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Home , Danny Hultzen, Don Cardwell, Harry Caray, Jackie Robinson Day, Jack Brickhouse

April 16, 2018

 NBC Sports , After calling Saturday's conditions 'horrific,' Joe Maddon dubs Sunday's postponement 'the right thing to do' http://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/after-calling-saturdays-conditions-horrific-joe-maddon- dubs-sundays-postponement-right-thing-do

 NBC Sports Chicago, Cubs expect Monday return for Anthony Rizzo http://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/cubs-expect-monday-return-anthony-rizzo

, Anthony Rizzo set to return in the cold against the sizzling Cardinals http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-anthony-rizzo-return-20180415- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, WGN celebrates 70 years of televising Cubs http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-wgn-70th-anniversary-sullivan- 20180415-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs' weather-related decisions a complicated affair http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-rainout-decisions-sullivan- 20180415-story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Joe Maddon cites 'remarkably bad' conditions as Cubs announce postponement of game against Braves http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-braves-postponed-20180415- story.html

 Chicago Tribune, Cubs Q&A: Is Ian Happ's job in danger? Could Eddie Butler join the rotation? http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-ask-the-writer-20180416- story.html

 Chicago Sun-Times, Joe Maddon has no complaints after Braves-Cubs game postponed https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-braves-game-postponed/

 Chicago Sun-Times, Joe Maddon expects Anthony Rizzo to start for Cubs on Monday against Cardinals https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/joe-maddon-expects-anthony-rizzo-to-start-against-cardinals- monday/

 Daily Herald, Cubs' Maddon pleased with postponing game after Saturday's struggles http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20180415/cubs-maddon-pleased-with-postponing-game-after- saturdays-struggles

 Daily Herald, Scouting report: vs. St. Louis Cardinals http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20180415/scouting-report-chicago-cubs-vs-st-louis-cardinals

 The Athletic, Clubhouse Access: Looking at a boom-or-bust offense, revisiting the prospect who could haunt the Cubs and the Danny Hultzen lottery ticket https://theathletic.com/315373/2018/04/15/clubhouse-access-looking-at-a-boom-or-bust-offense- revisiting-the-prospect-who-could-haunt-the-cubs-and-the-danny-hultzen-lottery-ticket/

 Cubs.com, Cubs, Cardinals ready to renew rivalry https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/cubs-cardinals-renew-rivalry-monday-night/c-272326642

 Cubs.com, Finale with Braves PPD; makeup on May 14 https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/cubs-braves-rained-out-will-be-made-up-may-14/c-272310760

 Cubs.com, Cubs, Braves to honor Jackie at May 14 game https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/cubs-braves-will-honor-jackie-robinson-may-14/c-272315124

 ESPNChicago.com, Javier Baez isn't changing -- no matter what anyone thinks http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/46653/javier-baez-isnt-changing-no-matter- what-anyone-thinks

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NBC Sports Chicago After calling Saturday's conditions 'horrific,' Joe Maddon dubs Sunday's postponement 'the right thing to do' By Vinnie Duber

Joe Maddon wasn’t a fan of Saturday’s weather conditions at the Friendly Confines. No one was.

So when the weather was doing similar stuff Sunday, it was more relief than disappointment when the decision was made to postpone the series finale with the .

“It’s just the right thing to do,” Maddon said. “It’s not just about getting the games in, you want to be able to play the games on a major league caliber, championship-caliber level.

“Yesterday’s game, we were fortunate that it was played in its entirety because that’s why we won that game, based on how badly the conditions were by the end of the game. We’ll take it, but I’m glad the decision was made this way today. Even if it’s not actually physically raining, there’s a lot of other, different reasons that make a game unplayable, and yesterday’s a perfect example.”

Saturday’s weather was downright miserable: freezing-cold temperatures featuring a 25-degree wind chill, rain that was moving sideways across and howling winds that had the flags looking ready to fly right off their poles. But the day also provided one of the more memorable regular-season games in a long time as the Cubs erased an eight-run deficit and scored nine runs in a crazy eighth inning.

But as Maddon indicated, that wild comeback was made possible thanks to the awful conditions. Braves couldn’t get a grip on the ball and issued five walks, two batters and threw a wild pitch all in that one inning. There was also a throwing error by the catcher that allowed a run to score, that coming four innings after Javy Baez and Addison Russell made a pair of throwing errors of their own within a span of three batters. Ozzie Albies, the Braves’ who wowed all series long, had a throw go comically sideways at one point.

Maddon, who went as far as saying that Saturday’s game shouldn’t have been played, chalked all those mistakes up to the weather.

“When there’s a second baseman like that, who’s All-Star caliber, makes a throw like that at the , that speaks volumes,” Maddon said. “The (wild) pitch that was really beneficial to us, was literally five feet outside because he couldn’t grip the baseball.

“When you start seeing pitchers missing by that much and really good infielders — like Javy’s throw to first base, another perfect example. That routine ground ball to second that he misses (Ben Zobrist) way to the inside. And then we come right back with the chopper to Addy in the hole that he throws an absolute sinker because the ball’s probably wet.

“All those things are pretty much indicators to me. I don’t think it’s rocket science, it’s pretty common knowledge.”

So what’s the solution? This April has been a particularly bad one, but cold temperatures, lots of rain and whipping winds are hardly springtime rarities in Chicago and across the Midwest. Maddon might have a few tweaks he’d make to the weather section of the baseball rulebook, but he understands that the schedule-makers have a tough job to do.

“I don’t think it should always be based on precipitation, and I think it always is,” Maddon said. “There’s times when the game is unplayable based on wind and cold or maybe just a damp field, the field might be wet from previous rain. I’ve always thought there should be an actual , a temperature that if it gets below that number, that’s good enough for me.

“The game wasn’t meant to be played in these methods. There’s so many games to stuff into the regular season, and I get it. And there’s always concerns about making things up based on travel, and I get it. However, that doesn’t mean you should play a game that’s unplayable.”

As for the rescheduling, the Cubs and Braves will make this one up on Monday, May 14, a 1:20 p.m. start at Wrigley Field. That’s the day after the Cubs host the White Sox for a three-game weekend series. More interestingly, it’s the day before the Cubs start a three-game series with, who else, the Braves in Atlanta. So they’ll play one game on the North Side, then fly to the Peach State for three more.

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NBC Sports Chicago Cubs expect Monday return for Anthony Rizzo By Vinnie Duber

Anthony Rizzo is expected to return from the disabled list Monday.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon indicated as much in previous days, describing Rizzo as on track to come back "on time," which meant Monday, day Rizzo is eligible to come off the 10-day disabled list.

