ATLANTA -- There's no longer reason to speculate about Andruw Jones' future in Atlanta. General manager John Schuerholz announced on Tuesday afternoon that his plans for the 2008 season no longer include the Gold Glove center fielder.
Just two days into the offseason, Schuerholz has already answered the primary question he would've been asked over the next few weeks and months. He was able to make this quick decision when it became apparent that the contractual demands of Jones' agent, Scott Boras, weren't even close to what the Braves were willing and capable of offering.
Jones, who has been one of the team's most popular figures since his arrival in 1996, was informed of the decision during a Tuesday meeting with Schuerholz.
Even before Jones hit a career-worst .222 with 26 homers and 94 RBIs this year, there was doubt concerning his return to Atlanta. When the Braves acquired Boras client Mark Teixeira at this year's trade deadline, Jones' desire to play his entire career with the Braves became even cloudier.
An arbitration-eligible player, Teixeira has a salary for the 2008 season that could exceed $12 million. In other words, he'll be assuming many of the dollars that were spent on Jones, who made $14.5 million this past season.
Jones has said that he is seeking at least a five-year deal, and despite this year's struggles, Boras still believes his client's history makes him worthy of demanding an annual salary of approximately $20 million.
Teixeira will be eligible for free agency at the end of the 2008 season, and the Braves would certainly be more willing to sign him to a long-term deal that would include a similar annual salary. At the end of 2008 season, the switch-hitting first baseman will be just 28 years old, and he will stand as one of the most attractive figures on the free-agent market.
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Andruw out of Atlanta picture for 2008
Andruw out of Atlanta picture for 2008
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