Chicago Cubs: Slump to hero, Anthony Rizzo will do it again

As history illuminates, Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo has overcome slumps before. And there’s absolutely no reason to panic now.

When you’re the defending World Champion Chicago Cubs, everything tends to be magnified.

For better or worse.

Consider first baseman Anthony Rizzo, an embodiment of the Cubs, multiple time All-Star, reigning Platinum Glove winner, Silver Slugger recipient, and the anchor of the Cubs lineup.

For all the accolades which adorn him, maybe the most telling is his being the second in offensive WAR among NL first baseman in 2016.

However, even the fickleness associated with the modern May slump will bust through even the most optimistic of times.

From rebuild to robust

Rizzo put together his first full season in 2013, cranking 23 home runs, driving in 80 RBI.

A rebuilding year for the Cubs, Rizzo displayed glimpses of raw potential that has since evolved him into today’s robust slugger.

The 2014 season provided more of the same, as he upped his home run total, in less overall games and at-bats than the year prior.

More from Chicago Cubs News

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
• Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis

In 2016 the Cubs roared out of the gates, firing on all cylinders. The lineup bashed its way to the top of the most prominent offensive categories.

All of this, despite Rizzo struggling to the tune of a .218 average through April, and still just hitting .239 on June 2.

No place to hide

A team’s hot start helps mask early season struggles, Rizzo included.

The typical rhetoric is, just wait until Rizzo gets going. However, when the team and star players’ struggles coincide, there is no hiding from criticism, and no one is off-limits.

Rizzo eventually did get hot, even if a few months into 2016.

In 2015 Rizzo started the season very well, before hitting .269 for the month of June, and .250 in July. His overall numbers were still on-par, as he entered August hitting .287.

Today, the Cubs are in third place, one game out, and Rizzo is mired in a 3-for-29 May slump.

The fact remains it typically takes that one multi-hit performance or home run to turn 3-29 into something comparable to his April production which saw him hit six home runs, knock in 17, and ride out a 12-game hit streak.

It’s gonna happen. It always does.

An early season lull is as much a reason to panic now, as it would be to declare an MVP in April. The overreaction is what puts the fan in fanatics, but remember, Rizzo has been through this before.

The slugger slumped on the biggest stage just seven months ago in the postseason.

Next: Anderson's leash a big question mark when he returns from DL

Alas, the proven veteran heated up, and the World Series was won. Everyone remembers Rizzo for his production during big postseason spots than the 1-for-23 slump during the NLCS and prior.

Nevermind a regular season slump in May.