Chipper Jones’ swing sweeter with age
Chipper Jones had seven hits in 13 at-bats in the Braves’ three-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds. Sunday, the switch-hitter was 3 for 6 with a homer, a double and five RBIs.
Jones hit .410 in April – an average for the month topped by only one player in the last 10 years: Barry Bonds hit .472 in April 2004. Vladimir Guerrero also hit .410 in the opening month in 2000.
As if to make the point his stellar April was no fluke, Jones has pushed his major league-leading average to .425 for the Braves, who were off on Monday and open a home series against San Diego today.
“That’s some sweet stroke he’s got,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said.
Sweet and consistent.
At the age of 36 Jones has hits in 25 of 28 games, including 14 multihit games. He’s hitting .400 against left-handers and .438 against right-handers. He’s hitting .500 (28 for 56) with runners on base.
Bale makes apology
Appearing embarrassed and uncomfortable, Kansas City pitcher John Bale apologized for punching a door and breaking his pitching hand.
“I’d like to apologize first of all to the Royals organization, my teammates, my coaching staff, for my action. It was uncalled for,” Bale said. “It was, you know, a moment of frustration and I wish I could do anything I could to take it back. But I can’t.”
Exactly why Bale slammed his hand into a door in his hotel room in Cleveland on Friday remained a mystery. After issuing a brief statement in front of his locker, the left-hander walked away without taking questions.
Arroyo baffled by start
Bronson Arroyo wishes there was an obvious reason for his horrid start, some nagging injury that could be blamed for throwing off his pitches. No such explanation.
The Cincinnati Reds’ No. 2 starter got checked out by the trainers and didn’t hear anything that he didn’t already know. Physically, he’s never been better.
Clearing the bases
Injured Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins (sprained left ankle) went 4 for 4 with two RBIs in an extended spring training game in Tampa, Fla. … Detroit designated Jacque Jones for assignment and has 10 days to trade the outfielder.