RADIO
If Javier Baez played for nearly any other organization besides the Cubs, this would be a big year for him. A second baseman/shortstop, the 23-year-old Puerto Rico native showed improvement in his short, 28-game stint in the majors last year, recording just 14 fewer base hits than in 2014, despite playing in 24 fewer games. When Addison Russell went down with a hamstring injury in the NLDS last October, Baez stepped in and promptly bashed a three-run home run to right field, putting the Cubs up for good. He has power and appears to have become a better, more disciplined hitter, but the Cubs went out and signed Ben Zobrist, leaving Baez without a starting spot. This, by no means, signifies that Baez will have zero fantasy value. Remember, Ben Zobrist had knee surgery midseason last year. He’ll be turning 35 this May, so it’s not a foregone conclusion that he’ll play right through the season. Expect Baez to receive some starts here and there, but if Zobrist or Russell go down with injuries, Baez will be the next man up. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s been playing center field this winter, opening up even more possibilities for playing time. Baez might be worth a last round pick. If not, keep a very close eye on the Cubs’ injury situation, because if someone goes down, he’ll be taken before you know it.
Javier Baez Will Be The First Man Off The Bench
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