Chipper: Left field not for me

Chipper: Left field not for me (AJC)

Despite the Braves' vacancies in left and right field, Braves general manager John Schuerholz keeps saying third baseman Chipper Jones isn't going back to the outfield. But that hasn't been enough to stop many folks from predicting otherwise.

How about if Jones underscores it? Here's what Jones said two weeks ago, before the Braves traded left fielders Charles Thomas and Eli Marrero and declined arbitration for J.D. Drew, cutting him loose. "I think I proved to myself last year that I may have made a mistake volunteering to move [to left field]," said Jones, a former All-Star third baseman who switched positions so the Braves could sign free agent third baseman Vinny Castilla in 2002. "I can't say I regret it; Vinny came in and did a good job for us. [But] I'd be less inclined to move in the future. Third base is my home. "I think if I were approached about a move again . . . I would probably just say I'd rather not, because I feel like I'm a much better third baseman than I am a left fielder or than I would be at first base. I think I proved last year that I can still play at a high level at third base."

Schuerholz said the Braves could wait as late as spring training to fill their outfield. "We are going to have an outfield," Schuerholz deadpanned. "We intend to have an actual left fielder and right fielder play next to Andruw [Jones]. We just don't know who, yet. We've got plenty of time to fill those roster spots."

It seems more likely they will acquire at least one veteran outfielder in the next few weeks. Sunday is the deadline for teams to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players, or they become free agents. A few outfielders should become available. Among the rumored possibilities to be non-tendered is Minnesota outfielder Jacque Jones, who has been an outstanding defensive left fielder and good right fielder. He made $4.35 million in 2004 and hit a subpar .254 with 24 homers in 555 at-bats, after batting .294 with 57 homers and 203 RBIs over the prior three seasons.

Chipper was never a very good left fielder and, frankly, hurt his Hall of Fame chances considerably by making the move. He went from a perennial All-Star at 3rd to not even in consideration for an outfield slot.

One would think filling the corner outfield spots will not be difficult for Schuerholz. Between relatively inexpensive free agents, minor league prospects, and bench players at other positions, someone can be found. Heck, that's where they tend to stick guys with good bats and mediocre defensive skills, anyway.