(WFAN) It seems like first base was one spot the Yankees wouldn't be looking to upgrade ahead of the trade deadline, with many assuming they'd wait to see what happened if and when Luke Voit returned from the injured list.
Instead, they'll have a new member of the roll call in that spot when the team returns to the Bronx: Anthony Rizzo, who was acquired from the Cubs on Thursday evening in exchange for two minor leaguers.
For now, Rizzo flew from Chicago to join the Yankees in Miami, where he was in the lineup hitting cleanup and playing first base Friday. Rizzo was ready for his first day in uniform.
"When you turn the page (from leaving Chicago) and you see you get traded to the New York Yankees and you get to put this uniform on and you go from one historic franchise to another, it's just an amazing feeling," Rizzo said. "The opportunity for me to come in here and play for the Yankees in this lineup in New York City, you can't ask for more as a player. And like I said, I just can't wait to start playing baseball."
Rizzo was drafted by the Red Sox and debuted as a Padre in 2011, but he spent 2012 through Thursday with the Cubs in Chicago, so this is the first time he's dealt with a new environment in years. Still, he said it helps to be "home" – Rizzo is a graduate of Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida – and joining a thunderous lineup.
"A lot of heavy hitters, a lot of big boys with a lot of clout," Rizzo said of the Yankees' lineup. "It's familiar being down here in Florida, being home and having played the Marlins a lot, but you come in here and you can't help but be excited and giddy, and just can't wait to get out there and play."
And, he's already looking ahead – but just a few days, when the Yankees return to the Bronx and he gets to put on the actual pinstripes and take a roll call from the bleacher creatures.
"I definitely look forward to tonight, and I'm definitely looking forward to Monday night playing at Yankee Stadium," he said. "I can't wait for that roll call."
Way back in the day, 22 years and change ago, a young Rizzo -- who grew up in Florida but has family in New Jersey (and now extended in-laws in Connecticut) -- was in those bleachers, watching Yankees pitcher David Cone's perfect game.
Cone will now be calling Rizzo's games for at least the rest of this season, following Rizzo's "rollercoaster of emotions" that saw him held out of the Cubs' game at Wrigley Field on Thursday and take one last stroll around that park before his deal to the Yankees became official.
"I had an amazing time in Chicago and did a lot of special things there and made a lot of memories, so that was emotional," Rizzo said. "But it shouldn't be too hard to transition. It's obviously a new team and new routine, but as soon as you settle in and get in the hang of things, I feel like just playing baseball will be the easiest part, hopefully."
Could there be a chance that the two-to-three month audition becomes permanent with the Yankees?
"Absolutely," Rizzo said when asked if he'd consider re-signing this winter. "Right now, it's just kind of a one-day-at-a-time mentality and winning baseball games, but I've heard nothing but good things about this franchise, and I'm excited to dive in and learn everything this franchise has to offer."
For now, Rizzo will be rocking No. 48 on his back, a change from his usual No. 44 because that's retired in honor of Mr. October, Reggie Jackson.
"Kind of slim pickings around here for all the right reasons," Rizzo smiled when asked why he picked No. 48. "But I feel good about this one."
Despite 44 becoming 48, Rizzo will be bringing the same hard-nosed intensity that made him a fan favorite in Chicago.
"Just playing baseball, playing every day and playing hard the right way is the best form of leadership," Rizzo said. "Having the team mentality first and grinding with the team is huge. There's a lot of good dudes in there, and I look forward to building more relationships with them over these next two months. We'll be building on that, and I'm sure there's gonna be a lot of stories shared."
Come October, the Yankees' hope is he'll be able to help end their 12-year title drought.
"This is a team that's done good things in the playoffs, and obviously, with the expectations as a Yankee, it's the World Series or nothing," Rizzo said. "Playoffs, you get a bounce this way, you get a 17-minute rain delay -- that saved our World Series that we won -- you need those breaks to happen. The best talent doesn't always win – the best teams win, so it's just about coming together as a good team. When you get to the postseason, anything can happen."
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