The Beginning

The day most Cub fans have been waiting for is finally here: Javier Baez is coming to the MLB!

My immediate reaction is similar to this child here: http://youtu.be/pFlcqWQVVuU 

After a horrendous start, Baez has really turn it on, bringing his average up to .260  with 23 bombs. His upside is known. He is the prospect every fan has come to know. The worry is balancing realistic expectation and hype. 

Baez is a true talent, but there are some trends that need to be addressed in order to temper the excitement:

- Baez has a career MiLB K ratio of 28%, which is still 3% higher than being consider 'awful' (http://www.fangraphs.com/library/offense/rate-stats/). Baez has a quick and powerful swing, but this comes with some consequences. It would be fair to say he could struggle after the initial call up. For this reason, it is good to call him up now to get the test drive out of the way. He has shown the resilience to make adjustments and work hard. 

- Career MiLB fielding percentage of .944. For a comparison, Starlin Castro has a career percentage of .963. The glove leaves something to be desired, but Second base may be a great place to stick him. 

- Javy is 21 YEARS OLD. If he doesn't not look like Dereck Jeter in his first month, give him a break. Players are not considered in their prime until their late 20's. Mike Trout is the exception, not the rule.

Now that the ground rules are set, it is time for is to enjoy the clear start of the next stage of Cubs Baseball. Welcome, and enjoy. Oh, let's also start watching the #BAEZBOMBS 

Hope...a forgotten 4 letter word

Let's be honest. A realistic minded person did not see the Cubs competing for anything more than moving out of the cellar of the division. The team at times has been frustrating, the culmination of the frustration resolving in the outright release of Jose Veras.

With all the negative feelings towards this Chicago team, let's focus on positives. 

1.) Castro/Rizzo: Rick Renteria was brought in to change tha atmosphere and attitude of the Major League club. Additionally, it can be argued he has been brought in to help Castro. Up to this point in the season, he is doing the Job. Castro looks more and more comfortable at Short as the year goes on. His batting average isn't turning heads, but it is a HUGE improvement over last year. Letting Starlin do his thing seems to be the answer, for the hits and some flashes of that power have returned. Rizzo is in the conversation for the All-Stat game. After struggling against Lefties last year, Rizzo is putting up video game numbers this year. Things are looking up for the core.

2.) Minor League Development - Kris Bryant. Just reading his name brings chills to ever pitcher in AA. Bryant is enjoying a monster season this year, leading ever Triple Crown Category by a decent margin. Javier Baez is also turning his season around at AAA. His batting average is up to .234 after a very rough start to the season.

I understand Cub fans eagerness to see these guys at the big league level, but there is no need to rush them in order to bring in fans. Baez needs to work on the 30% K rate. Bryant may be a hitting machine, but a decision needs to be made what position he wants to play. With Renteria playing match ups and rotating a long bench at the MLB, Bryant and Baez can continue to benefit with everyday play. 

3.) Rennovations- Even with new obstacles and delays, this project is happening and it WILL have a great effect on the team. After touring the Wrigley facilities my self this past fall, saying upgraded player facilities is needed is the understatement of the Millenium. Let's get this going.

162 games. That's how many these guys get to play. With recent improved play and offensive execution (7-3 in their last 10), this team is better to watch then in years past. The change is coming. And it will likely be everything we hoped for.

Til next time Vine Lovers,

CC

http://mlb.mlb.com/r/video?content_id=33608083

http://mlb.mlb.com/r/video?content_id=33579895