Scouting Report
1997 Season
When your name is Chipper Jones, it's tough to keep up with expectations. All Jones did was put up better numbers than just about every third baseman in the National League while batting third for the winningest team in baseball. But a late slump dropped his average below .300 and he finished with nine fewer homers than he'd hit in 1996. What would have been a superb season for just about any other hitter hardly drew any raves at all for Jones.
Hitting
Jones is a switch-hitter who can handle high pitches from either side of the plate. He has good power to the opposite field, a good eye and an ability to fight off tough two- strike pitches. He has less bat speed from the right side of the plate and doesn't hit with quite the same level of authority as he does lefthanded. The move from hitter- friendly Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium to the more pitcher- friendly Turner Field took a chunk out of his power numbers.
Baserunning & Defense
Jones has good speed and wisely picks his spots to steal. He runs the bases aggressively and alertly. A natural shortstop, Jones has both the strong arm and the quick reflexes needed to handle third base, and he plays the position well. His soft hands and natural athletic ability will make him one of the best defensive players in the league if he's able to cut down on his careless errors.
1998 Outlook
If Jones' ever refines his righthanded swing to the point where it's on par with his approach from the opposite side of the plate, he'll be a tremendous offensive force. As it is, he's a classic No. 3 hitter who excels in nearly every aspect of the game. He should be a strong MVP candidate for the next few years.
Scouting Report Source: STATS, Inc. Copyright 1998 STATS, Inc. Commercial distribution without the express written consent of STATS is prohibited.
