Posts tagged ‘Andruw Jones’

Will the Braves offer Andruw a contract?

Andruw’s (Horrible) Audio Interview on 790 The Zone Click Here

Sometimes it is amazing to see what a difference 2 years could make. At the end of the 2006 season Braves fans were furious when Andruw Jones was not resigned by the Braves. I was mad, and chances are you were too. Now only 2 short years later a possible return of Andruw Jones to the club has caused an outburst on message boards, and bloggers all around. Should the Braves bring back the 10 time gold glover and runner up to the 2005 MVP?  

Andruw recently went on an interview on an Atlanta radio station and mentioned that he was not willing to sign a minor league contract with the Braves. He also stated that he would like to be back in Atlanta mainly because it is comfortable for him, and his home is in Atlanta. With the Braves longtime history of bringing back previous players it would not surprise me if Atlanta at least offers a minor league contract. The Braves do not seem to be willing to offer a major league deal due to the penalties that may come if he was to be cut. I think the only way Andruw is to return to the Braves is by excepting a Javy Lopez type contract. Meaning a minor league contract with the chance to make the club in spring training. I do believe Andruw will get the Major League contract he is seeking. There are clubs that will take a chance on his defense alone. Andrruw should not bring a high priced contract this year. A team like the Marlins would probably be willing to take the chance.

Andruw Jones was once one of the most beloved Braves of all time. His physical condition has changed since the skinny kid who hit 2 homeruns in the World Series. Andruw had gained a ton of weight and also had to have knee surgery recently. In a recent video now posted on the website, it showed Andruw still on the hefty side, but in a recently video posted on Braves.com the former center field slugger seemed to be in a lot better shape. Beating the weight is only the first obstacle on a long road back. Andruw was reported as being “uncoachable” during the end of his Braves career. Will he now start listening to his next hitting coach?  Some will say that Andruw’s mental side will be the determining factor in deciding the fate of the rest of his career. I wish Andruw the best but wonder if he will ever be the same? What is your take on a possible Andruw Jones return? To leave a comment click the “add your” link under this blog.

Andruw Jones in a video from early winter ball with former Brave Furcal

Discuss on our new message boards

Bravescast Voicemail Line

The Braves over the past couple of decades have taken pride perhaps maybe more than any other professional club around the youth of their organization. It is no surprise that the Braves are now loaded again at a couple positions on the diamond. This year’s focus will be the outfield.

With the departure of Andruw Jones there is at the very least a backup role open for the Atlanta Braves outfield. Will Matt Diaz be able to handle the playing everyday? What happens if we have an injury? Be relieved that there are definitely some options out there; the future of the Braves outfield is in good hands. Possibly the hands of Jeff Francouer, Josh Anderson, Brandon Jones, Jordan Schafer, and Matt Esquivel, Gregor Blanco, all of whom are upcoming stars.

With all these players still struggling to make it into their mid-twenties, the Braves have to feel confident that they will have one of the best outfields in baseball soon. So who makes it and why? A few things always come into play other than just pure stats and estimated potential. In this case however, it is really does appear to be an even playing field. I think it will come down to experience in the minors and option years for the players. It is obvious that everyone is not going to make it on the big club with Atlanta. The guys that don’t may be involved in trades or have setbacks in the majors. If you looking for speed, Josh Anderson, Jordan Schafer, and Brandon Jones are good candidates. If you’re looking for power then Matt Esquivel or Brandon Jones has plenty of potential there. What it all ultimately may come down to be defense, though. I give my nod to Josh Anderson and Jordan Schafer. Schafer is regarded as the best outfielder in the organization. Check out one reason why — his blazing speed (YouTube clip).

With his prowess and the others’ potential, I don’t think there will be a veteran signing in the outfield. Josh Anderson with both exceptional speed and major league experience is the going to more than likely make the team and we will see him in center field. The main battle will be between young stars in Brandon Jones and Jordan Schafer. Jones has the experience but Schaffer has the better numbers (though at a different level). Brandon Jones has had some clutch hits in the minors and seems to really be putting it all together the last few seasons. Jordan Schafer is a speedster that can be multi dimensional at the plate. This will be extremely fun to watch this spring. Many fans of baseball think spring is boring after the starters get pulled, but this will give any true fan some inspiration to watch the game all the way through. The future depends on it!

Let me know who your pick is by e-mailing hosts@bravescast.com or via our call in line at 678-608-2721. Go Braves!

Everyone in Atlanta is pumped about the new trades that bring both Mark Texeria and Octovial Dotel to the Braves. For the average fans it seems great on the outside. We acquire a power and average hitting, proven switch-hitting gold glove first baseman and experienced arm in the bullpen who is capable of being a closer for most teams in baseball. It all looks good right?

Take a step back and ask yourself is there a down side to the trade. All trades have a dark side and this is no exception. The Braves gave up maybe the only average, power and switch-hitting catcher who can also play a secondary position in the majors. We also gave up a starting pitcher who is in his mid twenties and has shown previous signs of being a dominant pitcher in the majors. The Braves also gave up some guys in the farm system that is among the top prospects not only for the Braves but all of baseball.

The Braves have officially entered the “WIN NOW” era in Atlanta. Teams do it all the time. The marlins have won two World Series with this strategy. Do the Braves have enough to get them to the World Series? Are we still a starting pitcher short? We have had a door open up for us that we don’t get much in Atlanta. In a weeks time, we have went from being a pretty good team with some question marks and hales to fill to a team that is now the favorite to win the national league east and go on the world series. Some experts say we have now the best lineup in the National League. We have 10 quality starters in 8 everyday positions. We are the deepest, the youngest and maybe now the most motivated team in this year’s playoffs run.

The door is open and will be shutting after next season. Chipper and John Smoltz are getting older, their might not be any Andruw Jones, Edgar Renteria, or Tim Hudson or Bobby Cox, This in my eyes is really a make or break year for the Braves. The remainder of the season is going to be something special in Atlanta. Come be a part of the Bravescast. Your feelings are always welcome here. We are the only show for the fans and by the fans. Contact us anytime at hosts@bravescast.com