Does this Cub have a future as a coach?

This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian’s Cubs Beat publication. In the present day’s publication was written by Tim Stebbins. To learn the complete publication, click here. And subscribe to get it usually in your inbox.

CHICAGO — From 2020-22 with the Braves, Dansby Swanson performed in all however two video games, 382 of a potential 384.

So, you possibly can perceive what it was like for him through the two and a half weeks he spent on the injured record this month resulting from a left heel contusion.

“I felt like I used to be going a little bit stir loopy,” Swanson stated.

However though he was unable to play, Swanson refocused his vitality into contributing in different methods.

“I felt like I used to be all people’s honorable assistant,” Swanson stated, “hitting coaches, pitching coaches, all people. I felt like I used to be basically an assistant coach for the final two weeks. It was driving me nuts.

“I really like enjoying. I really like going on the market day by day and with the ability to compete with the fellows on the staff and do issues you possibly can to win. However through the couple of weeks, there’s clearly different issues that may be accomplished. Simply attempting to have a superb angle about it.”

Mentioned supervisor David Ross: “He simply cannot flip it off. It has been enjoyable watching him work together across the dugout and within the clubhouse. We have had a whole lot of good conversations whereas he is been down.”

Swanson, the All-Star shortstop who joined the Cubs on a seven-year deal final offseason, is an important piece to the staff’s success on the sector, from his presence within the lineup to Gold Glove protection at shortstop and general baseball IQ. That worth additionally extends to his management.

Christopher Morel, who’s moved across the diamond for the Cubs the final two seasons, noticed a whole lot of time at second base, with Nico Hoerner shifting over to shortstop, when Swanson was sidelined.

Swanson supplied Morel suggestions on his positioning, together with moments to maintain runners on second near the bag.

“He is aware of the sport loads,” Morel stated of Swanson. “I do know they go to him inside and out of doors the dugout.”

Ross stated he and Swanson have talked about cutoff and relay performs, with the shortstop giving suggestions to assist Cubs outfielders in these moments.

“His make-up is off the charts,” Ross stated. “That’s what we recognized within the offseason, of simply attempting to get any individual that is wired the best approach and thinks the best issues and has been a part of profitable for a extremely very long time.

“It reveals whenever you’re round him constantly, simply his willingness to impression others, lead, impart his knowledge and experiences on others. It’s simply actually invaluable.”

Possibly, after his enjoying days are over, Swanson has a future in teaching. Ross, when requested particularly the place he may see Swanson on a employees, pointed to 3rd base coach, “as a result of he sees loads. He is very conscious of the environment, how the sport is shifting, the impression.”

Swanson’s spouse, Mallory, a star soccer participant for the Chicago Pink Stars and U.S. Ladies’s Nationwide Staff, can see teaching in his future, too.

“My spouse tells me I am for positive teaching,” he stated. “I do not know. That is up to now down the road. I do get pleasure from serving to different folks. That is simply my character usually, and clearly if it should assist us win, it is like two nice issues without delay.”