Braves cut ties with Jones

End of an era: Braves cut ties with center fielder Andruw Jones

By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer
October 2, 2007

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jones is only the latest longtime Braves player to cut ties with Atlanta, following Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Javy Lopez. Once one of baseball's highest-spending teams under Ted Turner, the Braves cut their budget in recent years and went through a chance in corporate owners.

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

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

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

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

Associated Press freelance writer Amy Jinkner-Lloyd contributed to this report.

it won't be right without #25 in CF for the braves next spring.

Its a sad day for anyone whso ever watched braves baseball.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Borat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its a sad day for anyone whso ever watched braves baseball. </div></div>

No more so than when Dale Murphy went to the Phillies. Hell, losing Murphy was more painful than losing Jones.

Murphy was and is Mr Brave. The only one who comes close to matching him is Chipper Jones.

Maddox and Glavine leaving was still worse, but Andruw had a good run there and I'm gonna miss him. Loved going to Atl. and watching him play, it was something to see in person.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NotSoSilentBob</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Borat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its a sad day for anyone whso ever watched braves baseball. </div></div>

No more so than when Dale Murphy went to the Phillies. Hell, losing Murphy was more painful than losing Jones.

Murphy was and is Mr Brave. The only one who comes close to matching him is Chipper Jones. </div></div>


Cosign

Murphy was the MAN!!! I think Willie Harris (if he is the chosen one) should do OK replacing Andruw. It will cost them at least 5 games due to his glove but they might be able to pick some of those games up with Big Tex in the lineup now. It will be hard to see him go, he has been a staple in CF since the late 90's.

It broke my heart when Greg Maddux was traded.

I believe the kids name is Brandon Jones down in AA right now. If he can cut down on the K's you may see him in there. I like Harris, but I am afraid he played a little over his head in the first half. I wouldn't mind seeing him in the starting lineup though if they need him.


I really wish they would put Johnson in left and let Escobar handle 2b full time, or put Escobar in left if they can't land a premier outfielder. There are a bunch out there this year, its just a matter of money in Hotlanta.

Atlanta isn't going to spend any money. Look for them to go the way of the Marlins.

Modern day Jones is no loss, he has played for himself al year, swinging for the fence, hoping for a big contract...My opinion is if he had played like his old self all year, you would be watchin the Bravos this week...