Can Chipper stay healthy?
Chipper Jones now is the last link between the dominant Braves of the 1990s and today, and the veteran third baseman’s role is far more important than elder statesman or clubhouse leader.
Coming back from a serious knee injury suffered last August, Jones being available as an everyday player is critical for a talented Braves team that is short of depth. With Jones, this Braves lineup appears at worst solid. Without Jones, converted left fielder Martin Prado would move back to the infield and the options in left look rather pedestrian.
Jones has looked up to the task this spring, hitting .411 with a team-leading four homers and 15 RBIs through Friday.
A .400 average is not expected from Jones, of course, but if he can get to 400 at-bats this season-Jones’ 18th in the majors-that could be just as valuable.