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Chicago Cubs: Breaking down the team’s catching options

By Jake Misener

Aug 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (right) and starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (left) celebrate their victory over the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. Cubs won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (right) and starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (left) celebrate their victory over the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. Cubs won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Hector Rondon (56) is congratulated by catcher Kyle Schwarber (right) after defeating the Reds 5-3 at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

One question looms for Cubs’ young slugger

Health.

When Chicago Cubs fans talk about Kyle Schwarber, this seems to be where the conversation always ends. Sure, his postseason performance was the stuff of legend. (Remember, he hit .412 in the World Series after missing the entire season).

But many, including San Francisco Giants’ catcher Buster Posey, believe a return to catching won’t be so easy for the Cubs’ youngster.

"“For the year or two after my ankle injury, there was maintenance after every game and spring training workout, whatever it may be. I’m feeling pretty good (now) and can back off it a little bit.”"

From what we’ve seen with Schwarber, easing back into things isn’t how he works. He attacks his rehabilitation work aggressively, doing whatever it takes to be on the field with his teammates.

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    • In 2015, the now-23-year-old rated, by most measures, as a sub-par defensive catcher. He caught just 18 percent of would-be base stealers – a far cry from the 28 percent league average. He also came in with a minus-3 defensive runs saved above average, according to Baseball Reference.

    Now, to play devil’s advocate, he caught just 21 games that season. He’s matured and grown with another year of tutelage of the catching craft. But, at the end of the day, Kyle Schwarber will be in the lineup for his bat. Even if he’s behind the dish, Chicago isn’t expecting Gold Glove-caliber defense from the Indiana University standout.

    Keeping him behind the plate frees up a regular spot for another regular, perhaps Ben Zobrist, in left field. Meanwhile, it also keeps Schwarber’s powerful bat in the lineup on a daily basis.

    It will all come down to health. If Chicago has any doubt at all, then Kyle Schwarber may very well have caught his last game at the big league level.

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