[vincesanity82]

As the Atlanta Braves continue to struggle on the field, there is an unusual sign of disharmony among the team's most established veterans. Chipper Jones was back in the Braves' lineup Saturday, saying he felt pressured by pitcher John Smoltz to rush back from a groin injury. The Braves had suffered three straight shutout losses for the first time since 1988 entering the game, which they lost 2-1 to Detroit — despite Jones' homer.When asked before the game if he is rushing his return, Jones said, "Probably. But I feel a little backed into a corner."
Asked to elaborate, Jones indicated some doubted he was injured enough to miss games.
"Let's just say there are people who don't believe me," Jones said. "Let's just say that and leave it at that."
After Friday night's 5-0 loss to the Tigers, Smoltz said, "You can't worry about who's in the lineup and who isn't. You can't worry about that stuff anymore."
Added Smoltz: "I certainly appreciate the effort of the guys who are on the field busting it."
Smoltz didn't identify Jones as a player not in the lineup, but Jones said after Saturday's game that he got the message.
"I'd be stupid if I didn't take it the same way," Jones said, adding he planned to "play the rest of the games this year and do whatever I can. Somebody I know better not miss a start."
Smoltz, asked Saturday if he was referring to Jones, said, "I have no comment. I'm not even going to address that."
When asked Friday about his sore shoulder, Smoltz said: "We all could wish we were feeling better, but that's the way it goes."
Jones said he hasn't talked with Smoltz about the pitcher's comments.
"I got nothing to say," Jones said. "He made his point through the media. Now I'm going to make my point through the media. If he doesn't want to do it man to man, then fine."
The Braves have experienced very little clubhouse turmoil in Bobby Cox's tenure as manager, but Cox may have been aware of building tensions on Saturday.
"It's no time to start pointing fingers at people," Cox said before the game. "We'll stay in this together."

FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Jones, Smoltz take verbal shots

[vincesanity82]

so does anyone think smoltzy has a valid point here?? I will say he shouldve went to him in private and not the media, but its also unlike smoltz to call someone out,I know hes frustrated like everyone else when they are losing but hes also veteran that plays in pain, maybe he thinks chipper should too, I dont know, I just hope bobby talks with them and they both kiss and makeup or theres gonna be an ugly divorce in the dugout..

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

As the Atlanta Braves continue to struggle on the field, there is an unusual sign of disharmony among the team's most established veterans. Chipper Jones was back in the Braves' lineup Saturday, saying he felt pressured by pitcher John Smoltz to rush back from a groin injury. The Braves had suffered three straight shutout losses for the first time since 1988 entering the game, which they lost 2-1 to Detroit — despite Jones' homer.When asked before the game if he is rushing his return, Jones said, "Probably. But I feel a little backed into a corner."
Asked to elaborate, Jones indicated some doubted he was injured enough to miss games.
"Let's just say there are people who don't believe me," Jones said. "Let's just say that and leave it at that."
After Friday night's 5-0 loss to the Tigers, Smoltz said, "You can't worry about who's in the lineup and who isn't. You can't worry about that stuff anymore."
Added Smoltz: "I certainly appreciate the effort of the guys who are on the field busting it."
Smoltz didn't identify Jones as a player not in the lineup, but Jones said after Saturday's game that he got the message.
"I'd be stupid if I didn't take it the same way," Jones said, adding he planned to "play the rest of the games this year and do whatever I can. Somebody I know better not miss a start."
Smoltz, asked Saturday if he was referring to Jones, said, "I have no comment. I'm not even going to address that."
When asked Friday about his sore shoulder, Smoltz said: "We all could wish we were feeling better, but that's the way it goes."
Jones said he hasn't talked with Smoltz about the pitcher's comments.
"I got nothing to say," Jones said. "He made his point through the media. Now I'm going to make my point through the media. If he doesn't want to do it man to man, then fine."
The Braves have experienced very little clubhouse turmoil in Bobby Cox's tenure as manager, but Cox may have been aware of building tensions on Saturday.
"It's no time to start pointing fingers at people," Cox said before the game. "We'll stay in this together."

FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Jones, Smoltz take verbal shots

Yes sir, to air it out in the Media is always the best way to go...NOT!...
And who the hell doesn't believe Chipper? The guy si a gamer isn't he?