Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not fair at all, but Rick Renteria‘s time with the Chicago Cubs will be judged on the success of two Cubs’ hitters in particular. Looking at the Cubs’ payroll, it’s obvious that both Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo are the players that Chicago has invested the most in. With that in mind, it’s now Renteria’s job to get the most out of these two rather young major league bats as both had down years in 2013.
Many have compared Rizzo’s career path to that of Kansas City Royals first basemen Eric Hosmer, who improved mightily in his third MLB season setting career highs in batting average, RBI and even won his first Gold Glove Award this offseason. Rizzo and Hosmer have been compared for years and the ball is now in Rizzo’s court as he enters his third MLB season looking to improve upon his 2013 batting average of .233.
Meanwhile, Renteria must also find a place for Castro in the Cubs’ line-up and in the field. Castro has battled to become a better shortstop in recent years, but his defense is currently a weakness at this stage in his career. Not to mention, Castro’s fourth professional season saw him hit a mere .245, which is totally unacceptable for a player of Castro’s caliber.
At the end of the day; Renteria must pay close attention to both of these players considering neither have fulfilled expectations despite a hefty financial commitment to each.
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
