The Cubs All-Star first baseman had a very good year and Anthony Rizzo was named to the Sporting News National League All-Star team Wednesday. Anthony Rizzo beat out fellow first basemen Freddie Freeman, Adrian Gonzalez and Paul Goldschmidt. Anthony Rizzo was the only Cubs player selected to the NL team by a panel of 11 National League general managers and assistant general managers. Clayton Kershaw, Jonathan Lucroy, Dee Gordon, Jhonny Peralta, Anthony Rendon, Giancarlo Stanton, Andrew McCutchen, Justin Upton and Craig Kimbrel round out the National League squad. Anthony Rizzo hit .286/.386/.527 in 140 games with 28 doubles, a triple, 32 home runs and a .913 OPS. During the meetings with the season ticket holders, Theo Epstein talked about Rizzo?s season and said, ?Really any discussion of the Cubs organization at this point and time with the team on the field for me has to begin with Anthony Rizzo. He?s 25 years old. He?s a staple. This was a huge year for him, not only what he did on the field, and I thought he was one of the best players in the National League, but he really grew into a leadership role.? ?His first couple of years he was one of the better players on the team. He was one of the youngest players on the team, just an awkward position to be in. You don?t want to assert yourself too much. It might look to eager to some of the veterans. This year he embraced that leadership role. He really took a step forward conscientiously, intentionally and grabbed it. Whether it was mentoring the younger players, or challenging the entire Cincinnati Reds bench on that day or announcing to you guys, through the media on the last day of the season, that next year we are going to win the division, that?s the goal.? ?He is our leader. He?s recognized that way and he likes it,? Epstein said. ?And just as important, if not more important, he?s really good. He?s turned into a really good player. I think he deserves to be a top five NL MVP finalist. I think certainly he?s going to finish in the top 10.?
I like Rizzo, he's the leader of this young team. Just as long as his 7/41 mil.team friendly contract, doesn't become contentious with the future big FA signings, things will be good.
