Chicago Cubs first baseman Frank Schwindel can’t assist however reminisce typically when watching catcher Willson Contreras deftly unleash throws to nab would-be base stealers.
Schwindel was as soon as identified for his arm behind the plate, then a minor-leaguer within the Kansas City Royals group. The Cubs don’t need to dwell on a state of affairs that may require them to make use of an emergency catcher. But ought to that happen, Schwindel could be the surprising but apparent selection.
Schwindel began 67 video games at catcher over three minor-league seasons within the Royals’ farm system, most lately in 2015. He even caught Cubs teammate Alec Mills in 2014 after they performed for Low A Lexington. Schwindel featured an incredible arm behind the plate, posting an elite 39% caught-stealing fee in 2013 rookie ball and 40% in 2014.
“I used to get excited when I see somebody take off and throw it down, it was a lot of fun,” Schwindel advised the Tribune. “But I didn’t like doing much anything else. I picked everything I could, blocking stuff, especially in A-ball when the pitcher doesn’t know where it’s going, how am I supposed to know where it’s going?”
The Cubs’ emphasis find a top quality backup catcher after final season unknowingly created extra lineup flexibility.
When the Cubs signed veteran Yan Gomes earlier than the lockout, the designated hitter had not formally been added to the National League. Although it was an anticipated change within the collective bargaining settlement, now that the DH is in place, supervisor David Ross has made positive to provide Contreras sufficient relaxation early within the season to repay in the summertime.
At instances, although, the catchers’ offensive profiles make it price enjoying them collectively. Friday evening’s sport towards the Pittsburgh Pirates marks the third time within the final week Ross put Contreras and Gomes in the identical lineup due to the DH spot. The offensive increase outweighs any potential threat the Cubs face in probably being right down to catcher if an in-game damage happens.
If the Cubs want Schwindel to catch in an emergency, he could be completely satisfied to fill in. Schwindel even has a catcher’s mitt at his condominium that he’s doing work on, “but hopefully I won’t need that.” His expertise at catcher has paid off at first base. He believes he possesses good arms as a result of he used to select so many balls within the filth behind the plate, forcing him to maintain his physique and arms well-positioned.
“If I’m catching 100-mph heaters, standing in front of a ground ball is not as bad,” Schwindel stated.
Schwindel’s bat-to-ball abilities and sizzling hitting earned him enjoying time final season. While his offensive manufacturing understandably garners extra consideration, he takes the defensive facet of his sport significantly too. After getting known as up after the commerce deadline, Schwindel usually may very well be seen working with bench coach Andy Green earlier than video games at first base.
“He’s hungry to be known as one of the elite defensive first basemen, and he didn’t show up with that reputation, so he’s growing,” Green stated this week. “He’s put a lot of work into what he does, before the pitch reading pitches, reading swings, and he’s doing a really nice job.”
Schwindel turned his fourth 3-6-3 double play of the season to finish the primary inning Friday towards the Pittsburgh Pirates, probably the most amongst big-league first basemen. The Miami Marlins’ Jesus Aguilar has recorded two, the one different first baseman to have tallied multiple such double play. Schwindel has made these performs look straightforward with correct positioning, footwork and ensuring he has a transparent angle to throw to keep away from hitting the bottom runner heading to second.
“Those are some of the toughest double plays to turn,” Green stated.
Schwindel’s improved prepitch routine and readiness because the ball is getting into the zone has stood out to Ross by way of the primary 13 video games.
For a rotation that options pitchers resembling Kyle Hendricks and Marcus Stroman — who depend on floor balls for fulfillment — stable infield protection is a should. While the center infield particularly will get lots of defensive consideration, particularly with the Cubs’ frequent shifting, a gentle and improved Schwindel would go a great distance towards serving to their protection.
“I always thought he had nice hands and glove, it’s just about getting his feet to react when the ball was hit,” Ross stated. “I thought he’s done a much better job of doing that from now and then at the back end of last season than when he first got here.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com