Cubs feeling much better with Baez back in good health
As they prepare for the new year, let's take one final look at the end of the Cubs' 2019 season.
It's a rough review, and there are plenty of reasons why the Cubs dropped 10 of their last 12 games and missed the playoffs after four straight appearances.
Jose Quintana had a terrible final month, giving up 23 earned runs in 18.2 innings (11.09 ERA).
New closer Craig Kimbrell imploded in two critical games against the Cardinals.
Anthony Rizzo (ankle) and Kris Bryant (knee) were less than 100 percent due to injuries.
A defense that was among the worst in baseball all season took it to an even lower level over the final two weeks.
That's a lengthy list of bad things happening, and don't forget about Javier Baez.
Sliding headfirst into second base during a Sept. 1 game against the Brewers, the Cubs' star shortstop fractured his left thumb.
Baez tried to get back on the field for a Sept. 5 game vs. Milwaukee, but he was a late scratch. The 2019 National League MVP runner-up didn't play the rest of the season.
"We definitely have a lot of other good names," former manager Joe Maddon said. "It's not just a one-man band. You look for other people to rise to the occasion."
Too many players fell, and the Cubs dropped out of the postseason with Baez on the sidelines.
He's back healthy this spring and looking to help his team get back to October.
Like Bryant, Rizzo and others, Baez has not had success getting a contract extension from the Cubs. That's led to trade talk that has been toned down a bit during spring training.
No matter what happens, Baez is focused on the upcoming year.
"We have to wait until the season starts to see how things are going," he said. "But I think we have a good team. I'm going to stay the same. I'm always going to compete as much as I can."
Since he plays the game so hard, Baez always seems to be at risk for injury.
Before breaking his thumb last September, the two-time all-star suffered a bruised right heel in May and played with soreness the rest of the way.
Baez's big bat and stellar glove and important elements for the Cubs. He'll be in new manager David Ross' starting lineup on a daily basis.
If Baez needs a break, or goes down with an injury, David Bote has experience playing shortstop.
Nico Hoerner is another option. Competing for the starting job at second base this spring, Hoerner came up from Class AA Tennessee last September and replaced Baez.