Otto: Chapman, Rizzo are current Cubs standouts
First baseman Anthony Rizzo and the Cubs new closer Aroldis Chapman are two of the best in the business at their respective positions. They are what every great team needs or has.
Big league managers talk about how important it is for their superstars to play at a high level throughout any given season. That sounds obvious, but it can be a huge burden to put that kind of pressure on the "big boys."
Players like Rizzo and Chapman can handle that type of pressure for one simple reason. Through hard work and natural ability, they are simply talented.
Chapman's talents are off the charts. Aroldis is in possession of a golden arm. Arms like that don't come around everyday. Nolan Ryan had a similar-type arm to go along with flawless mechanics. Similar to Ryan, Chapman's pitching delivery is smooth and powerful.
As Joe Maddon navigates this team, the latest challenge will be to learn and maximize Chapman's talents. The learning curve will come with some trial and error. Looking back on Chapman's outings with the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees will be useful in finding out how effective Chapman is in certain situations. Is he able to pitch three straight days? How effective is he when pitching more than one inning?
The Cubs will aso need to learn how long it takes Chapman to get loose in the bullpen. It usually takes about 3 minutes to crank up to 83 mph and 4 minutes to crank up to 85 mph. But getting ready to throw 102 mph?
When warming up, Chapman likes to throw a weighted ball first before he picks up a real baseball in the bullpen. Maybe that's the answer to throwing 102 mph consistently.
I thought Tony LaRussa, former manager of the Oakland A's, did a terrific job with Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley all those years in Oakland. LaRussa rarely had Eckersley pitch more than one inning, although Oakland had some really effective seventh and eighth inning relievers that made that decision easier.
Maddon also has that luxury with relievers like Hector Rondon, Travis Wood and Pedro Strop to handle the earlier innings, leaving just the ninth for Chapman.
Rizzo's talents are many. For one, he is country strong and the ball jumps off his bat. Rizzo stands right on top of the plate, and just dares pitchers to throw inside. If you make the perfect pitch to Rizzo on the inside corner, you might get him out. However, if you miss a little bit over the plate, look out.
Rizzo is at or near the league lead in many offensive categories. Yet, just as impressive is how he has grown into more of a leader. He's the guy that busts his tail on foul balls and will jump onto tarps to make catches. You don't want your 40-home run guy banging into walls too often, but that type of play is infectious.
As a former broadcaster, I would sometimes temper my comments when a particular player was playing well. Inevitably, that pitcher would give up a three-run home run or that position player would strike out in a key spot. Chapman and Rizzo, however, are the real deal and well-equipped to face the pressure that lies ahead.
• Dave Otto, a standout athlete at Elk Grove High School, pitched from 1987-1994 for four MLB teams, including the Cubs. A former baseball analyst for WGN Radio, FoxSportsNet and Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Otto also is a member of the University of Missouri Hall of Fame.