Chipper Jones is Optimistic for Return

Today Larry "Chipper" Jones, stated that he is optimistic for his return, possibly being as soon as Opening Day. There are some major hurdles that are in his way before he can be back at third base. The 38 year-old switch-hitter is looking to play in the 2011 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament last August. This blow was a season ending injury, and possibly stopped the Braves from winning the NL East, but didn't completely stop them from entering the playoffs. Jones stated, "I've felt good since I began the treatments and I've had no limitations since," and will report to Spring Training on February 14 with pitchers and catchers. Chipper has not taken any ground balls and has yet to do any fielding exercises, but has been taking batting practice and doing some straight running exercises. The surgery causes Jones some discomfort, especially feeling tendinitis, which is the major setback. Jones wears a special pad on his knee and has an anti-inflammatory that is electronically distributed through the skin. The fact that Chipper Jones is practicing and aiming for Opening Day is a relief to Braves fans. Jones had hinted about retiring at the end of the 2010 season even before he was injured, but he vowed to come back, saying, "I don't want the fans' final image of me to be one of me hurt on the field." Chipper, who has played with the Braves since 1993, has a .300 career batting average and 436 home runs. Jones has never been outside of the Atlanta Braves organization, the first pick in the first round by the Braves in the 1990 amateur draft. Chipper is a free agent in 2013, so maybe retiring is around that date. Even though Jones is a NL East competitor to the Phillies, I wouldn't wish injury upon anyone, and look to his return. I wish Chipper Jones luck in his recovery and his goal of playing Opening Day.