Should The Braves Resign Chipper Jones?
The Atlanta Braves would have a very hard time trying to remember a time when Chipper was not around. Since 1993, the Braves have become accustomed to having the sweet stroke of Jones in the lineup, and his glove at the hot corner. Now, after losing 15 year veteran John Smoltz to the Boston Red Sox, they face a similar situation with the 15 year veteran Jones. Are the Braves going to lose Chipper in the near future as well, and better still, should they?
Chipper has been about as steady as one could hope for given the longevity of his career. His statistics are sterling, yet he has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons. Health was a large factor in the Braves allowing John Smoltz to go away. Now they must decide if the veteran Jones is going to be worth signing for another two to three years. Chipper wants such a deal, and has made it public. He said, “The Braves organization is the only one I’ve ever known and I want to play in Atlanta forever, …But, as we’ve found out, it doesn’t always matter what the player wants.” Chipper Jones is entering the final year of his contract, and is hoping that the Braves will extend it, though no moves have been made so far. The Braves are still trying to get the kinks of arbitration worked out at this point, and probably have not broached the subject yet. Surely, however, they have talked in private about what they will do with Chipper. Nobody knows which way they are leaning but them, including Chipper himself. The truth of the matter is that the Braves have taken one heck of a hit as far as fan reaction with the news of Smoltz leaving. Losing Chipper just might set off a riot in Atlanta, where Chipper is about as popular as a player can be. This might be the straw that breaks the camels back with fans if they decide that Chipper retiring as a Brave is not going to happen. For this reason alone, the Braves should extend Chipper’s contract. It is not as if they are signing a player that is not contributing. Even now, Chipper is one of the best hitters in the league. He nearly hit .400 during the course of last season, and he seemed as youthful and energetic as ever throughout the season.
The Braves would be a better team with Chipper than without him, and their is no reason to think that would change over the next two to three seasons. What is truly amazing about Chipper is his understanding of the nuts and bolts of the franchise. He knows that he can not expect a huge contract, and even though he likely could command big dollars in free agency, he wants to stay a Brave. That is class, and dedication to your team. That shows character, and the need to be a part of something that is bigger than himself. That is Chipper…old school all the way. It is also the very reason that the Braves should sign him to an extension….yesterday.
