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Cubs, Padres Swap Anthony Rizzo And Andrew Cashner

by Grant Brisbee

The Chicago Cubs found their first baseman of the future, and possibly for 2012, reuniting Anthony Rizzo with both Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer.

  • Grant Brisbee

    Grant Brisbee

    Revisiting The Andrew Cashner For Anthony Rizzo Swap

    Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) singles in the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at HoHoKam Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE
    Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) singles in the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at HoHoKam Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE
    Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) singles in the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at HoHoKam Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE

    In 2012, though, Bruce has been the more valuable player. By a bunch. And even without looking at contracts or team control, it’s possible -- likely? -- that a 25-year-old Bruce is the better bet for sustained success going forward. And that trade rumor doesn’t look lopsided at all to Giants fans. And if Lincecum ever figures out what’s going on, maybe the rumor pendulum will swing back toward the ridiculous.

    Point being: It’s always silly to evaluate trades right away. It’s silly to evaluate them three years after. We have to do it because we’re fans -- and what’s the point if we’re not having fun with the analysis? -- but it doesn’t age well.

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  • Rob Neyer

    Rob Neyer

    SICKELS: The Prospects In The Cubs-Padres Deal

    Rizzo batted .141 for the Padres last season. Looks like Jedstein believes in minor-league statistics.

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  • Grant Brisbee

    Grant Brisbee

    Rizzo To Begin Year In AAA; Cashner To Relieve

    Good question. First from Scott Miller:

    Cubs GM Hoyer: Plan is Rizzo open at AAA Iowa and LaHair start season at 1B....and again:

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  • Grant Brisbee

    Grant Brisbee

    Cubs Acquire Anthony Rizzo, Trade Andrew Cashner To Padres

    Anthony Rizzo of the San Diego Padres hits a double against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
    Anthony Rizzo of the San Diego Padres hits a double against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
    Anthony Rizzo of the San Diego Padres hits a double against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
    Getty Images

    Rizzo has a fan club in Chicago, as his career originally started in Boston with Theo Epstein, and moved to San Diego with Jed Hoyer. The 22-year-old first baseman had a rough introduction to the big leagues, hitting .141/.281/.242 (bad even by Petco standards). But he started the 2011 season as Baseball America’s #75 prospect in baseball, and he then tore up the Pacific Coast League, hitting .331/.404/.652 with 26 home runs. The PCL is a raging hitters’ league, but that’s still an impressive line from a 21-year-old.

    The Cubs also acquired former third-round pick Zach Cates, a right-handed starting pitcher who had a nondescript debut in the Midwest League. He was on the “others” section of John Sickels’ list of the top 20 Padres prospects, but it should be noted that the Padres have a deep system.

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