Javy Baez

[jjensen30]

(doesn't include amazing plays in playoffs.)

This kid is an absolute baller! Have been watching him the last two years and he is grown tremendously as a batter and has always been outstanding as a fielder. I believe he is the best fielder in the game. He has cut down on strikeouts a ton this year as well. If he continues to grow he maybe a cornerstone piece for the Cubs for many years to come.

You could also argue without Baez in the lineup the Cubs do not win last night. His hustle plays seem to just pump up this young team. Him running out that ground ball and getting to 3rd was a huge play in the game. Along with that a few of his defensive plays in that game! That snap tag that he put on was a huge turning point in the game. I hope younger kids watch how this guy plays.

 

[schuele]

You could also argue without Baez in the lineup the Cubs do not win last night.

With the middle of the order slumping, you could argue that the Cubs might have gotten swept without Baez. Great series on both sides of the ball.

 

[cubsker_rivals142943]

Baez is really something. He can't go a few days without doing something that you just shake your head at. Looks to me like he's cemented himself as the every day 2B next year, which is going to make for some interesting OF decisions, esp with Schwarber coming back.

 

[jjensen30]

Oh I 100% agree.. I'd like to see him move up to the 5 spot. Or maybe 2 but he would have to cut down on Strike outs. Or maybe Zobrist 2.

 

[Huskerfan2112]

Baez and Bryant are carrying the load with an assist from Ross. I hope Rizzo woke up last night

 

[mwulf]

Stole that series....for the most part the pitchers were the best hitters ....Go Nats now

 

[Cornicator]

Dude is awesome. I'm a big fan.

 

[mgbreeze]

He plays for the perfect coach who values what he brings, as well. Maddon loves his super-utility guys. Not a Cubs fan, but holy crap they're stacked with awesome young players. It's nuts. Have they had any "busts" lately?

 

[cubsker_rivals142943]

Other series going to game 5 was awesome for us. We're again going to have the pitching matchup edges. Combined with home field, we're prob close to a 2 to 1 favorite.

 

[cubsker_rivals142943]

He plays for the perfect coach who values what he brings, as well. Maddon loves his super-utility guys. Not a Cubs fan, but holy crap they're stacked with awesome young players. It's nuts. Have they had any "busts" lately?

All of our drafted pitchers so far.

 

[cubsker_rivals142943]

Baez and Bryant are carrying the load with an assist from Ross. I hope Rizzo woke up last night

I had forgot until last night that Russell didn't play in the playoffs last year. I expect him to fare much better going forward. If we get him and Riz going, we'll be in real good shape.

 

[cubsker_rivals142943]

may just loop the 9th inning all day long today.

 

[walnut creek]

Makes plays that don't seem possible.

 

[jjensen30]

Makes plays that don't seem possible.

His tags he puts on at second base r amazing. He makes the pitchers and catchers both look good.

 

[jjensen30]

Makes plays that don't seem possible.

His tags he puts on at second base r amazing. He makes the pitchers and catchers both look good.

 

[maplesyrup95]

Stud.

 

[Huskerfan2112]

All of our drafted pitchers so far.

Read a great article about Theo recently on espn.com. I got the impression that he really prefers to draft offense and sign established pitching rather than drafting pitching. Might be why some of the drafted guys flame out

 

[jjensen30]

Makes sense. Arms are a lot more hard to develop and unpredictable. Injuries are much more prone as well. Hitting seems easier to develop and players last longer.

 

[schuele]

Makes sense. Arms are a lot more hard to develop and unpredictable. Injuries are much more prone as well. Hitting seems easier to develop and players last longer.

Well yes, it makes sense if you are Theo Epstein, and have an enormous payroll to work with. But the majority of MLB teams need to find pitchers in the draft. Otherwise they end up overpaying mediocre arms based on past performance.

 

[cubsker_rivals142943]

Few good ones on the farm right now. Cease, de la Cruz, Clifton, and then Hatch from okie st who they just drafted all have looked good. The Montgomery trade was a big one too.

 

[jjensen30]

Well yes, it makes sense if you are Theo Epstein, and have an enormous payroll to work with. But the majority of MLB teams need to find pitchers in the draft. Otherwise they end up overpaying mediocre arms based on past performance.

I would rather overpay for a bat than an arm though

 

[mwulf]

If they make the Series Toronto or Cleveland are relatively cheap options to see a game in person..Wrigley is not...3k for standing room

 

[schuele]

I would rather overpay for a bat than an arm though

So would I. That's why most teams have to find pitching in the draft - because they can't afford to drop $15 million on a #4 starter whose best days are behind him. It's probably money well-spent if you have it, but most organizations don't.