February 26, 200521 yr Introducing the new Say-Hey kid - Brief Article Barry Bonds was just named Baseball's Player of the Decade (see page 12), so it's the perfect time to anoint Atlanta's Andrew Jones as the favorite to capture the title next decade. Ken Griffey Jr., you say? He might not play the entire decade. Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez? They are all great players, but they can't match Jones' all-around potential. Most remember Jones, 22, for what happened last July, when Bobby Cox removed him from a game because he wasn't hustling in the outfield. But Jones has matured a great deal since. However, the incident marred the public's perception of his defense. According to Cox and many other baseball experts, Jones is the best defensive outfielder in baseball. Cox has said Jones is one of the best he has ever seen. Jones' defense alone makes him one of baseball's most exciting players. His defense might be his strength now, but he's no slouch on offense. Jones hit .271 with 31 homers, 90 RBIs and 27 stolen bases last season. It won't be long before he's one of baseball's top offensive players. Like Junior in his first four seasons, Jones hasn't displayed the full force of his powerful swing. Jones' youth is apparent at the plate, where he lacks consistency and patience--he still lunges at off-speed pitches and has poor strike-zone discipline. In time he'll become a more disciplined hitter, and that will allow him to unleash his awesome potential. All he needs is more experience. Listen to what Bonds said earlier this season: "Andrew Jones plays center field like no one I've ever seen in my lifetime." Better than Junior? "He's faster than Junior." Has Jones established himself? "No, but if you look at him ... he has a chance to be the best center fielder ever." If anyone other than Junior has a chance to surpass Willie Mays as the greatest all-around center fielder, Jones is the man. Mark Bonavita is an associate editor for THE SPORTING NEWS. COPYRIGHT 1999 Sporting News Publishing Co. COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group
February 26, 200521 yr I believe he had the potential that they talk about in the article. I would say we could write this article off, but he is still only 28. He still has the chance to do plenty of great things. Its hard to think of him as being that young sometimes, especially since he's been playing in the MLB for half of my life. I only remember him as a player all those years and it just seems so long for me. As many know I like the Braves organization, 2nd favorite in the league. So I root for Andruw.
February 26, 200521 yr Author he did have the potential. He was great for someone that age and had it all. But he never improved much from there. His speed and glove have declined, and his bat never improved. Who know, he still has time to turn into the superstar everyone expected him to be, but I doubt it.
February 26, 200521 yr Regardless of the high expectations, he still turned out to be an above-average player, which still isn't that bad.
February 26, 200521 yr I think Chipper Jones' career will be considered better than Andruw Jones' when they are both retired.
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