Russell tweaks mechanics, mental approach
Cubs rookie second baseman has improved at plate since break
MILWAUKEE -- Maybe Addison Russell is best at baseball when he's not thinking about it.
The Cubs rookie second baseman smacked a solo home run Sunday in a 4-3 win over the Brewers, and now is batting .286 since the All-Star break. It wasn't just the time off that seems to have helped the 21-year-old, but some adjustments with hitting coach John Mallee.
"He's in an entirely different stance and setup and start to his swing," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Russell, who is batting .237 overall. "It's much more efficient. He's getting to fastballs much better. I think he's making better decisions at the plate.
"I think he's at the point where he thinks he can hit anything hard, which may work against you sometimes. He's in a really good position to hit right now."
What's the difference?
"Talking to [Mallee] about baseball, he's trying to get my mind off numbers and stuff like that," Russell said. "I just go out there and do what's comfortable. I'm seeing the ball well. Even my outs are aggressive. I'm not slapping the ball on the ground, I'm barreling the ball up and just missing it. It's a good thing now."
Mallee isn't the only one trying to get Russell to think about something other than the game. Maddon gave the infielder a book to read -- Stephen King's "11/22/63." Russell gives Maddon updates.
The infielder got off to a rough start when first promoted from Triple-A in April, but he's feeling better after the sessions with Mallee and the break.
"Things are coming around," Russell said.