SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon made sure not to direct it solely at infielder Javier Baez but the message is clear: he's not a lock to come north when they break camp on April 4.

"Of course there's a chance he doesn't make the team because there's no lock in regards to that," Maddon said Thursday afternoon. "The entitlement program doesn't exist."

Maddon has used that last line often since being hired. Draft status simply does not matter once you get to the big leagues. And while a player like Jorge Soler has only played a handful of games in the majors, he looks more prepared. Of course, his swing didn't undergo an overhaul.

"To this point he's (Baez) had a lot of good at-bats," Maddon stated. "And then he'll show one with the out of control swing that bothers him a little bit. And I think it bothers the fans more than it bothers me. He's just a young guy trying to figure this all out. [He has] sterling bat speed."

As if on cue a few hours later, Baez had one of those games. He struck out looking bad in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks but then worked a walk -- his first of the Cactus League -- two innings later. One inning after that, he struck out again. And two more times after that, including the final out of the game.

"Of course he needs to get better but I don't want to force or push things right now with a guy like that," Maddon said.

Baez is 3-for-30 (.100) this spring after those five at-bats with one home run and 11 strikeouts. It can't be a shock to anyone if he's sent to Triple-A Iowa -- though the Cubs have stated they only like to promote players once. There's always exceptions of course. Maddon made sure to heap praise after recognizing the obvious.

"The thing no one talks about is this guy is a really good baseball player," he said. "Defense is spectacular, base running is outstanding, his acumen on the field is well beyond his years. The thing that's lagging a bit is the adjustment at the plate."

There is an argument to be made that letting Baez figure it out in the majors might be better for him even if it's not the best thing for the team. No matter what anyone thinks this is not a peak year for the Cubs. They're still a work in progress. Would it better for Baez to see major league pitching, work with major league coaches and simply get the experience? Then we'll know for sure. People still rave about the bat speed.

"This other stuff at the plate he'll figure it out," Maddon said. "In the meantime, he hits homers, you know. Dan Uggla did that for a while and made a lot of money. And I'm not saying that's who he is."

Maddon is taking a sensible approach. If Baez is Uggla now, the manager is hopeful time will turn him into something better. But should that happen in the minors or majors? We'll find out soon enough.

"I like him as a baseball player," Maddon said. "He's a tough guy."