Rizzo Says (Seriously) Cubs Will Win NL Central

January 16, 2015 @ admin → No Comments

Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo has spoken: “It’s [winning the National League Central] going to happen this year. It’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to play and we’re going to win the NL Central, you can quote me on that. We should be the team, with all due respect to every other team, we’re going to do some things this year. That’s what we’re going to put our sights on and we’re not going to accept anything else.” And, no, his remarks Thursday did not come at a comedy club audition. He was speaking at a Cubs Caravan stop at a Chicago school. Better to indoctrinate youngsters early to the reality of the disconnect between words and actions. Check back in October (if not sooner) to see whether Rizzo should take an offseason job as a fortune teller.

Video below of Laura Cattay.

* More Rizzo: “It [winning the World Series] will be fun. Once we do, we’re going to figure out how we’re going to do it again. That’s a long ways away. That’s nine or 10 months away. Right now we’re focused on the convention, then spring training, and becoming a team and going from there.” Hey, if you can’t turn kids into believers, who can you convince?

* Speaking of the Cubs, their fan convention is this weekend. Folks will flock to it to celebrate a storied past and to fantasize about the future. Because living in the moment doesn’t mean much for a baseball fan when spring training hasn’t even begun.

* Speaking of Cubs Convention, if the franchise was fractionally as successful on the field as it has been marketing the team (which last won a World Series in 1908), the Cubs would have won a World Series or two or more in that span.

* The White Sox will honor recently retired Paul Konerko on May 23 by retiring his No. 14 before their game against Minnesota. “Paul Konerko is one of the greatest players in White Sox history, not only for his strength and performance on the field, but also for his heart and leadership off the field,” Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said. “Paul was a humble leader whose passion for the game earned the respect and love of the entire clubhouse and fans all over the country. We honor Paul by retiring his number and welcoming him to the ranks of White Sox legends.” And it doesn’t hurt that the May 23 festivities likely will come before a packed house at U.S. Cellular Field.

* Speaking of Konerko, the Sox already unveiled a statue of him Sept, 27, 2014. And had a big crowd. Taking an uneducated guess (the only variety that is available around here) that the team will find a way to retire other parts of his uniform. Can’t wait till Paul Konerko batting glove night. Or Paulie wristband day. Konerko baseball cap night, anyone?

* Speaking of retired jerseys, Konerko’s will be the 11th player so honored by the team. The others (in numerical order): Nellie Fox (No. 2), Harold Baines (3), Luke Appling (4), Minnie Minoso (9), Luis Aparicio (11), Ted Lyons (16), Billy Pierce (19), Frank Thomas (35), Carlton Fisk (72) and Brooklyn Dodgers Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson (42).

* Speaking of the Sox, they avoided arbitration with right-hander Nate Jones by giving him a one-year deal worth a reported $660,000. Not major money by major-league standards. But he had been projected to receive $600,000. And he isn’t expected to pitch much in 2015 after having Tommy John surgery in July. Then again, he didn’t pitch much in 2014 for the Sox. He faced five batters an did not record an out. Meaning (based on such productivity — or lack of it) if he doesn’t pitch at all in 2015, that would be an improvement for the Sox bullpen.

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