Chicago Cubs: Making the case for Anthony Rizzo leading off in 2018

The Chicago Cubs need someone to set the table atop the batting order. When it comes down to it, there’s no one I trust more than Anthony Rizzo.

Last year, despite scoring the second-most runs in the National League, the Chicago Cubs offense never really seemed to click. They had their stretches, to be sure. But the sheer dominance we saw during 2016 was nowhere to be found.

I believe a big reason for their on-and-off struggles lies atop the order. Unlike when Dexter Fowler led off on a near-daily basis, the leadoff spot experienced constant turnover in 2017. Kyle Schwarber was supposed to be the guy. Instead, he earned a demotion to Triple-A Iowa and Joe Maddon moved on.

But one guy who had tremendous success in the one-hole? First baseman Anthony Rizzo. Now, I know. To entertain this proposal, you’re all going to have to move past the typical leadoff hitter mold you’ve crafted over the years.

Speedy. A constant threat on the bases. Wrong. That’s not what makes a good leadoff hitter.

A quality table-setter does two things. He gets on-base at a high clip and he battles in each and every at-bat. And, looking at Chicago’s current roster makeup, there is no one who fits that bill as well as Rizzo.