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Middle-infield versatility gives Maddon options
- Updated: June 3, 2016
CHICAGO — The versatility of the Cubs’ roster isn’t new to manager Joe Maddon, who also had flexible players with the Rays, but his current middle-infield situation is unique.
Not many teams can rest their shortstop or second baseman without losing too much defensively up the middle, especially turning double plays, but the Cubs have that luxury with Addison Russell, Ben Zobrist and Javier Baez.
Zobrist, the starter at second, is sort of a master of all trades defensively, able to adequately play a number of positions. Russell played second much of last season before transitioning to his spot as the starter at shortstop. Baez, who started for Russell in the opener Friday against the D-backs, is a natural shortstop who can also play third, second or the outfield.
“It’s unusual, in general, to be able to alter your middle infielders as much as we do and feel good about it,” Maddon said. “That is unusual. I can’t tell you that we actually did that in the past down there [in Tampa Bay]. We gave guys days off, but I don’t know if it’s as comfortable as it is right here with these particular names and their …
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