Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason, 36, continues to defy his age. Re-signed by the Ravens this offseason and in search of his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season, Mason talked to Sporting News‘ Vinnie Iyer about what he does to stay in such great shape, the exciting additions to the team’s receiving corps and the renewed Super Bowl buzz in Baltimore.
WR Derrick Mason enters his sixth season as a Baltimore Raven.
Q: What’s your secret to staying in such great playing condition?
A: There’s nothing special or a magic formula. You stick a consistent workout, but don’t wear yourself out early. From February, it’s a long offseason. You want to keep your body fluid, so you don’t lose much in your side-to-side movement. There are a lot of guys with great speed at wide receiver, but it’s the ability to separate that keeps you around — and that comes with conditioning.
Q: So are you saying you are rejuvenated enough to return punts again?
A: For the early part of my career it was good to contribute catching punts and bringing them back, but after a while you take a lot of pounding on your body. I’ll still go back there if they ask me, but I think my days as a full-time return man are well behind me.
Q: So what do you think of the Ravens’ offseason?
A: It’s going well. We’ve addressed some needs and added some depth where it was needed. I definitely feel good about what we’ve done on the offensive side.
Q: The team’s biggest move was trading for three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin? What does he bring to the Ravens’ receiving corps?
A: It’s creating a good buzz. With Quan, there’s a reason for him going to three Pro Bowls. He’s the tough guy who is willing to go over the middle, sacrifice his body to make the tough catch. Then you also have Donte’ Stallworth, who brings the speed to make that 60- or 80-yard play out the slot.
Q: How does having Boldin and Stallworth affect your role in the offense?
A: I don’t think it will change that much. I’ll still be running a lot of the same routes. The one thing that’ll be different is that with Quan we have someone who can draw that double-team attention. We have so many weapons who can beat single coverage. So maybe I go from seeing 10 balls a game to making the most of the seven or eight I do get.
Q: With the added weapons, do you think we’ll see a big leap forward from third-year quarterback Joe Flacco?
A: He’s so dedicated to making himself better. He’s got the athleticism and the arm, but then he’s there in the classroom, learning the playbook until he has command of it. Then you give him the receivers and tight ends we’ve added. He also has put in the work with (new quarterbacks) coach (Jim) Zorn, which will help even more.
Q: With this kind of talent in the passing game, do you think the playcalling will be more aggressive and go a little more away from the run?
A: I think we were aggressive last year — there were just a lot of injuries that held us back. So we’ll come back aggressive because we have a good shot to score 25-35 points a game. We’ll still be a run-first team and pass the ball off our success there. That’s the kind of offense that wins in December and January.
Q: Just like you, 11-time Pro Bowl linebacker Ray Lewis, at age 35, just keeps on going. What’s in the water in Baltimore?
A: He enjoys working out and keeping himself in peak condition because he wants to stay on top at middle linebacker. He’s the consummate professional who just takes care of his body.
Q: Another older receiver who stays in shape is Terrell Owens who hasn’t been able to find a job this offseason. Why do you think it has been such a challenge for him to find a team?
A: Sometimes, the perception becomes reality and it’s not fair. Looking at him, you can see he’s in great shape, that he can still fare well and produce numbers. But now he’s been treated like a scapegoat for what happened in Buffalo; it’s unfair. After a while, right or wrong, there are just some teams that don’t want to deal with a potential headache. He can be still an asset for some contending team.
Q: Just how tough is it playing in the AFC North?
A: For a couple years there you’ve seen who’s at the top of the division fluctuate, and you can’t expect to go out there and dominate. We’ve made the playoffs the last two years, but we’ve lost out on the division title to Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. So we know how difficult it can be. They’ll be getting better in Cleveland with Mike Holmgren. The Bengals are a tough team, and they always play us tough. You know the Steelers will be back stronger.
Q: Is one of the reasons you came back to play another year was the possibility of reaching the Super Bowl?
A: I am optimistic about our chances after how successful we’ve been the past two years. It’s just a good feeling from how this team is put together on the field and with the coaching staff. We believe in our leaders and the ability to get by any challenger. We just have to sustain that all season.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason, 36, continues to defy his age. Re-signed by the Ravens this offseason and in search of his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season, Mason talked to Sporting News‘ Vinnie Iyer about what he does to stay in such great shape, the exciting additions to the team’s receiving corps and the renewed Super Bowl buzz in Baltimore.
WR Derrick Mason enters his sixth season as a Baltimore Raven.
Q: What’s your secret to staying in such great playing condition?
A: There’s nothing special or a magic formula. You stick a consistent workout, but don’t wear yourself out early. From February, it’s a long offseason. You want to keep your body fluid, so you don’t lose much in your side-to-side movement. There are a lot of guys with great speed at wide receiver, but it’s the ability to separate that keeps you around — and that comes with conditioning.
Q: So are you saying you are rejuvenated enough to return punts again?
A: For the early part of my career it was good to contribute catching punts and bringing them back, but after a while you take a lot of pounding on your body. I’ll still go back there if they ask me, but I think my days as a full-time return man are well behind me.
Q: So what do you think of the Ravens’ offseason?
A: It’s going well. We’ve addressed some needs and added some depth where it was needed. I definitely feel good about what we’ve done on the offensive side.
Q: The team’s biggest move was trading for three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin? What does he bring to the Ravens’ receiving corps?
A: It’s creating a good buzz. With Quan, there’s a reason for him going to three Pro Bowls. He’s the tough guy who is willing to go over the middle, sacrifice his body to make the tough catch. Then you also have Donte’ Stallworth, who brings the speed to make that 60- or 80-yard play out the slot.
Q: How does having Boldin and Stallworth affect your role in the offense?
A: I don’t think it will change that much. I’ll still be running a lot of the same routes. The one thing that’ll be different is that with Quan we have someone who can draw that double-team attention. We have so many weapons who can beat single coverage. So maybe I go from seeing 10 balls a game to making the most of the seven or eight I do get.
Q: With the added weapons, do you think we’ll see a big leap forward from third-year quarterback Joe Flacco?
