Heyward garners defensive player of year award, Rizzo debuts cereal
Jason Heyward's timing was impeccable.
In Wednesday night's game, the Cubs right fielder made a diving catch on a line drive off the bat of the Reds' Scott Schebler.
In a ceremony before Thursday's game, Heyward received the Wilson defensive player of the year award for being the best defensive right fielder in 2015, when he was with the St. Louis Cardinals. The award was not just for a National League player, but for being the best in all of baseball.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon had high praise for Heyward.
"It's like he's a technician," Maddon said. "From our angle last night, the ball he caught, the low line drive that he caught, how he broke to the ball, how well he stayed in his dive was just perfect, perfectly timed. He knew he was going to catch it. From the moment he broke, he knew he was going to catch that ball. Some of that can be taught.
"A good outfielder will see the angle of the bat. They'll see the pitch. They'll know that in advance. They'll make their break. I've had some really good outfielders, but he's right up there. He's technically really sound. Why? Because he cares about it."
Rizzo's breakfast break:
First baseman Anthony Rizzo already has won wide acclaim, but on Thursday, he celebrated being on a cereal box.
Rizzo was on hand at a North Side Jewel-Osco store to officially introduce his new cereal, called RizzO's.
The cereal is described as "a honey nut toasted oats cereal that comes packaged in a 14 oz limited edition collector's box featuring a custom illustration of (Rizzo)."
"It's good; I eat it every morning," Rizzo said. "I even ate it last night after the game."
Rizzo flashed some wit during a news conference, held in front of a large display of boxes. For instance, he was asked if this was his "Wheaties moment."
"I think it's my RizzO's moment," he replied.
Asked if he has taken any ribbing from his teammates, he said: "No. I'm on a cereal box. So what can they rib me for? Look at the people who have ever been on a cereal box. I think this is amazing. All the guys think it's great, too."
A portion of proceeds from sales of the cereal will go to the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, www.rizzo44.com.
The cereal is available exclusively at Chicago-area Jewel-Osco stores and online at www.plbsports.com.
Minor roster move:
The Cubs on Thursday lost left-handed minor-league pitcher Eric Jokisch off waivers to the Miami Marlins. Jokisch, an 11th-round draft choice out of Northwestern in 2010, was pitching at Class AAA Iowa. The Cubs' 40-man roster stands at 39 after the move.