Center fielder Andruw Jones is done with the Braves, general manager John Schuerholz said Tuesday, because the team can't afford to keep the perennial Gold Glove center fielder who has spent his entire career in Atlanta.
The move was not unexpected as the 30-year-old Jones slumped in the final season of his $75 million contract. He's eligible to file for free agency after the World Series.
Jones made $13.5 million this year, and the Braves plan to use that on bolstering their pitching and signing first baseman Mark Teixeira, who made $9 million this year and is eligible for arbitration.
Still, it was the end of an era in Atlanta. Jones first joined the Braves as a 19-year-old, hitting two homers in his first World Series game at Yankee Stadium in 1996. He has been one of the game's greatest defensive outfielders, winning nine straight Gold Gloves with his diving catches and over-the-wall grabs in center.
Jones also was one of the game's top sluggers in 2005-06, combining for 92 homers and 237 RBIs, but his production tailed off dramatically this season.
Jones slumped to .222 — his worst average since becoming a full-time starter in 1997 — with 26 homers and 94 RBIs
The move was not unexpected as the 30-year-old Jones slumped in the final season of his $75 million contract. He's eligible to file for free agency after the World Series.
Jones made $13.5 million this year, and the Braves plan to use that on bolstering their pitching and signing first baseman Mark Teixeira, who made $9 million this year and is eligible for arbitration.
Still, it was the end of an era in Atlanta. Jones first joined the Braves as a 19-year-old, hitting two homers in his first World Series game at Yankee Stadium in 1996. He has been one of the game's greatest defensive outfielders, winning nine straight Gold Gloves with his diving catches and over-the-wall grabs in center.
Jones also was one of the game's top sluggers in 2005-06, combining for 92 homers and 237 RBIs, but his production tailed off dramatically this season.
Jones slumped to .222 — his worst average since becoming a full-time starter in 1997 — with 26 homers and 94 RBIs