A: He’s so dedicated to making himself better. He’s got the athleticism and the arm, but then he’s there in the classroom, learning the playbook until he has command of it. Then you give him the receivers and tight ends we’ve added. He also has put in the work with (new quarterbacks) coach (Jim) Zorn, which will help even more.
Q: With this kind of talent in the passing game, do you think the playcalling will be more aggressive and go a little more away from the run?
A: I think we were aggressive last year — there were just a lot of injuries that held us back. So we’ll come back aggressive because we have a good shot to score 25-35 points a game. We’ll still be a run-first team and pass the ball off our success there. That’s the kind of offense that wins in December and January.
Q: Just like you, 11-time Pro Bowl linebacker Ray Lewis, at age 35, just keeps on going. What’s in the water in Baltimore?
A: He enjoys working out and keeping himself in peak condition because he wants to stay on top at middle linebacker. He’s the consummate professional who just takes care of his body.
Q: Another older receiver who stays in shape is Terrell Owens who hasn’t been able to find a job this offseason. Why do you think it has been such a challenge for him to find a team?
A: Sometimes, the perception becomes reality and it’s not fair. Looking at him, you can see he’s in great shape, that he can still fare well and produce numbers. But now he’s been treated like a scapegoat for what happened in Buffalo; it’s unfair. After a while, right or wrong, there are just some teams that don’t want to deal with a potential headache. He can be still an asset for some contending team.
Q: Just how tough is it playing in the AFC North?
A: For a couple years there you’ve seen who’s at the top of the division fluctuate, and you can’t expect to go out there and dominate. We’ve made the playoffs the last two years, but we’ve lost out on the division title to Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. So we know how difficult it can be. They’ll be getting better in Cleveland with Mike Holmgren. The Bengals are a tough team, and they always play us tough. You know the Steelers will be back stronger.
Q: Is one of the reasons you came back to play another year was the possibility of reaching the Super Bowl?
A: I am optimistic about our chances after how successful we’ve been the past two years. It’s just a good feeling from how this team is put together on the field and with the coaching staff. We believe in our leaders and the ability to get by any challenger. We just have to sustain that all season.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Philadelphia police on Wednesday confiscated a 9 mm handgun from former Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison during a routine a traffic stop, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.
Police tell the newspaper they stopped Harrison on Wednesday afternoon for driving his Cadillac Escalade the wrong way down a one-way street in North Philadelphia, where Harrison owns a garage. ESPN.com reports police also stopped a second man who was trailing Harrison.
The Daily News, citing law enforcement sources, reports Harrison produced his vehicle registration and a permit to carry the gun. A patrolman asked whether Harrison was carrying the weapon. Harrison said he wasn’t, according to the Daily News’ sources. ESPN.com reports the patrolman saw Harrison place the gun in his seat console as he was being pulled over.
At that point, the patrolman searched the Escalade and found the gun in the console. The gun is registered to a man who lives in Philadelphia, the sources tell the Daily News.
Police questioned Harrison at the scene and let him go. They also asked him to come to headquarters for further questioning, but Harrison declined, the Daily News reports. Harrison was not required to come in.
Harrison is considered a "person of interest" in a 2008 shooting that occurred near his garage. Police found three spent 9 mm casings in the truck of the primary victim, Dwight Dixon. Dixon said they came from a gun fired by Harrison. A second man, Donald Nixon, says he was struck by a stray shot fired by Harrison.
Police later said ballistics evidence proved several shots were fired by a gun that Harrison owned. No charges were ever filed, though, because of multiple contradictory statements made by the alleged victims, Harrison and others, per the Daily News report.
The Daily News also reports police might test-fire the gun taken from Harrison on Wednesday to determine if it matches the casings recovered in the 2008 shooting.
In July 2009, Dixon was shot multiple times two blocks from a bar Harrison owns. Dixon died two months later. Before his death, he said he believed Harrison was behind the second shooting. The Dixon case remains unsolved.
The Daily News reports Thomas Wagner, an attorney for Harrison, could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Wagner has said that his client "emphatically denies" any role in the 2008 incident.
Sporting News staff reports
Philadelphia police on Wednesday confiscated a 9 mm handgun from former Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison during a routine a traffic stop, the Philadelphia Daily News reports.
Police tell the newspaper they stopped Harrison on Wednesday afternoon for driving his Cadillac Escalade the wrong way down a one-way street in North Philadelphia, where Harrison owns a garage. ESPN.com reports police also stopped a second man who was trailing Harrison.
The Daily News, citing law enforcement sources, reports Harrison produced his vehicle registration and a permit to carry the gun. A patrolman asked whether Harrison was carrying the weapon. Harrison said he wasn’t, according to the Daily News’ sources. ESPN.com reports the patrolman saw Harrison place the gun in his seat console as he was being pulled over.
At that point, the patrolman searched the Escalade and found the gun in the console. The gun is registered to a man who lives in Philadelphia, the sources tell the Daily News.
Police questioned Harrison at the scene and let him go. They also asked him to come to headquarters for further questioning, but Harrison declined, the Daily News reports. Harrison was not required to come in.
Harrison is considered a "person of interest" in a 2008 shooting that occurred near his garage. Police found three spent 9 mm casings in the truck of the primary victim, Dwight Dixon. Dixon said they came from a gun fired by Harrison. A second man, Donald Nixon, says he was struck by a stray shot fired by Harrison.
Police later said ballistics evidence proved several shots were fired by a gun that Harrison owned. No charges were ever filed, though, because of multiple contradictory statements made by the alleged victims, Harrison and others, per the Daily News report.
The Daily News also reports police might test-fire the gun taken from Harrison on Wednesday to determine if it matches the casings recovered in the 2008 shooting.
In July 2009, Dixon was shot multiple times two blocks from a bar Harrison owns. Dixon died two months later. Before his death, he said he believed Harrison was behind the second shooting. The Dixon case remains unsolved.
The Daily News reports Thomas Wagner, an attorney for Harrison, could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Wagner has said that his client "emphatically denies" any role in the 2008 incident.
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Lucky No. 13?
