Chicago Cubs fans haven’t been happy with Justin Turner and it’s tough to blame them. Turner, a veteran through and through, hasn’t played the baseball he’s been hoping for.
Currently hitting .175 with no home runs, things haven’t been great for the 40-year-old veteran.
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However, there’s also a reason why he’s on the roster. Outside of what Turner can do when he’s at his best on the diamond, he brings many little things to organizations.
According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, that’s started to rub off on Pete Crow-Armstrong, who attributed some of his success to the longtime professional hitter.
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome.Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
“In terms of approach, Crow-Armstrong also gave a shoutout to Justin Turner, the team’s 40-year-old hitting guru. Whether you’re feeling good or bad, Crow-Armstrong said, the main focus is “being able to go up there like it’s 0-for-0 every time.” In the end, that sense of discipline and concentration makes a long career and truly turns a player into a star. It’s just happening faster than anyone could have anticipated,” Mooney wrote.
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It’s important to remember that not every player on a 26-man roster will be a star.
When Turner was at his best, yes, he was one of the better players in baseball at his position, but he also understands what it takes to be a professional day in and day out. That value isn’t seen often around Major League Baseball.
Even if he’s up just to help Crow-Armstrong get through his at-bats and stay level-headed, it might be worth it.
That doesn’t mean he should play every day, but he’s a leader in the locker room, and that can’t be replicated.
Related: Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong Throws Shot at White Sox After Record-Setting Day