Height:
6-1 Weight:
210 lbs. Throws:
Right Bats:
Right Positions:
Center Field Born:
April 23, 1977, Willemstad , Drafted:
Not drafted by an MLB team. Acquired:
Signed by the Atlanta Braves as a non-drafted free agent to a minor league contract on July 1, 1993.
Scouting Report
1999 Season Many observers believed that Andruw Jones would enjoy a breakthrough season in 1999, but he merely provided a carbon copy of his 1998 output, including his second straight 20-20 effort. Jones did make major strides in his development, maturing in all phases of the game. He didn't miss a single game, giving the Braves a sure thing every night in center field.
Hitting Jones was a free swinger during his first two full seasons. While he's effective when taking hacks early in the count, he showed more patience last year and nearly doubled his walk total from 1998. A dead fastball hitter, Jones also laid off the steady diet of benders and offspeed pitches that came his way. He hits righthanders and lefthanders with equal consistency, and thrives late in games.
Baserunning & Defense There's no better defensive center fielder in the game than Jones, who won his second straight Gold Glove in 1999. No one gets a better jump on balls, and no one made more spectacular plays in the gaps last year. That ability enabled Jones to lead the majors with 492 putouts. He also holsters a cannon on his right shoulder, and led the Braves with a dozen outfield assists. While Jones has the speed to equal the 56 bases he stole at Class-A Macon in 1995, he's more valuable hitting in the middle of the lineup and avoiding the wear and tear. He will take an extra base whenever he gets the chance, doing so more often than any other National Leaguer last season.
2000 Outlook Considering the subtle improvements Jones made last year, he could blossom into a MVP candidate as soon as this season. He has as much raw ability as anyone in the game and is on the verge of learning how to put his skills to their greatest use. And he has yet to turn 23.
Scouting Report Source: STATS, Inc. Copyright 2000 STATS, Inc.
Commercial distribution without the express written consent of STATS is prohibited.
Profile
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| Game Log
| Batter vs. Pitcher
| Hit Chart
