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By Eric Gregory
[email protected]
Staff writer

It's the end of an era as the Braves cut Jones

Well, it's finally happened. After 11 long and mostly productive years of playing baseball together, the pairing of Andruw Jones and the Atlanta Braves is no more. After a 2007 season that will be remembered mostly for both his struggles and the team missing the playoffs, Andruw Jones is not going to be resigned after his contract is up after the World Series.

During Jones's tenure with the Braves there were highs and lows, and Jones was always a part of them. It's hard to imagine, but it truly has been over a decade since Jones joined the team. He came into the league as a 19 year old right fielder. Fast forward 11 years later and he's now an aging centerfielder with a low batting average and a voracious agent.

Scott Boras, his agent, is according to some, partially to blame for Jones's departure with the Braves. It was Boras who asked for a raise for Jones, in spite of Jones batting his worst since his rookie season. However, it is best not to dwell on the negative. Andruw Jones will always mean something to the city of Atlanta. During his tenure, he had some genuinely great moments wearing a Braves uniform.

 No fan has trouble recalling an amazing defensive play by Jones in centerfield. I will always recall with fond memories the 2005 season, where Jones had arguably his best year, blasting away 51 home runs and bringing in 128 RBIs. That year, over all the others, was a year that I could genuinely remember how dangerous a player Jones could be, in the batter's box and in the field.

 Jones is not departing on bad terms. The separation was handled with respect from both sides. General Manager John Schuerholz, in fact, had so much respect for the things Jones accomplished with the Braves, he met with him face-to-face to deliver the news, instead of talking to the agent like he normally would. "I'm fine with it," Jones told The Associated Press. "I'm appreciative of the chance they gave me to play for Atlanta all these years. I understand the decision they have to make. That's just the way it is. It's a business."