Chipper Jones hopes to be on the field in spring

ATLANTA -- Chipper Jones is knocking the cover off the ball.

Now for the next step in his recovery from knee surgery.

Jones, the Braves' longtime third baseman, took a big swing and ripped the cover from a ball in batting practice on Tuesday morning.

As Braves president John Schuerholz held the empty cover in the Turner Field batting cage, the 38-year-old Jones told him ``that's what you've got to look forward to.''

One step at a time. Jones has been hitting since December but the six-time All-Star has not taken ground balls or run the bases.

He plans to begin agility drills this week to pave the way for his return to the field in spring training.

Jones says he is working through tendinitis he says is a normal part of the recovery from his surgery in August.