Feb. 17--Javier Baez is at peace one year after losing his starting second base job and now trying to learn to learn the nuances of center field.
"I don't (feel) any pressure to being here," Baez said Tuesday after working on numerous drills. "I'm just trying to stay healthy and stay the whole year up here.''
Baez, 23, could earn a spot on the opening day roster if he shows he can play center field well enough to earn the trust of manager Joe Maddon. Baez arguably is the Cubs' best defensive infielder, but third baseman Kris Bryant, shortstop Addison Russell and second baseman Ben Zobrist start at positions where Baez has previous experience. Left-handed hitter Tommy La Stella also is in the mix for a backup infield role.
Jason Heyward will start in center, but Maddon likes versatility. That means there could be instances where Heyward moves to right field -- where he earned a 2015 National League Gold Glove Award.
That leaves center field open, where speedy Matt Szczur has more experience than Baez but is out of minor league options.
"There are a few little things we still got to work on, but I feel very good," Baez said after completing one drill where he must charge a single and throw quickly to the infield. "I don't feel natural, but I'm almost there. We'll just be ready for that when the season starts."
Baez said the transition to the outfield is easier than if he was moving from the outfield to the infield.
Nevertheless, Baez will continue to work in the infield and outfield well in advance of the Cubs' first full-squad workout on Feb. 24. Baez can learn from Zobrist, who became a two-time American League All-Star because of his ability to play the outfield as well as second and shortstop with Tampa Bay under Maddon.
"It feels great to know somebody can do that," Baez said. "For me, I'm not trying to do that my whole career. But we're still learning and moving forward."
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