It isn't quite true to say that third baseman Chipper Jones will miss Shea Stadium -- "I won't miss the visiting clubhouse, that's for sure," he says -- but it takes only a passing glance at his numbers there to see why he named his second son after a place that's about to be torn down.
In fact, Jones's wife, Sharon, and their three sons, Trey, Shea and Tristan, will be flying to New York Saturday so the boys can see the place and have their pictures taken there. Jones already has two Shea Stadium seats and is negotiating to buy any sign that says "Shea Stadium." "The facility itself is not really up to snuff," Jones says kindly. "It's a little outdated. But I hope the atmosphere stays the same (at new Citi Field). It's a great atmosphere to play in."
Jones is hoping that great atmosphere and his personal history at Shea -- he has 19 home runs in 87 games there heading into this weekend's three-game series -- will keep him ahead of Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols in the chase for the batting title.
Before the weekend's games, Jones was batting .362; Pujols, .360. Jones finished second to the Rockies' Matt Holliday last season, .340 to .337.
"I had a blast last year," Jones says. "Being in a batting race, it's hard not to be a little selfish -- when you're out of the postseason race and you're playing out the string -- to try and put up the best numbers you can.
"But last year was fun. It acted as a motivational tool for me and it'll do the same thing this year. But, man, Pujols, that guy's pretty good! I don't know. We'll see."
Jones was not in the lineup Friday after multiple dives going after hits in Thursday's game, followed by the plane trip to New York, caused his back to tighten. The rainout gives that back time for treatment, so he should be able to get some at-bats in Saturday's doubleheader.
BRAVES at METS, PPD: Friday's game was postponed by rain and will be made up on Saturday as part of a doubleheader.
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