Could Chipper Jones Be Heading to Yankees? Not Likely, Jones Tweets on Twitter

With the New York Yankees being short one Alex Rodriguez for the 2013 season, Yankees GM Brian Cashman set the rumor mill churning and whirring Monday when he threw retired Atlanta Braves legend Chipper Jones' name out as a possible option to plug the hole at third base for the Yankees this season.

It took only a few hours before Jones put an end to that speculation via social media.

Jones, who retired last season, was amused by the speculation that he could be asked by the Yankees to come out of retirement for one last run at a World Series ring, but tweeted Monday that it was just that--speculation.

"Enough with the rumors! While I am flattered about the speculation of being enticed out of retirement, I'm happy with life as a bad golfer!" tweeted Jones on his Twitter account, RealCJ10.

Jones, who spent his entire 19-year career with Atlanta, built a Hall of Fame-caliber resume with the Braves. Jones had a .303 career batting average with 468 home runs and 1,623 RBIs in a career that saw him garner the 1999 National League MVP award, eight All-Star appearances, the 2008 NL batting title, a 1995 World Series title and three World Series appearances with Atlanta.

When he retired last season, he was batting .287 in 387 at bats with 14 home runs while driving in 62 runs for the Braves as they made the Wild Card playoff game.

That kind of production, even at age 40, is something the Yankees could use in their lineup, especially with Rodriguez on the mend and a slew of injuries to hitters like Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixera hitting the Yankees prior to their April 1 opener.

Cashman caused quite the stir when he told reporters that he would take Jones "in a heartbeat."

"I already know the answer, but might as well throw it out there anyway," Cashman said.

Jones' agent B.B. Abbott verified that response in a texted statement to the Associated Press.

"He has the utmost respect for the Yankees' organization, but his legacy is and will always be with the Braves," Abbott said.