Levine: Kris Bryant Is The Man For All Positions For Cubs

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- He's a top-notch third baseman. If you lose an outfielder, he can also play there. If the first baseman needs a day off, he's your man too.

Cubs second-year pro Kris Bryant is the man for all positions. The team's regular third baseman, Bryant has spent a fair share of time in left field and right field this season as well, doing so with seamless versatility and execution for manager Joe Maddon. On Friday, Bryant added to his arsenal, as he started at first base for the Cubs in an afternoon contest against the Phillies as Anthony Rizzo received his first off day of the season.

It was Bryant's first big league start at first base.

"I have good instincts on the field, so as long as my glove is broken in, that's all I am worried about, "Bryant said. "Just playing the infield and throwing the ball across the diamond, I see how it works over there. Just getting the bunt defense down, otherwise I should be all right."

Bryant is a great teammate and a manager's dream when it comes to consistency on and off the field. With Rizzo mired in a 3-for-34 slump, Maddon took advantage of Thursday's off day and Bryant's versatility to get Rizzo a stretch to refresh.

Maddon has no qualms about using Bryant at first base.

"I have been around a lot of young players and the way he is able to focus on every play or situation, he does -- it counts and really matters," Maddon said. "He gives you 100 percent of what he has that day. In other words, a guy isn't going to be at his best every day, but if he gives you all of what he has, that's what you want. Guys like him give you that respect 90 bolt. They look that way, they play hard that way. He is a classic example of that."

Bryant is also heating up on the offensive side. On the recently completed road trip, he was 11-of-37 (.297) with four homers and 10 RBIs in 10 games. He entered Friday with 35 RBIs, one behind Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes for the NL lead.

Bryant is hitting .278 with 10 homers and has an .866 OPS for the season.

"I feel really good," Bryant said. "I feel a lot more focused this year. I don't know why or if I have reached a whole other level. The fact that we have a really good team. We really want to win. I just feel really good up there and am having quality at-bats. I am doing all I can to help. I feel I am in a really good spot."

The faith that Maddon has in a number of his players allows him to switch players like Bryant and versatile infielders Javier Baez and Ben Zobrist from position to position without losing any defense, which gives him a distinct advantage over the opposing manager as the games progress.

Maddon can out manage the other guy when pinch hitting or pitcher substitutions dictate changes in the 7th inning and beyond.

"Even though we have a lot of guys at different spots, I still love the defense," Maddon said. "When you are able to move guys around and still give people days off and still feel good about your defense, that is a good thing."

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