Andruw Jones’ Biggest Obstacle

Written by Rue on January 18, 2009 – 8:44 pm

Andruw Jones’ biggest obstacle for 2009 is nothing other than himself.  It is not a big secret that Jones is back in Atlanta right now training with some members of the team including Chipper Jones and Brian McCann.  He is even rumored to have shed a few pounds.  The question, however, is whether or not the Braves should pick Andruw Jones up for the 2009 season.

Refusing to take a minor league contract, Jones and agent Scott Boras have made it clear that Jones’ perception of his current athletic ability is significantly more positive than most baseball enthusiasts’.  However, don’t let their optimism fool you.  The Golden Gloved Andruw Jones that many Atlantans had grown to love is not back to his old ways since fleeing LA.

So what exactly happened to Jones?

Andruw Jones’ ego was the key to his own demise.  Season after successful season in Atlanta made Jones realize that he was one of the best outfielders ever to step on the field.  With growing success came increasing confidence that eventually transformed into arrogance.  Arrogance inevitably led Jones to believe that he was invincible, and the perception of invincibility was the start of some less-than-adequate training routines and quite a few extra pounds.  Andruw Jones did not suddenly drop from superstar to hardly major league worthy in one season because of nature and aging. It was entirely mental.  Letting go of the basics, Jones lost his ability to spot the ball and send it out of the park – but he didn’t let go of his attempts to park the ball with every swing, oftentimes leaving him strolling back to the dugout with the burden of another strikeout on his shoulders.

The weight of 138 strikeouts in 154 games (2007) and 76 K’s in 75 games (2008) is surely a heavy burden to bear and cannot simply be whisked to the back of one’s mind. Jones has tried over and over to compensate for his offensive inadequacies by boasting his career consistencies defensively. But what does that get the Braves now? A seemingly guaranteed strikeout at every plate appearance?

With a hot head and a sharp tongue, Andruw Jones has proven that he truly believes that he is the same Andruw Jones of a half decade ago, but making a few changes here and there will not get him back to that place no matter how strongly he’d like to believe that. Will Andruw Jones come back? Yes, if he is willing to take his head out of (well, you know) and recognize that he needs more work than is comprehensible. Is it likely that he’ll get his head back in the game? No, it isn’t. Andruw Jones is a minor league caliber player without the insight (or agent) to realize that. It’s back to fundamentals, Mr. Jones. Otherwise, you’re on your way out. At this point in Andruw Jones’ career, it is not a question of proven ability, it is a question of whether or not he can improve his attitude and get his head back in the game.

Also, Andruw’s knee woes are the result of increased weight.  His body was not designed to handle that much weight on the natural strength of his joints. Again, Andruw can blame his failure on himself.

Andruw Jones will not give you the comeback you are looking for if you are a fan and proponent of his return to the Braves outfield.  And can you honestly say that Andruw Jones is a better fit for our outfield than the rising Josh Anderson? At the end of the 2008 season, Anderson was one of a few shining stars in a very dim season finale, showing both impressive offensive numbers and great speed and consistency in the outfield.  Saying that you would like to see Andruw Jones standing in that 8 field position is directly stating that Josh Anderson is not a better fit for the organization as a whole. We are not talking about the Golden Gloved Andruw Jones.

It is important to weigh options and take a look at what the Braves have to offer with their young talent than to jump back to the Jones solution… which happens to be the solution that no one wants.

Andruw Jones’ biggest obstacle is himself.  Mr. Jones, get over yourself.


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24 Responses to “Andruw Jones’ Biggest Obstacle”

  1. By Jonathan on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    I still maintain my original statement that the only way Andruw should end up in Atlanta is via a minor league contract. If he's too stubborn to think he needs it, then good luck to him somewhere else.

  2. By Larry312 on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    I like the idea of signing him. Is Anderson a good defender? Yes his speed helps him achieve this but he also showed very similar characteristics to Jeff Francuoer. He has the inability to lay off the low pitch in the dirt and will chase high on more than the routine occasion. I think Anderson stilll has to prove himself as much as Jones does. The difference? If Jones can make a slight turn around, he is capable of atleast 20 hrs. Anderson may give 5. Anderson speed makes him a great acqusation but lets face it, since when has Bobby Cox ever been a steal happy manager. I think he could reach the upper 40s if given the chance but its doubtful. His free swinging makes him an onbase percentage liability. I think he is best suited in a platoon with Diaz until we are sure hes ready for every day play. I think Jones is a good fill in if he gets right. Who better to set him in his place then father figure Bobby Cox and hitting coach Terry Pendelton.