This afternoon’s series finale between the Rockies and Twins at Target Field will feature quite a pitching pairing. Colorado ace Ubaldo Jimenez, who is 12-1, will match up against Minnesota ace Francisco Liriano, who is 6-3 and hasn’t lost since May 20. Jimenez is coming off his worst start of the season, though rain was a factor in his three-run, five-walk outing against the Blue Jays this past Friday. In that win, his ERA "skyrocketed" from 0.93 to 1.16. Meanwhile, Liriano has delivered back-to-back, double-digit strikeout efforts against the A’s and Braves. The lefthander has a 2.00 ERA in five home starts, compared to a 3.63 ERA in seven road starts.
First-inning follies
Try as he might, Cubs righthander Randy Wells can’t shake his early-game jitters. In 13 starts this season, Wells has an 11.25 ERA in the first inning, despite allowing only one homer in that frame. He has lost his past five decisions overall and hasn’t won since April 30. This afternoon at Wrigley Field, Wells will be opposed by a pitcher who has been nearly as cold. Since throwing his perfect game on May 9, A’s righthander Dallas Braden is 0-4 with a 4.75 ERA in his past six starts. Braden hasn’t started since June 9 because of tennis elbow.
The future is here
Pirates fans have grown accustomed to the team dealing its veteran players prior to the July 31 nonwaiver deadline, but there aren’t many veterans left to part with at this point. In fact, the lineup now is dominated by highly touted young players, many of whom were called up recently. That group includes left fielder Jose Tabata, third baseman Pedro Alvarez and second baseman Neil Walker. The new-look Pirates will wrap up a three-game series with the White Sox at PNC Park tonight.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Lucky No. 13?
This afternoon’s series finale between the Rockies and Twins at Target Field will feature quite a pitching pairing. Colorado ace Ubaldo Jimenez, who is 12-1, will match up against Minnesota ace Francisco Liriano, who is 6-3 and hasn’t lost since May 20. Jimenez is coming off his worst start of the season, though rain was a factor in his three-run, five-walk outing against the Blue Jays this past Friday. In that win, his ERA "skyrocketed" from 0.93 to 1.16. Meanwhile, Liriano has delivered back-to-back, double-digit strikeout efforts against the A’s and Braves. The lefthander has a 2.00 ERA in five home starts, compared to a 3.63 ERA in seven road starts.
First-inning follies
Try as he might, Cubs righthander Randy Wells can’t shake his early-game jitters. In 13 starts this season, Wells has an 11.25 ERA in the first inning, despite allowing only one homer in that frame. He has lost his past five decisions overall and hasn’t won since April 30. This afternoon at Wrigley Field, Wells will be opposed by a pitcher who has been nearly as cold. Since throwing his perfect game on May 9, A’s righthander Dallas Braden is 0-4 with a 4.75 ERA in his past six starts. Braden hasn’t started since June 9 because of tennis elbow.
The future is here
Pirates fans have grown accustomed to the team dealing its veteran players prior to the July 31 nonwaiver deadline, but there aren’t many veterans left to part with at this point. In fact, the lineup now is dominated by highly touted young players, many of whom were called up recently. That group includes left fielder Jose Tabata, third baseman Pedro Alvarez and second baseman Neil Walker. The new-look Pirates will wrap up a three-game series with the White Sox at PNC Park tonight.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
The Baltimore Orioles have contacted Buck Showalter about becoming their next manager, ESPN.com’s Tim Kurkjian is reporting.
Rumors have swirled about Showalter, who has also managed the Yankees, Diamondbacks and Rangers, ever since the Orioles’ position came open. The team fired Dave Trembley on June 4 and Juan Samuel has been running the team as interim manager since.
Showalter is the third name the team’s front office has considering, along with former Indians manager Eric Wedge and former Mets manager Bobby Valentine. According to MLB.com, president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said he would be "very surprised" if the team made a decision before the All-Star break.
Sporting News staff reports
The Baltimore Orioles have contacted Buck Showalter about becoming their next manager, ESPN.com’s Tim Kurkjian is reporting.
Rumors have swirled about Showalter, who has also managed the Yankees, Diamondbacks and Rangers, ever since the Orioles’ position came open. The team fired Dave Trembley on June 4 and Juan Samuel has been running the team as interim manager since.
Showalter is the third name the team’s front office has considering, along with former Indians manager Eric Wedge and former Mets manager Bobby Valentine. According to MLB.com, president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said he would be "very surprised" if the team made a decision before the All-Star break.
Baseball’s trade season is upon us. That means weeks of speculation (six-plus weeks to be exact), a ton of rumors (some that even make sense) and a bunch of deals that won’t make a difference in the standings (see: Conor Jackson for Sam Demel).
Well, here are five trades to root for because of the impact they would have on the pennant races. Although they merely are speculation now, stay tuned.
1. Cliff Lee to the Dodgers
What it would mean: Lee will be the biggest difference-maker available before July 31. He has pitched into the seventh inning in all nine of his starts and has a 2.88 ERA, and his 4-3 record would be much better if the Mariners had not totaled five runs in his losses. "Cliff’s been outstanding," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu says. "It’s just a shame the offense hasn’t stepped up for him."
Put such a proven No. 1 on the Dodgers and they become favorites to beat the Phillies in the NLCS — should the teams meet in that round for the third consecutive season. L.A.’s lineup is just about as potent as Philly’s, and that’s when Philly is at full strength. The Dodgers’ bullpen is better because it has Jonathan Broxton and the Phillies have Brad Lidge. Now check the potential rotation matchups: Lee-Roy Halladay, Clayton Kershaw-Cole Hamels, Vicente Padilla-J.A. Happ and Chad Billingsley-Joe Blanton.
Why it could happen: It’s time for the Dodgers’ ownership to do something that doesn’t embarrass the club, and Lee already has said he will test the free-agent market after the season. Because he will be owed "only" about $4.5 million for the second half, trading Lee should net the Mariners a far superior package to the compensation picks he would bring if they lost him as a free agent.
Why it might not: The Dodgers figure to have plenty of competition for Lee’s services. He also could transform the hopes of the Mets, Twins and Rangers, to name a few.
Paul Konerko has worked with Mike Scioscia before and might be a good fit for the Angels now.
