I caught up with young outfielder Brandon Jones this spring in the Braves dugout before a spring game in which he was up from minor league camp. Like most of these minor league guys he was very eager and willing to be interviewed and had a real great attitude throughout. He has a really great slight southern drawl and a very calm demeanor. I for one would like to see him in Atlanta sooner rather than later.
Martin Gandy: How are things coming along this spring?
Brandon Jones: Doing pretty good man. I'm coming off of shoulder surgery back in August, so just trying to get back into the swing of things, you know.
MG: What was it that was operated on in the shoulder?
BJ: They had to go and do something to my rotator cuff; I don't know exactly what it was.
MG: Would you define yourself as more of a speed guy or a power guy?
BJ: I can do a little bit of both. Often I just try and stay in the gaps, you know.
MG: How is the surgery affecting your power or your swing?
BJ: I'm all the way back from the surgery, it didn't bother me none, man. I rehabbed the whole off-season, so I'm pretty much back in shape.
MG: You moved pretty rapidly through the system, can you explain that; do you feel good about that?
BJ: I guess feel good about it, you know. Evidently they like me so I just go out there and try to play, man; do what I can do, man.
MG: Do you pattern yourself after any particular player?
BJ: Not really, I just try to be myself.
MG: What level do you see yourself starting at this season?
BJ: I think I'll be back in Mississippi this year.
MG: Are you working on anything in particular this spring?
BJ: Not really, I'm just trying to get good pitches to hit so I can get game ready for the season.
MG: What does it mean to be around the big league guys in spring training?
BJ: Awe man, feels pretty good, you know. I'm trying to take in what they're giving me, so I'm trying to better myself as a player.
MG: How about with a last name of Jones, that's a pretty good pedigree there, right?
BJ: Yeah, it's pretty good, you know. I'm just trying to be where they at.
MG: How did you handle the longer road trips at double-A?
BJ: Man, I just try to get as much rest as I can, man. At first it was tough, but once you get used to it, it's no big deal.
MG: How is playing in Mississippi, is it hot?
BJ: Real hot. You've got to make sure you take plenty of fluids, man.
MG: Did you condition yourself any differently this off-season knowing you might be playing there again this year?
BJ: Not really. Like I said I rehabbed the whole off-season so I was on the program they gave me.
MG: What was your favorite place to play so far in the Braves system, and why?
BJ: Mississippi, because of the stadium. The stadium was great, man. A great place to play at.
MG: Thanks a lot Brandon, good luck to you.
BJ: Thanks.