That's Mr. Jones to you

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Terry Pendleton took a look around the Braves' nearly empty clubhouse Saturday morning.

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The team's hitting coach spotted center fielder Andruw Jones laughing, joking around with some of the younger players.

That was the same old Jones, Pendleton thought, the laid-back guy who's been around the locker room since he was 19.

But there's been a slight, yet noticeable, alteration to the 27-year-old's approach when it comes to what happens between the foul lines. And, more so, in the batter's box.

"His attitude to get it done out there has changed a little bit," Pendleton said. "And, for a guy getting older, that's what needs to change. That's maturity."

Maturity evident by the fact that when Jones bought a new house last year, he made sure it had ample space to have a batting cage installed. That addition came after the end of the season.

Jones held regular winter hitting sessions for Braves past and present - including second baseman Marcus Giles, catcher Eddie Perez and Orioles catcher Javy Lopez.

"Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, it was something we'd look forward to," Jones said. "I like being able to go out there and hit whenever I want. It's like early spring training."

Regular spring training has gone so-so thus far for Jones. He's hitting .267 with two home runs and four RBI. He was hit in the elbow by a pitch Saturday, but deemed OK after the game by manager Bobby Cox.

It's not as if Jones' numbers in recent years necessarily merit more time in the home cage - he's averaged 34 home runs and 102 RBI since 2000 - but for whatever reason, expectations have always been extra lofty for the native of Curacao.

"I don't know what people expect about me," Jones said, "but through the years, I learn more and I just try to get better every day that I can."

He's provided Atlanta with a consistent star in center field, but it seems some want the sun.

"At 19 years old, everybody could see the ability that he had," Pendleton said. "He's going to be 28 this year and everybody keeps saying, 'Well, when's he going to do it? When's he going to do it?' "

Further, Pendleton said, some fans misconstrue Jones' casual on-field appearance as apathetic.

"When he strikes out and he smiles or something when he's walking away, some people say, 'Look at him, he's not even trying,' " Pendleton said. "It really bugs him."

In fact, with his strikeout numbers up in 2004 (from 125 to 147) and RBI down (116 to 91), it's bothered Jones enough that he's committed himself to a swing tweak that he tried out toward the end of last year.

The hope is that Jones will use little or no stride in his swing to keep from chasing bad pitches.

"Now it's just being comfortable and being selective," Jones said.

A more patient Jones, Pendleton said, will see his .268 career batting average increase. If that happens, there's no cap to Jones' potential.

Reach Travis Haney at travis.haney@morris.com.