The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is running the second part of an interview with Chipper Jones. It’s not quite as lengthy as the previous interview,but here’s a couple quick highlights:
- Despite his comments in the past (“I’ll believe it when I see it.”), Jones believes Bobby Cox is “for real” about stepping down as manager after 2010. Cox will still have an imprint on the team as he will move into a consulting role, but Jones acknowledges that “it’s going to be culture shock” if he decides to play in 2011, especially if the Braves hire someone he has “played with or against.”
- Jones is proud of the fact that he is the “last one standing” among the great 90s teams, and like Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn, has played his entire career in one city.
- Jones would be “OK with it” if his career ended today, but the only thing that keeps him going is trying to reclaim the National League East and go back to the World Series. He’s encouraged with the direction of the team, especially pitching-wise but notes that “we just need to get a little offense and defense to go along with it.”
As David O’Brien notes at the end of the piece, this interview was conducted two days before the Braves traded Javier Vazquez for Melky Cabrera and a pair of prospects. Frank Wren has taken some heat for the move, but in doing so, the Braves added around $9 million in payroll flexibility. Wren has already Troy Glaus to the lineup, andthere are plenty of indications that he isn’t done.