Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro were supposed to be the franchise cornerstones the Cubs were going to build around.
The plan for 2015 was to have those two 25-year-olds firmly implanted in the infield and the lineup and fill in young players like Kris Bryant, Jorge Soler, Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber around them.
While Rizzo is having an MVP-type season (.938 OPS) and been a stabilizing force in the lineup and in the field, Castro has been moved to the bench after months of struggles.
Rizzo feels for Castro's situation, but he also knows the three-time All-Star can turn things around.
"Starlin will be fine," Rizzo said. "I know right now, obviously, this is a low point for him. But he's a great teammate. He's a great person.
"He's a good leader, too. He doesn't get down. He doesn't get too high on the highs or too low on the lows. That's what makes him a good leader."
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Castro is coachable, has a good work ethic and vows to keep his head up. Blend those things in with the talent that helped him ascend to the big leagues at age 20 and collect nearly 1,000 career hits before his 26th birthday and everything is there for a turnaround.
But for the time being, the Cubs are winning with Addison Russell at shortstop while Castro is experiencing a major role change for the first time in his baseball career.