Javy Baez Admits He Often Didn't Feel Ready to Play Last Year
By Jerry Trotta
When you think of the most disappointing MLB teams from the 2019 season, the Chicago Cubs should be one of the first clubs to roll off the tongue.
Their stunning setback was capped by a collapse in the final month that saw the them miss out on the playoffs, and the latest report out of the Cubs' preseason workouts is a perfect testament to that letdown.
Star shortstop Javier Baez, one of the game's most captivating and electric players, claims to have not been well prepared for a healthy portion of the team's schedule.
Javy Baez felt like too often last year, he wasn't ready when games began & vows to change.
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) February 16, 2020
"I felt like I was getting loose during the first 4 innings and I should be ready and excited to get out before the first pitch. I promise you guys that this year is gonna be like that."
When you consider the sheer glee that Baez oozes on the diamond, this quote is nothing short of shocking.
Whether it's casually making spectacular plays at shortstop, or lacing screaming line drives at the plate, the common baseball fan just assumed that those results were the product of tireless preparation.
In Baez's case, it was the product of pure, natural talent.
"I got to the field and instead of going outside and hitting BP, I would do everything inside, which is not the same. Once I go out to the field for the game, I feel like I wasn't ready," Baez said.
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) February 16, 2020
Fans in Chicago won't be delighted to read this quote from their franchise cornerstone as it seriously comes off as if he's taking the privilege of competing at the professional level for granted.
If that's the case, it's obviously inexcusable from Baez. Let's hope the 27-year-old stud lives up to his word and kicks his unsavory habit.