Cubs' Jon Lester, Javier Baez named NLCS co-MVPs
1st players to be named NLCS co-MVPs since 1990
When Jon Lester was a free agent two years ago, one of the reasons he decided on the Chicago Cubs was a group of promising prospects that included al Javier Baez.
Look where they are now.
Lester and Baez were selected co-MVPs for the NL Championship Series on Saturday night after leading the Cubs to their first NL pennant since 1945.
Baez hit .318 (7 for 22) with five RBIs against the Dodgers, picking up right where he left off in the Division Series. The versatile Baez also made a couple of the NLCS' most exciting plays, stealing home during Chicago's victory in the opener and robbing Adrian Gonzalez of a hit with a terrific barehanded scoop in Game 5 on Thursday night.
"Just having fun," Baez said. "Living my dream, playing like a little kid, moving everywhere, catching the ball and making plays."
Next up for Baez and the Cubs is the World Series against Francisco Lindor and the Indians, beginning Tuesday night in Cleveland. Baez and Lindor are part of a dynamic group of young players from Puerto Rico that also includes Houston shortstop Carlos Correa.
Baez "grew up in Puerto Rico, played a lot of baseball as a youth, played a lot of winter ball," manager Joe Maddon said. "He's been taught properly and well. And when he goes out there, man, you saw him before the game sitting on the bench, saw him waving into the camera, he's just being himself. I love that."
'Unbelievable to be here'
Lester, one of baseball's most accomplished playoff performers, went 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA in two starts against Los Angeles. He has allowed just two runs in 21 innings in three post-season games this year.
Lester's $155 million US, six-year deal in December 2014 was a key moment in the Cubs' turnaround from also-ran to contender. The left-hander is a sure bet to get the ball in Game 1 against the Indians, looking to improve to 4-0 in four World Series starts after helping Boston win it all in 2007 and 2013.
"It's been unbelievable to be here and be part of this," Lester said. "Words can't really describe where I'm at right now."
They became the first NLCS co-MVPs since Cincinnati relievers Rob Dibble and Randy Myers in 1990.
The Cubs grabbed Baez with the ninth overall pick in the 2011 amateur draft. He made his major league debut in 2014, but really turned into a consistent force this year, batting .273 with 14 homers and 59 RBIs while playing several different positions.
After struggling for a while in his first year in Chicago, Lester went 19-5 with a 2.44 ERA in 32 starts this season. The 19 wins matched a career high.