You already know about Javy Baez’s prodigious natural talent in all facets of the game, as that has become evident over the past few years. There’s little of use I could tell you on that front – we’re all just enjoying the show.
But what’s been incredible to watch this year is his evolution into one of those guys who, when he’s right at the plate, there’s just nothing you can do as a pitcher but hope. We saw it for a nice long stretch early this season, and it feels like Baez is getting into another one of those grooves.
It certainly looked like it last night, as he racked up four hits (75.7 mph, 96.7 mph, 103.6 mph, and 109.9 mph) to every part of the field, improving his line in one night from .266/.307/.524 (115 wRC+) to .276/.315/.555 (126). Not to mention he did that while filling in at third base.
What a night at the plate for Javy:
Nothing better than arriving at home plate to three of your friends waiting to thank you for the ride:
Ian Happ pretty much sums it up:
And, like I said, Baez did all that while filling in at third base for Kris Bryant, and he did more than play just passably there. He single-handedly turned an ugly situation into two outs.
Javy bein’ Javy:
https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1011804982264455168
Games don’t get much better than that all-around, and that’s what Javy Baez has lurking within him every time he takes the field. And just think: he didn’t even deke anyone on the bases, or whip-tag someone at the speed of light.