LOS ANGELES – In early January, Cubs coach Jonathan Mota brought an idea to top prospect Matt Shaw. After studying video of him playing third base and taking note of where he was missing when his throws were off target, the Cubs wanted him to lower his arm slot.
Shaw had tested the same concept that fall while representing the United States in the Premier 12 tournament. And he was coming to the same realization. He was ready to make it a permanent change.
“It feels great,” Shaw said in a recent conversation with the Sun-Times. “I definitely think it shows, the plays I’m making a third, and comfortable getting it over to first. So that’s definitely a good sign. And I think I’ve made a lot of progress.”
Shaw’s major-league career began with a whirlwind trip to Japan, some tough pitching matchups, and a high-profile role throughout. He’s started 14 of the Cubs’ first 17 games, dropped into a staunch defensive lineup while he was still early in a position change.
“He’s going to make mistakes early, and his baseball IQ is very, very high; he’s a very intelligent kid,” said Mota, who works with the infielders. “… It’s like, ‘Well, can you make adjustments?’ And Matt Shaw can.”
A college shortstop, Shaw didn’t make third base his primary position until last year in the minors. Through drills, a throwing program and video sessions this winter, he found his ideal arm slot, at about three quarters. But an oblique injury this spring shortened his preparation time before making his debut on Opening Day in Tokyo.
“It’s unique, debuting Opening Day, and it’s off to the races,” Shaw said. “But at the same time, it was something that I was hoping I’d be prepared for. And I feel like I was. Obviously the beginning didn’t go amazing against the Dodgers, they have a great team. But, I really feel comfortable. Even offensively, you go through ups and downs this season, and that’s just the nature of baseball. So, I feel confident.”
Shaw made a throwing error that first game in Tokyo, ranging to his glove side and trying to make a spinning toss to first. Off balance, his throw sailed wide. But the next game, when presented with a similar play, his footwork was more controlled and he put his throw on target.
“When you see something like that, you’re like, ‘Okay, he’s able to retain information, he’s able to apply it,” Mota said. “That’s all you can ask as an infield coach.”
Going into Saturday, Shaw had been charged with two more errors, both hard-hit grounders that he couldn’t quite glove. But for the most part, he’s looked at home at third base, regardless of his lack of experience.
“I was really hoping I’d be able toget past all the environment stuff, the big-leagues and everything, and get comfortable playing,” Shaw said of his expectations of the first few weeks of the season. “And honestly, by like game four in Arizona, I really felt that way.”
In addition to working with the coaching staff, Shaw made sure to seek advice from veteran third baseman Justin Turner, who has played mostly first base and pinch hit for the Cubs but started at the hot corner Saturday. And for immediate feedback, as well as follow-up conversations, Shaw has gold glove shortstop Dansby Swanson playing to his left.
“Every day you put him out there, he’s going to just get a little bit better,” manager Craig Counsell said. “Experiences, adversity, struggles, good plays, he’s going to get better, and he’s going to take something from them and learn from them. And I think he’s done that.”
For the Wrigley Field opener last week, Shaw returned to the site he’d visited just a year and a half earlier as a recent first-round draftee with his sights set on a quick rise through the Cubs system.
His first time playing in front of the Cubs’ home crowd, had five ground balls hit to him , a season high. Each he fielded with authority and recorded an assist.