It's possible it will be an easing in for Rizzo, who hasn't played since April 5 while he's been shelved with a back issue. It's a strategy Maddon implemented with Albert Almora Jr. during Saturday's game. Almora was scratched from Friday's game with an illness, then was a late addition on Saturday. He hit a first- inning , but he came out after a few innings.

"If (Rizzo is) ready to roll, we’ll probably play him, I would imagine, but keep an eye on him," Maddon said Sunday. "He’s been off for a little bit. Like yesterday, taking Albert out of that game was based purely on him being ill and the score being so lopsided. I would’ve left him out there, of course I would have.

"Anthony coming back, about the fifth inning, ‘Anthony, how you doing?’ Does he need to be brought back into it slowly? I’m not sure. So we’ll play that one by ear."

The Cubs are slated to begin this season's first series against the rival St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night, and they could sure use a bat like Rizzo's back in the lineup. A 14-run day Saturday helped boost some of their numbers, but they still woke up Sunday ranked 14th in the league in batting average (.238), 12th in OPS (.742), 11th in hits (122) and 15th in home runs (15).

Rizzo's numbers weren't great in the very limited number of games he played before going on the DL, and he'll come back with a .107/.219/.214 slash line. But sticking his middle-of-the-order bat back in the lineup can only help these Cubs.

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Chicago Tribune Anthony Rizzo set to return in the cold against the sizzling Cardinals By Teddy Greenstein

Joe Maddon is renowned for knowing the psyche of his players. But the Cubs manager has his limits.

“Mind-reading,” he said, “is really difficult.”

So Maddon will count on Anthony Rizzo to tell him how he is feeling Monday when the All-Star first baseman is scheduled to return after a 10-day disabled-list stint for back soreness.

With the Cardinals in town, the Cubs would love to get Rizzo’s bat back in the lineup.

But here’s a potential problem: Monday night’s game-time temperature is projected to be 34 degrees, with a strong breeze from the west making for a wind chill of 24.

“If he’s ready to roll, we’ll probably play him,” Maddon said. “But we’ll keep an eye on him. Does he need to be brought back into it slowly? I’m not sure.

“He’s feeling really good. I watched him work out in the gym and he looks fine. I trust the guys and ask them questions. When the guys are honest with you, it makes the decision-making so much easier.”

Rizzo has yet to get going. He’s 3-for-28 with one homer, one walk and seven .

On the rubber: The Cubs will slide their rotation back a day after Sunday’s postponement, meaning Tyler Chatwood, and will face the Cardinals. Yu Darvish gets a bonus rest day but has to take on the Rockies on Friday at Coors Field.

The Cardinals (9-7) exited on Sunday after a four-game sweep. First baseman Jose Martinez already has 15 RBIs and Tommy Pham has a .429 on-base percentage. Dexter Fowler, now playing right field but still leading off, is hitting just .183 with only one .

A day for Jackie: The Cubs will reschedule Day at Wrigley Field to give thanks to the pioneer who wore No. 42.

“He added so much life to the game,” Maddon said. “I think people showed up just to see him play. Regardless of skin color, he was just a good, energetic, entertaining baseball player.”

Maddon said he wishes he could have met Robinson after learning about him from Don Zimmer, Al Campanis and Preston Gomez.

Extra innings: Cubs batters have been hit by a pitch 15 times in their first 14 games, a major-league high. The White Sox are second at 13. Kris Bryant leads baseball after getting plunked five times. … Cubs catchers Willson Contreras and Victor Caratini have wiped out four of seven would-be base-stealers, the best percentage in MLB. … Bryant and Freddie Freeman of the Braves are tied for the NL lead with a .493 on-base percentage.

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Chicago Tribune WGN celebrates 70 years of televising Cubs baseball By Paul Sullivan

Monday marks the 70th anniversary of the first Cubs game televised on WGN, a milestone that will be celebrated before and during the telecast of that night’s game against the Cardinals.

If you grew up in Chicago in the 1960s, chances are you were weaned on WGN programming — mostly Ray Rayner, Bozo the Clown, Garfield Goose and the Cubs.

Cartoons, puppets and baseball were part of your summer diet. You never needed to change the channel during the daytime, and since there were few remote controls, you seldom did, at least until your parents took control of the TV at night.

NBC Sports Chicago now televises the majority of Cubs games, which have been shown on cable for decades. A potential Cubs Network eventually could move all their games to one cable channel.

But for now, WGN still has the longest relationship with a major-league team and will televise 100 games (45 Cubs and 55 White Sox) on “free” TV in 2018.

“There is no relationship in TV sports we are aware of that compares to this partnership,” WGN director of production Bob Vorwald said. “We broadcast more games over the air than all other teams combined.”

Nostalgia lovers will enjoy the highlights in store for Monday, especially the 3 1/2-minute tribute compiled by Vorwald that should air near the scheduled 6:05 p.m. start.

Longtime fans will recognize many of the moments Vorwald managed to cram into the video: ’ fingers strumming his bat. Day. ’s heel click. Ernie’s 500th. The 23-22 game. ’s final bow. Bill Murray’s visit. and Ronald Reagan. ’s belly flop. The Michael Jordan game. The mailman’s leap. Coach Ditka’s stretch. The Grant Park rally. 8- 8-88. The Stanley Cup at Wrigley. “C’mon, Moose.” ’s 20-K game. “It’s a no-hitter for Holtzman.” “Hey-Hey.” “Hickman did it again, ooo-weeeee.” “.”

Yes, we’ve seen some of these moments more times than we can count. Somehow, they never seem to get old.

My personal favorite was the mailman’s leap from 1989, a story I covered for the Tribune. Postal worker Neal White was delivering the mail on Waveland Avenue beyond left field when homered onto the street. After retrieving the ball, White jumped high and performed a perfect Santo heel click.

The highlight led to White being invited into the TV booth, where he got his 15 minutes of fame. He was suspended for leaving his mail unattended to get the ball, only to be reinstated after Dawson and Cubs fans voiced their displeasure.

How did the mailman make the cut?

“The mailman was one of those moments that made us unique,” Vorwald said. “The ballpark, the fans and Andre in a great moment.”

The oldest clip WGN preserved was ’s 3,000th hit in 1958. It was captured via kinescope, a primitive technique that aimed a camera at a TV screen to record the broadcast on film.

The oldest videotape is ’s no-hitter in 1960, which was punctuated by Brickhouse’s plea (“C’mon, Moose”) to Walt “Moose” Moryn to catch a sinking liner in the ninth.

