KISSIMMEE, Fla. — An offseason of reflection hasn’t softened Chipper Jones’ stance.
The Braves third baseman still says he will walk away from the game if he can’t bounce back from a disappointing season.
Jones, who will turn 38 in April, said this week he won’t hang around just to collect a paycheck if he’s no longer playing up to the standards which have made him one of the best switch-hitters in baseball history.
Some scoffed when Jones spoke last year of possible retirement after this season.
Count Atlanta manager Bobby Cox among those who don’t believe Jones will walk away from two years and $28 million on his contract, which runs through 2012. He signed a three-year, $42 million extension last spring that includes an option for 2013.
“I never took them to heart at all,” Cox said last week of Jones’ comments. “He’ll play three more years and play them good.”
Jones’ frustration and talk of retirement came after seeing his batting average drop 100 points last year. He led the National League with his .364 average in 2008 but fell to .264 last season with 31 fewer hits in almost 50 more at-bats.
He said last year he won’t keep playing if he doesn’t return to form this season. He’s sticking with that stance this spring.
“It was a true statement,” Jones said. “If I don’t play this game at the level I want to play it at, then I will walk away from it.”
Henderson draws a crowd at A’s camp
PHOENIX — Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson arrived at the Athletics’ spring training facilities Saturday, and at least two dozen A’s were listening intently as he spoke on stealing bases, among other subjects.
A’s manager Bob Geren said Henderson’s focus will be on the basepaths, but he won’t be limited. That’s fine with A’s outfielder Rajai Davis, who led the team with 41 steals last year.
“He has a wealth of knowledge, and just to know what he knows is beneficial in any way,” Davis said. “I want to know what he has to say about stealing bases, playing defense and situational at-bats.”
Lopez signs with Cardinals
JUPITER, Fla. — Infielder Felipe Lopez is back with the Cardinals after agreeing to a one-year contract.
Lopez played for the Cardinals during the 2008 season. He it .385 with four home runs in 43 games for St. Louis.
Splitting time between Arizona and Milwaukee last year, Lopez hit .310 with nine home runs.
The Associated Press
