Javier Baez makes highlight reel plays in the field … Delivers winning hits in two games
Javier Baez had just an incredible National League Division Series in the field, at the plate and on the bases. Baez not only made ridiculous plays in the field, he had the best week of his career at the plate. Baez drove in the winning run in Game 1 and Game 4 of the NLDS.
Major League Baseball does not give an MVP award for the division series. As Joe Maddon said if there was an award for this series, Javier Baez would take home the Corvette.
Baez played in all four games and was 6-for-16 with a walk, a home run, four runs scored and two RBI (.375/.412/.563) for a .974 OPS.
Baez delivered the game winner in Game 1, a solo home run off Johnny Cueto in the eighth inning.
And Baez singled to center on a 0-2 pitch in Game 4 that plated Jason Heyward with the winning run.
Even with cadillacing a couple of plays that was handled in the clubhouse, Javier Baez’s performance during the NLDS was just outstanding.
Baez played mainly second base in all four games of the NLDS. Baez finished Game 4 at shortstop. Baez will be in the starting lineup throughout the NLCS and could likely see time at third base if Maddon uses his regular Lester Lineup in Game 1.
Joe Maddon believed in Javier Baez and in his ability when he took over. The rest of baseball is now seeing on the biggest stage the player Maddon thought he could become while watching Baez play Winter Ball nearly two years ago.