Unfortunately, many great moments were not saved.

“Videotape was not readily available until after we had been on the air for a decade,” Vorwald explained. “After that, two-inch tape that recorded an hour was bulky, expensive, and weighed about 20 pounds. No one saved whole games. There is no broadcast copy of Super Bowl I, for instance. NASA dumped lots of reels of the original tapes from the moon landing.

“Highlight clips got saved, until all the games started being held in the late 1980s.”

The anniversary party begins with the “Leadoff Man” show at 5:30 p.m. (If you were a Cubs fan in the ’60s and ’70s, you may remember the pregame show was sponsored by Danley’s Garage World.) Vorwald said they’ll try to show some extended clips of games as they aired during the half-hour show.

While featuring the players and broadcasters, Vorwald also included many behind-the-scenes employees, including producer-directors Skip Ellison, Pete Toma, Marc Brady and Arne Harris, whose “hat shots” were made famous by Brickhouse and Caray, who made the rooftop experience a part of Cubs telecasts.

“Arne was a showman at heart,” Vorwald said. “People forget he was the PA announcer for the Harlem Globetrotters for a few years. He made Wrigley Field and the Cubs fans part of the show. My favorite thing is to see a young Arne on the field trying to hold the crowd at bay as interviews Don Cardwell after his May 15, 1960, no-hitter.”

Baseball is a game that thrives on nostalgia, and despite coming up short for more than a century, the Cubs managed to provide some great moments for their fans. WGN’s 70th anniversary celebration on Monday may remind you how you became a Cubs fan in the first place.

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Chicago Tribune Cubs' weather-related decisions a complicated affair By Paul Sullivan

Years from now they’ll be talking about that winter day back in the spring of ’18 when the Cubs came roaring back from an eight-run deficit, scoring nine runs on three hits in the eighth inning with a hawk wind in their face and freezing rain blowing sideways.

Baseball was not meant to be played in a nor’easter, yet it was.

“If we all don’t come out of here with pneumonia, I think we’ll be all right,” Braves reliever Luke Jackson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution afterward.

Not so fast, Jackson.

The Braves announced Sunday that Jackson had been designated for assignment, though the good news was he apparently did not catch pneumonia Saturday.

Fans who stuck around for the end of the game seemed quite happy, despite the cold and rain. They can say they were there.

But the Braves, who also were there physically if not mentally, unloaded a boatload of complaints to the media afterward over the decision to play in such brutal conditions.

They were discussing numbed hands and feet and voicing concerns over an infielder possibly tearing his shoulder throwing the ball to first. The Braves were deservedly miffed, although the fact they blew an eight-run lead in Little League fashion should also be factored into their collective disgust.

Still, even Cubs manager Joe Maddon said they were the worst conditions he’d ever seen a game played in and conceded it never should’ve been played.

So why was it played?

Maddon didn’t name names, but the decision was in the hands of the Cubs, meaning any finger-pointing should be directed at President of Business Operations Crane Kenney, who makes the final call after discussions with the baseball operations department.

But officials in New York also have to approve all postponements and strongly encourage teams to play unless it’s impossible, so save one finger for them as well. Plenty of finger- pointing to go around.

Sunday’s game against the Braves was postponed, a wise decision, and will be played May 14. It wasn’t officially postponed until 10:29 a.m., though one glance at the Weather Channel at 8 a.m. would’ve prompted any sane person to conclude there was no chance of the game being played.

Before postponing the home opener last Monday, Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts explained it was difficult to make weather-based decisions playing in Chicago: “You never know what tomorrow is going to be like. Unfortunately, weather predictions aren’t predictable enough to really lean on, regardless of what the actual weather does.”

The Cubs’ problem is that almost everyone in Chicago knows the five-day forecast, since every local newscast devotes about 10 minutes to the weather. There is no shortage of amateur meteorologists in this city.

The Cubs also may be a little gun-shy when it comes to pulling the trigger after last year’s fiasco when a May 20 game against the Brewers was postponed early. Their decision was based on a rainy forecast, only to have the sun come out later, turning it into a nice spring day.

That no-rain rainout led to Brewers manager Craig Counsell’s oft-quoted jab at Cubs management: “First time, for us, that we've had players treated for sunburn after a rainout.”

Of course, the Cubs practically invented the no-rain rainout. On Aug. 23, 1999, they delayed the start of a game against the Giants for 3 hours, 45 minutes despite no sign of rain for the first two hours after the scheduled 7 p.m. start.

The Giants were furious, and owner Peter Magowan called the Cubs a “bush-league operation.” Two days later, the Giants swept a behind Barry Bonds, who hit three home runs, including one that landed across Sheffield Avenue.

It came against, you guessed it, Steve Rain.

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Chicago Tribune Joe Maddon cites 'remarkably bad' conditions as Cubs announce postponement of game against Braves By Teddy Greenstein

With a cold rain falling and the threat of snow looming, the Cubs announced the postponement of their Sunday afternoon game two hours before Tyler Chatwood was slated to throw the first pitch at Wrigely Field.

Were manager Joe Maddon writing the headline to this story, he might have chosen: SANITY PREVAILS.

Maddon called Sunday’s conditions “remarkably bad” and said the decision was “the right thing to do. It’s not just about getting games in, you want to be able to play on a major-league caliber level. Even if it’s not actually raining, there are a lot of other reasons that make a game unplayable. (Saturday) was a perfect example.”

Maddon said after his team rallied Saturday for an improbable 14-10 victory over the Braves: “The game should really not have been played … those were the worst elements I’ve ever participated in a baseball game in.”

With wind chills in the 20s and a spraying rain, players on both side cited injury risks associated with not being able to feel their fingers.

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he would not have even attempted to initiate a double-play in the later innings: “We couldn’t throw the ball, we couldn’t grip the ball. They (other infielders) were just going to flip the ball to second and not throw … We couldn’t open our hands … If you can’t turn two in a game (because of the cold), then (baseball) should look in the mirror and see what’s going on.”

Indeed, Cubs officials stressed that postponement decisions ultimately rest with Major League Baseball officials in New York, especially when it’s a team’s last visit to a city for the season. That’s the case with the Braves, who were slated to visit only once in 2018.

Now they’ll return for a 1:20 p.m. game on Monday, May 14. That’s the day after the White Sox visit the North Side for a three-game set. The Cubs will play in Atlanta from May 15-17.

“Every game is pretty much controlled from New York,” Maddon said. “Do not blame the Cubs or the Braves. This decision comes from a location where boots are not on the ground. And I don’t even know how much input the umpiring crew has.