2. Paul Konerko to the Angels
What it would mean: The void at first base created by Kendry Morales’ broken leg wouldn’t have to be filled by a catcher and utility players. Konerko has been one of the game’s top sluggers for the past seven seasons, and his 17 homers and 46 RBIs would lead the Angels this season. Los Angeles is 12-5 since Morales’ injury, but the fill-ins at first base don’t deserve much of the credit. The quartet of Mike Napoli, Robb Quinlan, Michael Ryan and Kevin Frandsen has supplied six RBIs, no homers and a .254 average (17-for-67) while sharing first in Morales’ absence.
Why it could happen: The third-place White Sox are five games under .500, trail the division-leading Twins by 7 1/2 games and have provided little evidence to suggest a turnaround is coming. Why not save what is left on Konerko’s $12 million salary for this season and get a decent prospect in return? After all, the White Sox could try to bring back Konerko when he becomes a free agent in the fall.
Why it might not: Trading Konerko wouldn’t be good for ticket sales because it would signal that the club is giving up on the season. Konerko must approve any trade, but that probably wouldn’t be much of a stumbling block with the Angels. Konerko knows manager Mike Scioscia from their time together with the Dodgers. Besides, who wouldn’t want to play for a contender in Southern California?
3. Roy Oswalt to the Mets
What it would mean: Put Oswalt (or Dan Haren, for that matter) with Johan Santana and Mike Pelfrey and the Mets’ rotation would have as strong a top three as any in the majors. Combine such a top-heavy rotation with a lineup that has been one of the NL’s highest scoring for the past month and the Mets might not finish ahead of the Phillies, but they would move to the forefront of the wild-card chase.
Why it could happen: Oswalt’s desire to be traded only will get stronger as the Astros continue to fade, and the Mets are one of the few clubs that could take on Oswalt’s contract. He is due $15 million this season, $16 million in 2011 and has a $16 million club option for 2012.
Why it might not: The Astros, reluctant to trade their stars, likely would expect a return similar to what Lee will bring. That won’t happen unless Houston agrees to pay a chunk of Oswalt’s contract — and good luck with that. Also, Oswalt has full no-trade protection and might not consider the Mets a serious enough contender to warrant relocating to the big city.
4. Corey Hart to the Padres
What it would mean: The surprising Padres need a bat and Hart has been wielding a big one. He leads the NL with 17 homers. Put him in right field and beside Adrian Gonzalez in the batting order and the Padres’ pop-gun attack would become a lot more formidable.
Why it could happen: The Brewers need pitching and the Padres have plenty. And even the Padres could afford what would be left on Hart’s $4.8 million contract.
Why it might not: Milwaukee might decide it needs to hang on to Hart in case it can’t afford to keep Prince Fielder long term.
5. Mike Lowell to the Twins
What it would mean: Lowell would be an ideal fit for the Twins because he is the kind of proven postseason performer who could help them (finally) hang with the Yankees. He also would fill the biggest need in their lineup — third base — and the club is deep enough to keep him fresh. Even though he has been limited to 79 at-bats, Lowell’s two homers equal the output of Twins’ third basemen in 211 at-bats.
Why it could happen: Sooner or later, the Red Sox will give in to Lowell’s wishes and move him to a place where he won’t be stuck to the bench. Because Lowell will become a free agent after the season, the Twins would not be on the hook for another long-term deal.
Why it might not: Boston now seems reluctant to eat most of Lowell’s salary, as it planned to do when it tried to trade him to the Rangers prior to the season. Because he has not been able to get on the field enough to prove he is healthy, teams will be reluctant to pay much for Lowell.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Baseball’s trade season is upon us. That means weeks of speculation (six-plus weeks to be exact), a ton of rumors (some that even make sense) and a bunch of deals that won’t make a difference in the standings (see: Conor Jackson for Sam Demel).
Well, here are five trades to root for because of the impact they would have on the pennant races. Although they merely are speculation now, stay tuned.
1. Cliff Lee to the Dodgers
What it would mean: Lee will be the biggest difference-maker available before July 31. He has pitched into the seventh inning in all nine of his starts and has a 2.88 ERA, and his 4-3 record would be much better if the Mariners had not totaled five runs in his losses. "Cliff’s been outstanding," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu says. "It’s just a shame the offense hasn’t stepped up for him."
Put such a proven No. 1 on the Dodgers and they become favorites to beat the Phillies in the NLCS — should the teams meet in that round for the third consecutive season. L.A.’s lineup is just about as potent as Philly’s, and that’s when Philly is at full strength. The Dodgers’ bullpen is better because it has Jonathan Broxton and the Phillies have Brad Lidge. Now check the potential rotation matchups: Lee-Roy Halladay, Clayton Kershaw-Cole Hamels, Vicente Padilla-J.A. Happ and Chad Billingsley-Joe Blanton.
Why it could happen: It’s time for the Dodgers’ ownership to do something that doesn’t embarrass the club, and Lee already has said he will test the free-agent market after the season. Because he will be owed "only" about $4.5 million for the second half, trading Lee should net the Mariners a far superior package to the compensation picks he would bring if they lost him as a free agent.
Why it might not: The Dodgers figure to have plenty of competition for Lee’s services. He also could transform the hopes of the Mets, Twins and Rangers, to name a few.
Paul Konerko has worked with Mike Scioscia before and might be a good fit for the Angels now.
2. Paul Konerko to the Angels
What it would mean: The void at first base created by Kendry Morales’ broken leg wouldn’t have to be filled by a catcher and utility players. Konerko has been one of the game’s top sluggers for the past seven seasons, and his 17 homers and 46 RBIs would lead the Angels this season. Los Angeles is 12-5 since Morales’ injury, but the fill-ins at first base don’t deserve much of the credit. The quartet of Mike Napoli, Robb Quinlan, Michael Ryan and Kevin Frandsen has supplied six RBIs, no homers and a .254 average (17-for-67) while sharing first in Morales’ absence.
Why it could happen: The third-place White Sox are five games under .500, trail the division-leading Twins by 7 1/2 games and have provided little evidence to suggest a turnaround is coming. Why not save what is left on Konerko’s $12 million salary for this season and get a decent prospect in return? After all, the White Sox could try to bring back Konerko when he becomes a free agent in the fall.
