Braves Notebook: Chipper may play beyond 2012

One thing to keep in mind about the Braves' search for a veteran shortstop to back up starter-apparent Tyler Pastornicky, and the various combinations of infielder and outfielder trade rumors: Third baseman Chipper Jones will not necessarily be retiring at the end of the 2012 season. Yes, he will turn 40 in April. But the standard for next year is the same as it was for the last two seasons: Jones wants to play as long as he is playing well. He'll earn 14 million in 2012, the last year of three-year, 42 million extension. A 9 million option for 2013 is automatic if he plays in 123 games in 2012 or averages 127 games for 2011 and 2012. As long as he's producing runs, he's playing. Infielder-outfielder Martin Prado -- the subject of constant trade rumors, regardless of the fact he missed a month of the season with a staph infection in his right calf -- is Jones' backup in addition to being the starting left fielder most of the time. The need for a veteran utili...