The Debate Between RIzzo and Morneau

Chicago, IL- There's no doubt, Anthony Rizzo and Justin Morneau are both having phonemically bounce-back seasons.

Taking a look at Anthony Rizzo's numbers, it's clear that the first-basemen is on the rise. Batting .277 in 2014, he has been able to maintain a solid average compared to the .233 average he had in 2013. With the higher average, Rizzo's on-base percentage has increased from .323 to .383 in one year. The 19 home runs already hit out of the park thirteen games before the All-Star game proves that Rizzo is on pace to hit more than 23, which was his total in the 2013 season. Above all, Rizzo's ability to bat .289 against left-handed pitching this year shows that Rizzo is turning into a cornerstone first-basemen for the Cubs.

After suffering from injuries the last few seasons, the road didn't look bright for the Justin Morneau in the future. He didn't look like himself in the 2013 season, as he batted a combined .259 with 17 HR and 77 RBI in 152 games with the Twins and the Pirates. Heading into the 2014 Off-Season, it looked like the only way Morneau was going to have a chance of regaining his 2006 MVP form was in Colorado. So, the Rockies took a chance on him with a 2 yr./20 million dollar deal, and it has worked out marvelously. Morneau is not only hitting at home (.321 batting average), but also on the road (.303 batting average). Like Rizzo, his home run count, which is at 13, is bound to pass the 17 home runs he had last year. One factor that is dramatically different from Rizzo, is the number of runs he's driving in comparison to last year. Morneau is already batted in 59 runs, and according to FanGraphs Steamer he's on pace for 93 RBI. Slugging-wise, Morneau has improved from a .312 SLG percentage in 2013 to a .855 SLG percentage in 2014. It looks like the move to the Rocky Mountains has surly paid off for the Rockies and Mr. Morneau himself.

So who deserves the final vote? Both first-basemen have been having wonderful rebounds, but there are deciding factors while looking at key statistics. Without playing at Coors Field for a portion of a season, Rizzo still has more home runs than Morneau. However, Morneau has a better batting average and more RBI than Rizzo. But Rizzo has a better on-base percentage too. It's not my decision who makes the trip to Minneapolis, but I will definitely cast my vote to the man who is known for his career in the Twin Cities.

-Daniel (DanielDoreCTC)
(All stats courtesy of baseball-reference.com unless noted.)