In an unprecedented move, Theo Epstein and Dale Sveum were able to convince NL manager Tony La Russa to ditch Bryan LaHair in favor of recent call-up Anthony Rizzo. This will count as the second time LaHair has lost a job to the rookie this season. The move is a plan by the Cubs to get Rizzo more at-bats.
“We have a lot riding on Rizzo,” said Sveum. “The more comfortable he gets at the plate, especially in a pressure cooker situation like the All-Star game, the better off he is.”
LaHair, who is only in his second season, is now planning to lobby La Russa for time in right field at the big game. Club President Theo Epstein hopes LaHair can remain on the NL roster, thus giving the Cubs three players on the team. He does however maintain his preference of Rizzo being there at first base over LaHair.
“Anthony has multiple inherent qualities as a baseball player,” said Epstein. “We like what Bryan gives us as well, aside from not hitting lefties. If he goes up there against a C.J Wilson or Chris Sale he runs the risk of making the franchise look foolish. We remain bullish on what Anthony Rizzo can provide as a Cub player in the short- and long-term, and think that exposure at the All-Star game will help him along.”