“There are times when the game is not playable based on wind and cold and maybe a damp field from a previous rain. It goes beyond precipitation. I’ve always thought there should be an actual temperature (gauge) and if it gets below, that’s good enough for me. There are always concerns about making up games up based on travel. I get it. But that doesn’t mean you should play when it’s unplayable.”

Maddon cited off-kilter throws by players from both teams, including by Javier Baez and Addison Russell.

The Cubs took control of Saturday’s game by scoring nine eighth-inning runs on just three hits. Two Cubs got hit by a pitch, and five walked.

The half-inning was so unusual, team historian Ed Hartig said that the last time the Cubs scored nine runs on three hits or fewer came in 1954.

Said Braves reliever Peter Moylan: “I’ve been playing since 2006 and (have) never seen anything like that. We’ve been rained out and been snowed out, but we’ve never had to play through (expletive) like that.”

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Chicago Tribune Cubs Q&A: Is Ian Happ's job in danger? Could Eddie Butler join the rotation? By Mark Gonzales

The Tribune’s Mark Gonzales answers readers’ questions about the futures of Ian Happ and Kyle Schwarber, Tyler Chatwood’s place in the rotation and Francisco Cervelli’s dominance of the Cubs:

When does the bus leave for Triple-A Iowa so Ian Happ and Kyle Schwarber have time to pack? — John

I don’t see either player going to Iowa soon. We’re only 2½ weeks into the season. I know the totals for Happ are alarming, but Theo Epstein, and Joe Maddon aren’t going to make a quick decision. It was at least one month until Schwarber was moved out of the leadoff spot last season, and he wasn’t demoted until late June. I think you’ll see the same length of time before any significant changes are made. Aside from Kris Bryant and Ben Zobrist, no one else is tearing it up at the plate.

In the case of Happ, it’s obvious he needs to trim his strikeout total. Schwarber has done an exceptional job recently of hitting to the opposite field, and that needs to continue.

Can you ask Theo if he saw ‘Billions’ last weekend? Pretty cool quote. — Peter Sakon

What’s the quote? Is it printable? I know Theo used to watch “Breaking Bad.”

Here’s a little-known fact: Shemar Moore, who played Agent Morgan on “Criminal Minds,” was a pretty good pitcher in high school and played four years at Santa Clara University.

If Tyler Chatwood continues to struggle as a starter in his next few starts, could you see the Cubs moving Eddie Butler to a starter? — Chris Breach

I can’t see Eddie Butler starting unless they need a sixth starter, such as May 19 as part of the split doubleheader against the Reds. Chatwood pitched a very good game at Cincinnati, so I think he has a long, long leash as a starter.

At this point, I’d be more concerned with the lack of innings the Cubs are getting out of their starters. It could take its toll on the relievers at some point, or could result in reinforcements at midseason.

Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli comes into Tuesday’s game hitting around .200. He proceeds to go 3- for-4 with a three-run homer. It seems like he always hits above .300 against the Cubs while hitting .250 against the rest of the league. Makes you wonder what the advance scouts are doing. — Lino Canalia

Cervelli is a lifetime .287 hitter against the Cubs and a .333 hitter at Wrigley Field, so some changes could be in store. The three-run homer came on a pitch that Cervelli was able to extend his arms on, so I’d expect him to get pitched inside more frequently or get him to move his feet so he won’t feel so comfortable.

Where is Clint Hurdle’s lawn? Asking for a friend who wants to stand on it and wait for Hurdle’s obvious response. — Mark Snyder

I’m sure Clint has a home in a nice community of Pittsburgh that is well-groomed and protected. And he’s well-received in the community. I saw him make a passionate speech before distributing winter jackets to students at a private elementary school a few years ago.

My only issue with Clint’s comments toward Javier Baez was that if Javier’s bat flip bothered him that much, why didn’t he say something immediately after the game instead of the next day?

The Cubs visit Pittsburgh on May 27-29, so I’m sure there will be more to talk about than just the Penguins or the Steelers’ top draft picks when the Cubs arrive.

And one more thing: A tip of the cap to the fans who tolerated the elements and stayed for all nine innings of Saturday’s game. They deserved some kind of voucher or memento. And the same for the stadium workers — from ushers and usherettes to security workers to vendors.

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Chicago Sun-Times Joe Maddon has no complaints after Braves-Cubs game postponed By Brian Sandalow

Cubs manager Joe Maddon thought the game Saturday against the Braves shouldn’t have been played. He had no problems with the decision to postpone the game Sunday.

“Driving out again, it was remarkably bad. It’s just the right thing to do,” Maddon said. “It’s not about just getting games in. You want to be able to play the game on a major-league caliber, championship- caliber level.”

The Cubs’ 14-10 victory Saturday was dramatic, but it wasn’t exactly a masterpiece. There were errant throws and wild pitches, and the weather certainly helped the Cubs rally from a 10-2 deficit. Dazzling Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies lost control of a throw, and reliever Peter Moylan’s very wild pitch in the eighth inning led to two Cubs runs.

“[Saturday’s] game, we were fortunate, actually, that it was played in its entirety because that’s why we won that game, based on how bad the conditions were by the end of the game,” Maddon said. “We’ll take it, but I’m glad that the decision was made this way today. Even if it’s not actually physically raining, there’s a lot of other different reasons that make a game unplayable. [Saturday is] a perfect example.”

The game Sunday was postponed around 10:30 a.m. as the nasty conditions persisted and more were forecast. It will be made up at 1:20 p.m. May 14, one day before the Cubs and Braves begin a three- game series in Atlanta.

Tyler Chatwood (0-2, 4.91), the scheduled starter Sunday, is expected to pitch Monday in the series opener against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field. The rest of the rotation will stay in turn.

“Knowing what we went through [Saturday], I would’ve been fine coming back here [May 14] and playing a doubleheader,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “After getting through that, it was literally miserable.”

The forecast Monday doesn’t look optimal, either, though that’s a fact of life playing games in April in Chicago. Maddon said the decision to postpone games shouldn’t always be based on precipitation, even though he thinks it always is.

“There’s times when the game actually isn’t playable based on wind and cold and maybe just a damp field or the field might be wet in and of itself from previous rain,” Maddon said. “I always thought there should be an actual number, like a temperature number, that if it gets below that number, that’s good enough for me. The game wasn’t meant to be played in these -methods.

“There’s so many games to stuff into the regular season, and I get it. And there’s always concerns about making things up based on travel, and I get it. However, that doesn’t mean you should play a game that’s unplayable.”

