May 01--Cubs hitters are showing remarkable patience in the early going that ultimately could separate them from past non-contending teams.
By trusting their eyes and the batters behind them, the Cubs have managed to generate more scoring opportunities. And on the occasions when they don't create traffic on the bases, they have succeeded in running up the pitch count against starting pitchers.
Their confidence has been reinforced after comeback victories on the road against the Rockies, Pirates and Reds. Thus, they are less vulnerable when behind compared to last season when they were 3-74 in games in which they trailed entering the eighth inning and 0-79 with a deficit heading into the ninth.
"Part of the approach is being ready to hit your pitch, and if it's not, you're still in your strength," hitting coach John Mallee said. "Take it, even if it's in the strike zone. That's the selective-aggressive approach. These guys are ready to attack from the first pitch, but they're patient enough to wait for (their pitch)."
The Cubs lead the National League with an average of 3.94 pitches per plate appearance, and the offseason acquisition of leadoff hitter Dexter Fowler has been a big help. His eight walks in 86 plate appearances have helped lift his on-base percentage to .372.
Furthermore, there are developments that bode well for the future.
Despite a recent slump, rookie right fielder Jorge Soler has drawn more walks (eight) in fewer plate appearances (91) than he did during a five-month audition last season (six walks in 97 appearances).
Although rookie phenom Kris Bryant has yet to hit his first major-league home run, he has drawn 10 walks and set up run-producing opportunities for Starlin Castro (12 RBIs) and Miguel Montero (10).
"It's playing unselfish team-winning baseball," said Mallee, whose pupils were tied for fourth in the NL with 71 walks. "A lot of it is they trust each other so if they don't get (their pitch to hit), they (still) can get on base and the next guy (has a chance to) get the runner in."
Shortstop Starlin Castro, who leads the Cubs with a .325 batting average and 12 RBIs despite batting primarily from the fifth and sixth spots, has bought into Mallee's philosophy though he has drawn only three walks.
"We trust who we have behind us," Castro said. "The hitting coaches give us the confidence to make sure you get your pitch. If you don't get it, don't swing."
Anthony Rizzo's offensive versatility exemplifies the message Mallee and others have stressed.
Rizzo ranks seventh among all NL qualifying players with an average of 4.26 pitches per plate appearance. That has helped him to a team-leading 14 walks and a .478 on-base percentage to go with a .471 slugging percentage.
The offensive transformation has been remarkable, considering that the Cubs have hit only 16 home runs (tied for eighth in the NL) despite the power potential they displayed in spring training. Rizzo and Soler have hit only two home runs apiece, but the expectation is they will hit more as the weather heats up.
"They're playing the game as it presents itself," Mallee said of the offense. "Whatever they're giving us, it's team baseball. They're not just trying to hit home runs. They're trying to put the ball in play and make things happen, especially with two strikes.
"The personality of the club is to grind and never give in. Then you watch their at-bats, and they show that during the course of their at-bats."
mgonzales@tribpub.com
