The Kris Bryant/Anthony Rizzo friendship is something we all should strive for in our personal lives. The two young superstars have developed such a strong relationship since Bryant's arrival in 2015 that the media have lumped them together as one person nicknamed 'Bryzzo.'
I thought from a early stage that the relationship between the two was probably more on a professional level since they'd be spending eight or nine months together every year but the more I listened to them speak (and observe how they act), I'm fully convinced these dudes are true best friends in real life.
I mean, c'mon -- look at these two.
https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/821479594188533763
Rizzo is always trying to get a reaction out of Bryant by doing strange things (see the video on the next page), Bryant asked Rizzo to stand in his wedding, and the two couldn't even focus long enough to field fans questions during this year's Cubs Convention because they thought playing a game of tic-tac-toe would have been better.
https://twitter.com/nissen54/status/820351171403583489
This is a true 'bromance' if I've ever seen one and that 'bromance' was in full effect when the two sat down and chatted with ESPN this morning from a very rainy Mesa, Arizona.
If the Cubs are to have any shot at a potential repeat in 2017 it will come from the production of the team's young duo. People are quick to forget that Bryant just turned 25 and Rizzo is only 27 years old. Rizzo, in particular, feels like he's been with the Cubs for the past decade but has only been with the team since 2012. To add to that, with Travis Wood now with the Kansas City Royals, Rizzo is currently the longest-tenured Cub.
I'm bringing that up to highlight the fact that although both guys are young in age, they are both fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead in 2017. Getting to the top is one thing, but staying up there is a completely different story. The good thing is that both Bryant and Rizzo (regardless of their age) have the wherewithal to lead the Cubs to be the first team to win back-to-back World Series trophies since the Yankees of the late 90's.
Both Bryant and Rizzo insist "the pressure is still on" for the 2017 Cubs.
I love the fact that the damn NL MVP says,
"I think it's just in our nature not to be complacent".I also love the fact that during a relatively serious interview, Rizzo tries to hold Bryant's hand just to get a reaction out of him. It's that laid back mind set that helped the Cubs pull off that magic of 2016 which is a direct reflection from Cubs skipper Joe Maddon who just recently talked about the team "remembering the heartbeat." “We won that game (Game 7) purely because of competitive natures and the fact that we wanted to win and the heartbeat was so good. It has nothing to do with statistical information, mechanics physically. It had everything to do with people. And I really want our guys to understand that, because we’re going to do all the other necessary work." Bryant and Rizzo are taking the lead for the 2017 team in terms of "putting in the work." Both are poised to have huge seasons and what better way to build an even stronger bond then by winning another World Series championship. If you want to see more of Bryzzo, check this out. I'd have to agree with Heyward -- Rizzo's hair is outstanding.
