Would Chipper Jones Reconsider Retirement If He Drives in over 100 Runs?

Prior to the start of this season, Chipper Jones announced he would be retiring after the 2012 season.

As a Braves' fan I had a mixed reaction to this news.

I was happy because the thought of the Braves being able to bring David Wright in next year since he will be a free agent, while another part of me was a little sad because Jones has been the face of the franchise for more than a decade.

In this, his final year, Jones is tearing it up when he's in the lineup.

The question is, if he drives in more than 100 runs (or comes close), does he reconsider retirement and come back for another year?

When you look at his numbers so far this year, Jones has five home runs and 24 RBI. In the 23 games he's started, there's been only eight games he hasn't had an RBI.

The Braves are also 18-5 in those games he's started.

So, the numbers are there, as are the wins. But, I don't think the question at the end of the year is going to be about the numbers.

I think Jones has to ask himself if he's content with his decision to retire at the end of the year. If he is, then I think it's best for him to walk away from the game.

Too many times, there have been athletes who have tried to continue playing when they clearly didn't have it anymore (Ricky Henderson anyone?).

For Jones to walk away, regardless of his stats from this year, would keep his legacy intact.

Jones doesn't want to be one of those players who leaves the game too late. Leaving the game on your own terms, and when you can still get it done, only adds to his legacy.

Now, if Jones still thinks he can handle the daily grind, then by all means he should come back next year. I'm not sure that would leave many people in the organization that are banking on him retiring after this year happy.

The last thing that needs to happen here is another Brett Favre-Packers situation.

In short, I don't think Jones comes back no matter what happens this year. He knows it's time and his love for the organization will outweigh any desires to continue his career.