Levine: Baez Not Intimidated By Pitchers

By Bruce Levine--

MESA Ariz. (CBS) -- Standing in the batter's box against one of the top five pitchers in baseball really didn't faze the unflappable Javier Baez on Friday. The Cubs would-be second baseman to start the 2015 season stood in against new teammate Jon Lester in live batting practice at the Cubs' training facility.

"One thing he was doing after every pitch was showing if it was a good pitch or bad one," Baez said about the mound demeanor displayed by the team's new ace. "When he released the ball, he knew right then if he missed a pitch."

Although Baez had an extremely difficult first major league go-around, striking out 95 times in 213 at-bats, confidence was never lacking for the 21-year-old infielder. He was asked if he was in awe of the Lester resume before stepping into the batter's box.

"No offense," he insisted. "Every pitcher has to throw the ball over the plate, you know. Sometimes the mechanics are very hard to pick up. You just have to be patient. I did say to him after the BP round, 'I prefer to play defense for you.'"

The comment brought a chorus of laughter from the regular media group that covers the team. It was a compliment to Lester, but the underlying message was clear. Baez was pointing out he fears no pitcher. This could be looked at as the cockiness or fearlessness that all hitters must have to be successful.

In covering Baez last season, even during his worst strikeout binges, the young man never lost his cool in the clubhouse. Always looking ready to play, Baez's concentration on defense at both second base and shortstop was excellent. He did make 10 errors in 52 games. Despite that total, he never looked overmatched or intimidated by a mistake.

Baez is working with the team's new hitting coaches and his mentor from Triple-A, Manny Ramirez.

"Yeah when he got here I grabbed all of Manny's stuff and put it in my locker," Baez said. "I thought he would be here with me. The next day he moved all of his stuff back (into coaches' dressing room)."

Working with Ramirez was eye opening for youngsters like Baez and the other top players he dealt with in Iowa. I asked Baez what message he learned that meant the most to him and his growth as a player from Ramirez.

"The way the pitchers know how to pitch to you," Baez said. "They know how to get you out. They wait to see if you can make the adjustments to get to balls."

Timing in his swing is something Baez is keenly aware of as he looks toward improving his game.

"The way I swing, my hands have to go along with my lower half," he said. "Right now that part is there for me. Before that, it was all different."

The message from manager Joe Maddon to Baez is simple.

"Nothing, other than to stay positive, and everything will be alright," Baez said about the new dugout boss.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.