Javier Báez took a few of his Detroit Tigers teammates on a tour of Chicago throughout Thursday’s off day, together with a ship journey on the lake.
Despite being traded throughout Cubs President Jed Hoyer’s summer season sell-off in 2021, Báez nonetheless has town on his thoughts.
“The city and the people, man, the way everybody loves their sports here, not just baseball, and they really care about it, and they support everybody,” he stated Friday at Guaranteed Rate Field. “We had an off day and just kind of went around the city, took all the boys. They were really excited at how nice people are here.”
Was Báez nonetheless acknowledged on the streets?
“A few (times),” he stated. “You can’t hide from that.”
It’s exhausting to think about, however almost 12 years have handed since former Cubs basic supervisor Jim Hendry drafted Báez with the No. 9 choose of the 2011 draft. In his final act as GM, Hendry signed Baez to a $2.7 million bonus. Four days later, the Cubs introduced Hendry had been fired three weeks earlier however they let him stick round to complete signing his last draft class.
It was a call the Cubs wouldn’t remorse.
When Báez was known as up in summer season 2014, the hype for the shortstop was in contrast to something Cubs followers had seen since Kerry Wood’s debut in 1998.
“It’s completely blown out of proportion,” pitcher Jake Arrieta stated earlier than Baez’s debut at Coors Field. “He’s a particularly good participant. I might similar to to see him come up right here and let him play. The outdoors expectations are going to be elevated due to his standing, which the media doesn’t care about although it’s unfair to him.
“He’s going to put up good numbers. He’s going to be a good player for us. Just let him go out there and let his ability shine. That’s the most important thing.”
Báez grew into one of the vital standard gamers in Cubs historical past, and his ascent paralleled the crew’s rise to World Series champions. It seemed as if the Cubs would prolong him in spring coaching 2020, however talks chilled after the pandemic delayed the beginning of the season, finally resulting in the commerce to the New York Mets in 2021.
The Cubs had one other likelihood at re-signing him after that season, however Báez wound up signing a six-year, $140 million cope with the Tigers, who have been within the midst of a rebuild. One 12 months later, the Cubs gave Dansby Swanson a seven-year, $177 million contract, making him the face of the franchise.
Some Cubs followers credit score Hoyer for not overpaying Báez, whereas others miss his presence and leisure worth.
“With all due respect, I don’t care what people say about me or my numbers or my attitude or what I do,” Báez stated. “I’m going to be myself, whether people like it or not.”
Sox followers nonetheless contemplate Báez an enemy and boo him each time he steps to the plate. It’s one thing he doesn’t thoughts and appeared to egg on.
“Kind of used to it now,” he stated. “When I was with the Cubs across town, that battle was really tough. The fans are going to do whatever they’re going to do. We’ll see how it goes this weekend. We’re playing good baseball, and that’s our focus.”
After a 96-loss season in 2022, the Tigers began poorly once more, and Báez was hitting .100 on April 13 when he had a very dangerous day. In a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, he was sluggish getting out of the field whereas watching a ball he thought was a house run and wound up on second. One batter later he was doubled off on Akil Baddoo’s lineout when he forgot the variety of outs.
Manager A.J. Hinch pulled his star out of the sport, and Báez’s benching made headlines.
But then issues modified. Over his subsequent 39 video games getting into the weekend, Báez hit .252 with 26 RBIs. He nonetheless lacked energy with solely three residence runs however was near being the outdated Báez. The Tigers started to play higher after the incident and entered the weekend two video games behind the division-leading Minnesota Twins.
Báez stated he didn’t have a difficulty with Hinch pulling him.
“It wasn’t A.J.,” he stated. “It was simply me and my head. The solely factor I can say about that was I felt like I used to be (nonetheless adjusting) with the (pitch) clock. My thoughts wasn’t proper. I used to be far and wide, and that day I switched every thing up.
“I known as time earlier than the primary pitch as a result of I used to be struggling, not seeing the ball. Everything was proper, my timing, (and) I hit the ball good. I assumed it was gone, took my day out of the field, then forgot my outs.
“Just bad for me. I don’t like to make excuses, but I called my family and told them everything I was feeling. Then everything went away, to be honest. I’m still making adjustments, working hard, trying not to swing at the slider down and away.”
Báez laughed. Some issues don’t change.
He stated he was not bitter on the Cubs for not extending him and nonetheless had heat ideas in regards to the group. He would possibly even return to reside in Chicago after his profession.
“We have great memories here,” he stated. “We won here. I know how special it was for us at that moment. It’s something that’s always going to be part of me.”
He received’t get to return to Wrigley Field with the Tigers till 2024, however when he does he stated will probably be like going residence once more. In a way, he by no means left.
“I’ve got my Cubs tattoo from the World Series,” Báez stated. “That’s something that’s never going to be taken away from me, like the ring. Obviously I’m trying to win and trying to win here. I feel wherever I’m at I’ve got my good vibes and it just spreads around.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com