Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo named to Sporting News NL All-Star team

The Chicago Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo hauled in more accolades for his breakout 2014 season, being named to the Sporting News All-Star team by a panel of NL executives.

Rizzo, just 21 years-old, established himself as a leader on this Cubs team–as well as having his best year in his young career. He batted .286, with 32 home runs, and 78 RBIs. He finished second in the NL in home runs behind only Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins with 37. Rizzo and Stanton both missed time with injuries; Rizzo for his back, Stanton after being hit in the face by a pitch. Otherwise the two may have each surpassed 40 home runs.

Rizzo has drawn many comparisons, recently by our own Emily Gruver, but he has a chance to be something special. He’s a top-tier defensive first baseman, who shows great patience at the plate, but still provides a great power bat. In 2013, a season that he found himself struggling to hit lefties, questions arose if the Cubs had “misread” his potential. 

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He quieted all concerns with a spectacular year, leading to an All-Star appearance, and now a Sporting News All-Star team. The biggest reason was he took his biggest weakness from last season, the inability to hit left-handers, and made it his strength. In 2013, Rizzo hit only .189 vs LHP, and a .282 OBP. Fast forward to this season where he hit lefties at a clip of .300, with a .421 OBP. He actually hit better against LHP this season than RHP (.281).

All the tools are there. The entire organization was in a sense put upon him and Starlin Castro as they were both awarded long term contracts, well before most believed they were deserved. Neither of them let the Cubs down in 2014, and both will be key to success in 2015 and beyond.

Rizzo has shown himself to be a student of the game, never resting on his ability alone. Let’s hope that this is only one of many more accolades for one of our best young Cubs.