One idea posed to Maddon was playing more early intra-divisional games, making them easier to postpone and reschedule if needed.

“I’m sure it’s really difficult to try to figure,” Maddon said. “I have no idea what it takes to make the schedule up. That looks really impossible, actually. I don’t want to bang on that. I’m just saying the game itself is meant to be played in somewhat decent weather conditions for grip, footing.”

The Cubs persevered in the conditions Saturday for a memorable victory. Maddon again credited his players for how they handled the game. He also said that the way the Braves hit was “really impressive.”

“Nobody complained,” Maddon said of the Cubs. “If they were, they didn’t complain to me. I wasn’t complaining to them.”

On Sunday, Maddon had nothing to complain about.

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Chicago Sun-Times Joe Maddon expects Anthony Rizzo to start for Cubs on Monday against Cardinals By Madeline Kenney and Brian Sandalow

Manager Joe Maddon expects first baseman Anthony Rizzo to return from the 10-day disabled list and start Monday in the series opener against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field. The team optioned Efren Navarro to Class AAA Iowa on Sunday.

Rizzo, who has been dealing with a stiff lower back, was put on the DL last week, retroactive to April 6. He has been taking swings in the batting cage since late last week, and Maddon said Rizzo is “feeling really well.”

“I watched him work out in the gym over there, and he looks fine,” Maddon said. “So I try to trust the guys, I do trust the guys. I ask them questions. When the guys are honest with you, it makes the decision-making so much easier. Mind reading is really difficult.”

The forecast Monday calls for snow in the morning and a temperature of 30 degrees by first pitch at 6:05 p.m. Maddon wasn’t sure how the weather would affect Rizzo, but the Cubs won’t hesitate to sit him if his back flares up.

“If he’s ready to roll, we’ll probably play him, I would imagine, but probably watch him,” Maddon said. “[With] Anthony coming back in, [I’ll ask him] in the fifth inning, ‘How are you doing?’ Does he need to be brought back in slowly? I’m not sure. So we’ll just play that by ear.”

In Rizzo’s absence, Victor Caratini made four starts at first base, Ben Zobrist two and Kris Bryant one. Bryant would have started at first and batted third if the game Sunday had been played.

Here come the Cardinals

Dexter Fowler and the Cardinals arrive at Wrigley Field for a three-game series coming off a four-game sweep of the Reds in Cincinnati. The Cardinals look like a different team than the one that went 83-79 last season and missed the playoffs.

The most notable addition is outfielder Marcell Ozuna, who was acquired from the Marlins. Maddon said Ozuna is “one of the best hitters in the game.” But Maddon didn’t know what to make of the Cardinals’ pitching yet.

“I think from what I’m seeing, the teams on the field in this division are all pretty good,” Maddon said. “As always, it’s going to come down to pitching. Once we get to actually feel their pitching, I’ll know more about what I think about them, but I really like their team on the field.”

Jackie’s day

Sunday was the 71st anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Maddon, who addressed the media wearing a hoodie with Robinson’s No. 42, said Robinson added “so much life to the game.”

“I think people showed up just to see this guy play, regardless of skin color,” Maddon said. “This guy was just a good, energetic, entertaining baseball player. “Beyond that, he spoke. He spoke well, too.

“For all those reasons, gosh, he’s one of those guys you wish you had met.”

According to Cubs historian Ed Hartig, Wrigley Field is the only current major-league stadium in which Robinson played.

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Daily Herald Cubs' Maddon pleased with postponing game after Saturday's struggles By Bruce Miles

Common sense prevailed Sunday at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs' scheduled game against the Atlanta Braves was postponed because of cold and wet weather. It will be made up Monday, May 14, at 1:20 p.m.

The decision was more than OK with Cubs manager Joe Maddon, who did not want Saturday's game played, even though the Cubs wound up winning in stunning fashion, 14-10, scoring 9 runs in the eighth inning to finish a comeback from a 10-2 deficit.

Saturday's game was played with a gametime temperature of 38 degrees and a northeast breeze of 24 mph, contributing to a windchill of 24. It got only colder from there, and a sideways light rain swept across the field most of the day.

Sunday dawned with a more steady rain and equally cold temperatures. Because this weekend was the Braves' only scheduled visit to Chicago, the decision to play rested with Major League Baseball.

"Driving out again, it was remarkably bad," Maddon said. "So it's just the right thing to do. It's just not about getting games in. You want to be able to play the game at a major-league caliber, championship caliber. Yesterday's game, we were fortunate, actually, that it was played in its entirety because that's why we won that game, based on how badly the conditions were by the end of the game.

"So we'll take it, but I'm glad the decision was made this way today. Even if it's not actually physically raining, there's a lot of other reasons that make a game unplayable, and (Saturday) is a perfect example."

Rain no longer is the problem it once was because today's fields drain quickly once the rain stops. But teams want to get the games in and take in the gate receipts, so even if the weather is unbearably cold but dry, the games go on.

That is something Maddon has voiced displeasure about for a long time.

"I don't think it should be always based on precipitation, and I think it always is," he said. "There are times when the game is not playable based on wind and maybe just a damp field. The field might be wet in and of itself, maybe from previous rain. I've always thought there should be an actual number, like a temperature number, if it gets below that number, that's good enough for me (to call the game).

"The game wasn't meant to be played in these methods."

Some solutions offered have been to have teams play within their own division in April because opponents visit twice more during the season.

"I'm sure it's really difficult to try to figure out," Maddon said. "I have no idea what it takes to make a schedule up. That looks really impossible, actually. So I don't even want to bang on that. I'm just saying the game itself was meant to be played in somewhat decent weather conditions, for grip, for footing."

If it works, keep doing it: Superstitions are a big part of sports, and Cubs players improvised along the way as Saturday's wild comeback was taking place.

Relief pitcher Eddie Butler worked from the third inning through the sixth and was inside getting treatment when his teammates were rallying.

"I was in the training room getting some work done," he said. "I was getting stretched out a little bit. Next thing I know, we were getting a rally. The trainer stopped and was like, 'All right, everybody keep doing exactly what you were doing.' I was getting the same thing stretched out for like 20 minutes. I'm like, 'Well, I'm super loose now.' It was fun to watch it. The energy in the training room was a lot of fun. We had most of the relievers in there taking care of their business and enjoying it."

