Commentary
The reality is that the Cubs this season are going to be different than last season. (Jason) Heyward can only continue to do what he has been doing in high hopes that it will help the team.
By Alexandra Acain
“In 2021, he is their only choice, really. Given the apprehensiveness of the Cubs to spend money, they weren’t going to go out and spend too much on an outfielder,” said Chicago Cubs fan and DePaulia sportswriter Ernesto Hernandez about centerfielder Jason Howard. Hernandez has also pointed out that despite former World Series champion Joc Pederson being signed to the Cubs in a trade form the Los Angeles Dodgers, Heyward will always remain the best choice for the Cubs for defense in the outfield this season.
One Achilles heel that ought to be addressed before opening day and throughout the season for Heyward that can potentially affect the Cubs in a negative way is missing on critical hits.
“Strangely enough, I think his worst season was in 2016 when the Cubs won the World Series. To me, that is when his offensive deficiencies were the worst. There is no game or anything to pinpoint because it really was nearly the entire season. He hit .230 with an on-base percentage of .306 and a slugging percentage of .325,” Hernandez said.
Those were the kind of regular season numbers that Heyward has produced in his first few years as a Chicago Cub.
However, it will not be long that Heyward’s numbers remain the same. Michael Cerami, Bleacher Nation Cubs blogger reported this in an article titled Hey, Let’s Not Forget That Jason Heyward’s Offense Continues to Turn Around saying:
“So while he hit for just a .265 average, Statcast actually expected him to hit .288, which would’ve brought his OBP up over .400 to .415. Imagine that slash line for a minute. We can’t simply ignore that all of this was done in just a 50-game sample of 181 plate appearances – that certainly matters a lot – but when the underlying data is so strong *and* he looks more comfortable at the plate *and* it continues a five-year trend of improving production, it’s perfectly fair to at least take notice.” Cerami further elaborates on the point that for players like Heyward, it takes one good hit or game to get into a routine for executing more creative plays throughout a productive season.
Many Cubs fans can also determine success by the results on the field. Unless Heyward has an incredible game or stinks it up, it is not going to be often where he will be the one responsible as to whether the Cubs win or lose. Other players are also a strong factor in a team winning or losing.
Another weakness of the Cubs can be them not exactly knowing what their culture is. They are stuck between trying to compete or tearing the whole thing down and rebuilding. Hence, the Yu Darvish trade. They are kind of stuck in the middle. It’s a toss-up when it comes to what to expect from the Cubs. With the way the Cubs are set up, and the lackluster National League Central, they could finish anywhere between first or third, win the division or wild card or miss the playoffs entirely.
Heyward has been with the team since 2016. If the Cubs do have a culture, it is not going to change much, if at all. Despite some uncertainties, the goal remains trying to win and make the postseason.
Many can be well assured knowing that much bigger strength of Heyward’s is his defense. His playing style in that aspect can help the team be more productive in getting more regular season wins.
“He gets a good read on the ball and takes a good route on the ball when it’s hit his direction. The way they help the team is he can help his fellow outfielders in taking the most efficient route to a ball as well as being a vocal leader in the outfield,” Hernandez said. Consistency is key to helping the team constantly propel forward.
An additional big strength of Heyward’s is his leadership. The speech that Heyward has given to the team in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series proves he has a strong veteran presence on and off the field. Players like Anthony Rizzo can attest to be a great mentor as Heyward has been around for a while. Heyward knows the daily grind, and what it takes to succeed in the big leagues. Players like Rizzo can help Heyward, and the rest of the team out because of their long-standing chemistry.
One final strength that had Heyward helping the Cubs is his decision making. One example of this that helped the team score would be his walk-off grand slam against the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018. The decision here was whether to swing or not since it was a 2-2 count.
The bottom line is many would expect Heyward to put up similar numbers as the previous two seasons. They may not be the ones he put up in Atlanta, or St. Louis, but they will be solid. It is a toss-up when it comes to what to expect from the Cubs. The way the Cubs are set up, and the lackluster National League Central, they could finish anywhere between first or third, win the division or wild card or miss the playoffs entirely.
Additionally for Heyward, his contract ends in 2023, entailing that he has a few more years left with the Cubs – barring a trade. In the short-term, many hope to see him win another gold glove or silver slugger. As for the long term, many hope to see him be part of another World Series winning team.
Heyward is also 31 right now. He will either be close to, or already, 34 when his contract expires. He may simply retire after he is done with the Cubs. If he is not making a quick decision to retire from baseball, many would also like to see him win another title. From that point on, many also hope that he can enjoy his retirement and contribute as much as possible to social advocacy efforts.
The Chicago Cubs will play against the Anaheim Angels for another Spring Training game with limited attendance at the Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
Local Feature: Chicago Cubs souvenirs
By Alexandra Acain
The last names Baez and Rizzo are synonymous with Chicago deep dish pizza, the Sears Tower, and the Buckingham Fountain.
Javi Baez and Anthony Rizzo are the faces of the Chicago Cubs franchise and their merchandise is among the best sellers outside Wrigley Field on game days.
Joseph Levy, a 52-year-old Chicago native who sells merchandise in a truck outside of Wrigley Field said that the best-selling jerseys are “a tie between (Anthony) Rizzo, and Javi Baez.”
Levy has also said hats, shot glasses, and small baseballs are the most popular items that many Cubs fans buy to keep a piece of Chicago Cubs baseball, and history with them.
Andrea De Leon, a 23-year old from Chicago who also holds a position in sales and merchandise like Levy has said that “bobbleheads are one of the best-selling items.” De Leon has also stated that the most trending item are quarter-zip sweaters, and that Baez is a best seller for both jerseys and bobble heads right next to Kris Bryant.
Brands like ‘47 and Nike are also what keeps fans coming to souvenir shops and stands to show their team pride and spirit for more years of Chicago Cubs baseball to come.
The Chicago Cubs will have their next away game tomorrow at 5:40 P.M Central Time against the Cincinnati Reds, and the game can be streamed on the NBC Sports Chicago app on mobile devices, and via audio at 670 The Score.