ESPN’s Jim Bowden spoke with Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein for the latest installment of his video blog, The GM’s Office. Here are some highlights from the interview (although as usual, the entire interview is well worth your time) and some other Cubs-related notes as the trade deadline approaches…
- The Cubs had initially hoped to acquire a “can’t miss” prospect that they could “hang [their] hat on” by trading Jeff Samardzija on his own, but the team couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to acquire Addison Russell once Athletics GM Billy Beane said he would include him if Jason Hammel were in the trade as well.
- If Javier Baez has to move off shortstop due to the presence of Russell or Starlin Castro, the Cubs see him as more of a second baseman than a third baseman. Chicago has played Baez at second base quite a bit following the All-Star break, and Epstein called the transition “seamless.”
- “Having too many shortstops is never a problem,” Epstein said. “They’re the best athletes, the best defenders, and we’ll find spots for all these guys. … We don’t see it as a problem. We have lots of different ways they can all fit on the field together. Kris Bryant, who’s playing third now, also has the option of going out and playing right field.”
- Asked about the possibility of trading a lefty reliever such as James Russell in a more minor move (relative to the Samardzija/Hammel blockbuster), Epstein replied: “I think chances are pretty good we’ll make at least one move. We have a number of players, like James, that are under control and that factor into our plans going forward. The threshold to move those players is certainly higher … you’re probably more likely to see a deal for a player who’s eligible for free agency at the end of the season.”
- Bowden asked it this would be the offseason in which the Cubs delve heavily into the free agent market, to which Epstein replied, “There’s no switch that gets flipped that says now all of a sudden we’re big players in free agency.” As Epstein points out, the Cubs have spent on the free agent market previously, and they made a “very, very significant” offer to Masahiro Tanaka in an effort to bring him to Wrigley Field as well. Epstein emphasized that in free agency, “you have to be willing to walk away,” as it’s too dangerous to be locked in on any player, regardless of the cost.
- The Cubs had five scouts in attendance at Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo‘s showcase, GM Jed Hoyer tells Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter link). Castillo’s name continues to generate buzz, and some believe he could fetch a contract similar to that of Yoenis Cespedes or Yasiel Puig.
- A second tweet from Gonzales contains a short and sweet quote from Hoyer on the team’s approach at the trade deadline: “We’ll be active.”
Baez has looked good at second here at Iowa. His hands aren’t as quick as Alcantara, but his range will play everywhere.
second, third or LF…….I put Baez in LF and put Alcantara at 2B….Bryant at 3B.
At this point, it looks like a plan is starting to take shape: Alcantara to CF, Baez to 2B, Bryant to 3B for now, but quite possibly/probably to OF after Russell comes up, with Castro moving to 3B.
If all of them were going to be in the same lineup, I’d shift Castro to LF.
My ideal positioning would still be 3B-Baez, SS-Russell, 2B-Alcantara, LF-Castro, RF-Bryant, but I think you’re right that we’re seeing the plan materialize involving Alcantara in CF and Baez at 2B.
I would prefer to keep LF open for either schwarber or soler.
If you’re going to move 1 of the infielders to the OF I think most if not all knowledgeable fans would put Bryant in LF not Baez who has played the infield his whole career & Bryant has played CF,LF,and RF during his HS & College playing days…
I’m confused by the first point. Specifically by the word “but.” Russell is a can’t miss prospect, no?
So isn’t this like saying something like “John had initially hoped to finish first place in the race, but he ended up winning”?
The point was that the Cubs wanted a “can’t miss” prospect for Samardzija alone but realized they would have to include Hammel as well to get that type of prospect from the A’s.
if i had to guess i’m thinking he meant to say ” cubs were looking for a can’t miss pitching prospect” but couldn’t turn down russell
this is actually what he said…whomever jotted down the quote for this article just copied it wrongly.
When I watched the interview, I got the impression Epstein was saying they wanted a can’t-miss prospect for *Garza* last year and had to settle for quantity instead, whereas this time they did get their can’t-miss guy.
I can see the confusion there, sorry. The point was that Epstein wanted a can’t-miss guy for JUST Samardzija, but when Beane said “You can have Russell if you throw Hammel in as well,” Epstein and Hoyer just couldn’t pass it up.
I’ve edited the wording a bit.
Got it – thanks!
Actually, listen to the quote again — he said he wanted a can’t miss PITCHING prospect…but when Addison Russell was made available he jumped.
Actually, listen to the quote again — he said he wanted a can’t miss PITCHING prospect…but when Addison Russell was made available he jumped.
I hope Epstein’s words mean that Emilio Bonifacio is on the move, because the Giants could seriously use someone like him.
Sorry dude, my Brewers are going to get him
Time will tell.
The way I see it is this. Cubs basically got Russell for Shark and Billy McKinney, who is a very good prospect in his own right(rated #2 behind Russell) and a ptbnl for Hammel. That sounds like a coup for both pitchers when you put it that way.
