Rizzo hosted slumper's summit to prep for postseason
Anthony Rizzo hosted a slumper's summit at his locker a few days ago.
Rizzo, Javy Baez, Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber - four veterans from the World Series team who have struggled this season - got together to get themselves ready for the stretch run.
"A couple days ago, it was two weeks until the playoffs start," Rizzo said. "It was just getting right and doing anything you can to help the team win and get right for the playoffs. That's what we've been preaching. For some of us who have been really grinding, when you grind together it's usually a lot easier than being on an island by yourself."
The Cubs have tried to take comfort that they've been in first place all season even with many of their key players not producing at the plate.
"We just talked in the locker room," Rizzo said. "It was very organic. Knowing when our whole lineup comes together, we're really scary. A couple guys get hot, you've seen Kris carry our team for a long stretch, a long period. We've seen Schwarber do it, we've seen Javy do it, myself.
"(Ian) Happ's carried us that whole year, Willson (Contreras). JayHey's (Jason Heyward) carried us the whole year. A couple of us get hot and heat up at the right time, that's what it's all about, the right timing and getting hot."