The X-Factor Piece for a Cubs World Series: Munenori Kawasaki?
Munenori Kawasaki isn't the best baseball player of the generation. He's not a heralded prospect, or a highly-sought after international free agent.
In parts of 4 years in the major leagues, his best slugging percentage has been .308. He's not hit a home run since 2013. He doesn't hit for a great average, but is a decent, above average fielder and draws plenty of walks.
That's still not why he adds something the Cubs haven't had in a while: fun.
The Cubs already have plenty of talent and star power. With the winds blowing outi n Wrigley, there are a lot of things trending upward for the Cubs. Kawasaki, like Joe Maddon, is an x-factor, even if he doesn't stand on the field all 9 innings. Kawasaki, known for his fun interviews, his hard work at improving his English, and his charismatic "team guy" personality, brings the mentality that all athletes should have: that they have the honor of playing a kid's game for a living. Kawasaki embraces it, and wears his heart on his sleeve as he goes about his business.
Now, "Mune" (pronounced Moo-nay) is even belting out hits, albeit not with his bat, but with his voice.
We feel you, @MuneKawasakiWB. “I don’t want to miss a thing” during this #Cubs #SpringTraining.https://t.co/KpJcuyuUu2
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 4, 2016
With an effort like that, how the Cubs not fly the W flag?