06 June 2005
The
Atlanta-Journal Constitution reports that Chipper Jones is going on the Disabled List with a recurring foot injury. Chipper will have an MRI tomorrow afternoon; if he has surgery he could be out until well after the All-Star Break. To take his place, the Braves have called up uber-prospect Andy Marte.
This year, Andy Marte is batting .276/.363/.497 with 9 homers and 35 RBI. Widely considered the top prospect in the game; in 2002 he batted .292 with 21 home runs at low single A Macon, in 2003 he batted .285 with 16 homers at pitchers' haven and high single A Myrtle Beach; and in 2004 he batted .269 with 23 homers at Double A Greenville. His walk rates and number of extra base hits are very good. It is my prediction that Andy Marte will never return to the minor leagues; at least not a demotion, anyway (can't discount rehab assignments in his career). That is, unless he sits on the bench.