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Daily Herald Scouting report: Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals By Bruce Miles

TV: WGN and ESPN Monday; NBC Sports Chicago Tuesday; ABC 7 Wednesday

Radio: WSCR 670-AM

Pitching matchups: The Cubs' Tyler Chatwood (0-2) vs. Adam Wainwright (0-2) Monday at 6:10 p.m.; Jon Lester (1-0) vs. Michael Wacha (2-1) Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.; Kyle Hendricks (0-1) vs. Luke Weaver (1-0) Wednesday at 1:20 p.m.

At a glance: This is the first meeting of the season between the two NL Central rivals. The Cubs were 14-5 against the Cardinals last year, 8-1 at Wrigley Field. The Cardinals have been getting production from a rejuvenated Yadier Molina. The catcher entered Sunday leading the team with 5 home runs. First baseman Jose Martinez was off to a 19-for-51 start for a line of .373/.459/.608 with 3 homers and 15 RBI. His batting average led the NL. Paul DeJong, a graduate of Antioch High School, was 14-for-57 (. 246) with 4 homers and 6 RBI. The Cardinals are expecting big things from outfielder Marcell Ozuna, obtained last December from the Marlins. Temperatures in the upper 30s are expected for the start of Monday night's game.

Next: at Coors Field, Friday-Sunday

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The Athletic Clubhouse Access: Looking at a boom-or-bust offense, revisiting the prospect who could haunt the Cubs and the Danny Hultzen lottery ticket By Patrick Mooney

Kris Bryant is launching another MVP campaign. Ben Zobrist appears to be in MVP shape again. Kyle Schwarber lost weight without losing his natural power. Willson Contreras is already annoying opponents as one of the game’s best two-way catchers.

But through 14 games, the Cubs are a .500 team with signs of another boom-or-bust offensive season, even after the Chili Davis takeover.

Five times already this season, the Cubs have scored one run or fewer. The Cubs have scored 72 runs so far this season, putting them near the top of the , but that total is skewed by five games where the lineup generated a combined 53 runs.

The Cubs have played five opponents who finished last season an average of 18 games out of first place. Only the had a winning record last year – and the Cubs won three of four games at Miller Park.

Anthony Rizzo's likely return from an upper back injury – enough to get activated from the 10-day disabled list – should help Monday night against the St. Louis Cardinals. Wrigley Field weather permitting, that is. At least the Cubs won’t have to thaw out after another cold, wet forecast postponed Sunday afternoon’s game against the Atlanta Braves until May 14.

We get it – it’s early – but it’s still interesting to note the opposing starting pitchers during this start where the Cubs haven't had any real sense of momentum:

Jose Urena

Caleb Smith

Odrisamer Despaigne

Dillon Peters

Tyler Mahle

Brent Suter

Brandon Woodruff

Zach Davies

Chase Anderson

Ivan Nova

Steven Brault

Trevor Williams

Anibal Sanchez

Sean Newcomb.

From that group, there are zero All-Star selections and only Sanchez – who was released by the in – has ever showed up in the Award voting (in 2013). Their combined salary this season is almost $23 million, or less than what the Cubs are paying Yu Darvish this year.

“We’re discussing [our] inability to drive in runs from third base,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “That’s all I’ve been watching. I’m sitting on the couch [the other day] watching games and all I saw was teams cannot drive in a run from third with less than two outs, so it’s not just something that an individual team has to overcome, because there are so many strikeout pitchers.

“I mean, the velocity’s incredible. If you watch the guys that are coming in for any team right now – when I scouted the average velocity fastball was 88 on a JUGS gun. That was average velocity. A guy throwing 88 right now – that’s really rare. I would say 92-93 at least is average right now and most guys are above average coming out of a bullpen, at least with velocity plus something else that moves. So that’s why the strikeout’s so prominent. The relief pitching right now is crazy, what’s coming out of these guys’ arms.”

When it comes to hitting with runners in scoring position, the Cubs entered Sunday ranked 14th out of the NL’s 15 teams with a .193 average. Their .630 OPS in those situations placed them 13th, while their 42 strikeouts led the NL.

“That’s just a confidence thing,” shortstop Addison Russell said. “Lots of missed opportunities.”

Here are the first-pitch temperatures from the first five games at Wrigley Field this season: 43, 46, 74, 42 and 38 degrees. Snow showers are expected Monday morning in Chicago.

“It’s just different when the game starts,” said Bryant, who grew up in Las Vegas and played at the University of San Diego and is getting on base almost 50 percent of the time this season. “When you have your adrenaline going and all that, sometimes you don’t even really notice how cold it is. But we have plenty of heaters and hand-warmers and all the other stuff. We should be fine.

“If anybody has any tips or anything – any Chicagoans out there – let us know.”

There is something to be said for Big Data, bullpen specialization, unfamiliar opponents, Chicago’s brutal April weather and the law of averages. But the Cubs might have invested more capital in their offense – first-round picks, trade chips, free-agent dollars – than any other team in baseball.

“Everybody’s got this issue: How do you move the baseball?” Maddon said. “We got to just learn to move the baseball. For me, that’s to concede, to make concessions. I’m talking about mental concessions where you don’t try to be as big or do so much. You’re attempting to use middle/off field. These are the kind of thoughts, to me, that get you away from that punch-out in that moment. That’s what we’re trying to nurture.”

The Cubs already made the biggest investments in their lineup, and they’re running out of blue-chip prospects to move at the trade deadline.

They don’t win the without giving up Gleyber Torres in the Aroldis Chapman deal with the . The defending champs might not have made the playoffs last year without shipping Eloy Jimenez to the White Sox. Jose Quintana’s club-friendly contract then helped subsidize Darvish’s $126 million deal.

But little-known Isaac Paredes might be the prospect who comes back to haunt the Cubs after last summer’s Justin Wilson/Alex Avila trade with the .

Let's revisit that deal. The Cubs needed a backup rental catcher after paying Miguel Montero almost $7 million to go away. Giving up utility man Jeimer Candelario didn’t really hurt because he had already spent seven seasons in the organization and Bryzzo blocked his path to the big leagues. Wilson was supposed to stabilize the bullpen and maybe emerge as the 2018 closer once Wade Davis left as a free agent.

Wilson got the win in Saturday’s crazy 14-10 football-weather win over the Braves at Wrigley Field – and has not been charged with a run in six of his seven appearances this season – but his ERA is 4.91 with eight walks in seven-plus innings. There are trust issues after the lefty reliever put up a 5.09 ERA for the Cubs in a pennant race and didn’t make the NLCS roster.

Paredes is only 19 and starting this season with Detroit’s Single-A affiliate in the Florida State League. There are questions about whether or not he can stick at shortstop and play under control with enough consistency. But multiple Cubs officials believe his ceiling – if everything falls into place – is as an All-Star infielder.