  3. By Colin Ake on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    I, too, think that a small contract for Andruw isn't the end of the world… I don't quite share the animosity that Rue has for Andruw. I think he needs to get back to where he's enjoying the game and trying to learn. Rue's right that he has gotten into a hole because he won't listen to instruction, but that could change.

    It's worth $500K to find out. A platoon of Diaz and Anderson will be nice too, but Blanco and Jones need places to go. We're going to have to unload some outfielders somewhere sooner or later.

  4. By RueGrant on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    I'm just passionate. ;)

  5. By Nelson on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    Why does the poll say "trade for Andruw Jones" when he was released by the Dodgers?

  6. By Jonathan on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    Good catch. At the time of the poll writing, he was still a member of the Dodgers. It has been edited.

  7. By jadarm on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    I agree with you on this Larry312. If Andruw came back to Atlanta I feel that he might regain his "comfort zone" being around Bobby Cox and Pendleton….just about the only thing he knows since coming to America. I think it would be good for Andruw AND for the other minor league prospects to have to go out and earn the 8th position in the field. It would make for good drama at the least and could possibly make every potential outfielder on the team just a little bit better. May the best player win.

    I would not even consider signing him to a major league contract though until he actually earns the spot. Just like Jonathan said, if Boras talks him out of it then good luck elsewhere Andruw.

  8. By JGras on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    It's worth a shot at giving him the league minimum. He wants to be here. Andruw is still relatively young – I think at times we forget this because he has been around for so long. Hidden somewhere within that overweight body is a ton of talent. If he can hit .260 with 80-90 RBI and play a solid CF, this is a HUGE upgrade from what we have currently. Maybe I'm a bit optimistic, but there's little risk involved in at least seeing how he shows up to camp. I'm not so sure I get the "Sharp Tongue" reference – when have you heard him run his mouth? Great site, by the way – I found this last week on mlbtraderumors.com.

  9. By Jereme25 on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    Its funny how I run into fans that are like lets bring him back and offer him a major league contract. If we offer Andruw a Major League contract and bring him back not only do we over-inflate his ego, but we also have to make room for him on an already full 40 man roster. Andruw was a great center fielder and he was a great home run hitter but I think his time has come and gone. I think minor League deal would be best, let him prove that he can play in atlanta and if so then we will welcome him back with open arms. Thanks Rue for being on the show it was great to have you on and I pretty much agree with you on most things. Still think Blanco is the opening day Center Fielder for the braves

  10. By Jonathan on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    It's no secret that I'm a big Gregor Blanco fan. The rest of the BravesBlast staff makes sure to harass me about it often. I'm just hopeful that he has a spot on the 25-man this year. I think he proved useful enough last season to get one.

  11. By B-RITT on Jan 19, 2009 | Reply

    Andruw is not Andruw. He has modified his swing on his own and lost his ability to reach balls in the dirt. No matter how much help he may get from Terry, his ego, as presented by the article, will block his ability to get that sweet open stance back. Ever since he got that weird spider-web tattoo on his elbow before the 2007 season, he has stood up more and more in the box and become a (dare I say it?) more aggressive Jeff Francoeur. Let him sign with the Metropolitans or Fish, or maybe even the Nippon Ham Fighters (favorite Japanese team name, although I wish it was the Ham Fighters and not the Fighters owned by Nippon Ham, but anyway…) and let J Anderson, Schafer, and Greg White fight for CF in ST.
    If this posts twice, I sincerely apologise.

  12. By RueGrant on Jan 20, 2009 | Reply

    Thanks, Jereme. It was fun being on the show with you guys. I still get really jittery knowing I'm being recorded while I talk, but I'll get over it. It's ok, Jonathan loves Gregor, so either I'll be really happy, or you and J will be! Win-Win in my book, as long as it isn't Andruw.

  13. By Jonathan on Jan 20, 2009 | Reply

    Everyone hid their faces in embarrassment when I yelled at Gregor that I loved him from the owners box during batting practice last season.

  14. By RueGrant on Jan 20, 2009 | Reply

    no, we were only embarrassed when he turned to look to see who yelled it.

  15. By dave on Jan 20, 2009 | Reply

    call me crazy or sentimental , but i think we should give andrew a chance. ido think if he is serious about being an atlanta brave again he should be willing to sign a minor league contract, and earn his way back on the team this spring. he does have some hitting habits that need to be corrected. he is going to need to listen to the voices of reason and have more discipline at the plate. i guess that all goes with giving him a chance tho. he is still so young , and i believe if he will listen he can help the team . i did not see his limited playing last year i only know what i have read. i guess i would like to see him get his chance like javy lopez did and see what he can do this spring . if he makes fine if not we gave him a chance. after all i do remember those unbelievable catches he made for us , and those spectacular home runs. so call me crazy or maybe call me sentimental either way lets give him his chance. may god bless our team,may god bless you, and may god bless our country.

