I wanted to call this post “Andruw Jones is a Jackass,” but I’ve calmed down – a little. Nothing really upsets me more than professional athletes being completely out of touch with the real world and their own self worth. After reading the article on Jones by Dylan Hernandez in today’s Los Angeles Times, I was seeing red. And not Texas Ranger red. Sure, I knew this day was coming after seeing the Dodgers’ trip to Arlington on the calendar at the beginning of the year, but Andruw Jones’ jackass remarks still tweak me. From Dylan Hernandez:
He (Jones) batted.158 with three home runs and 14 runs batted in and was granted his release over the winter by agreeing to defer a significant portion of the $22 million remaining on his deal.
“As things were going along, I didn’t think I was in their plans,” Jones said. “I had to make a decision and move on.
Andruw, do you REALLY think the Dodgers would sign you to a two-year, $36+ million contract if you weren’t “in their plans’? We needed a power hitter, and you were going to be that guy. The Dodgers had four outfielders to inspire a sense of competition, but something tells me that competition was supposed to be geared towards Kemp and Ethier to keep “the kids” (as they were considered at the time) motivated. Unfortunately it was also needed to keep your overweight and unmotivated body moving as well.
While acknowledging that McCourt paid him a hefty salary, Jones said the owner had no right to complain about a deal that was mutually agreed upon.
“I got paid that money because that was my value,” Jones said, pointing to the numbers he posted in 12 seasons with the Atlanta Braves.
So what you’re saying, Andruw, is that you DESERVED that money based on past performance, and didn’t need to earn that money while you were here. The phrase that kills me is “no right to complain.” You’re damn right McCourt had a right to complain and he did the right thing for Dodger fans everywhere when he deferred the remaining $22 million and cut you loose. In retrospect, that contract was one of the worst in Dodger history – if not baseball history – and you should be ashamed of yourself. In addition, in the Texas media, it’s been noted that Jones holds “no animosity” towards the team that paid him to disappear. How noble of Mr. Jones.
The bottom line is that Andruw Jones just doesn’t get it. He has a sense of entitlement that I feel is just sickening. I knew it wasn’t going to happen, but I had hoped that he would be contrite, apologetic and honest when he met with the media while the Dodgers were in town. Instead, we saw the defiant and remorseless Andruw Jones that was here in LA. I didn’t see any TV interviews with him, but I bet he flashed that little half-smile he loved to show after striking out while in LA. Andruw Jones just doesn’t get it – and probably never will.
UPDATE: I’m listening to the Dodgertalk guys during the electrical delay during tonight’s game and they echoed the comments above. Plus, they said Jones’ 2008 season was the WORST statistical season of all time for batters with 200+ at bats.
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Dodgers
I noticed that True Blue LA surmised that Jones (after tonight) now has more total bases than he did all of last year…with 110 fewer appearances.
Despite all that, I am still glad he is GONE.
http://www.truebluela.com/2009/6/13/908732/dodgers-use-bison-power-to-light
Being an Atlanta Braves fan, I know exactly what you are saying, and AGREE WITH YOU 100%. I never liked Andruw Jones and prayed for the Braves to get rid of him. His “no right to complain” garbage is so typical of his selfishness. I got so sick of seeing that smirk on his face all of the time. I have heard people ask him about that, and he says that is just the way he looks. Bull! Anyway, he is by far, in my opinion, the most OVERRATED center fielder of all time. He was lazy, and would not work on his hitting. I have lost count of how many times he came up to bat with the bases loaded, 2 outs, and he strikes out.
Its too bad that the Dodgers, who I have always liked, as well as Joe Torre, had to experience self centered Mr. Strikeout is.
I am glad that he isn’t on either one of our teams anymore!
Thanks Neal. You know, when the Dodgers first signed Jones, I remember saying that all they needed him to do was perform as he did during his last year in Atlanta (which was a down year for him). If he did just that, he would have been one of the team’s top hitters. Glad he’s gone now though!