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Chicago Cubs: The five best Cubs trades since 1980

October 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs former player Rick Sutcliffe waves to fans before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch in game four of the NLCS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
October 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs former player Rick Sutcliffe waves to fans before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch in game four of the NLCS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 23, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo prepares in the dugout at the beginning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 7-5. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

#2: The General

When the story is fully scripted, this trade may be the most important move in the history of the Chicago Cubs. But, the story is around chapter 10. It is the trade for Anthony Rizzo.

Theo Epstein knew Rizzo before either moved to Chicago, as Rizzo was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2007. When Epstein came to town, a move for Rizzo was imminent. And, on January 6, 2012, the Cubs sent Andrew Cashner and a minor league player to San Diego for Rizzo and another minor leaguer.

Since that day, Rizzo moved up the ranks within the team. Starting as a promising rookie, he climbed to be a solid everyday player to, now, the leader of the Chicago Cubs. He is a three-time All-Star, a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner, and a perennial MVP candidate.

What I find interesting is that in terms of WAR, Rizzo has yet to be the team’s best player any year. Yet, he is eighth on the team all-time in Win Probability added, ninth in at-bats per home run, and top 40 in cumulative WAR.

The current Cubs are riding with the General.

Oct 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs hall of fame infielder Ryne Sandberg throws out the ceremonial first pitch before game three of the NLDS between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs hall of fame infielder Ryne Sandberg throws out the ceremonial first pitch before game three of the NLDS between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

 #1: The Gentleman

Few Chicago Cubs players were as loved and important to the team than one they acquired in a trade. And that trade happened on January 27, 1982, and brought Ryne Sandberg to the team.

An argument can be made that Ryno is the best second baseman in MLB history. With the Cubs, Sandberg was NL MVP in 1984. He won nine-straight Gold Gloves, made ten straight All-Star Games, and received seven Silver Slugger Awards. Easily, Sandberg walked into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.

In a city where the number 23 demanded attention, Sandberg flourished. He and Michael Jordan will forever not only be linked by wearing that number in Chicago, and performing to legendary status. Within one year, both players left their teams mid-season, retiring from the games we enjoyed watching them play. While Jordan came back and won more championships, Sandberg struggled.

Next: Rizzo has been better than his batting average looks

While the trade for Sandberg brought veteran Larry Bowa to the team from the Phillies for Ivan DeJesus, Sandberg was the key piece. To this day, he remains one of the fans’ all-time favorites. All because of a trade.

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