You forgot Dan Straily.
PTBNL or cash…..and it sounds like it will be cash.
I’ve only heard a PTBNL with the Shark/Hammel deal. And that’s what fangraphs has listed and the Cubs official press release. Never heard of any cash involved. In the Barney deal it was a PTBNL or cash. My initial guess was a 2013 draft pick that signed late last year. But now I’m guessing it’s someone hurt they want to see come back healthy and if not they’ll take a player B.
You forgot Poland.
Yeah I know Straily is no stud be he did have a good yr last yr or yr before he had at least 20 starts with I think was a 3.93era
Since Shark has been traded to Oakland, Shark won 2 games, lost one, and almost lost two other games but was bailed out by 9th inning comebacks.
List of players on the Cubs trade list.
Sweeney
Schierholtz
Ruggiano
maybe Lake in the right deal
Valbuena
Bonifacio
Villanueva
Wright
J Russell
maybe Strop in the right deal
maybe Wood if the right deal comes about
hopefully E Jackson
if A Russell is the real thing, and Baez is hitting, look for Castro to get traded by next July for pitching.
I am not sure if I see Castro being traded. Even if they can iron out the IF with Baez, Russel, Alcantra taking positions between 2nd, ss and 3rd, that would push Bryant out to the OF with hopefully Soler playing one of the OF positions. Who else would fill the last OF spot that can hit decently? Castro has really developed into a good hitter and I think could man LF. Rizzo at first and you have really every position in your IF and OF covered by a young cost controlled hitter.
Bryant in LF,Almora who with the bat reminds me of Starlin decent avg but low OBP I hopr I’m wrong but he does play.GG Centerfield which Castro never did at Shortstop his D was ok nothin great tho & with that lineup I dont think a GG player , like Almora is going to kill our lineup & I think the kid swings a decent stick anyways I just hope he learns to walk a lil more unlike Starlin.
Bryant in LF,Almora who with the bat reminds me of Starlin decent avg but low OBP I hopr I’m wrong but he does play.GG Centerfield which Castro never did at Shortstop his D was ok nothin great tho & with that lineup I dont think a GG player , like Almora is going to kill our lineup & I think the kid swings a decent stick anyways I just hope he learns to walk a lil more unlike Starlin.
So you trade Starlin Castro, who is a 3 time all-star shortstop, and at 24 already has over 800 hits and has begun to hit for power? A proven major leaguer and leader on the team. I don’t see it. I see a potential Greg Maddux or Lou Brock thing where you trade away a guy that will eventually be a hall of famer. I think the Cubs will be players in the FA market for pitchers this off season and if they get to a point of contending and need that one more arm then they probably dip into their farm system and do the opposite of what they have been doing for the past few years now.
Excellent point. Too many people casually want or propose Castro trades. It is just not smart
For my money, the Cubs’ plans on where to play all of these young guys are starting to become clear. Alcantara seems slated to keep splitting time between 2B and CF until Baez gets called up and takes 2B, at which point he’ll play CF full-time. Bryant is still ticketed for 3B for now. After Russell comes up and takes SS, Castro can move to 3B, with Bryant moving to a corner OF slot. Unless Bryant looks good at 3B, in which case, Castro either becomes trade bait or moves to the OF himself.
All of this is contingent on these guys working out, mind you. But I think the amount of flexibility they have acknowledges the risks and leaves them multiple options. If Baez tanks, they’ll be glad Alcantara kept sharp at 2B. Etc.
This sounds about right. I can see an outfield in a year or two of Soler, Alcantara, and Bryant; with an infield of Rizzo, Baez, Castro, and Russell. If Schwarber can stick at catcher we will really be in business! Almora is a guy that could also be thrown into the OF mix based on who makes it and who doesn’t.
For my money, the Cubs’ plans on where to play all of these young guys are starting to become clear. Alcantara seems slated to keep splitting time between 2B and CF until Baez gets called up and takes 2B, at which point he’ll play CF full-time. Bryant is still ticketed for 3B for now. After Russell comes up and takes SS, Castro can move to 3B, with Bryant moving to a corner OF slot. Unless Bryant looks good at 3B, in which case, Castro either becomes trade bait or moves to the OF himself.
All of this is contingent on these guys working out, mind you. But I think the amount of flexibility they have acknowledges the risks and leaves them multiple options. If Baez tanks, they’ll be glad Alcantara kept sharp at 2B. Etc.
My block buster dream trade would send James Russell , Bonifacio ,Ruggiano and Wright to the dodgers for Lhp prospect Julio Urias and Matt kemp
and you my friend, should slap yourself
why on earth would the Cubs want and aging, vastly overpaid, injury prone 1b (he’s all but done as an outfielder) wasting roster space for years to come?
Give Theo a little credit for brains.