June 02--Jon Lester knows how far the Chicago Cubs have come in a short time -- particularly the likes of youngsters like National League All-Star ballot leaders Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Addison Russell.
"Last year we showed up and the bleachers weren't done and it was kind of weird and rainy and cold," Lester recalled. "And all of a sudden summer rolls around, and all of a sudden we're good. Look at our young guys.
"Last year I bragged about how mature they were. We got 97 wins and went to the playoff and had all these firsts."
The Cubs could make their own history if their infield of Bryant (third base) Russell (shortstop), Rizzo (first base) and Ben Zobrist (second base) are named to the NL All-Star team as starters, along with center fielder Dexter Fowler, who was second among outfielders.
But Lester continues to be most impressed by the youngsters' mental development.
"Most impressive is that they're baseball smart," Lester said "They're not just talented guys going out and swinging the bat and running around with their heads cut off trying to play defense.
"The know what they're doing. They read swings and do a great job swinging the bat."
Earning an All-Star game bid would be an added bonus for those players to let them know their work is appreciated, according to Lester.
"Maybe we can make a push to get Rossy (David Ross) on that ballot and see what happens," Lester said. "Crazier things have happened.
"The more Cubs that go, that means we're doing very well, too."
A fan started a write-in campaign for the 39-year-old Ross, who is Lester's personal catcher. Ross laughed when he heard of Lester's push, adding that he went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts in a 2-1 win over the Dodgers.
"Who doesn't want to go to the All-Star game," Ross chuckled. "I don't want to take any guy's spot who is deserving. I don't want anything handed to me. I got a lot of gray on my beard, and I'm on my way out of this game."