Why it might not: Trading Konerko wouldn’t be good for ticket sales because it would signal that the club is giving up on the season. Konerko must approve any trade, but that probably wouldn’t be much of a stumbling block with the Angels. Konerko knows manager Mike Scioscia from their time together with the Dodgers. Besides, who wouldn’t want to play for a contender in Southern California?
3. Roy Oswalt to the Mets
What it would mean: Put Oswalt (or Dan Haren, for that matter) with Johan Santana and Mike Pelfrey and the Mets’ rotation would have as strong a top three as any in the majors. Combine such a top-heavy rotation with a lineup that has been one of the NL’s highest scoring for the past month and the Mets might not finish ahead of the Phillies, but they would move to the forefront of the wild-card chase.
Why it could happen: Oswalt’s desire to be traded only will get stronger as the Astros continue to fade, and the Mets are one of the few clubs that could take on Oswalt’s contract. He is due $15 million this season, $16 million in 2011 and has a $16 million club option for 2012.
Why it might not: The Astros, reluctant to trade their stars, likely would expect a return similar to what Lee will bring. That won’t happen unless Houston agrees to pay a chunk of Oswalt’s contract — and good luck with that. Also, Oswalt has full no-trade protection and might not consider the Mets a serious enough contender to warrant relocating to the big city.
4. Corey Hart to the Padres
What it would mean: The surprising Padres need a bat and Hart has been wielding a big one. He leads the NL with 17 homers. Put him in right field and beside Adrian Gonzalez in the batting order and the Padres’ pop-gun attack would become a lot more formidable.
Why it could happen: The Brewers need pitching and the Padres have plenty. And even the Padres could afford what would be left on Hart’s $4.8 million contract.
Why it might not: Milwaukee might decide it needs to hang on to Hart in case it can’t afford to keep Prince Fielder long term.
5. Mike Lowell to the Twins
What it would mean: Lowell would be an ideal fit for the Twins because he is the kind of proven postseason performer who could help them (finally) hang with the Yankees. He also would fill the biggest need in their lineup — third base — and the club is deep enough to keep him fresh. Even though he has been limited to 79 at-bats, Lowell’s two homers equal the output of Twins’ third basemen in 211 at-bats.
Why it could happen: Sooner or later, the Red Sox will give in to Lowell’s wishes and move him to a place where he won’t be stuck to the bench. Because Lowell will become a free agent after the season, the Twins would not be on the hook for another long-term deal.
Why it might not: Boston now seems reluctant to eat most of Lowell’s salary, as it planned to do when it tried to trade him to the Rangers prior to the season. Because he has not been able to get on the field enough to prove he is healthy, teams will be reluctant to pay much for Lowell.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Every year at this time, the so-called experts begin to map out their predictions for the playoffs. Typically, we pencil in the teams that made it the prior year, nudging out a couple of teams that have lost several key players and penciling in a couple of teams perceived to be on the rise.
Can Philip Rivers finally get the Chargers to the Super Bowl this year?
Reality paints a far different picture. Historically, the turnover rate hovers in the neighborhood of 50 percent, with half of the 12-team field getting bounced in favor of teams that didn’t make it to the most recent tournament.
The challenge comes from trying to figure out the six of the dozen that won’t make it back — and the six of the 20 non-playoff teams who’ll crash the party.
So in Part 1 of what has become an annual slow-period series, let’s consider the six 2009 playoff teams most likely to get back next year, if we assume that six of them won’t. Part 2: Six teams that won’t return to the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens
Quietly, the Ravens have built a solid contender in only two years of the John Harbaugh regime. This year, they’ve beefed up the roster with the addition of receiver Anquan Boldin, linebacker Sergio Kindle, and defensive tackle Terrence Cody. Meanwhile, quarterback Joe Flacco continues to develop, and running back Ray Rice has his sights set on a 2,000-yard rushing-and-receiving season.
With plenty of talented veterans still patrolling the defensive side of the ball and one of the best young offensive lines in the game, the Ravens have laid the foundation for a perennial powerhouse.
The key to the Ravens winning a Super Bowl will be winning their division. In 2008 and 2009, the Ravens went 0-5 against teams that captured the AFC North crown. If they can take care of business against the Steelers, Bengals, and Browns, the Ravens could finally play a playoff game or two at home, and maybe earn a bye.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts will be projected to make it to the playoffs for as long as quarterback Peyton Manning remains at the helm of the offense. Though last year’s change at the head-coaching position required a major adjustment, the dramatically reduced role of Tom Moore, the only offensive coordinator Manning has known, will raise the challenge to a new level this year.
Manning will, as always, be up to it.
And with a defense that can stifle ball carriers even with Bob Sanders in street clothes, the Colts will be poised to once again capture the AFC South, and to play deep into January.
San Diego Chargers
Despite contract disputes with left tackle Marcus McNeill, receiver Vincent Jackson, and linebacker Shawne Merriman, the Chargers continue to occupy the mantle of a contender, primarily since they have charter membership in one of the weakest divisions in football.
Though quarterback Philip Rivers has yet to add postseason success to his regular-season prowess, he gives the Chargers an annual chance to contend.
So while it’s hardly automatic that they’ll win in January, they should do enough from September to December to get them back to games that matter most, especially with the Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders serving as their primary competition.
Dallas Cowboys
The NFC East has a quartet of evenly-matched teams. Last year, for example, the Cowboys won the division even though the Giants, who didn’t qualify for the playoffs, swept them.
This year, each franchise has question marks. Of the four, the Cowboys have the fewest.
Then there’s the fact the Cowboys host the Super Bowl. That may not be enough of a carrot to get them to the game, but it should at least get them past the first major cut.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings land on this list based on one major assumption: that quarterback Brett Favre will return. If he doesn’t, the Vikings don’t have the horses to get to the postseason with Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, and/or Joe Webb at quarterback.
If Favre returns — and stays as healthy as he has been during 19 prior seasons — the Vikings will have a great shot at getting back into the postseason.
