Cubs News: Javier Baez complains about lack of in-game video access: 'It sucks' |
CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs shortstop
Javier Baez picked an interesting time to complain about something that restricts his approach at the plate, as he went 3-for-4 on Monday, for his first multi-hit performance in two weeks, but "Javy" was candid with reporters following the Cubs' 5-1 Labor Day victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Speaking with the media in the postgame press session at Wrigley Field, Baez discussed his frustration wit the lack of in-game video access this season.
Due to the Houston Astros cheating scandal, MLB cracked down on video access in the dugouts during games this year, severely limiting what managers, coaches and players can access while a game is being played. Baez is not a fan of that decision, though, and it might explain why he has struggled at the plate this summer. "To be honest, it sucks." Baez said of the replay restrictions. "I make my adjustments during the game. I adjust my swing. I watch where the ball was (and) where the contact was. I'm really mad that we don't have it." Baez was visibly frustrated with the home plate umpire after getting rung up late in Sunday's game, and his inability to watch video and make in-game adjustments to his approach at the plate might have spurred the outburst. "El Mago" did not hold back when calling out the Astros, either, as he addressed their cheating when discussing why it is not fair for other teams to be forced to pay the price for what they did. "With all (due) respect, we didn't cheat. We're not cheating, and we gotta pay for others," Javy candidly said. The middle infielder went on to say that he would continue pushing MLB to bring in-game video access back, saying that the players need it for in-game adjustments. Baez has struck out 55 times in 41 games, and not having dugout access to replays of his at-bats might be a major factor behind that. Read Baez's full comments below: Javy Báez on no updated video to watch in game: It sucks. I make my adjustments during the game. I watch my swing, I watch where the ball was, where contact was. I'm really mad we don't have it. With all respect, we didn't cheat. We're not cheating. And we gotta pay for others pic.twitter.com/xUdgcP5096
