Feb. 22--MESA, Ariz. -- Javier Baez understands the accolades of being a former first round pick, a former Cubs minor league player of the year and a Futures Game participant carry little weight this spring.
"I'm pretty sure everyone likes challenges," Baez said Saturday, four days before the Cubs' first full squad workout. "I'm not here to prove anything. I'm here to play the game right and to learn something every day."
The process of cutting down his prolific strikeout rate started last winter and will continue through the spring as Baez attempts to solidify a spot on the opening day roster.
Well before general manager Jed Hoyer said last month that Baez, 22, would have to earn a roster spot after playing the final two months at second and shortstop, steps were made in an effort help him cut down the high strikeout rate that overshadowed his impressive power.
Finding a happy medium might be a challenging task. But, after watching videotapes and receiving a visit from new hitting coach John Mallee in December in his native Puerto Rico, it was suggested to Baez to adjust his hands in an effort to make contact more efficiently.
The alterations were made after Baez struck out 95 times in 213 at-bats with the Cubs and during the Puerto Rican League, where Baez batted .233 and struck out 21 times in 43 at-bats for Santurce.
Baez was getting acclimated to his new approach in the winter league, and now he knows it's time for the results to start showing.
"I'm just working on my strikeouts and my swing, and I think we're almost ready," said Baez, who has lost 25 pounds since last spring to get down to around 210.
The investment in Baez, who has hit 69 home runs over the last two seasons in the minors and majors, runs deep. In addition to Mallee's visit, new manager Joe Maddon spent two days with Baez in Puerto Rico, and Maddon also spoke with Eddie Perez, Baez's manager at Santurce.
"I talked to him about a couple of things, and he only struck out one time," Maddon said. "He hit some balls well through the middle and hit a double down the left field line. He worked really good at-bats."
Maddon's background as a scout, minor league manager and roving hitting instructor could benefit Baez.
"I'm pretty patient," Maddon said. "This guy is very young. I know the fans might be expecting a lot very quickly. I just want Javy to get better every day and try to stay in the present tense, and that's how I do this."
Baez acknowledges the extra attention he has received this winter.
"It means a lot," Baez said. "It means they care about you, and they're showing they love you and try to make you get better every day."
Left-handed hitter Tommy La Stella could step in at second base if Baez falters, but Maddon loves versatility and was impressed with Baez's defensive skills around the infield.
Baez will get some work at third base -- a position he last played in the Arizona Fall League in 2012.
But how successful he is with his hitting adjustments will determine his status.
"It has been good," Baez said. "It feels weird, but I'm not going to change my swing. We're just working on something, and my swing is going to come like it used to."
mgonzales@tribpub.com
