Other Defensive Gems for Enjoying: Bryant Dives in Left, Contreras Tags at First

Plenty of kind words have already been said about the Cubs offense and its inherent ability to score lots and lots of runs in 2016 (well, for most of 2016 … ). And now, perhaps unexpectedly, a lot has even been said about the team’s historically good starting rotation and their ability to allow so few runs to actually cross the plate.

One of the last impressive, yet under-discussed, facets of their unusually good play in 2016 is their solid, versatile defense across the diamond. Last night was no exception. We already talked about the play that Javy Baez technically didn’t make, but which was one of the best you’ll ever see.

But there was much more. With no outs in the bottom of the sixth inning of a tied ballgame, Christian Yelich sent a would-be single into left center field, but Kris Bryant robbed him of a hit.

Check it out:

That was a brilliant play by Bryant, who’s out there in left field once again, despite being a third baseman by trade. But therein lies the beauty and uniqueness of the Cubs solid defense. Most of the players are playing out of position, and they’re playing really well.

For example, earlier in the game, third baseman Javier Baez (the shortstop (or is he a second baseman?)), made a play on a grounder before throwing it high to first base. Despite playing out of position, Willson Contreras (the catcher) made an exceptional jump, catch and tag to make the play at first.

Check it out:

The Cubs defense may not get all of the attention, but boy has it been a lot of fun to watch this year.