Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: Rosterationing, New Chip on the Block

Jul 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves former third baseman Chipper Jones is honored before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Chipper Jones is Hired by the Braves as Special Assistant

Chipper Jones is bored and misses baseball.  That was admittedly my first reaction upon hearing this news yesterday afternoon:

You probably heard about this part – particularly given the number of retweets involved.  But… what’s he going to do?

The suggestions varied a bit – mostly centering around helping players with hitting during Spring Training, which would be consistent with some of the things that Fred McGriff has been doing in the same kind of role.  Some writers specified “major league players” in that context; others left it open.

Probably the most correct description of his new duties came from GM John Coppolella:

That would seem to fit Chipper’s personality – do more-or-less what he wants to do, in the realm of looking for something that needs fixing or just hanging around with the players and seeing who wants to ask him a question about something.

Clearly, Chipper has been a student of hitting, and indeed excelled at the craft over two decades of play.  There are hordes of fans who would like to see him turn that knowledge into a full-time hitting coach profession… and many of those have jumped ahead and suggested a manager’s role. Time will tell on all of that – especially whether he himself wants to dig into the daily grind necessary for either of those tasks.

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It might be wise for Chipper – with Barry Bonds now filling that role of hitting coach for the Miami Marlins – to pay attention to what goes on down South.  Many don’t think Bonds will make it through the season.  George Brett likewise didn’t stick with Kansas City when he made a cameo appearance in 2013.  In Brett’s case, there may have been a ‘connection’ issue – either the hitters weren’t comfortable with Brett or weren’t hearing what they wanted to hear.

Successful coaching is definitely about two things:  respect and communications.  The players have to recognize that your authority carries useful, instructional weight.  But beyond that, you have to be able to successfully communicate the messages you want to share… and then, of course, those messages need to work.

I do believe that Chipper – as the former leader in that Braves clubhouse – carries a definite respect with him.  I believe that he connects with players.  It will be fun to watch and see if he can transmit successful messages.

If so, the Braves could have themselves a fixture as a ‘Special Assistant.’

Nonetheless – this is still kind of funny to hear:

I am definitely looking forward to seeing a photo of these three together this Spring!