Jordan signed a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $600,000 on Wednesday afternoon. The soon-to-be 38-year-old outfielder proclaimed himself healthy and ready to a dependable figure in the Atlanta lineup.
"It feels like I've been gone a long time," said Jordan, who played with the Braves from 1999-2001. "It really feels good to be back."
Although a troublesome left knee has limited Jordan to just 127 games over the past two seasons, the Braves are confident those struggles are behind him. Jordan hit just .222 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 61 games with the Rangers last year.
"If [Jordan's] health stays strong, he'll be productive, and that's what we care about," said Braves general manager John Schuerholz, who over the past week has filled his corner outfield positions with high-risk, high-reward solutions.
Schuerholz's first risky signing came late last week when he signed right fielder Raul Mondesi to a one-year deal. While Jordan's problems have been physical, Mondesi endured personal issues last year, when his contract was voided by two organizations.
Both Jordan and Mondesi are former All-Stars who have the potential to rebuild their careers under the watchful eyes of manager Bobby Cox this year. Just as importantly, the duo filled the club's remaining voids at a combined cost of $1.6 million.
"Brian is still a strong athletic guy," Schuerholz said. "If he's healthy, we think that body can play. If Raul Mondesi's personal problems are resolved as we think they are, we think his body can play. It's good to have playable bodies in the outfield, three of them especially."
Jordan, who looks forward to once again playing in an outfield that includes seven-time Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones, began feeling discomfort in his knee in 2003. He had season-ending surgery in June that year, then pushed himself too quickly by trying to play at the beginning of last season.
"We found out last year with J.D. Drew that it takes time after major surgery for guys who are professional athletes to get their legs back under them at full strength," Schuerholz said. "The longer they have to rehab, the more complete the healing is, and the better off they are."
If he had it to do again, Jordan says he'd have likely skipped the first half of the 2004 season and allowed his knee more rest. Doctors had told him he might need 18 full months before realizing full recovery.
Now Jordan, who played strong safety for the Atlanta Falcons from 1989-91, says he feels stronger than he has in a long time, and he believes he's capable of producing big numbers like he did during his first tour with the Braves.
"I'm in great shape, I'm back in my football days shape," Jordan said. "I think I can drive in 100 [runs]. That's my goal every year. God forbid an injury happening, I think I can achieve that."
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 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 its unprecedented consecutive division title streak that remains intact.
"This means an awful lot to me and my family," said Jordan, who has maintained his residence in Atlanta. "It's good to be back home with the Braves."
After carrying the Braves past the Mets in 2001, Jordan was shocked to learn a few months later that he was being traded with Odalis Perez to the Dodgers for Gary Sheffield. At the time, he said he felt "like he had been stabbed in the back."
Jordan was angered that Schuerholz had told him via cell phone. He thought the message should have been delivered face to face. But Schuerholz simply wanted to ensure Jordan got the message before reading or hearing about it.
After Jordan called Schuerholz to ensure there were no remaining hard feelings, the negotiations moved closer to completion.
"It was a good thing to know he wanted to come back and a good thing for him to know we wanted him back," Schuerholz said.
Jordan is familiar with many of the Braves. He built close friendships with John Smoltz and Chipper Jones. Before he left, he got to know Rafael Furcal and Marcus Giles.
The biggest difference for Jordan is that he'll be playing left field as opposed to right field, where he feels much more comfortable. But like he did for the Dodgers in 2002 and '03, the veteran outfielder will gladly accept his role in left field this year.
"As long as I'm on the field and able to perform, [it] doesn't matter what position I'm playing," Jordan said.
While Jordan plans to be an everyday player, there will still be some competition during Spring Training. Ryan Langerhans and a group of non-roster invitees that include former big leaguers Esix Snead and Roosevelt Brown will be competing for the fourth outfielder's spot and the chance to potentially platoon with Jordan.
"I'd like to play every day," Jordan said. "Whether that happens or not, we'll see. As far as health-wise, I feel I can play every day."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/1/142837