After receiving national praise for his dazzling defense that included his speed-of-light tags at second base, Javier Baez admitted Sunday that he watched replays of Game 7 of the World Series several times this winter.
"I watch a lot of videos to learn from other stuff, especially the mistakes," Baez said.
In the Cubs' emotional Game 7 victory, Baez ripped a home run in the fifth inning that knocked out Indians starter Corey Kluber, but he also made two errors. And that's what he has focused on as he attempts to polish his status as a Gold Glove-caliber defender.
"I've told guys before that sometimes when you're so good, you get yourself in trouble," coach Gary Jones said. "But with him, as long as he stays on edge and doesn't get too complacent, he'll continue to grow and mature. And you're not going to see those kinds of mistakes. He's going to eliminate those.
"Let's face it. If this guy was playing every day, he'd win a Gold Glove (award). If there was a utility Gold Glove, he'd win the utility Gold Glove. That's how good he is. He's a big part of this team."
Despite starting every postseason game at second, there are no assurances Baez will start the majority of games at that position this year. Manager Joe Maddon informed Baez during his one-on-one spring training meetings that Ben Zobrist would continue to "play a lot of second base this year."
"There's the unfortunate sense where baseball has a cruel way of deciding situations for you," Maddon said.
Photos of Cubs infielder Javier Baez.
Maddon reiterated he wants Baez, 24, to make routines plays and remain "chromeless" without harnessing his flashy style.
"Javy comes from a different background and has a flair about his game," Maddon said. "So I don't necessarily want to subtract that but have him understand the routine stuff that has to be made routinely well, and he's capable of that.
"As his game continues to develop and mature, you'll see him make fewer mistakes, whether it's that or even on the bases. He'll make a spectacular play on the bases, and then again do something you don't like. But that's just his nature in the game."
Baez admitted he should have taken more time instead of rushing a throw from his knees that he bounced to Anthony Rizzo in the first inning of Game 7. He also said he should have used better judgment and not have attempted to make a barehanded catch at second in an ill-fated attempt to turn a double play that nearly cost the Cubs a run in the third.
"I want to take (those mistakes) in a good way and try to get better in every play I make," Baez said.
Still, Jones said he has seen progress since he began watching Baez in the spring of 2014.
"The confidence has just grown and grown and grown," Jones said. "His ability is coming out and his instincts are there. The adjustments he's made through hard work and maturity are off the charts.
"He probably hasn't scratched the surface yet. So the ceiling is still high for him."
mgonzales@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @MDGonzales
Caption Joe Maddon on Tim BussChicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon comments on strength coach Tim Buss's clubhouse antics. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon comments on strength coach Tim Buss's clubhouse antics. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Joe Maddon on Tim BussChicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon comments on strength coach Tim Buss's clubhouse antics. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon comments on strength coach Tim Buss's clubhouse antics. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs' Ben Zobrist on World Series perks, playing timeCubs' Ben Zobrist talks about World Series perks and his playing time. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs' Ben Zobrist talks about World Series perks and his playing time. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs' Kyle Schwarber on his catching sessionCubs' Kyle Schwarber on his catching session. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs' Kyle Schwarber on his catching session. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs' manager Joe Maddon on Ben ZobristCubs' manager Joe Maddon on Ben Zobrist and the Arizona weather. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs' manager Joe Maddon on Ben Zobrist and the Arizona weather. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Joe Maddon on Cubs' team meeting, spring training plansCubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses a team meeting and spring training plans on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
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