Paredes was also blocked by Russell, Bryant and Javier Báez and didn’t really look the part at 5-foot-11, 225 pounds. But those Cubs officials who have tracked Paredes describe a defender with strong hands, good instincts and a knack for being in the right place at the right time — to go along with the bat speed and hand-eye coordination that could make him a special hitter in the big leagues.

Something to think about the next time Maddon signals for Wilson out of the bullpen.

The Cubs are always looking for change-of-scenery pitchers and good influences on their young players. Danny Hultzen fits that description as the No. 2 overall pick from the 2011 draft who never made it to the big leagues with the and endured two major surgeries on his left shoulder. Now 28 years old and signed to a minor-league deal, Hultzen is in extended spring training, working out at the team’s Arizona complex.

“It’s just about stretching him out, getting him some work and getting him to a place that he feels comfortable,” farm director Jaron Madison said. “And then seeing where he fits, whether it’s a need in the bullpen or continuing to stretch him out as a starter. We haven’t really had too many of those conversations. I would guess the bullpen would probably be the way to go, just because he is going to be a little bit delayed.

“The plan all along was come in, take your time, get ready and then when you’re ready, we’ll shoot you up and get you some innings. [We’ll] see if he can get back some of that magic he’s always had.”

Working with future Cubs executives Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod, Madison was the scouting director for the 2011 draft that also featured , , , Archie Bradley, , Baez and among the top 11 picks. Holding the No. 10 overall selection, the Padres did some background work on Hultzen but understood that the University of Virginia star wouldn’t drop that far in the first round. The Padres, who desperately wanted Lindor, wound up drafting infielder .

“From a makeup [standpoint], I have to say everyone that’s been around the kid has just been really impressed,” Madison said. “He really does a good job of connecting with the young kids and serving almost as a mentor. He’s been great to have around. He gets his work in and he’s always willing to sit around with some of the young guys and talk and build relationships, which is kind of rare for a guy who has the experience he has and went second overall in the draft. He’s been a really down-to-earth guy.”

New Cubs closer has pretty much seen it all, from being Seattle’s No. 5 overall pick in the 2006 draft to a series of injuries that nearly wrecked his career to reinventing himself as Kenley Jansen’s setup guy to pitching in all seven games of the World Series the Dodgers lost last year.

Before the Cubs-Cardinals madness, listen to Morrow putting his new team in perspective: “When you don’t feel like you’re hot or playing that great, .500’s a pretty good record. Especially starting off, and then you catch a hot streak and hopefully get it rolling.”

“On the field, obviously, there’s tons of talent all around,” Morrow said. “There are so many opportunities for guys up and down the lineup to have that big game. Off the field, it’s great. Guys are really together and get together on a regular basis. There’s a big family feel, which isn’t the [case] in every clubhouse, so it’s nice to come into a team that has that going on.”

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Cubs.com Cubs, Cardinals ready to renew rivalry By Carrie Muskat and Joe Trezza

CHICAGO -- Who's the favorite to win the ? The Cubs and Cardinals will square off Monday night, and each will try to gain an edge in the division.

Last year, the Cubs dominated the series, 14-5, including an 8-1 mark at Wrigley Field.

"We played a lot of tight games last year and it came down to who is going to get the big hit?" Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong said. "Everyone is always really excited to play in this rivalry.

"Remembering those experiences and learning from them and trying to use those experiences will help us this year, because this division is more up for grabs," DeJong said. "You can see that from the beginning. There is no clear team right now. These games are huge for us. We have to come out ready to play."

Tyler Chatwood was scheduled to start Sunday vs. the Braves, but that game was postponed because of the weather, so the right-hander will start Monday for the Cubs against the Cardinals' Adam Wainwright.

For Wainwright, this will be his 35th career start against the Cubs and 19th at Wrigley Field, where he's 10-2 with a 3.79 ERA.

"I think they've done some nice things," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of the Cardinals' personnel moves in the offseason. "[Marcell] Ozuna to me, I don't know if he's underrated, but I think he's one of the best hitters in the game. Period. Just like [Atlanta's Ozzie Albies] at second base is one of the best players in the game. Period. Nobody talks about [Albies]. There's some really good players who are ascending. Ozuna is one of them."

Maddon and the Cubs are very familiar with Cardinals outfielder Dexter Fowler, who was Chicago's leadoff man in 2015-16.

"It's gonna be fun," Fowler said of playing the Cubs. "They have a good team over there and we have a good team. It'll be an exciting series."

The Cubs will get a boost with the return of Anthony Rizzo, who has been on the disabled list because of tightness in his lower back. Rizzo is eligible to be activated Monday.

The Cardinals have nine players new to the rivalry, including Greg Holland, who signed on to be the closer but walked four batters in his first outing. Bud Norris, who saved 19 games for the Angels last season, may take over the role, at least temporarily.

The pitcher to watch is Cardinals rookie reliever Jordan Hicks. One of the youngest players in the big leagues, Hicks throws a triple-digit sinker and has yet to allow an earned run over six appearances. According to Statcast™, the 21-year-old is one of the hardest throwers in the Majors this season.

The Pirates, Brewers, Cardinals and Cubs are within three games of each other in the Central.

"Their shortstop [DeJong] can really hit and play some defense, Yadier [Molina] looks reborn a bit," Maddon said. "I don't know what their pitching looks like. From what I'm seeing, the teams on the field [in the NL Central] are all pretty good. As always, it will come down to pitching."

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Cubs.com Finale with Braves PPD; makeup on May 14 By Carrie Muskat

CHICAGO -- It was too cold and too wet at Wrigley Field to play on Sunday, so the game between the Cubs and Braves was postponed. They will play a makeup game May 14 at 1:20 p.m. CT at Wrigley, which was an off-day prior to the Cubs' three-game series in Atlanta.

"Driving out again, it was remarkably bad," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of the weather. "It's just the right thing to do. It's not about getting games in -- you want to be able to play the game at a Major League-, championship-caliber level.

"[Saturday's] game, we were fortunate it was played in its entirety, because that's how we won that game -- based on how badly the conditions were by the end," Maddon added. "We'll take it, but I'm glad the decision was made this way today. Even if it's not actually physically raining, there are a lot of other different reasons that make a game unplayable and [Saturday] was a perfect example."

The Cubs rallied from a 10-2 deficit on Saturday to beat the Braves, 14-10, scoring nine runs in the eighth inning on three hits, five walks, two hit-by-pitches, one wild pitch and one error. According to STATS Inc., the Cubs are the first team to win by four or more runs after trailing by eight or more runs since the Blue Jays rallied from an eight-run deficit to win, 14-9, over the Reds on June 20, 2014.

