Anthony Rizzo: Power, Contact and Speed

Apr 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo hits a RBI double against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

In fantasy baseball, you draft certain players based on what you expect and what they are known to do. Some hit home runs, others you draft for steals.. However, there comes a time when a player you expected to do one thing does that one thing, but also adds another wrinkle to his game. Anthony Rizzo, the Chicago Cubs power guy, is now stealing bases like crazy. I have no idea why, but Rizzo owners are basking in the added points.

More from FanSided

Rizzo has been a power guy since he entered the league. Measuring at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Rizzo is a big, big man. In his first season with the Cubs, 87 games, he hit 15 home runs and 48 RBI. The following season, he hit 23 homers and 80 RBI with six steals. Last season, he launched 32 home runs and 78 RBI with five stolen bases. This season has been the complete opposite.

In 19 games so far, Rizzo has hit two home runs and nine RBI. The big surprise is that he already has six steals, and it’s not even May. He didn’t get his sixth stolen base in the 2013 season until Sept. 25.

Rizzo has also been better at picking his spots. He’s been caught stealing 11 times between 2012 and 2014. He hasn’t been caught yet this season. While I don’t expect him to reach 30, swiping 20 bags is very possible.

The two home runs is a bit disappointing to those fantasy owners, like myself, that took Rizzo to be a top power hitter. It’s still early and manager Joe Maddon is tinkering with the lineup. Rizzo has been batting second against the left handers, which he has had great success.