Chipper Rocks

Ok, so this isn't a political post like most of mine are. That's ok, it's about one of the subjects almost as near and dear to my heart as politics: baseball. Specifically, Atlanta Braves baseball.

In a day and age when so many players in sports are just after a dollar, Chipper Jones continues to rise above that. When this kid was first drafted as the #1 pick way back when, he didn't hold out for more money. He signed to get on the field. When the Braves were trying to sign another bat and (mistakenly, albeit) thought they'd found it in Vinny Castilla, Chipper, already a 5 time All-Star and NL MVP at his native 3B position, volunteered to switch positions to allow the Braves to make the move. When Vinny finally moved on (along with his .254 avg and 34 hr in 2 years in an Atlanta uniform - on fewer hr than he would have the very next season) Chipper dutifully moved back to 3B. When the Braves wanted to sign Tim Hudson to a long term deal last year, Chipper volunteered to restructure his contract to make that possible. This year with the Braves wanting to resign Furcal and perhaps sign Hoffman or resign Farnsworth, Chipper again volunteers publicly to restructure his deal.

This year, the Braves took him up on it. Chipper was scheduled to make $17 million this year with options for 2007 and 2008 at $15 million that vested if he got 450 ab the previous year. He almost had 450 ab last year after missing 6+ weeks due to injury so those were virtually guaranteed years. If 2007 and 2008 both vested then he received an additional $5 million bonus. In total he could have received $52 million from the Braves over the next 3 years. That's $17+ million/year. Despite what a lot of people say about him, Chipper's not stupid. He realizes that if his salary is to account for over 20% of the Braves $80 million payroll then the Braves chances of putting together a winning team is greatly diminished.

Chipper's restructured deal reduces his 2006 salary to $11 million and guarantees 2007 and 2008 at $11 million per year as well. It also guarantees the bonus he was to receive but reduces it to $4 million. In total, now the Braves are guaranteed Chipper's services for the next 3 years at $37 million instead of $52 million. For the mathematically impaired, the $52 million was over 40% more than his restructured $37 million. That's like me going from making $50k/year to only $35k/year. And he took it for the team. He took it to win. That doesn't mean he's perfect - anyone that's heard a Hooters joke knows otherwise - but throughout his career he's always done what he felt like was best for the team and best to win. Today that's a rarity and should be applauded. Chipper rocks.