Chipper will end up with fewer HR (currently 81 behind Sheff), fewer RBI (currently 226 behind Sheff) and almost surely fewer runs (currently 168 behind) than Sheffield. It isn't nearly as clear by the numbers as you are alluding.

 

Consider this one. Chipper's numbers are not as good as Jeff Bagwell's. He trails Bagwell in HR, RBI and Runs. And Jeff Bagwell did it in 2 fewer seasons than Chipper. Is Jeff Bagwell a first ballot HOF'er?

 

Is Chipper retired? Is he retiring after this season? If Chipper is healthy and plays the majority for the next 3 seasons then he is sure to pass Sheffield in the mentioned categories except for homeruns.

I hate Chipper Jones more than any active ball player! He has killed the Mets over the years. My bias, however, doesn't cloud my judgement. He has an MVP and a ring to go withall the numbers previously mentioned. I think he has at least one Silver Slugger as well. Throw in his batting title and I say yes.

 

Has there been a better third baseman in this generation (mid 90's to now)?

 

A Rod.

A Rod.

 

You mean a player who played SS until he was traded to the Yankees in 2004? The same player who admitted to steroid use?

This one may make a few of you think a little. Is Gary Sheffield a HOF'er?

 

There is a reason I bring him up in this thread. Sheffield's numbers are very similar and in many areas better than Chipper's. But I would guess many of you who think Chipper is a lock would pause and think about Sheffield. Perhaps that is due to Chipper staying in Atlanta and Sheffield being well traveled. Personally, I think they are both in.

 

I love Sheffield and believe he is a Hall of Famer, but will have trouble being voted in because of his relationship with the press. Jones will make it, maybe not on try number one. It always depends on who is on the ballot for the first time when your year comes up. Some of those voters just won't vote for a guy-or two or three players- the first time they are eligible.

Yes Chipper is a HOFer.

No doubt he's a HOF'er.

No doubter IMO.

Is Chipper retired? Is he retiring after this season? If Chipper is healthy and plays the majority for the next 3 seasons then he is sure to pass Sheffield in the mentioned categories except for homeruns.

 

The Braves will need to be a contender for Chipper to play three more years. Otherwise, I think he will retire before that.

1) should be first ballot

2) depending on how filled the ballot is, he might slip to a 2nd ballot but shouldn't.

3) will be a HOFer.

I have thought about this since yesterday, and I am sorry guys, I just cannot put Larry Jones up there with the all time greats, which is what I reserve first ballot for. If you are fielding your all time greatest team, Chipper Jones would make it? Or even be in the discussion to make it? Really?

^^^Kinda what I was thinking but he said it better, CCC I don't hate him.

You mean a player who played SS until he was traded to the Yankees in 2004? The same player who admitted to steroid use?

 

Is he a better baseball player than Chipper? Does he play 3b? It isn't even close.

Is he a better baseball player than Chipper? Does he play 3b? It isn't even close.

 

I didn't say ARod wasn't better than Chipper but you commented on a post that was talking about a certain time period. And in THAT TIME PERIOD A-Rod only played 3b for about 5 seasons at most. So no I will not say Arod was a better 3b from the mid-90's to now.

I have thought about this since yesterday, and I am sorry guys, I just cannot put Larry Jones up there with the all time greats, which is what I reserve first ballot for. If you are fielding your all time greatest team, Chipper Jones would make it? Or even be in the discussion to make it? Really?

 

How could you not vote for him first ballot? He'll retire within 5 years so what other players at that time will knock him out? I'd say not many. Chipper has been a great 3B over his career. No steroid use, excellent offense for his position and to be able to do it consistently at that. Has won MVP, World Series, batting title, plus other awards. One of the best switch hitters to ever play the game.

How could you not vote for him first ballot? He'll retire within 5 years so what other players at that time will knock him out? I'd say not many. Chipper has been a great 3B over his career. No steroid use, excellent offense for his position and to be able to do it consistently at that. Has won MVP, World Series, batting title, plus other awards. One of the best switch hitters to ever play the game.

 

You will be surprised at how Chipper's numbers will look 5 years after he has retired. I do think he is a HOF'er but I will be very surprised if he gets in on the first ballot. I liken Chipper a little to Tony Perez but just a little better. Consistent, productive, likeable player on very good teams but his numbers leave him short of the first ballot level. Look at Andre Dawson's numbers compared to Chipper and think about how long it took him to get in. And Dawson was likeable, recognized as a very good defensive player plus had over 300 stolen bases. There are a number of guys coming eligible in the next few years with numbers as good or better than Chipper's that will make it difficult for Chipper to differentiate himself. Chipper is not a first ballot HOF'er.