Levine: Javier Baez's Destination Is An Organization-Wide Decision

By Bruce Levine--

MESA, Ariz. (CBS) -- The confusion centered around where Javier Baez will start the season isn't surprising. Considering Baez's upside and the fact that Cubs manager Joe Maddon is seeing the 22-year-old infielder for the first time this year only adds to the unsure circumstances of what will follow.

A recent report in the Chicago Sun-Times indicated that Baez had been told he had made the team's Opening Day roster as the starting second baseman. Maddon denied that Wednesday, saying a decision hadn't been made on the final landing place for Baez.

Baez has been commended by Maddon recently for his quality defense and base running prowess. That could trump the 5-for-37 start at the plate that Baez has had. Until four days ago, it appeared that Tommy La Stella and Arismendy Alcantara would be handling the second-base position to open the year. That move would have had Baez going back to the minor leagues to work on making more contact.

Now, it appears that Baez will have an opportunity to make good in the major leagues to begin the 2015 season. Hitting coach John Mallee said Tuesday that Baez's batting practice sessions have improved dramatically over the last two weeks. All that Baez needs to do is take more of his cage work into his in game at-bats, Mallee said.

Player development must begin with Maddon and his major league staff, the manager said.

"It has to start with me," Maddon said. "I have always been that guy. It would be nice to get 25 finished products -- it just doesn't happen. I think when most people evaluate this time of the year, they go right to batting average. You cannot do that. Tried and true is a part of it. If you are only going to look at the batting average on the back of the baseball card, you are going to be mislead sometimes."

Maddon has shown renewed confidence in Baez that wasn't apparent a week ago.

"You talk about Baez striking out, I may be the only one around here who will tell you I am not concerned with that right now," Maddon said. "The swings have nothing to do with it for me. That is the obvious surface stuff. That is the part that is going to change. If you break down the other components of the game, he is one of the best young players I have seen -- period."

The positive reinforcement that Maddon brings to the table is a big part of the reason he was pursued by the Cubs and is being paid $5 million a year. Baez will be Maddon's own personal project if that's what it takes to get the youngster comfortable at the big league level.

"This guy has had some really brilliant minor league seasons," Maddon said. "I also believe in run prevention, and he will help us there. If we can get him to think positively and not about his swing issues, I think we will see him have better results."

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