KingFish
02-23-2002, 02:57 AM
Chipper ready to play outfield
By Mark Bowman
MLB.com
Castilla's back where it all started
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A constant Florida downpour soaked the Braves' training grounds Friday and forced the team to do most of their work in the spacious batting cages located behind the left-field wall.
"Baseball players love to hit in the cages," Chipper Jones smiled.
While the rain meant a shortened day for the team, manager Bobby Cox didn't view it as a lost day.
"One of the most important things for us to do down here is to get our pitchers ready," Cox said. "As long as we can get them some work in the cages or in the bullpen, we're alright. The hitters can be ready for the season after just 10 games."
When told that Jones was pretty happy with the shortened day, Cox chuckled.
"Chipper's ready," Cox smiled. "He's been working hard down here and could start the regular season tomorrow."
Cox said Jim Beauchamp, the Braves minor-league roving fielding instructor, has been working with Jones on his adjustment to left field. Beauchamp reported to Cox that Jones is doing just fine in the outfield.
"He's an athlete," Cox said of Jones. "He can play anywhere."
By Mark Bowman
MLB.com
Castilla's back where it all started
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A constant Florida downpour soaked the Braves' training grounds Friday and forced the team to do most of their work in the spacious batting cages located behind the left-field wall.
"Baseball players love to hit in the cages," Chipper Jones smiled.
While the rain meant a shortened day for the team, manager Bobby Cox didn't view it as a lost day.
"One of the most important things for us to do down here is to get our pitchers ready," Cox said. "As long as we can get them some work in the cages or in the bullpen, we're alright. The hitters can be ready for the season after just 10 games."
When told that Jones was pretty happy with the shortened day, Cox chuckled.
"Chipper's ready," Cox smiled. "He's been working hard down here and could start the regular season tomorrow."
Cox said Jim Beauchamp, the Braves minor-league roving fielding instructor, has been working with Jones on his adjustment to left field. Beauchamp reported to Cox that Jones is doing just fine in the outfield.
"He's an athlete," Cox said of Jones. "He can play anywhere."