The Bernstein Brief: Anthony Rizzo's Other Contribution
By Dan Bernstein--
CBSChicago.com senior columnist
(CBS) We watched him drive in the initial run of Game 2 of the World Series with the double to right and score what felt like a critical two-out run in the third, chugging home on Kyle Schwarber's line-drive single.
But also notable was what else Anthony Rizzo did all night Wednesday that's so important to the Cubs' productive offense and how they make life difficult for opponents. An essential part of their organizational philosophy was on display in Chicago's 5-1 victory that evened the series, and it was as much about what Rizzo didn't do as what he did.
He saw a total of 32 pitches Wednesday in his five plate appearances -- 13 balls and 19 strikes -- nine more than the next-highest individual total, which was matched by teammate Javier Baez and Cleveland's Mike Napoli.
Getting pitchers deep into counts not only shortens their usage, it forces them to show more of their arsenal and strategy to him and all the other Cubs paying attention, which they are, closely. Taking pitches and spoiling pitchers' wipe-out attempts with foul balls can be successful water torture both in a given game and in a series. This is the "selective aggressiveness" employed by the champion Red Sox and being valued by Theo Epstein from the top once again.
Cubs fans have been waiting long enough themselves that they can appreciate such patience.
Dan Bernstein is a co-host of 670 The Score's "Boers and Bernstein Show" in afternoon drive. You can follow him on Twitter @dan_bernstein and read more of his columns here.