Atlanta Braves have money to make offensive adjustments after Chipper Jones’ retirement-MLB Update
Chipper Jones’ retirement leaves Atlanta Braves with an important task to accomplish in the offseason.
Without their most dependable batter, they will be looking to acquire someone who can keep their offensive strength afloat.
The Braves are known for possessing a formidable offence.
The main reason why they boast such a reputation was the presence of Jones which means that his retirement will be a big blow to them.
Maintaining the same level of effectiveness without Jones will never be easy.
Unless the Braves in the offseason spend some money and obtain couple of reliable batters, they will find it hard to fill the void of Jones in the line-up.
Fortunately the Braves have the financial leeway to be aggressive while shopping in the offseason.
With the contract of some of their players retiring, they have been left with some extra money. They can either expend it on free agents or on offering contract extensions to existing players.
With Brian McCann suffering with the shoulder problem and expected to stay out for couple of weeks in 2013 season, they will be mindful of the need to have a reliable catcher.
While they may have David Ross, they cannot solely depend on him. In this regard, their foremost priority will be getting McCann fit before the start of the season.
Furthermore, the Braves have to make an announcement regarding centre fielder Michael Bourn, who may test the free agency if Atlanta do not offer him a lucrative deal.
Against the backdrop of a tremendous season that Bourn had, he will be expecting a blockbuster offering from the Braves.
If the Braves spend the bulk of their money on Bourn, options will become limited for them. They may end up ignoring other areas if they keep their focus entirely on the retention of Bourn.
Bourn is currently among the most reliable outfielders present in the Major League which means that his absence in the Braves will weaken them.
The fact he is also capable of striking quality hits means that along with the absence of Jones the Braves’ offence will be affected seriously.
It will be interesting to see what kinds of decisions the Braves announce in the offseason.
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