Javy Baez Will See Time at Shortstop Even After Addison Russell Returns and Other Bullets

I have always been of the mind that if you start to notice a bunch of people causing you problems or giving you grief, it’s more likely that you are the issue, rather than a bunch of other people coincidentally being the issue all at the same time.

I feel like I’ve been getting it on a lotta fronts the last few days (not only here, mind you, in typical daily interactions offline, too), which has me stepping back and considering the possibility that maybe I’ve just been too chippy, or maybe I’m not perceiving peoples’ interactions with me accurately.

That is to say: you’re probably not all jerks, and I’m probably just a little off. It’s good to reflect, and I appreciate having this space to do it from time to time. Even right now, I’m starting to feel better.

This helps:

Great Javy Baez plays help, too …

  • I wrote it up last night during the game, but, you know what? Let’s just enjoy it again, because it’s that good:
  • Not necessarily because of that play specifically, but I know you’re wondering it: does Javy Baez stay at shortstop after Addison Russell returns? The Cubs’ starting shortstop is due back in a week or two, and let me say with confidence that Russell will return as the shortstop. That’s not only a nod to his ability there and Baez’s ability at second base, but also the fact that Russell hasn’t played second base regularly in a couple years, whereas Baez is still relatively fresh there. Russell is too valuable to become a bench bat, and Baez is so valuable as a guy who can move around effectively.
  • That said, just as it was before Russell’s injury, Baez should and will continue to see some time at shortstop. “You’re still going to see Javy over there as we readjust Addison back into it,” Joe Maddon told the Tribune. “You’re going to see Javy at second, you’re going to see Javy at third to give (Kris Bryant) a day off, which will be nice. Addy will play, but Javy will still play a lot.”
  • (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

  • Anthony Rizzo was disappointed not to get a play in the field on Tuesday at third base (Cubs.com), but he had a great line about his defensive versatility (Tribune): “I need to play the outfield. Right now I’m a utility player for this team, and in the outfield I can say I’m a super-utility guy.”
  • Ah ha, so the in-dugout interview fun employed by Ian Happ was sparked by Tommy La Stella, who himself wound up being interviewed:
  • At Amazon, check out the “new and interesting” finds, which always includes bizarre stuff like a cotton candy maker, an elephant key ring holder, and a lego coffee mug. There’s just weird and interesting stuff out there, man.
  • Holy gorgeous GIF:
  • I know some people say bags. I say cornhole:
  • Big news in the Bears world, as Mitch Trubisky practiced with the 1’s and will start the second half of this weekend’s preseason game with the 1’s. If you’re a Bears fan, do yourself a favor and follow our sister site The Ten-Yard Line on Twitter, and like it on Facebook:
  • written by

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Whew. That game was kinda dumb, but I tell you, the ending sure was fun. And also weird! So, to set the stage, the Pirates and Cubs' offenses could do nothing all day long. The game was still 0-0 in...

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    This guy. What do I even say? I was already kinda buzzy when Brennen Davis homered again - a grand slam - for the fifth time in six games, and sixth time in eight games. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. https://twitter.com/IowaCubs/status/1791967453888598441 Truly...

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    What matters most is that the Cubs won the game. And it was a fun ending, too. So I'm happy. But I also do feel a little frustrated - or concerned might be the better word - as I'm sure...

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Losing to the Braves (and then Jared Jones and Paul Skenes), when you have 10 people on the IL, including your entire middle infield, is not really that concerning to me. It sucks and banking losses is...

    REPORT: Cubs Trade Richard Lovelady to the Rays

    When the Chicago Cubs traded Jake Slaughter to the Seattle Mariners for reliever Tyson Miller, they needed to open a spot on both the active roster and the 40-man roster. They did that in one move by designating reliever Richard...

    Cubs Set a Target Date for Dansby Swanson’s Return, Daniel Palencia Also On His Way

    First, a quick update I kept out of the headline: Nico Hoerner is not in the Cubs lineup today, as he continues to deal with left hamstring tightness. The Cubs have now blown past the maximum IL backdate optimization, which...

