Did I miss something? Maddon's latest comments on Baez were along the lines of, "We play him wherever we think the ball is going to go that day." That doesn't imply that the Cubs are starting to think about locking Baez into one position. In fact, it implies the exact opposite.
SAN DIEGO -- Javier Baez has played all four infield positions for the Cubs this season, and he has definitely shined at second base. Shouldn't he be settling down at one spot?
"It depends on how we morph as a group over the next couple of years," manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday. "I like the way it's working out."
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That's because Baez not only has handled himself well defensively, but he has also improved offensively. He entered Wednesday's game batting .276, with a .333 batting average on balls in play.
"You're seeing a lot of progress," Maddon said of Baez. "Who knows if by playing sporadically, this is becoming a part of who he is as opposed to playing every day, getting caught in the trap of not hitting well, which sometimes affects the defense. He's an everyday player, no question."
But Baez won't be an everyday player right now. Maddon likes that Baez has to prepare to play second, short, third or even first, which gives him less time to think about his batting average.
"I believe playing more defense and playing different positions can help a young player become a better offensive player," Maddon said.
The goal now, the skipper said, is if Baez plays, put him at the spot where the ball is most likely going to be hit.
http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/197430578/javier-baez-handles-several-infield-positions/
Baez has played more at second base the second half than the first. He has almost caught up in innings at second to third. Zobrist has been sitting or moving to right more. He may put him where he thinks the ball will be hit, but its been up the middle more than anywhere else. Zobrist will be 36 next year. His range has diminished at second. Its only a matter of time until Baez is the majority starter if he continues his hitting especially against righties.