Well, after today’s 2-1 loss to Detroit, I read on ESPN.com that Chipper and Smoltz are going at it via the media:
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.”
Good grief. This is not what I expect from the Braves, even when they fall on hard times. For what it is worth, Chipper’s homerun today accounted for all the Brave’s offense.