The defense continues to be strong, though not as dominant as in recent years, and the offensive line has enough pop left to keep Favre in one piece and to open holes for Adrian Peterson and an underrated group of understudies.
Though they could be setting themselves and their fans up for another postseason disappointment, look for the Vikings to be in the mix once again for a chance to change that 0-4 record in the game that counts second-most to 1-4.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers have become a trendy pick to make it to the Super Bowl and win it in the third year of life without Favre. Though it’s way too early to project the Pack for a trip to Dallas in February, they’ve got a great chance at getting back into the playoffs, either as a wild-card or by taking the division title away from the Vikings.
Like each of the other five teams on this list, the Packers enjoy solid and consistent quarterback play. The receivers make Aaron Rodgers look even better, and the offensive line would look better if Rodgers improves on getting rid of the ball.
The defense will need to remain strong in the second season of the 3-4 under Dom Capers, and a more effective running game could come in handy. But it all should add up to get the Packers’ ticket punched for another playoff appearance.
And, yes, Who Dat nation, I’ve arrived at the end of my list and omitted the Saints. This means that they’ll be on the list of the six teams most likely to get bounced.
Again, this process presumes that six teams who made it last year won’t make it back. The trend could be bucked in 2010, and more than three of the 2009 NFC playoff teams could return. Or it could be like 2008, when only one of the five NFC playoff teams from the prior year (the Giants) made it back again.
Either way, Part 2 and Part 3 of this series will make it back again soon.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
Every year at this time, the so-called experts begin to map out their predictions for the playoffs. Typically, we pencil in the teams that made it the prior year, nudging out a couple of teams that have lost several key players and penciling in a couple of teams perceived to be on the rise.
Can Philip Rivers finally get the Chargers to the Super Bowl this year?
Reality paints a far different picture. Historically, the turnover rate hovers in the neighborhood of 50 percent, with half of the 12-team field getting bounced in favor of teams that didn’t make it to the most recent tournament.
The challenge comes from trying to figure out the six of the dozen that won’t make it back — and the six of the 20 non-playoff teams who’ll crash the party.
So in Part 1 of what has become an annual slow-period series, let’s consider the six 2009 playoff teams most likely to get back next year, if we assume that six of them won’t. Part 2: Six teams that won’t return to the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens
Quietly, the Ravens have built a solid contender in only two years of the John Harbaugh regime. This year, they’ve beefed up the roster with the addition of receiver Anquan Boldin, linebacker Sergio Kindle, and defensive tackle Terrence Cody. Meanwhile, quarterback Joe Flacco continues to develop, and running back Ray Rice has his sights set on a 2,000-yard rushing-and-receiving season.
With plenty of talented veterans still patrolling the defensive side of the ball and one of the best young offensive lines in the game, the Ravens have laid the foundation for a perennial powerhouse.
The key to the Ravens winning a Super Bowl will be winning their division. In 2008 and 2009, the Ravens went 0-5 against teams that captured the AFC North crown. If they can take care of business against the Steelers, Bengals, and Browns, the Ravens could finally play a playoff game or two at home, and maybe earn a bye.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts will be projected to make it to the playoffs for as long as quarterback Peyton Manning remains at the helm of the offense. Though last year’s change at the head-coaching position required a major adjustment, the dramatically reduced role of Tom Moore, the only offensive coordinator Manning has known, will raise the challenge to a new level this year.
Manning will, as always, be up to it.
And with a defense that can stifle ball carriers even with Bob Sanders in street clothes, the Colts will be poised to once again capture the AFC South, and to play deep into January.
San Diego Chargers
Despite contract disputes with left tackle Marcus McNeill, receiver Vincent Jackson, and linebacker Shawne Merriman, the Chargers continue to occupy the mantle of a contender, primarily since they have charter membership in one of the weakest divisions in football.
Though quarterback Philip Rivers has yet to add postseason success to his regular-season prowess, he gives the Chargers an annual chance to contend.
So while it’s hardly automatic that they’ll win in January, they should do enough from September to December to get them back to games that matter most, especially with the Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders serving as their primary competition.
Dallas Cowboys
The NFC East has a quartet of evenly-matched teams. Last year, for example, the Cowboys won the division even though the Giants, who didn’t qualify for the playoffs, swept them.
This year, each franchise has question marks. Of the four, the Cowboys have the fewest.
Then there’s the fact the Cowboys host the Super Bowl. That may not be enough of a carrot to get them to the game, but it should at least get them past the first major cut.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings land on this list based on one major assumption: that quarterback Brett Favre will return. If he doesn’t, the Vikings don’t have the horses to get to the postseason with Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, and/or Joe Webb at quarterback.
If Favre returns — and stays as healthy as he has been during 19 prior seasons — the Vikings will have a great shot at getting back into the postseason.
The defense continues to be strong, though not as dominant as in recent years, and the offensive line has enough pop left to keep Favre in one piece and to open holes for Adrian Peterson and an underrated group of understudies.
Though they could be setting themselves and their fans up for another postseason disappointment, look for the Vikings to be in the mix once again for a chance to change that 0-4 record in the game that counts second-most to 1-4.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers have become a trendy pick to make it to the Super Bowl and win it in the third year of life without Favre. Though it’s way too early to project the Pack for a trip to Dallas in February, they’ve got a great chance at getting back into the playoffs, either as a wild-card or by taking the division title away from the Vikings.
Like each of the other five teams on this list, the Packers enjoy solid and consistent quarterback play. The receivers make Aaron Rodgers look even better, and the offensive line would look better if Rodgers improves on getting rid of the ball.
The defense will need to remain strong in the second season of the 3-4 under Dom Capers, and a more effective running game could come in handy. But it all should add up to get the Packers’ ticket punched for another playoff appearance.
And, yes, Who Dat nation, I’ve arrived at the end of my list and omitted the Saints. This means that they’ll be on the list of the six teams most likely to get bounced.
Again, this process presumes that six teams who made it last year won’t make it back. The trend could be bucked in 2010, and more than three of the 2009 NFC playoff teams could return. Or it could be like 2008, when only one of the five NFC playoff teams from the prior year (the Giants) made it back again.
