Chipper Enjoying April

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Atlanta -- Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones knows he won't be trailing St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire by just one home run all season, so he is enjoying his April power surge while it lasts.

With six home runs, the third baseman has already surpassed his career total in April (5) and he is just four RBI shy of matching last April's total.

"It's El Niņo," Jones said. "I think if it's 35 degrees outside, obviously the ball wouldn't be carrying as well and it would be a lot harder to hit that sweet spot as much as I have."

While the unseasonably mild temperatures might be a factor, they aren't the only reason for Jones' hot start. He worked harder this winter than ever, then headed to Florida two weeks early and worked with his father, who knows his swing better than anyone.

"It's a little bit of everything," Jones said. "The weather and hard work. It's paying off."

By Bill Zack

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