(670 the Score) With youngsters and little-known minor league veterans getting a chance to play every day after the Cubs’ sell-off at the trade deadline, it appears the team has struck pay dirt on one key player.
Rookie infielder Patrick Wisdom, who turned 30 on Friday, just keeps continuing to impress, as manager David Ross put it. Wisdom hit a pair of homers on both Friday and Saturday in the Cubs’ matchups against the White Sox, and he’s hitting .256 with 25 homers, 50 RBIs and an .899 OPS in 83 games through Sunday night.
Wisdom is just one homer short of tying the Cubs’ rookie record for homers, which Kris Bryant holds with 26 in 2015. Wisdom didn't join the big league Cubs until late May this season but is their team home run leader in just three months of work.
"We can attribute this to a lot of things,” Wisdom said of his recent hot streak and strong play. "It's hard to pinpoint exactly why. I believe it's just talking things over and working with the staff here. It’s learning to handle things pitch to pitch and at-bat to at-bat.
“The group does a really good job of putting blinders on me and moving me along in the right way.”
Wisdom had just 78 career MLB at-bats before this season. It’s the complete play of Wisdom that makes the Cubs believe they may have found a diamond in the rough in Wisdom. Wisdom has made 46 starts at third base, nine in the outfield and eight at first base.
"We have been pleased with his work at different positions,” Ross said.
"We have moved him around, and I have been extremely happy with how he has played. He is one of our best baserunners for his skill set. What makes me believe it could be sustainable is he has gone through great moments and gone through some struggles. He has gone up and back between the two. That is all about trusting yourself and working on the things you believe in and working on that each day. He has played great defense. There is a lot to like there. He is not a one-dimensional player.”
Along with Wisdom, first baseman Frank Schwindel and outfielder Rafael Ortega have been two other Cubs who have played well with increase opportunity.
“I don't want to come off as being rude, but if people are surprised, that's on them,” Wisdom said. “Other people know what we can do.I think there is a reason why we are here and why we are playing well. Team-wise, we want to win and that is the goal. I think if we can keep going, things will turn around. I am so for Raffy and Frank and the others who get chances down the line. This has been really special and fun to be a part of.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.