In today’s Pre-Gamin’ post for the Cubs/Dodgers finale, I pointed out that the Cubs’ offense was lagging a bit at the beginning of the year, primarily because Anthony Rizzo had gotten off to an unusually rocky start.
Indeed, his 60 wRC+ entering play today indicates that he’s been about 40% worse than the league average offensive contributor, while his .030 ISO is almost comically low (career .213 guy) – due, in part, to the fact that he has yet to hit a homer.
Had* yet to hit a homer:
That was Rizzo’s first homer of the year and first hit of the day. He’s now slashing .235/.335/.353 with a much better 90 wRC+ (darn early season stats and their ridiculous variability). It also means the Anthony Rizzo Foundation is getting some donations:
We are off to the races! That's Home Run #1 for #TeamRizzo and $2500 for the HR Challenge. Join the fun today at https://t.co/NvX8lT1CbO pic.twitter.com/2QX9B8Tl6y
— A. Rizzo Foundation (@RizzoFoundation) April 13, 2017
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And it wasn’t a cheap one, either:
Anthony Rizzo with a lazer HR… pic.twitter.com/E5IHy2GUa6
— Daren Willman (@darenw) April 13, 2017
According to Statcast, that homer left the bat at 105 MPH and traveled a cool 400 feet. Hopefully, this is just the start of a great day for Rizzo at the plate – he could use it.
Also, did you notice the FANTASTIC fan grab through the beer? It’s one of those get’s better every loop types:
Rizzo homer and a bleachers beer splash down. How about the catch though?!? #Cubs @WGNNews @Cubs pic.twitter.com/HAqhkOHvq9
— Josh Frydman (@Josh_Frydman) April 13, 2017
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