NLCS 2017: Five X-factors which will help Chicago Cubs defeat LA Dodgers

No. 1: Baez Sparks the Team

There are few players in baseball that are as exciting and as aggravating as Javier Baez. Or as polarizing. His flare for the dramatic is noted. He loves big situations.

The “no-look-finger-pointing” tag during the World Baseball Classic. Or, the Dikembe Mutombo-like  finger waving on plays where he knows the umpire made the wrong call. He is often more right than wrong.

Baez never see’s a pitch he doesn’t think he can’t hit, swinging at more pitches than a kids in tee-ball. But, when he makes contact, the ball goes two ways: hard and far.

Statically speaking, Baez enjoyed the best season of his career. He hit 23 home runs and was second on the team in RBI. Third in runs scored. But, he also struck out 144 times.

In the NLDS versus the Nationals, well, let’s just say his defense kept him on the field. While he only struck out five times, he got on base one time. And that was a walk, oddly enough. That can’t happen again in the NLCS this year.

Next: NLCS 2017: Dodgers vs. Cubs TV schedule

The Cubs must have Baez from the 2016 NLCS now. You know, the one that was NLCS MVP. He hits the Dodgers well, with a .308 average this year and .318 in the 2016 NLCS. Once he is hot, game can become the “Javy Baez Show.”

Let’s hope we see one of those games soon.