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Chicago Cubs’ first baseman Anthony Rizzo wins Silver Slugger award
By David Miniel
It has been over a week since the Chicago Cubs mobbed in the middle of Progressive Field. Since then, it has been nothing but victory parades, television appearances and now, awards.
For Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, regular season hardware has been falling into his lap. The veteran slugger has been through one heck of a journey from battling cancer to becoming the centerpiece of the Cubs.
Rizzo has evolved into one of the most beloved Cubs in franchise history. The great thing about it? He’s still young and continues to improve in all aspects of the game. Which later resulted in Rizzo winning his first career Gold Glove award for his excellent defense.
Joining him in that category is his teammate and right fielder, Jason Heyward. Heyward added his fourth Gold Glove — three with different teams since debuting with the Atlanta Braves.
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In fact, Heyward won two Gold Gloves with the Braves, one with the St. Louis Cardinals and now 2016 with the Chicago Cubs. Jason will emerge as the favorite to repeat in 2017. Hopefully, he can keep up the great work.
Now, according to MLB.com, Rizzo has another career first under his belt. With Nolan Arenado continuing to sweep hot corner awards, Rizzo survived the cut, earning a Silver Slugger award at first base.
On the American League side, Miguel Cabrera brought home the award at the same position for the Detroit Tigers. Former Cubs’ prospect Josh Donaldson did the same for the Toronto Blue Jays but at third.
Making History
Alright, for those of you who were unaware, Derrek Lee was the first Chicago Cubs first baseman in history to win this award. Lee did so during the 2005 campaign where he hammered 46 homers, 107 RBI, 50 doubles, three triples, 199 hits while slashing .335/.418/.662/.1.080.
Also, I feel like Lee was snubbed out of the National League MVP award that year but that will happen from time-to-time. Now, Rizzo joins Lee, being only the second first baseman to win this award.
Rizzo ended the 2016 campaign with 32 homers, 109 RBI, four triples, 43 doubles, 170 hits and a batting line of .292/.385/.544/.929.
Next: Fowler could return to the Cubs in '17
When it comes to winning a Silver Slugger, Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg owns the franchise record with seven. Just one ahead of Sammy Sosa. However, the Cubs are still looking for a Silver Slugger at shortstop.
Will Addison Russell be the man to get the job done? Not this year but has a great shot at winning his first career Silver Slugger award in 2017.