Braves fans have probably seen the last great catch in centerfield by Andruw Jones--wearing a Braves uniform. Team general manager John Schuerholz said Tuesday that because Jones is expected to command a huge salary in the free agent market--perhaps 20 million dollars annually--the Braves cannot afford to bring him back.
"We have no way of being able to keep Andruw on our team, and have the necessary assets that would allow us to build a complete team, that gives us the best chance of winnng our division again".
The Braves under new ownership are expected to see their 84-million dollar payroll raise slightly, but still have about 65-million dollars tied up and going to five players: 3rd baseman Chipper Jones, 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, and pitchers John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton.
Schuerholz told Jones of the team's direction in a Tuesday noon meeting at Turner Field. Jones told the Associated Press "I'm appreciative of the chance they gave me to play for Atlanta all these years. I understand the decision they have to make".
Andruw Jones has been an Atlanta Brave for his entire career, since arriving in 1996. He's a nine-time Gold Glove winner, with 368 home runs in just over 11 seasons. This season however, he took a stumble offensively, batting only .222.
"We have no way of being able to keep Andruw on our team, and have the necessary assets that would allow us to build a complete team, that gives us the best chance of winnng our division again".
The Braves under new ownership are expected to see their 84-million dollar payroll raise slightly, but still have about 65-million dollars tied up and going to five players: 3rd baseman Chipper Jones, 1st baseman Mark Teixeira, and pitchers John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton.
Schuerholz told Jones of the team's direction in a Tuesday noon meeting at Turner Field. Jones told the Associated Press "I'm appreciative of the chance they gave me to play for Atlanta all these years. I understand the decision they have to make".
Andruw Jones has been an Atlanta Brave for his entire career, since arriving in 1996. He's a nine-time Gold Glove winner, with 368 home runs in just over 11 seasons. This season however, he took a stumble offensively, batting only .222.
