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Cubs offseason: Anthony Rizzo hopes to be centerpiece for North Siders

Anthony Rizzo is likely to get his first chance at a full season 2013 with the Chicago Cubs.

By Brandon Kline
Tasos Katopodis

After being traded twice, Chicago Cubs' first baseman Anthony Rizzo may have been experiencing some confidence issues. But a successful 2012 campaign has the youngster feeling more comfortable in Chicago. Said Rizzo, "I know I'm not going to get traded, hopefully at least. I just feel good and confident."

Rizzo really struggled in his brief 2011 season with the San Diego Padres. In 49 games, he hit just one home run and had an abysmal .141 batting average. He was striking out too much, and not showing any power.

But last season with the Cubs was a real breakthrough. Rizzo played in 87 games and hit .285. He slugged 15 home runs and had 48 RBI. In addition, he managed to cut back on the strikeouts.

Rizzo figures to be an important component of the 2013 Cubs lineup that also includes Alfonso Soriano, Starlin Castro, and Darwin Barney. Chicago won only 61 games in 2012, and their offense scored 613 runs, which was third-worst in the majors.