Either way, Part 2 and Part 3 of this series will make it back again soon.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.—When the Giants’ defense collapsed, so did their 2009 season.
After starting 5-0, the Giants finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs. Their defensive demise was the most surprising part of their fall. Only the Lions and Rams surrendered more points than the Giants, who gave up at least 40 points on five different occasions last season.
"I was really shocked," defensive tackle Rocky Bernard said. "We had a high expectation level, and this group is so talented. For us not to go out and perform the way we can was really strange. I couldn’t believe it."
If the Giants’ defense is a nightmare again this season, they can only dream of making the playoffs. Has enough been done for this unit to make a major improvement?
A look at five key questions the Giants’ defense must answer:
1. Will changing coordinators make a dramatic difference?
Chris Canty says the Giants players must put in the work if they want to have a better season than 2009.
Defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan was fired and replaced by Perry Fewell. Giants coach Tom Coughlin really had no choice but to make a switch. The players lost confidence in Sheridan, who also clashed with star defensive end Osi Umenyiora.
Changing coordinators can make a difference. We saw it last season, when Gregg Williams helped the Saints win a Super Bowl in his first season as defensive coordinator. However, Fewell must prove he can get more from the Giants’ personnel than Sheridan did. At least Fewell has a captive audience. After last year’s embarrassment, all egos have been put in check.
"I can only speak on my behalf, but there might have been a little complacency not doing the due diligence, the work that it takes to be successful in this league," defensive tackle Chris Canty said. "One thing Bill Parcells told me a long time ago: ‘You’ve got to earn your victories in the NFL.’
"We only earned eight wins last year. That’s not good enough for his organization."
2. Will the pass rush be a force again?
The Giants’ sack total dropped for the second consecutive season, falling to 32, tied for 18th best in the NFL. That was a far cry from ’07, when the Giants led the league with 53 sacks and won the Super Bowl.
Defensive end Justin Tuck was hampered last year, playing with a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder and getting just six sacks. Tuck, 27, is a star in his prime who figures to be more of a force going forward.
The greater concerns are Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka and rookie Jason Pierre-Paul. Umenyiora played poorly last year, lost his starting job and complained when his role was reduced. The Giants hope the competition between Umenyiora and Kiwanuka raises their level of play. If Umenyiora does not start, his unhappiness could hurt his performance again.
Meanwhile drafting Pierre-Paul with the 15th-overall pick was a risk for general manger Jerry Reese. Pierre-Paul has talent but is raw. It might take Pierre-Paul two or three years to become a consistent NFL pass rusher, if it happens at all.
The Giants, however, need help now. And if their pass rush does not improve, it is unlikely their defense will either.
3. Is the linebacker corps a weakness?
It could be. A serious neck injury has ended Antonio Pierce’s successful run at middle linebacker, and no viable replacement has emerged. Jonathan Goff, Chase Blackburn, Gerris Wilkinson and rookie Phillip Dillard will compete for the starting job in training camp.
All of those players could struggle when isolated one-on-one in pass coverage. However, a player to watch is second-year strongside linebacker Clint Sintim, who is expected to start and play well.
"I’m not a rookie anymore," Sintim said. "I don’t think people realize how much of a weight that is off your shoulders. People expect me to do things, expect me to be a player, and that’s fine. I look at this as an opportunity."
4. Can safety Kenny Phillips make it back?
If Phillips can recover all his quickness after a major knee injury, he and free-agent pickup Antrel Rolle could give the Giants the best safety tandem in the NFC East.
If Phillips struggles, the Giants could once again be susceptible to big plays. Nobody will know for sure about Phillips until training camp, because the Giants plan to proceed cautiously with him until then.
5. Will the defense generate more turnovers?
The Giants forced 24 turnovers in ’09 and committed 31. Teams that commit more turnovers than they cause usually find themselves outside of the playoff picture. Of the 12 playoff teams last season, only the Cardinals had a negative turnover ratio.
An improved pass rush and better secondary play would go a long way toward making the Giants’ defense more opportunistic.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.—When the Giants’ defense collapsed, so did their 2009 season.
After starting 5-0, the Giants finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs. Their defensive demise was the most surprising part of their fall. Only the Lions and Rams surrendered more points than the Giants, who gave up at least 40 points on five different occasions last season.
"I was really shocked," defensive tackle Rocky Bernard said. "We had a high expectation level, and this group is so talented. For us not to go out and perform the way we can was really strange. I couldn’t believe it."
If the Giants’ defense is a nightmare again this season, they can only dream of making the playoffs. Has enough been done for this unit to make a major improvement?
A look at five key questions the Giants’ defense must answer:
1. Will changing coordinators make a dramatic difference?
Chris Canty says the Giants players must put in the work if they want to have a better season than 2009.
Defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan was fired and replaced by Perry Fewell. Giants coach Tom Coughlin really had no choice but to make a switch. The players lost confidence in Sheridan, who also clashed with star defensive end Osi Umenyiora.
Changing coordinators can make a difference. We saw it last season, when Gregg Williams helped the Saints win a Super Bowl in his first season as defensive coordinator. However, Fewell must prove he can get more from the Giants’ personnel than Sheridan did. At least Fewell has a captive audience. After last year’s embarrassment, all egos have been put in check.
"I can only speak on my behalf, but there might have been a little complacency not doing the due diligence, the work that it takes to be successful in this league," defensive tackle Chris Canty said. "One thing Bill Parcells told me a long time ago: ‘You’ve got to earn your victories in the NFL.’
"We only earned eight wins last year. That’s not good enough for his organization."
2. Will the pass rush be a force again?
The Giants’ sack total dropped for the second consecutive season, falling to 32, tied for 18th best in the NFL. That was a far cry from ’07, when the Giants led the league with 53 sacks and won the Super Bowl.
Defensive end Justin Tuck was hampered last year, playing with a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder and getting just six sacks. Tuck, 27, is a star in his prime who figures to be more of a force going forward.
The greater concerns are Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka and rookie Jason Pierre-Paul. Umenyiora played poorly last year, lost his starting job and complained when his role was reduced. The Giants hope the competition between Umenyiora and Kiwanuka raises their level of play. If Umenyiora does not start, his unhappiness could hurt his performance again.