Saturday's gametime temperature of 38 degrees marked the coldest first pitch at Wrigley Field since May 16, 2014, against the Brewers, when it was also 38 degrees. Since 1990, the coldest gametime temperature recorded at Wrigley is 26 degrees, on April 20, 1993, against the Astros.

Maddon gave his players credit because they didn't gripe on Saturday.

"Nobody complained and if they were, they didn't complain to me," Maddon said. "We were getting our butts kicked and all of a sudden we weren't. Give our guys a lot of credit, but give Atlanta credit because the way they hit the ball under those circumstances to me was impressive, too. They played a good game of baseball. They were victimized by the circumstances."

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Cubs.com Cubs, Braves to honor Jackie at May 14 game By Carrie Muskat

CHICAGO -- The Cubs and Braves are expected to delay their celebration of Jackie Robinson Day to May 14, when the two teams will play a makeup game at Wrigley Field.

Sunday's game between the Cubs and Braves was postponed because of the weather, and a Braves spokesman said the two teams would honor Robinson in the makeup game.

It would be fitting to honor Robinson at Wrigley Field, the only remaining Major League stadium that he played a game in. In 93 games at Wrigley, Robinson batted .295 (99-for-336) with 22 doubles, seven triples, five homers, 43 RBIs and a .400 on-base percentage.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon has done his own research on Robinson, listening to stories about him from Don Zimmer, Al Campanas and Preston Gomez.

"It's great he's being honored -- I'm a big fan," Maddon said of Robinson, the first modern player to break Major League Baseball's color barrier.

"He added so much life to the game," Maddon said, specifically citing Robinson's baserunning skills. "I think people showed up just to see this guy play, regardless of skin color. This guy was a good, energetic, entertaining baseball player. Beyond that, he spoke, and spoke well. He's one of those guys you wish you had met."

As has been tradition each April 15 since 2009, Major League Baseball celebrated Jackie Robinson Day with all players and on-field personnel wearing Jackie's iconic number 42. This year, there will be additional on-field uniform elements, including a commemorative patch on all team caps and jersey sleeves, socks emblazoned with "42," and a brand-new, lightweight hooded fleece for batting practice and dugout wear, also featuring the "42" logo. MLB will donate all proceeds from the sale of such items to the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

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ESPNChicago.com Javier Baez isn't changing -- no matter what anyone thinks By Jesse Rogers

CHICAGO -- Cubs rising star Javier Baez has made it clear that he isn't changing his style. From the big swings to the flair he shows in the field and on the basepath, it's simply how he goes about his business.

He doesn't care how it's perceived.

"People that talk about me can save it," Baez said last week in response to criticism.

You can add his teammates to that sentiment. What some -- such as manager Clint Hurdle -- think is over the top, others find entertaining. Baseball is a sport, but like all sports, it's also an entertainment vehicle. Right now, Baez is a one-man show.

"It's just fun to watch him play baseball," teammate Kyle Schwarber said. "He always has so much fun out there. It doesn't matter if he's 0-for-20 or 20-for-20 or has four homers in two games or whatever. ... I get wowed by him all the time. It's great to have him on our side because he plays with joy."

That joy usually comes from Baez doing something spectacular, such as scoring from first on a ball that squeaked through the infield or making an acrobatic play at second base or even a simple tag play. Then there are the big swings -- or rather, BIG swings. Contact or not, they draw oohs and ahhs from the crowd, as well as those in the dugouts.

"He's not going to get cheated," Kris Bryant said. "Some people might think that makes you easier to pitch to, but you saw the other day, he took a bad swing at a curveball in the dirt, then gets another curveball, and he puts it over the fence. That doesn't happen with a normal baseball player. It makes a pitcher think. He's super-talented and only getting better."

In the span of two days last week against the Pirates, Baez displayed his incredible instincts and flair for the game -- and wreaked havoc in the process. There were the four home runs, a few pats of his own back, a bat flip on a popup and at least one time when he pointed at a fly pop on defense -- just for the fun of it -- as he settled underneath it.

"The other day he's pointing at a popup," Schwarber said. "I'm on the bench just dying laughing."

Baez's bat flip on an out was less of a laughing matter, and it led to Hurdle's criticism and a talk from teammate Pedro Strop. OK, once in a while Baez will go over the line. So what? Isn't it worth the laughs and entertainment?

"He laughs at himself all the time," Bryant said. "He has a tremendous amount of joy playing the game. He gets it. It's so nice to see."

With Hurdle upset by the errant bat flip, you wonder if he noticed what else Baez and other Cubs were doing at times after they reached base or hit a home run: patting themselves on the back. It's their latest thing.

"During that snow-out [on Opening Day], the hitters were talking and [hitting coach] Chili [Davis] brought it up," Bryant said. "When you do something good, you should enjoy it for a little bit."

Telling Baez to enjoy himself after he does something well is like opening the door to the henhouse for the fox. There Baez was -- on four occasions -- patting himself on the back after he hit two home runs in consecutive games.

"We beat ourselves up so much in this game. Go ahead and recognize when you executed your plan," Ben Zobrist said. "For that moment, and then move on."

If the 37-year-old Zobrist is OK with a pat on the back, then everyone should be. Then again, Zobrist has played for Joe Maddon for many years. Allowing players the freedom to express themselves -- within limits, of course -- is a Maddon staple. The oldest manager in the game has never had a problem with the way Baez plays, right down to his big swings.

"He plays the game with joy," Maddon said during spring training. "Sometimes he needs to cut down on those swings, but what makes him susceptible to the strikeout also makes him dangerous."

In fact, teammates believe that Baez has more of a plan than he lets on. Perhaps this is the year it'll work more than it fails.

"He has an approach up there and knows what he wants to do," Bryant said. "Sometimes you take a stupid swing or hack that you know is ridiculous to bait the pitcher into throwing something. I don't know if that's what he’s doing, but it sure seems like that."

OK, maybe not everything Baez does at the plate is planned out. He is hitting only .191, but for such a free swinger he has hit no less than .273 the previous three seasons. He has been a solid 3 WAR player the past two seasons, and most don't think he has reached his peak.

But that isn't what his teammates care about. They love Baez's passion as much as his production.

"Certain guys play the game a certain way, and that's how he plays the game," Bryant said. "He goes all- out in the field and at the plate. I love it."

Said Schwarber: "When he falls over and stuff on a swing? It's Javy being Javy. We love him for it and wouldn't want him to change -- ever."

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