It wasn’t so long ago that ANDRUW JONES walked into the office of Atlanta Braves general manager John Schuerholz without his agent and agreed to a long-term contract that gave the Braves a significant hometown discount. His reward? Now that the contract is ending next year, Jones was placed on waivers this year to test the trade waters. We’ll agree with Jones that it was “rude” and that the Braves would never have placed Chipper Jones or John Smoltz on waivers. We also understand the realities of a budget forced on the team by out-of-town ownership. The pity is that we’re about to lose Andruw just as he hits his prime. He’s developed into one of the most dangerous power hitters in the game, and just happens to be the sweetest-fielding centerfielder since Willie Mays. Enjoy him while you still can. Without Andruw patrolling the outfield, Turner Field just won’t be the same. less...

The man who defies a traditional spelling of his first name finally is having the kind of year that shows off his natural talents. ANDRUW JONES’ near-perfect fielding percentage and highlight-reel catches have been the norm in center field since he was promoted to the big leagues a decade ago. But Jones’ hitting — 50 homers as of mid-September, more than any player this season — elevates him to godlike status. And get this: The 28-year-old four-time all-star is now paced to top 600 dingers before he reaches the ripe old age of 40.
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The legend of MICHAEL VICK began Dec. 30, 2001, in a game against the Miami Dolphins. The stat line wasn't that impressive - 214 yards passing, 63 rushing, and three turnovers - and his team lost. But after the game, the Dolphins could talk only about him. He escaped blitz after blitz and made the kind of flat-footed 60-yard passes to which Falcons have grown accustomed. The promise Vick showed that day matured into playoff payoff in January when he and the Falcons handed the Packers their first-ever post-season loss at Lambeau Field. To get an idea of how good this guy is, the New Orleans Saints upgraded their defensive speed this season just to combat Vick. With those feet, that arm and those moves, he's just sick. But after breaking a bone in his right leg during a pre-season game, the question is, how soon before he regains that magical form? less...

JOHN SMOLTZ achieved this year what only one other pitcher has done in baseball history: He appeared as a reliever in the All-Star Game, after making previous all-star teams as a starter. It's no surprise. Smoltz had always been the best athlete among the Braves' big three starters (Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux). But a bad elbow was threatening the former Cy Young winner's career until the team opted to convert him to closer. Smoltz proceeded this year to set the National League record for saves. Dozens more Atlanta athletes can run faster or jump higher than Smoltz. None have made a switch so successfully from top performer at one skill in their 20s to top performer at another in their 30s. less...

Forward, Atlanta Hawks www.nba.com/hawks Wait'll you see this guy play. He's 6-foot-9 of elegant athleticism. He's the kind of all-around player who can put the ball on the floor, shoot down low and from the outside, battle big men for rebounds and sell jerseys. The Hawks traded for the 25-year-old last spring, six years after he'd graduated from Wheeler High in Marietta. Abdur-Rahim gives the Hawks a large small-forward or a fast power-forward, with a great all-around game. He averaged 20.5 points and 9.1 rebounds last year (typical for his five-year career), but also had plenty of assists, steals and blocked shots. By all accounts he's a wonderful teammate, who works out during the off-season, which means he's likely to be fit in training camp. Joining two other young stars - Jason Terry and Theo Ratliff - as well as veteran winner Toni Kukoc, Abdur-Rahim instantly upgrades the young team to playoff caliber. He give the Hawks their first bona fide superside since Dominique was traded. less...