MESA, Ariz. — Javier Baez — the player who generated so much debate between manager Joe Maddon and Theo Epstein’s front office at this time last year — might be the final piece to the roster puzzle facing the Cubs now.
This time, it’s a question of health with Baez, who jammed his left thumb while diving headfirst into first base and hasn’t played in a Cactus League game since March 20.
“He came in, shook my hand this morning, wished me Happy Easter,” Maddon said Sunday at Sloan Park. “I know he’s feeling pretty good.”
Maddon is sold on Baez, a natural shortstop who can play multiple positions and an aggressive swinger with some all-or-nothing tendencies.