Chicago Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo Will Win 2015 NL MVP
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Back in 2007, Anthony Rizzo was drafted by former Boston Red Sox GM Theo Epstein and assistant GM Jed Hoyer. Three years later in December 2010, Hoyer was the GM of the San Diego Padres and dealt first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox in exchange for Rizzo and other prospects. Both Epstein and Hoyer wanted Rizzo on their team, and in 2012, both were granted that wish.
Epstein was hired as president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs, and Hoyer left San Diego to rejoin forces with Epstein as GM for the Cubs. One of the first moves they made as the duo in charge of baseball operations was acquiring Rizzo on Jan. 6, 2012. Epstein, Hoyer and Rizzo were reunited on the North Side of Chicago.
Rizzo played the first half of the 2012 season with the Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate before being called up on June 26, and had an immediate impact. He became the first player in Cubs’ history to have three game-winning RBIs in his first five games with the team. Rizzo has continually improved ever since.
In his first full season as the starting first baseman, Rizzo hit 23 home runs and drove in 80 runs in 160 games played.
Despite injuries that limited him to 140 games in 2014, Rizzo improved on his home-run total in crushing 32 homers, being selected to his first All-Star game and finishing in the top 10 in NL MVP voting. He will continue to improve in 2015 and take a big step in his progression toward becoming the best first baseman in the majors.
The Cubs will grow around Rizzo as one of the leaders in the clubhouse along with new free-agent additions Jon Lester and David Ross. With age and experience, Rizzo will be able to parlay his talent on the field into a strong leadership role with the Cubbies.
With his progression continuing, Rizzo will emerge as one of the best talents in MLB, and he will win the 2015 NL MVP award.
Dan Marmaduke is a Chicago Cubs, NFL, and NBA Blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarmadukeSports and add him to your network on Google
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