Anthony Rizzo Says Cubs Have To 'Earn It And Prove It'

Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo said there are no plans to rest on previous accomplishments -- regardless of how cool those accomplishments may have been for the Cubs.

In other words, Rizzo indicated, the fact the Cubs won the World Series in 2016 doesn't automatically mean great things are in store for them now.

“I think we've got to go out and earn it and prove it,” Rizzo said in a Zoom call with the media. “I don't think anyone should believe in it. We haven't done what we were capable of doing the last few years.”

The Cubs are coming off a first-round sweep in three games against the Miami Marlins. Somehow, they managed just one run in the series. It was a painful experience, Rizzo admitted. But not a total loss.

“That whole COVID year, the connection of that team was so, so strong,” Rizzo said. “So, it just hurts ending your season like that in two games. But it's up to us to go out and prove it every day, every year. Just because you do one thing one year doesn't mean you're entitled to anything the next year.”

The Cubs returned to full spring workouts Monday. All but a handful of players had cleared intake protocols as of the afternoon, Cubs manager David Ross said.