Struggling through another disappointing season, Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones told The Associated Press that he was meeting with team officials Tuesday to discuss his future and acknowledged that he’s considering retirement.
Jones declined to comment directly on whether he’ll retire at the end of the season, but it seemed clear that he’s made up his mind and merely needed to work out a settlement with the team over the $28 million in guaranteed money he’s owed for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
“It’s obvious that it’s something I’ve been thinking about,” Jones told the AP after arriving at Turner Field in his blue pickup truck about 2 p.m. ET. “I need to go through the proper channels. Once those have all been taken care of, everybody’s questions will be answered.”
Jones, 38, who won the National League MVP award in 1998 and led the league in hitting just two years ago, met before batting practice with team president John Schuerholz, general manager Frank Wren and manager Bobby Cox.
“As best as I can gather right now, he’s thinking about retiring after this year,” Cox said. “But I can’t give a definitive answer.”
Jones told the AP he planned to discuss some “red tape issues” with team officials. Asked whether those involved a resolution of his contract, Jones replied, “That would be fair to say.”
He struggled last season and indicated that another difficult year likely would lead him to consider retirement, even though it might involve walking away from a huge amount of money.
This season has been even tougher for Jones, even though the Braves are leading the NL East. He’s battled injuries and was hitting just .228 with three homers and 22 RBIs heading into the opener of a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Braves have gotten more production at third base out of utility infielders Omar Infante (.314, one homer, 16 RBIs) and Brooks Conrad (.280, three homers, 12 RBIs), which has made Jones’ troubles stand out even more.
“Well, any time you’ve struggled at the plate and you’re having trouble producing, it’s frustrating,” Jones told the AP, standing outside the Braves’ clubhouse. “I’m used to being in the middle of everything, but it hasn’t been happening. Hopefully I’ll have a better second half and really help contribute to this team staying in first place.”
The team later put out a statement saying Jones would not be available to speak to the media. He was in the lineup Tuesday, batting in his usual third spot. Cox said he had nothing to report and was more focused on getting Jones back to his usual standards.
Jones has long been the face of the Braves’ offense, helping Atlanta win its lone World Series title as a rookie in 1995 and significantly contributing to an unprecedented run of 14 straight division titles. His best year was 1999, when he led the Braves to the NL pennant and was named MVP after hitting .319 with 45 homers and 110 RBIs.