Meanwhile drafting Pierre-Paul with the 15th-overall pick was a risk for general manger Jerry Reese. Pierre-Paul has talent but is raw. It might take Pierre-Paul two or three years to become a consistent NFL pass rusher, if it happens at all.
The Giants, however, need help now. And if their pass rush does not improve, it is unlikely their defense will either.
3. Is the linebacker corps a weakness?
It could be. A serious neck injury has ended Antonio Pierce’s successful run at middle linebacker, and no viable replacement has emerged. Jonathan Goff, Chase Blackburn, Gerris Wilkinson and rookie Phillip Dillard will compete for the starting job in training camp.
All of those players could struggle when isolated one-on-one in pass coverage. However, a player to watch is second-year strongside linebacker Clint Sintim, who is expected to start and play well.
"I’m not a rookie anymore," Sintim said. "I don’t think people realize how much of a weight that is off your shoulders. People expect me to do things, expect me to be a player, and that’s fine. I look at this as an opportunity."
4. Can safety Kenny Phillips make it back?
If Phillips can recover all his quickness after a major knee injury, he and free-agent pickup Antrel Rolle could give the Giants the best safety tandem in the NFC East.
If Phillips struggles, the Giants could once again be susceptible to big plays. Nobody will know for sure about Phillips until training camp, because the Giants plan to proceed cautiously with him until then.
5. Will the defense generate more turnovers?
The Giants forced 24 turnovers in ’09 and committed 31. Teams that commit more turnovers than they cause usually find themselves outside of the playoff picture. Of the 12 playoff teams last season, only the Cardinals had a negative turnover ratio.
An improved pass rush and better secondary play would go a long way toward making the Giants’ defense more opportunistic.
UPDATE: Chipper Jones says he will make an announcement concerning his retirement sometime during Atlanta’s six-game home stand.
ATLANTA — Struggling through another disappointing season, Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones told The Associated Press he would meet 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 2:15 p.m. "I need to go through the proper channels. Once those have all been taken care of, everybody’s questions will be answered."
The 38-year-old Jones, who won the NL MVP award in 1998 and led the league in hitting just two years ago, said he planned to meet with general manager Frank Wren and manager Bobby Cox to discuss some "red tape issues." Asked if 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 would likely lead him to consider retirement, even if it meant walking away from a huge amount of money.
This season has been even tougher for Jones, 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, anytime 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 the media. He was in the lineup Tuesday, batting in his usual third spot. Manager Bobby Cox said he had nothing 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 wins 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 championship and was named MVP after hitting .319 with 45 homers and 110 RBIs.
Then came the injuries, which started in 2004 and led to a stretch of five straight seasons in which he missed at least 25 games. He continued to produce when healthy, putting up 29 homers and 102 RBIs in 2007, followed by a .364 average the next season that gave him his first NL batting championship.
Jones’ numbers dipped dramatically in 2009. He batted only .264 – the second-lowest average of his 16-year career – with 18 homers and 71 RBIs.
This season, Jones has contributed little to help the team’s run to first place, ceding the spotlight to rookie sensation Jason Heyward, leadoff man Martin Prado and new first baseman Troy Glaus.
Still, Jones remains a prominent figure in the clubhouse.
"He’s a guy I watched when I was coming up," Conrad said. "He’s a huge presence. He’s a great guy to have on the team. He keeps it in line. He keeps the players loose. He talks to everybody about hitting."
Despite his lackluster numbers, Jones still has an impact on the field as well, his teammate said.
"He still makes the pitchers work. He brings a lot to the table," Conrad said. "As a team, we’re better when we have him out there. It would be a sad day if he’s leaving."
If Jones does retire, two longtime Braves figures will be leaving together at the end of the season. Bobby Cox has already announced this is last season as manager.
Jones chuckled when asked if he wanted to go out with Cox.
"No comment," he said, stepping into the clubhouse.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
UPDATE: Chipper Jones says he will make an announcement concerning his retirement sometime during Atlanta’s six-game home stand.
ATLANTA — Struggling through another disappointing season, Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones told The Associated Press he would meet 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 2:15 p.m. "I need to go through the proper channels. Once those have all been taken care of, everybody’s questions will be answered."
The 38-year-old Jones, who won the NL MVP award in 1998 and led the league in hitting just two years ago, said he planned to meet with general manager Frank Wren and manager Bobby Cox to discuss some "red tape issues." Asked if 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 would likely lead him to consider retirement, even if it meant walking away from a huge amount of money.
This season has been even tougher for Jones, 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, anytime 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 the media. He was in the lineup Tuesday, batting in his usual third spot. Manager Bobby Cox said he had nothing 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 wins 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 championship and was named MVP after hitting .319 with 45 homers and 110 RBIs.
Then came the injuries, which started in 2004 and led to a stretch of five straight seasons in which he missed at least 25 games. He continued to produce when healthy, putting up 29 homers and 102 RBIs in 2007, followed by a .364 average the next season that gave him his first NL batting championship.
Jones’ numbers dipped dramatically in 2009. He batted only .264 – the second-lowest average of his 16-year career – with 18 homers and 71 RBIs.
This season, Jones has contributed little to help the team’s run to first place, ceding the spotlight to rookie sensation Jason Heyward, leadoff man Martin Prado and new first baseman Troy Glaus.
Still, Jones remains a prominent figure in the clubhouse.
"He’s a guy I watched when I was coming up," Conrad said. "He’s a huge presence. He’s a great guy to have on the team. He keeps it in line. He keeps the players loose. He talks to everybody about hitting."
Despite his lackluster numbers, Jones still has an impact on the field as well, his teammate said.
"He still makes the pitchers work. He brings a lot to the table," Conrad said. "As a team, we’re better when we have him out there. It would be a sad day if he’s leaving."
If Jones does retire, two longtime Braves figures will be leaving together at the end of the season. Bobby Cox has already announced this is last season as manager.
Jones chuckled when asked if he wanted to go out with Cox.
"No comment," he said, stepping into the clubhouse.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