  16. By RueGrant on Jan 20, 2009 | Reply

    Dave, I agree with the second chance thing, but I only would agree with it if Andruw were to take the same attitude that Javy took. He isn't willing to play in the minors, and if that's what he needs to do and is unwilling to make that move, then I don't think it's worth it to put him on the 40-man just because his name is Andruw Jones.

  17. By Jonathan on Jan 21, 2009 | Reply

    I agree with you in principle, Dave. My big question is, will he listen? I'd like to think he's realized he's at rock bottom and wants to get it together and get back to the player that he once was.

    Don't get me wrong, in no way would I mind seeing the Andruw of old back in center. I'm just not convinced at this point that that ever would be possible.

  18. By dave on Jan 21, 2009 | Reply

    i think andruw may have to eat so humble pie and accept a minor league contract. i think he will have to accept the fact he has to make changes to get back to the level of play everyone would like to see him play. i did not know he did not want to sign a minor league contract thank you for bringing this to my attention. i do not think he should expect the braves to take a chance of losing young talent by having to place them on wavers. my hope was and is he would sign a minor league contract and come to spring training and prove himself. i do not think that is asking to much of him if he is sincere about being a brave again. i truly believe the talent is still there if he will listen and get back to the basics that made him great. god bless you all, and god bless our country.

  19. By Stan Cornett on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    I have been a braves fan since they came to atlanta 44 years ago. I have been with them through their ups and their downs. I am still a great fan. As far as andruw goes. It seems he is trying to dig his way back and yea give him a minor league contract and let him win his way back on the team but all you people seem to forget the hard play that he has given especially in his ten years with atlanta took a toll on his body until it finally give out on him. I also think for him to be set down as he was last year by Joe Torre did alot to make him think about his future and his desire to get back where he was loved and also comfortable in atlanta. He is still young but his hard play has slowed him down some but he is still a great outfielder. Atlanta really did him a disservice by using him as a work horse for all those years. They have ruined a few other players this way. Lets give him a chance. As far as his ego goes. I do not ever remember him having a great ego problem. His biggest problem has been Boras. Boras has the ego problem. I do not know of many players who had the offensive and defensive years he had during his ten year period with atlanta. Even the darlings of baseball Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds are not and were not the caliber defense that Andruw has been. He just needs someone who believes in him and he can believe in to get the best out of him. Atlanta has its share of egos and Chipper has one just as much as anyone else that has played. But of course Chipper is a brave through and through but the company has worked around some of his problems through the years. I like Chipper but by standards he has overshadowed other players who have give their all to this team.

  20. By jadarm on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

    Andruw Jones is without question the best defensive outfielder I have ever seen in my lifetime…and I am 38 years old.

  21. By Keith on Jan 23, 2009 | Reply

    I believe you pay a guy for what he is worth today and not on past performances. If he will sign a minor league contract then it will be worth the shot. The braves could cut him in spring training and lose a minimal amount. If the guy is able to turn things around then look for the braves to put him in left field and quite possibly platoon him. Unless his bat return's to old form ( I like my lottery chances better). Centerfield WILL be patrolled the young talent only. This will likely be awarded to which player stands out in Spring training.

  22. By dave on Jan 23, 2009 | Reply

    If i were a baseball player with talent i would want Scott Boras as my agent. He seems to have more success than anybody i know in getting huge deals for the players he represents, and i do blame the players for taking the money, but i do not think what he is doing is not always best for baseball. I applaud all the players that have shown loyalty to the teams they play for , that have treated them good and have been fair to them economically . I was thrilled to learn that Chipper wants to remain a Brave his entire career. Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to, but if we believe in our self, and in our abilities we will be willing to prove the naysayers wrong . If not you give way to youth and move on. If i were in the position some players are I would do whatever it takes to get that chance. Just being a professional athlete and having that God given ability and opportunity is a privilege not many people have.Do not take this gift for granted. God bless us all

  23. By Jonathan on Jan 24, 2009 | Reply

    I think the biggest problem that people have with Scott Boras is his abrasive attitude and unwillingness to be flexible with teams. I realize that it's his job to get his client as much money as possible, but a player's agent should never get in the way of how fans feel about a particular player. More often than not though, it seems to me that Boras manages to do that for his clients.

  24. By dave on Jan 24, 2009 | Reply

    In my earlier reply i just noticed i made a mistake, when i said i do blame players for taking the big bucks, sorry i meant to say i do NOT blame them for doing so. I agree with you Jonathan with Boras it seems to be more about him, and not about being loyal to a team. As long as a team is fair with the players they should be thankful for having the opportunity to play. sorry for the type o. God bless

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