jones. I said plenty of times this year that i wish they'd just get rid of him, but now i'm re-thinking that. I'm just not sure it will be the same without him patrolling center and hitting behind Chipper(yes i know he dropped down cause of Texeira this year)

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He wanted too much money. With the year he had this year, there is no way I would sign him to the kind of deal he was looking for. I believe he is the best center fielder in the game, but he hurt the Braves with his bat in a lot of clutch situations this year. Yes, he still hit 26 homers, but I'd rather see him hit pitches the other way and get base hits. I believe with the weight he's put on to try and be a power hitter it has affected his play. He may improve his batting average next season, but who's to say he will or not. I hate to see him go, but it's not the end of the world.

I just hope they can get some decent pitching with the money that they'll save and that they can sign Teixeira after next season, cause he is one of the reasons they chose not to sign Andruw.

They have a guy in the minors to play center field, I'm just not sure he'll be ready next season. They may sign someone short-term to give him time to develop in the minors.

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I think DSGB nailed it. I get to see quite a bit of him on TBS, and it seems like he changed his approach at the plate. Sure, he hit 50 or whatever a few years ago, but he was never a guy who'd hit for a hight average anyway and it always looks like he's just swinging for the fences all the time. Actually, I think that huge HR year might have gone to his head a little too much.

As far as the "best centerfielder" label that gets thrown around when people talk about him...I don't know.:o I'd say he has the best arm of any CF I've seen, and is a great fielder...but heck, in my lifetime I've seen at least two or three I'd say were better fielders, Griffey Jr., Torii Hunter, and Kenny Lofton. I've also sorta thought Andruw was a little overrated. Great player, but shouldn't be named in "greatest" or "greatest of all-time" type of talk. JMO.

He'll get huge money from the Yankees or BoSox, though. I don't think either one of those clubs are happy with Melky Cabrera or Coco Crisp, and Kev, I don't think the Dodgers would spend any more loot on that position after they've already given Pierre way too much cash.

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I agree with all above comments, the reason i said i hated to see him go is because he's like the "face of the Braves" along with Smoltz and Chipper(who will both probably be retired in 2-3 years).

As far as the best fielder, I would classify him as number 1. I've watched Lofton, Griffey, and Hunter. Not to take anything away from them, but they just dont get the jumps that Andruw does.

The minor leaguer DGSB was talking about is Brandon Jones(correct me if i'm wrong DGSB). I've watched him play numerous times in Pearl(home of AA Braves). He looks like a prodigy of Andruw. Everything from his play in the outfield, his swing, and his number on his back. I believe he'll have a bright future.

They may or may not plan to play him next year. We could move Willie Harris to center, or possibly sign Rowand. Who knows?

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The minor leaguer DGSB was talking about is Brandon Jones(correct me if i'm wrong DGSB). I've watched him play numerous times in Pearl(home of AA Braves). He looks like a prodigy of Andruw. Everything from his play in the outfield, his swing, and his number on his back. I believe he'll have a bright future.

They may or may not plan to play him next year. We could move Willie Harris to center, or possibly sign Rowand. Who knows?

Yep, that's the guy. One Jones replacing another?

I'm not sure if Harris has what it takes to play center. Yes, he can track the ball down, but he doesn't have a strong arm. They could possibly get Rowand for a year or two before bringing Jones up.

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Man, there's a thought, add a grinder like Rowand to that lineup, and wow...look out.:eek: I'd take him over Andruw 10 time out of 10.:cool:

I would too. I didnt really realize he was a free agent until yesterday. I like the way he plays a lot. Would be a good match for the Braves i think.

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I would'nt mind seeing the Tigers taking Jones but he would have to play left. Granderson owns center. I would take Rowand over Jones too, that guy is awesome.

He wouldn't fit in Detroit Granderson owns center like you said, Mags in right and Thames in left. Along with a few younger guys who stepped up and played well when they were put in there (for example maybin, rayburn, etc.) Tigers are looking for a SS (Guillen has already been told he is moving to 1st) and need to work on pitching more than anything and would be a waste for them to even think about picking him up. Not saying that he won't be able to produce for them next year, but they have bigger gaps to fill if they plan on making a run next year.

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No doubt SS will be their biggest hole to fill this off season but Thames is not an everyday player and not a very good outfielder anyways. I know they wont try to get Jones but it would be nice to have another great fielder and bat in the line up. And also, by the time Maybin is ready to come up and stay up Maggs will probably be better at DH.

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I know they wont try to get Jones but it would be nice to have another great fielder and bat in the line up. And also, by the time Maybin is ready to come up and stay up Maggs will probably be better at DH.

oh defenitely would be nice to have him here, but it would cost to much $$ Thames should be ok out in the field, I think he'll get most of the playing time out there, maybin may not be ready to come up, but i think rayburn will be around. his numbers in 49 games were pretty good, and he can play anywhere in the field. I am just wondering who is going to be out there for them to pick up at SS. and pitching, man do they need that, it was painfull to watch at time this year.

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