DurableTear Posted February 17, 2003 Share Posted February 17, 2003 ESPN Story Sunday, February 16 Jordan's knee healthy after offseason surgery Associated Press VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Brian Jordan said his bothersome knee is healthy after offseason surgery and he's even lost 18 pounds. "I was teasing (baserunning coach) Maury Wills, saying, 'I'm going to be hanging with you and (leadoff batter) Dave Roberts,''' said Jordan, who stole only two bases last year. This season he's set a goal of scoring more than 100 runs and stealing 30 bases. But as good as Jordan feels about himself, he feels even better about the Dodgers. Only months after exercising his option as a player traded in the middle of a multiyear contract to demand a trade, Jordan said Sunday he wants to be part of the team. "I feel good about what's going on with this organization,'' said Jordan, who arrived at spring training Saturday -- two days before position players were due. "(General manager) Dan Evans, to me, is going in the right direction, making positive moves, in the best interest of the organization and team.'' The biggest moves Evans made were trading veteran infielders Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek to the Chicago Cubs for catcher Todd Hundley, a move that freed up salary money, then signing slugging free-agent first baseman Fred McGriff. McGriff, who will turn 40 in October, hit 30 homers and drove in 103 runs last season for the Cubs. But his batting average dropped 33 points from the previous season to .273 and his on-base percentage was a career-low .353. "He had an off year last year and still batted in 100 and hit 30,'' Jordan said. "I don't care which way you want to put it, a guy who produces like that is going to be successful.'' Jordan had an off year for much of 2002 as well, bothered by a knee problem corrected with surgery Oct. 2. But he had a big September to raise his season RBI total to a respectable 80. He hit 18 homers and batted .285. Jordan, who turns 36 in March, expects to improve on his 2002 stats after having a torn patella tendon repaired and lowering his weight to 212 pounds. He said he expects to be quicker in all aspects of play. "Definitely on the basepaths,'' he said. "And even the swing.'' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Posted February 17, 2003 Share Posted February 17, 2003 Good for him and L.A. Let's see how much he helps them this season... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mephisto Posted February 17, 2003 Share Posted February 17, 2003 I hope Brown, Jordan, and McGriff stay healthy and have a good year for L.A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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