2011: The Loss Of Two Giants In Braves History

With the inking of a one year extension for Bobby Cox, most Braves fans have realized that that contract is the only thing holding veteran Chipper Jones around too.

Bobby Cox is currently the 4th wins leader in the MLB and the franchises leading win leader. He has coached the Braves from 78-81 and 1990-present day where he has won: 4 Manager of the Year Awards, 14 consecutive post season appearances, and won a ring on the way.

This man has been a staple of Atlanta Braves baseball. Yet, there has always been one thing that followed him all the way, minus three years, Larry "Chipper" Jones.

Chipper is and will be one of the best, if not the best, switch hitters of all time. Averaging a .308 career batting average with 425 homers this man is sick. He has been a 6 time All Star, 2 time Silver Slugger and the 1999 MVP his reputation per cedes him. He has been the heart a sole of the team, known to mentor many of the new players and actually becoming their friends. But, he has also said he will be leaving when his long time friend and his mentor Bobby Cox retires.

But hey, they are leaving like are leaving it like they found it. There is no more Maddux, Smoltz, and Glavine, but there is now Hudson, Hanson, and Lowe. No more Andres Gallaraga but an amazing first baseman Adam LaRoche. Javy Lopez isn't around but hey there is a stud named Brian McCann.

Yet after 2010 there will be two things missing, two hall of fame things missing. A third baseman and a coach that both made their marks.

The Braves will have a huge time to rebuild and try to fill the void of Bobby and Chip, but while we are doing that we should thank them for what they have brought to Atlanta.

Thank you!