The Walk Off: Javier Baez leads Cubs with slick slide and glove
The amount of talent the Chicago Cubs currently employ is almost unfair. You already know the big names, like Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo. But they have some second and third-tier talent too that would absolutely command bigger roles on lesser teams.
Guys like Javier Baez for example, who can play multiple positions and bring several different variables to the offense. We’ve seen Baez lined up at second base, third base and shortstop this season. We’ve seen him in several spots in the order. And we’ve seen him contribute with power, speed, and, above all, his agility.
The latter two qualities were on full display during Saturday’s 4-3 win against the Pirates. That was especially true on his fourth-inning stolen base, which actually would have been an untimely pick-off if not for his ridiculous slide.
Watch again and marvel at his grace.
That was the ultimate swim move, and it paid off in a big way as Baez eventually moved around to score on a wild pitch and David Ross squeeze bunt.
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It’s the big potential that Cubs love most about Baez, but it’s little things like this, which created a run, that will earn his coaches and teammates’ respect.
As will defensive plays like this one.
And this one, with the bubble included.
You know, it seems like Javier Baez really stole the show on Saturday night. Hats off to him!
TOP PERFORMERS
Carlos Beltran: Boston’s David Ortz isn’t the only seasoned veteran having a monster season. Beltran, 39, has been raking too. In fact, he connected for his 18th home run in the Yankees 7-6 win against the Twins, which tied Ortiz’s season total. That’s pretty impressive for a guy who’s rarely one-hundred percent, but is certainly locked. The Yankees also got a two-run homer from Alex Rodriguez, who’s five short of reaching 700.
J.T. Realmuto: Miami’s catcher is quietly having a quality season. That continued in their 9-6 win against the Rockies, as Realmuto picked up four more hits, including his fourth home run. After Colorado scored six in the third, Realmuto gave Miami the lead for good with his three-run, fifth-inning blast. He also raised his batting average to .305. In other good news for Miami, Giancarlo Stanton now has five hits in his last eight at-bats. Perhaps his weeks long struggles will soon be behind him.
Tyler Naquin: You could pick any number of Indians, as they collectively shelled James Shields and the White Sox, winning 13-2. We’ll go with the rookie Naquin though, as he reached base five times and finished just a double shy of the cycle. Naquin singled home a run in the first, tripled in two more in the fourth, and then capped the scoring with a solo homer in the sixth. He also walked twice.
Whit Merrifield, Kendrys Morales and Paulo Orlando: Why pick one Royal when you can pick three? This impressive trio combined for 11 of Kansas City’s 20 hits in their 16-5 win against the Tigers. They also combined to drive in 11 runs, with Morales’ five leading the way. Here’s something weird though: None of Kansas City’s 20 hits were home runs. Instead they singled (12) and doubled (8) Detroit to death to stay one-half game behind the Indians.
MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHT
Despite four Rays home runs, the Giants didn’t panic on Saturday. Instead, they turned to Joe Panik, who responded by launching a go-ahead, three-run home run in the ninth inning. Panik’s homer came against Tampa Bay’s previously unhittable closer, Alex Colome, who hadn’t allowed a run since May 1. That’s a span covering 19 outings and 21 innings. The Giants would hold on to win the game 6-4.
THE REST OF THE SCOREBOARD
Diamondbacks 4, Phillies 1: Arizona has homered nine times through the first two games of this four-game, wrap-around series. Paul Goldschmidt, Jake Lamb and Nick Ahmed all went yard here.
Angels 7, A’s 1: Read all about Tim Lincecum’s successful return right here.
Orioles 4, Blue Jays 2: Baltimore got three hits apiece from Jonathan Schoop and Manny Machado as they evened the weekend series.
Red Sox 6, Mariners 2: Boston stays a game behind Baltimore thanks to six quality innings from Rick Porcello. He’s now an eight-game winner.
Reds 5, Astros 4 (11 innings): Despite blowing a two-run ninth-inning lead, Houston gets a needed win thanks to George Springer’s walk-off single.
Rangers 4, Cardinals 3: St. Louis wasted seven shutout innings from Carlos Martinez. Seung-hwan Oh and Trevor Rosenthal allowed two runs in the eighth and ninth innings respectively as the Cardinals drop their fourth straight.
Braves 4, Mets 3: Are the Braves getting comfortable in the spoiler role? Apparently so, because they’ve now won two straight over the Mets and four straight overall.
Padres 7, Nationals 3: San Diego survived Max Scherzer then put up a six-spot in the eighth inning against Washington’s bullpen.
Dodgers 10, Brewers 6: Both starters were out before the third inning ended, but it was the Dodgers bullpen that settled in, tossing 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
