MLB Trade Rumors: Anthony Rizzo to Chicago Is Cubs Great First Step in Rebuild

The Chicago Cubs got the first baseman they so desperately needed and they didn't have to give up a lot—either in money or value—to do so. According to Adam Berry of MLB.com, the team agreed to a deal with the San Diego Padres to acquire Anthony Rizzo and Zack Cates for Andrew Cashner and Kyung-Min Na. 

Despite some talk that they might be interested in signing Prince Fielder, the Cubs were always going to have to find a more cost efficient way to plug their hole at first base. They just paid Carlos Zambrano $15.5 million to go play somewhere else, and would surely do the same with Alfonso Soriano. 

Rizzo not only comes cheap for the next six years, but he did not cost them Matt Garza, who they can still deal to add more young talent to the team. 

After getting a taste of the majors last season, Rizzo figures to see plenty of time in 2012 with the Cubs. He has good bat speed and a great swing that generates a lot of power. He has good speed and instincts on the bases, and could be a good base-stealer when he adjusts to the big leagues. Defensively, Rizzo has the potential to win a few Gold Gloves.

It was clear after the Padres acquired Yonder Alonso from Cincinnati last month that Rizzo was likely on the way out.

The key player going back to San Diego is Cashner, who has a great arm but projects to be a reliever long-term. He features a fastball that sits in the mid-to-high 90s. He also throws a slider and changeup, with the former being more effective than the latter.

A history of arm problems and control issues will keep Cashner from ever being an effective starting pitcher. When healthy, he should fit nicely in the back of the Padres' bullpen, though considering how big their ballpark is, the last thing they need are relievers. 

The Cubs also acquired Cates, who is a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher who could eventually provide some value in the bullpen, but he has a long way to go to get there. 

Na has shown virtually nothing in his two Minor League seasons, hitting .268/.358/.312 in 2011, and is probably an org. guy going into the future. 

The Cubs and their fans have to be ecstatic with this deal. They get six years of control from a first baseman with All-Star potential, and all they really had to give up was a potential closer. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer struck gold in their first major move with the franchise. 

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