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The Appreciator - Welcome to the World of Matt
Home
Appreciations
    Why The Appreciator?
    Collected Wisdom
    Media Reccomendations
    Soul Fillers
    Reuben R. Reuben loves Reubens
Matt’s Satisfying Expressions
    Personal
    Originals
Sports Writings
    Baseball
    Cubs 2016 Season
    Things Less Important Than Baseball
    Radio
Music Writings
    On Musical Intake
    On Musical Output
    Hot Stove, Cool Music
Tributosaurus
    Official Site/Schedule
    Press
    Videos
Good Comp, Bad Comp
Introducing “Our Game”
About Matt
Further The Conversation
    Contact Matt
  • Home
  • Appreciations
    • Why The Appreciator?
    • Collected Wisdom
    • Media Reccomendations
    • Soul Fillers
    • Reuben R. Reuben loves Reubens
  • Matt’s Satisfying Expressions
    • Personal
    • Originals
  • Sports Writings
    • Baseball
    • Cubs 2016 Season
    • Things Less Important Than Baseball
    • Radio
  • Music Writings
    • On Musical Intake
    • On Musical Output
    • Hot Stove, Cool Music
  • Tributosaurus
    • Official Site/Schedule
    • Press
    • Videos
  • Good Comp, Bad Comp
  • Introducing “Our Game”
  • About Matt
  • Further The Conversation
    • Contact Matt
Baseball

So This is Kyle Schwarber? That works.

In just over three calendar years, there have been incredible highs and painful lows. He gave fans myriad epic post-season moments, before even completing a full seasons’ worth of big league at bats. A devastating lost year of injury somehow evolved into his greatest triumph. There was a half season of extreme failure, leading to a demotion that challenged the confidence of the front office men who’d believed in him most. Remember how odd it was to see him in an Iowa Cubs hat?
In his early 20’s, Kyle Schwarber went through a ton. So did I. So did you. It’s hard. It’s not linear. It’s life.
And now here in June of his 25th year, the man is playing steadily well, visibly comfortable, secure, and established.
So maybe this is Kyle Schwarber, major leaguer. If so, nice to meet you. This player would be a perennial All Star candidate and a hell of a weapon in the middle of a National League lineup.
Yes, National League. Because the man has turned himself into an above average Left Fielder.
Schwarber is tied for 1st among all MLB Left Fielders….

To read the rest of this column, go to670 The Score’s website here.

 


 “You know, I guess I think I’ve always been a professional critic… you know, or some sort of professional appreciator or something."
-Nick Hornby, High Fidelity (2000)

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