Maddon sees better days ahead for Heyward
SAN FRANCISCO - Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon says he sees better days ahead offensively for right fielder Jason Heyward.
"I really do believe you're going to see a big jump in his offense next year, because he's going to have time to make the adjustments," Maddon said Monday, before Game 3 of the National League division series. "He's going to have time to think things through. He's going to be more comfortable here next year."
Heyward was not in the starting lineup in Game 3 against Giants lefty ace Madison Bumgarner. Instead, Maddon went with switch hitter Ben Zobrist in right field with the right-handed hitting Jorge Soler in left.
"Defensively, something I don't like to do is not have your best defensive team out there," Maddon said. "Part of it is Soler needs to play. He has not played a lot. He looks good. Moving forward, we anticipate to play more games this month. It's hard to have him pinch hit successfully without any at-bats. There are all the little subplots going on that you have to address. I thought about it long."
It's no secret Heyward had a down year in his first season with the Cubs after signing an eight-year, $184 million contract last off-season. He had a line of .230/.306/.325 with 7 homers and 49 RBI.
But Maddon has continually praised Heyward's defense and leadership.
"I just think in my mind's eye with a player like him is just to be patient," the manager said. "It's not at all unlike Jon (Lester, pitcher). He got off to a tough start last year, but he did come on at the end of the year. To a certain extent, I think the same thing has happened with Jason. He's definitely come on more toward the latter part of the season. I don't know what it's like to be in that particular position regarding that kind of free-agent moment, getting that kind of attention."
This off-season will be important for Heyward, according to Maddon.
"Getting to know him, I think he will process the winter properly," he said. "If there are any adjustments to be made mechanically or physically, he has time to do it without any games getting in the way because when you get the games, you're competing and you just want to get a hit. So you really don't want to try the adjustments. I just have a lot of faith in him. He still has been a very productive player for us. And I don't like him not starting tonight, just based on his glove."
Liking it at AT&T:
Cubs players have talked enthusiastically of playing at AT&T Park. Although the outfield is much bigger than at Wrigley Field, there is no upper deck above the outfield, and the wind is a factor.
"I think they like it because it feels like our place, with the fans," Joe Maddon said. "The fans here are raucous. I was here (with the Angels) in the 2002 World Series. I remember that well. I was into walking at that time before the game. They get here early. Even if they can't get inside, they're yelling at you through those screens out there. They're involved. Giant fans are very much into the Giants, have been for years. I think our guys kind of feel that nature of the Giant fans."