Baseball: Braves Bring Back Brian Jordan

ATLANTA -- The Braves filled their left field void with a familiar face on Wednesday when they came to terms on a one-year deal with Brian Jordan.
With Jordan, the Braves acquired an affordable veteran outfielder who also understands what it's like to play for manager Bobby Cox. He played with Atlanta from 1999 until he was traded in January 2002.

The financial terms of Jordan's deal weren't disclosed.

Jordan will be penciled in as the Braves' starting left fielder. But because of his recent injury woes, the club could choose to utilize him in a platoon role. He's been limited to a total of 127 games over the past two years with the Dodgers and Rangers.

Although he had season-ending surgery on his troublesome left knee in June 2003, Jordan wasn't able to rebound in 2004. While continuing to feel discomfort in his knee with the Rangers last year, he hit .222 with five homers and 23 RBIs.

Within the past week, the Braves have managed to fill both corner outfield voids with former All-Stars. Jordan was an All-Star in 1999, and right fielder Raul Mondesi, who signed a one-year, $1 million deal on Friday, is a two-time All-Star.


Within the past week, the Braves have managed to fill both corner outfield voids with former All-Stars. Jordan was an All-Star in 1999, and right fielder Raul Mondesi, who signed a one-year, $1 million deal on Friday, is a two-time All-Star.

Mondesi and Jordan will flank seven-time Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones, who was playing center field when Jordan previously served as Atlanta's right fielder.

Jordan hit .281 with 65 homers and 289 RBIs during his three-year stay in Atlanta. He produced a career-high 115 RBIs in 1999 and played a key role in that year's National League Division Series victory over the Astros.

But Jordan's most memorable moments with the Braves may have come in September 2001, when two of his four homers that month were late-inning game-winners against the surging Mets. His contributions allowed Atlanta to continue the unprecedented consecutive division title streak that is still intact



After carrying the Braves past the Mets in 2001, Jordan was traded with Odalis Perez to the Dodgers for Gary Sheffield.

Jordan has maintained his residence in Atlanta. Earlier this offseason, he indicated he wanted to get back to the National League and get another chance with the Braves.





[Edited on 1/19/05 by Austin]