Chicago Cubs: Position-by-position matchup versus the Indians

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Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) reacts after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Cubs win 5-0 to advance to the World Series. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony Rizzo versus Mike Napoli

Which team’s first baseman hit more than 30 home runs? Knocked in more than 100 runs? Score more than 90 times? Walked more than 70 times?

The answer: Both teams. The offensive stats are almost even. Almost. The first basemen for both teams produce at a very high level. However, Rizzo holds a large advantage in batting splits (.292/.385/.544 compared to .239/.322/.471) and strikeouts (108 to 194).

We witnessed Rizzo’s struggles in the postseason; however, that changed dramatically thanks to Matt Szczur‘s bat. He finished the NLCS on a 7-for-14 streak with two home runs and five runs batted in. Napoli also struggled this postseason to the tune of hitting .179 with one home run and two knocked in.

It is a close battle, but one area pushes one player over the other. That is batting with men on base. Napoli only hit for a .253 average with men on, and a lower .237 with runners in scoring position. Rizzo was key all season batting .310 and .341 in those respective areas.

Advantage: Cubs

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