Anthony Rizzo is one of the most personable players on the Cubs, and ESPN capitalized on this by miking up the first baseman during Monday’s game against the Angels.
Rizzo had an extensive conversation with ESPN analysts Jon Sciambi and Jessica Mendoza during a third-inning at-bat. He started off saying he was going to be aggressive, only to get caught way out in front of a breaking ball.
Rizzo admitted he was a bit too aggressive and eventually worked a 2-2 count.
“I’m feeling a heater right here because I’ve only seen one today from [Angels pitcher Matt Andriese],” Rizzo said.
The result: Andriese threw a fastball, and Rizzo drilled it into right-center field for a base hit. The best part of the sequence was Rizzo’s reaction to his foresight.
“I was right,” Rizzo said, giddily. “I’m gonna go [for] two here.”
*Angels center fielder Brennon Lund gets to the ball fast and throws it back into second base.*
“No, I’m not,” Rizzo said, after careful consideration.
Rizzo gets paid a ton of money to understand pitch sequences and what pitchers might throw during specific situations. As his reaction proves, it’s awesome to see a professional’s high baseball IQ at work, and even Rizzo was semi-surprised his prediction came true.
Husband. All-Star. Multitasker. Wizard. What can’t this guy do?