Emma: Ben Zobrist Is Zoned In

By Chris Emma--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Julianna Zobrist's new hit, "Alive," plays throughout Wrigley Field as Ben Zobrist walks to the plate. By the time his pop star wife's song sounds throughout the ballpark, Zobrist is already zoned in.

Hours before first pitch, Zobrist is putting in the work with Cubs hitting coach John Mallee to get prepared, something that has enhanced his plate approach. Hitting in the most comfortable No. 5 spot in baseball has helped, too. Pitchers can't let up when Zobrist comes to the plate -- not after facing Dexter Fowler, Jason Heyward, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo -- and he often has RBI opportunities waiting.

And now, Zobrist is red hot, making the Cubs' lineup even more dangerous.

"I'm really enjoying that viewpoint right now," Zobrist said of the fifth spot. "It's being able to see pitches, too, as Rizzo's up at the plate, it's really helping me. He has such great at-bats, it prepares me."

Tuesday saw Zobrist get a head start on Bartolo Colon for a defense of NL Player of the Week, going 4-for-4 in the Cubs' 8-7 win over the Padres. Zobrist is now hitting .305 with a .919 OPS on the young season. He also has 27 RBIs, 17 of which have come in the past eight games, a stretch that's seen him hit .448.

For all the Cubs' young talent in the lineup -- Rizzo, Bryant, Heyward, etc. -- the 34-year-old Zobrist has been a vital piece of the puzzle. He has just 13 strikeouts in 133 plate appearances and is the kind of contact hitter who makes an impact in the middle of the order.

Zobrist has hit plenty in the Nos. 2 and 3 spots in the lineup during his career, serving as that reliable at-bat before the meat of the order. Cubs manager Joe Maddon moved him to the fifth hole, and it's paying dividends.

There's no break in the Cubs' lineup, and Zobrist is a big reason for that.

"It just makes our lineup that much longer," Cubs pitcher Jon Lester said of Zobrist's presence. "It makes a pitcher work harder.

"'OK, I got a break.' You got Zo up, and he's going to put an at-bat on you."

Mallee deserves part of the credit for Zobrist's success. He's a thorough hitting instructor who catches the most minor of details. Just months after signing with the Cubs, Zobrist has built a great relationship with Mallee.

Well before each game, Zobrist and Mallee work on identifying queues to each at-bat, which Zobrist declined to discuss in detail. Then, when Zobrist is in the on-deck circle, he zeroes in on what the pitcher is throwing, watching Rizzo work his usual long counts.

By the time a pitcher is done with Bryant and Rizzo, there's nothing more he has hiding. Zobrist is ready to take advantage, just as a pitcher begins thinking he has a break. Zobrist has been making pitchers pay.

"He's playing at the highest level I've ever seen him play," Maddon said. "I can't say I've seen better."

Zobrist is taking advantage of what comes from the meat of the order, then he's raring to go. As he's in the box, Cubs shortstop Addison Russell is benefiting from Zobrist, saying that he's becoming more ready for each at-bat thanks to what Zobrist does.

That Cubs lineup has hitters working off each other. Talent runs throughout that clubhouse, but the preparation is there, too. Zobrist is a professional hitter who works sound at-bats and has the ability to spray to all fields. Russell credits Zobrist for his hot start, just as Zobrist offered kudos to Rizzo,

"It's a team game," Zobrist said. "You pass the baton. That's what guys in our lineup are trying to do."

Zobrist signed with the Cubs in December to join the organization's thriving culture. After seeing Maddon work magic with the Tampa Bay Rays, Zobrist knew what he was coming to in Chicago.

Renowned throughout baseball as that under-appreciated jack-of-all-trades, Zobrist came to Chicago in the later stages of his career and is making a great impact. This could be the start to a career year for Zobrist.

The Cubs are 25-6 and off to a historic start, and Zobrist has been an important part of that success. Don't let up on this guy, because he's zoned in.

"We need to just stay in the moment, and stay in our routine," he said. "The best things happen when you're not overthinking it."

Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.