I took the picture above in 2006. The combination of the young Jeff Francoeur alongside veterans, Edgar Renteria, Andruw Jones, and Chipper Jones were both a potent offense and defense. It is interesting to note that of the four players the two who lead the club in batting for the 2006 season are no longer with the Atlanta Braves organization.
Batting Leaders For 2006 Atlanta Braves
Renteria, a ten year veteran, would spend a second season with the Braves before heading for the Detroit Tigers; this year he will be with the San Francisco Giants. Andruw Jones left the Braves in 2008 for the L.A. Dodgers. Jones received a very lucrative $36.2 million contract of which he will be paid the remaining $22.1 million over the next six years. Jones did not live up to the expectations of the Dodgers’ coaches, managment, nor fans and after having knee surgery in May, he spent the remainder of the season on the bench. Jones reportedly turned down a deal from the New York Yankees opting instead for a minor league assignment with the Texas Rangers. This will allow Jones the opportunity to work with batting coach Rudy Jaramillo. I am a huge fan of both of these players and though I was sad to see them leave the Braves, they obviously did what they believed was best for their careers. I hope that Renteria will continue with his long and fruitful career while Jones, a 10 time golden glove winner, may have an opportunity to revive his spectacular Hall of Fame career.
