ROSE SITS, BULLS WIN
Photo Credit: espn.go.com |
CUBS GET RIZZO - A CLOSER LOOKS AT THE DEAL
Photo Credit: bleacherreport.com |
First, Rizzo. The 22 year old left handed hitting first baseman had an up and down 2011 season for San Diego. He started the year in AAA and absolutely mashed. Rizzo hit .331 with 26 homers and 101 runs batted in in just 93 games. However, he struggled after being called up to the majors. And I mean, REALLY struggled. Rizzo got just 18 hits in 128 at bats in 49 games and struck out 46 times while homering only once. Still, the guy's a big time prospect, and Hoyer would know that better than anyone.
Na is only 20, but is a plus defender in centerfield. He hit .268 in 83 games in the minors last year and stole 20 bases, but he doesn't hit for any power (just 11 extra base hits, 0 homers).
Cashner, 25, has a great arm and was the Cubs 5th starter to open the 2011 season. However, he injured his shoulder in that start and was limited to just 6 relief appearances the rest of the year. Cashner allowed just 3 hits in 10 2/3 innings last season, but it remains to be seen if the Padres see him as a starter or as a reliever.
Finally Cates, 22. Cates started 25 games in A ball last year and was 4-10 with a 4.73 ERA. He's got a fastball in the mid-90s, struck out 111 hitters and 118 innings while surrendering just 107 hits. He has more of an upside than Na does, but he's far from a can't miss prospect.
Really, this trade comes down to Rizzo for Cashner, and given Rizzo's tremendous upside and ability to be an every day player for the Cubs versus Cashner more than likely being a bullpen piece in San Diego, you have to give Chicago the edge in this deal.
MIKE TICE IN AS BEARS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Photo Credit: chicagoist.com |
Tice, a college quarterback who played tight end during his NFL career, will certainly be a change of pace from Martz, but it's hard to say what to expect from the Bears offense in 2012. One thing's for sure, if Tice is to be successful, the Bears will need to bring back Matt Forte and have a healthy Jay Cutler if they hope to contend in a division that has the defending Super Bowl Champion Packers and the upstart Lions who will only get better.
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