Dusty Baker left Atlanta on Sunday convinced Jones, the 1999 NL MVP and the Atlanta Braves' all-time leaders in home runs, is better than ever at age 36.
"He's always been a great hitter," said Baker Sunday before adding "but right now ..."
Jones had seven hits in 13 at-bats in the Braves' three-game sweep of the Reds. On Sunday, the switch-hitter was 3-for-6 with a homer, a double and five RBIs.
"Chipper got a homer from one side, and then turned around and got a hit from the other side," Baker said.
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 Monday and open a home series against San Diego on Tuesday.
Baker could only shake his head in wonderment and appreciation.
"That's some sweet stroke he's got," Baker said.
Braves win fourth straight | ajc.com
05-07-2008, 08:12 AM
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