Chicago Cubs: Joe Maddon still has faith in Schwarber as a catcher

This was an easier point to argue when the Chicago Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber was raking. But Joe Maddon still believes in him behind the plate, and he may get more time back there as the season goes on.

After having two torn ligaments repaired in his knee, Chicago Cubs‘ slugger Kyle Schwarber knew his time behind the plate would be scarce. But the confidence from his manager hasn’t waivered, even with just five innings in three games. As his knee feels stronger, Schwarber is going to press Maddon to get behind the plate. If he starts swinging the bat with some consistency, what could it hurt?

Schwarber is still struggling to hit for average (.178/.299/.394) yet still has 12 home runs and 28 RBIs. Yes, at this point it seems to be all-or-nothing for Schwarber. But when he gets hold of it, man is it something. Willson Contreras is the man behind the plate for Chicago, without a doubt. And while Miguel Montero has hit the ball well, I’ve questioned what he has left defensively.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

Even without knowing what Schwarber can bring to the position, I don’t feel it can be any worse than Montero. Depending on what Maddon is trying to do in the outfield, having Schwarber catch could be a possibility for the Cubs. The only difficulty there is that the pitching staff is in disarray, and it might not be the best time to shake things up, although Maddon believes he’s better than most people think.

"“He has been bugging me to do this,” Maddon said of Schwarber, who plays left field and handles the designated-hitter duties in interleague games in American League ballparks. “He’s a great student. It’s good to get him there once in a while so he can feel it.” h/t Mark Gonzalez, Chicago Tribune"

Maddon has been happy with the way his throwing has improved. And he also likes his managing of the game, from studying the hitters to pitch calling. To hear Maddon talk about him, you would think he’s one of the best catching prospects in the game.

Next: Scarce alternatives for the struggling Lackey

At this point, I’m neutral on the idea. I’ve not been on the “send Schwarber down to Iowa” train. But I would like to see him develop some more consistency at the plate before we go and ask more of him in calling a game. He’s still young. Baby steps, Joe.