    Hendricks Will Get More Chances, Many Injury Updates, A Possible New Scandal, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Sports Saturday around the Taylor household, so it's time to run all over to soccer fields and baseball fields and dance centers. First, Cubs Bullets ... Kyle Hendricks may not have made a load of terrible pitches in yesterday's game...

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 9, Cubs 3 – May 17, 2024

    For six hitless, profoundly dominant innings, Paul Skenes today looked like the best pitching prospect I've seen since maybe Stephen Strasburg. The other two who came to mind as I watched were Matt Harvey and Jose Fernandez. Those three, when...

    MLBits: Elly De La Cruz Continues to Electrify, Yanks Want Soto for Long Haul, More

    Elly De La Cruz continues to dazzle and the Yankees want Juan Soto in New York for the rest of his career. That and more in today's MLB Notes! Elly De La Cruz's Four Steal Night Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly...

    Cubs Farm Report | May 17, 2024: I-Cubs’ Homer Party Helps Cade Horton Get His First Triple-A Win

    The Iowa Cubs mashed four home runs and scored 10 runs, as Cade Horton made his best start at Triple-A on Thursday. That and more in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs Farm Report | May 17, 2024 Triple-A Iowa Cubs...

    Latest News

    Red Sox vs. Cardinals: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Nick Pivetta takes the mound for the Boston Red Sox (22-23) when they visit starter Matthew Liberatore and the St. Louis Cardinals (19-25) at 1:05 PM ET on Sunday.The article below will provide you with everything you need to know...

    How to Watch Royals vs. Athletics: Live Stream or on TV

    On Sunday, aiming to finish off a series sweep, Brady Singer takes the mound for the Kansas City Royals (27-19) against JP Sears and the Oakland Athletics (19-28), with first pitch scheduled for 2:10 PM ET.The article below will give...

    Astros vs. Brewers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Sunday, aiming for a series sweep, Kyle Tucker and the Houston Astros (20-25) play William Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers (26-18), with first pitch scheduled for 2:10 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.The article below will give you everything...

    Rangers vs. Angels: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Los Angeles Angels (17-28), led by Taylor Ward and looking for a series sweep, visit Marcus Semien and the Texas Rangers (23-23) at 2:35 PM ET on Sunday.The article below will give you everything you need to watch Texas...

    How to Watch Phillies vs. Nationals: Live Stream or on TV

    Aaron Nola will take the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies (32-14) when they host starter Trevor Williams and the Washington Nationals (20-23) on Sunday, with first pitch at 1:35 PM ET and the Phillies aiming for a series sweep.The article...

    How to Watch Orioles vs. Mariners: Live Stream or on TV

    Gunnar Henderson and the Baltimore Orioles (28-14) host Caleb Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners (24-21) on Sunday, with first pitch at 1:35 PM ET, and the Orioles aiming for a series sweep.The article below will give you everything you need...

    How to Watch Guardians vs. Twins: Live Stream or on TV

    On Sunday, going for a series sweep, Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Guardians (28-17) play Ryan Jeffers and the Minnesota Twins (24-20), with first pitch scheduled for 1:40 PM ET at Progressive Field.Keep scrolling to find out all the details...

    How to Watch Cubs vs. Pirates: Live Stream or on TV

    The Chicago Cubs (26-21), with Jameson Taillon on the mound, host the Pittsburgh Pirates (21-26) who will counter with Mitch Keller, at 2:20 PM ET on Sunday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Chicago play...

    Knicks vs. Pacers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7 – Sunday, May 19, 2024

    The New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers take the court in a decisive Game 7 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks are favored by 2.5 points in the contest, which will be broadcast on ABC...

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    This guy. What do I even say? I was already kinda buzzy when Brennen Davis homered again - a grand slam - for the fifth time in six games, and sixth time in eight games. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. https://twitter.com/IowaCubs/status/1791967453888598441 Truly...

    more cubs news