Andruw Jones and the 1999 Miami Dolphins
27/08/07 01:02 Filed in: Editorial
In 1999, the Dolphins
were at a crossroads. Dan Marino couldn't effectively
play quarterback yet Miami simply couldn't cut him.
Jimmy Johnson wanted to cut him but management
wouldn't let him. After all, how can a team bench Dan
Marino, arguably one of the top five quarterbacks of
all time. He was a fan favorite and 80% of Marino is
still better than 100% of just about any other
quarterback. The Dolphins tried to make the best of
it and Marino's career came to a humiliating end when
he was replaced in the second half of a 62-7
thrashing by the Jaguars.
I believe Andruw Jones' incredibly low offensive output is killing the Braves. Yes, we have other troubles and starting pitching is easily at the top of the list. Andruw's batting average is .223 and that is going up. His batting average before the All-Star break was .211 and after is only .243. Sure, he has 83 RBIs but just think how many "all or nothing" swings he has taken. Think how many players had to have been on base for Andruw to drive in 83 batting .223. Think how many RBIs someone batting .280 or higher would have produced. Think how many rallies Andruw has singlehandedly stopped. Think of how many times Andruw has struck out in the ninth with the game on the line.
I don't care about his defense anymore. I don't if he does save a run every other game with his defense and that is debatable now more than ever. Ever since Andruw was robbed of his MVP title, he has swung for the fences no matter the inning, situation, or game. Defense are giving Andruw the entire right side of the park and he continually swings for the left corner post. He tries to hook every pitch and major league pitchers are not stupid. They know don't need to throw Andruw a strike. Throw that pitch down, away, and off the plate and Andruw will create an out.
Andruw needs to be benched no matter the public outcry and Cox needs to start an outfielder that will keep the innings moving and the Braves in big innings. I believe we have absolutely no shot at making the playoffs if Andruw stays in our lineup.
The only good thing from this situation is I think it may have "scared straight" Jeff Francoeur. I think Jeff saw himself heading down the same path as Andruw and decided to do something about it.
I believe Andruw Jones' incredibly low offensive output is killing the Braves. Yes, we have other troubles and starting pitching is easily at the top of the list. Andruw's batting average is .223 and that is going up. His batting average before the All-Star break was .211 and after is only .243. Sure, he has 83 RBIs but just think how many "all or nothing" swings he has taken. Think how many players had to have been on base for Andruw to drive in 83 batting .223. Think how many RBIs someone batting .280 or higher would have produced. Think how many rallies Andruw has singlehandedly stopped. Think of how many times Andruw has struck out in the ninth with the game on the line.
I don't care about his defense anymore. I don't if he does save a run every other game with his defense and that is debatable now more than ever. Ever since Andruw was robbed of his MVP title, he has swung for the fences no matter the inning, situation, or game. Defense are giving Andruw the entire right side of the park and he continually swings for the left corner post. He tries to hook every pitch and major league pitchers are not stupid. They know don't need to throw Andruw a strike. Throw that pitch down, away, and off the plate and Andruw will create an out.
Andruw needs to be benched no matter the public outcry and Cox needs to start an outfielder that will keep the innings moving and the Braves in big innings. I believe we have absolutely no shot at making the playoffs if Andruw stays in our lineup.
The only good thing from this situation is I think it may have "scared straight" Jeff Francoeur. I think Jeff saw himself heading down the same path as Andruw and decided to do something about it.
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