MLB Spring Training is now just a few weeks away, and two of the biggest names looking to rebound from lost seasons in 2010 are Joe Nathan and Chipper Jones.
Nathan missed the entire season after blowing out his arm early last Spring Training and having Tommy John surgery. But prior to that, he had been one of the best and most consistent closers in baseball. He’s looking to regain that form in 2011. As reported on TwinCities.com, Nathan expects to be ready to throw with no restrictions when pitchers and catchers report on February 17th. His return to full strength is a key for a Twins team that lost a number of relievers this offseason.
Meanwhile, Chipper Jones has also quietly been rehabbing in his attempt to return from suffering a torn ACL last August. He had previously been contemplating retirement, walking away into the sunset with the only Major League manager he had ever known, Bobby Cox. But the injury was one factor that convinced him to give it one more go. As reported by MLB.com, he’s battled some tendinitis recently, but has had no other setbacks, and is also planning on being ready to go in a few weeks. With a more potent Braves lineup around him, like offseason acquisition Dan Uggla, Jones’ ability to get back in the swing of things is one of the team’s major question marks.
But if he is healthy, he’ll be another reason why the Braves can again contend this year.