CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- It didn't take long for Cubs manager Joe Maddon to gain an appreciation for his newest veteran contributor, infielder Daniel Descalso.
Maddon and Descalso clicked right away when the two first met at Cubs Convention this past January, sharing laidback personalities and approaches to the game.
"He's a professional," Maddon said. "This guy knows what he's doing out there. He can play on any team in any generation. He's just a good baseball player."
Descalso, 32, shares the same respect for Maddon, saying that playing for him was one of the greatest appeals in signing with the Cubs this past offseason.
Descalso has had a decade-long career working as a role player -- playing the entire infield and even some outfield with the Cardinals, Rockies and Diamondbacks -- while Maddon has always been eager to use versatility as an asset in his lineups.
The Cubs signed Descalso to a two-year contract believing it'd be a benefit for Maddon.
"That was one of the reasons why I was happy to come over here, I knew that Joe mixes and matches and finds ways to get guys in the lineup to stay fresh," Descalso said. "That's perfect for me."
Descalso had found early success this season, opening with a slash line of .346/.414/.538 over nine games and 29 plate appearances. Maddon has started him at second base in six of the Cubs' first 11 games.
While the 37-year-old Ben Zobrist has served as the Cubs' primary lead-off hitter early, Maddon is committed to giving him regular rest. That means Descalso will see opportunities atop the Cubs' lineup, as is the case against the Pirates on Wednesday evening.
That doesn't change anything for Descalso, who pointed out that he hit in every single lineup slot with the Diamondbacks in 2018.
"No matter where I'm hitting, my goal is to get on base," Descalso said. "Try to have a good at-bat, try to swing at pitches that I can handle, try to lay off of those pitcher's pitches. My approach doesn't change whether I'm hitting first, fourth, eighth or ninth. I'm just going up there, trying to have a good at-bat and hit the ball hard somewhere."
Added Maddon: "He provides a really good at-bat. I want him to get more at-bats, because I think good things are going to happen."
Maddon had pointed to the Cubs needing a greater "sense of today" in 2019. Having Descalso in the fold strengthens that message, as he's used to making the most of every start he gets in his career as a utility player.
Descalso has embraced his opportunity of being a jack-of-all-trades player for his new team.
"I just show up every day trying to do something to help the team win," Descalso said. "I signed over here to win. I want to win games. I want to win playoff games, get to the World Series and win the World Series. That's why we're all here."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
