Don't count on Chipper Jones at first

Most ex-third basemen coming off big injuries tend to make the move over to first base -- the Braves' Troy Glaus is the latest example, as is Boston's Mike Lowell.

Don't count on Chipper Jones joining them once he returns from rehabbing his left ACL. While Glaus isn't under contract for 2011, a combination of Jones' preferences plus a top prospect will keep the eventual Hall of Famer at third.

"I’m a left side of the infield guy," Jones told the Atlanta Journal Constitution . I’m just going to rehab like I’m going to go play third and if we’ve got to make adjustments, we make adjustments."

Jones last played on August 10, shelving him in a season where the Braves are angling to return to first place. In 381 plate appearances, the 1999 MVP hit .265/.381/.426 with 10 homers.

“I’ve said all along I’m going to play third until somebody in this organization proves to me they’re better than me,” Jones said.

That could very well be a member of the current team. Martin Prado, the team's normal second baseman, shifted to the hot corner to replace Jones. Prado is hitting .319/.363/.493 with 15 home runs and has established himself as a starting player. Taking Prado's place at second is All-Star utilityman Omar Infante, currently hitting at a .344/.376/.458 clip in 356 trips to the plate.

While Infante or Prado wouldn't displace Jones immediately in 2011, one of the two could end up the long-term replacement, especially if Infante continues his emergence. That's not now for Jones.

“As long as I feel like I’m the best third baseman in this organization, that’s where I want to be," Jones said, who once moved to left field to make room for free-agent import Vinny Castilla. "Then when somebody comes along and proves that to me, I’ll either move to another spot or ride off into the sunset.”

If it's to another spot, Jones may have to return to left as first may not even be an option. Top prospect Freddie Freeman is widely considered to be the starting first baseman in 2011 as the 20-year-old is currently handling Triple-A without any problems. In 510 PA, Freeman is hitting .323/.382/.529 with 18 home runs and may make his major-league debut in September.

-- Evan Brunell

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Don't count on Chipper Jones at first

Caribbrave Since: Aug 11, 2010	Posted on: August 29, 2010 9:54 pm Don't count on Chipper Jones at first While I tend to agree that the Chipper/outfield experiment may well have caused him some injury issues, there is the possibility that the lack of sharp lateral movements in the outfield might actually help someone (in their late 30s) coming off knee surgery. Having said that, Chipper has done more than almost any player in the club to help the club to get better - the reconstruction of his contract to give the front office some budget headroom as well as agreeing to the outfield move. All in all, it's time for the organisation to step up and give him every opportunity to play every day third base for what will probably be his last year before his number is retired and he waits for the call from the HoF. [ Reply to Comment ]
Falcon LT Since: Aug 18, 2006	Posted on: August 29, 2010 6:47 pm Don't count on Chipper Jones at first I agree completely on all acounts. Also, what dictates what Atlanta will do this offseason is related to Glaus' performance in September and the playoffs, if he comes back and plays 3B at an extremely high level then he/Lee will be 'choices' to try to pursue as both will be UFA. The other side of things is Alex Gonzo at SS. Is he signed beyond this season? I'm not sure. I do know Infante can play SS, but neither he nor Prado is fit for SS because they don't have ideal range as a defender there. Another option is to place Infante in LF, since Hinske/Cabrera/Ankeil all seem to be lower on the 'totum poll' for playing time based on their performances this year. I'm not even sure if those guys are signed beyond this year, nor am I aware of Omar's contract status. One thing is likely, though, is that Freddie Freeman will get a chance to win the 1B job and Atlanta will probably steer away from paying Lee or Glaus competitive money to come back. It seems more likely, IMO; if Jones is given a chance at coming back to 3B, its more likely Glaus is resigned considering Freddie is the future at 1B. Atlanta already has other options in Schaffer and McLouth, even if Ankeil or Cabrera were to be FA this offseason etc. IMO, Diaz should be kept regardless. More of a threat offensively, from a consistency standpoint at least, than Riok or Melky. Was Hinske a 1 year deal like Glaus too? [ Reply to Comment ]
unctoothman Since: Apr 4, 2008	Posted on: August 29, 2010 6:36 pm Don't count on Chipper Jones at first I agree BravesGurl. He's not at all a good option in left, and his days at 3rd are pretty well over - even if he somehow gets back into form (which sadly for him I don't believe he will) - because of Prado. He's a great guy, but likely not part of the future in ATL. Maybe we'll get lucky and he'll consider taking TPs position as a hitting coach...heaven knows we can use a guy who knows how to hit both sides of the plate. [ Reply to Comment ]
BravesGurl1983 Since: Aug 26, 2006	Posted on: August 29, 2010 6:13 pm Don't count on Chipper Jones at first If it's to another spot, Jones may have to return to left as first may not even be an option That's not happening. Chipper doesn't have the mobility for left field. I still think that little "experiment" shaved a few years off his playing time because of the issues it caused his feet. [ Reply to Comment ]

While I tend to agree that the Chipper/outfield experiment may well have caused him some injury issues, there is the possibility that the lack of sharp lateral movements in the outfield might actually help someone (in their late 30s) coming off knee surgery.
Having said that, Chipper has done more than almost any player in the club to help the club to get better - the reconstruction of his contract to give the front office some budget headroom as well as agreeing to the outfield move. All in all, it's time for the organisation to step up and give him every opportunity to play every day third base for what will probably be his last year before his number is retired and he waits for the call from the HoF.

Don't count on Chipper Jones at first

I agree completely on all acounts. Also, what dictates what Atlanta will do this offseason is related to Glaus' performance in September and the playoffs, if he comes back and plays 3B at an extremely high level then he/Lee will be 'choices' to try to pursue as both will be UFA.

The other side of things is Alex Gonzo at SS. Is he signed beyond this season? I'm not sure. I do know Infante can play SS, but neither he nor Prado is fit for SS because they don't have ideal range as a defender there.

Another option is to place Infante in LF, since Hinske/Cabrera/Ankeil all seem to be lower on the 'totum poll' for playing time based on their performances this year. I'm not even sure if those guys are signed beyond this year, nor am I aware of Omar's contract status.

One thing is likely, though, is that Freddie Freeman will get a chance to win the 1B job and Atlanta will probably steer away from paying Lee or Glaus competitive money to come back. It seems more likely, IMO; if Jones is given a chance at coming back to 3B, its more likely Glaus is resigned considering Freddie is the future at 1B.

Atlanta already has other options in Schaffer and McLouth, even if Ankeil or Cabrera were to be FA this offseason etc.

IMO, Diaz should be kept regardless. More of a threat offensively, from a consistency standpoint at least, than Riok or Melky. Was Hinske a 1 year deal like Glaus too?

Don't count on Chipper Jones at first

I agree BravesGurl. He's not at all a good option in left, and his days at 3rd are pretty well over - even if he somehow gets back into form (which sadly for him I don't believe he will) - because of Prado. He's a great guy, but likely not part of the future in ATL.

Maybe we'll get lucky and he'll consider taking TPs position as a hitting coach...heaven knows we can use a guy who knows how to hit both sides of the plate.

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