The Cubs have optioned infielder Addison Russell to Triple-A Iowa and activated catcher Willson Contreras from the injured list, the team announced to reporters (Twitter link via ESPN Chicago’s Jesse Rogers).
Russell, 25, began the season on the restricted list while he served out a 40-game suspension under the league’s domestic abuse policy. His return to the lineup has been underwhelming — not surprising for a player who has never posted a league-average offensive season by measure of OPS+ or wRC+ — as he’s posted a .247/.329/.404 line in 158 plate appearances. Much of Russell’s career-high 10.7 percent walk rate has been a function of batting seventh or eighth in front of the pitcher.
In recent weeks, Russell has begun to cede time at second base and in the lineup to rookie Robel Garcia, who now stands to receive additional starts at the keystone. Russell’s demotion could also open up some time for David Bote at second base, although he’s been used exclusively at third base since late June. Still, he’ll be a depth option there and perhaps at shortstop as well, given that Russell had been the primary fallback option should Javier Baez ever need to come out of a game.
The Cubs have been tied to Eric Sogard on the rumor mill recently, and it stands to reason that they’re also exploring the possibility of adding another cost-efficient option at second base while waiting to see whether Ben Zobrist returns to the lineup in 2019. Speculatively, that could include players such as Jonathan Villar, Tim Beckham, Adeiny Hechavarria or Neil Walker, though a move isn’t a foregone conclusion.
Clearly, the demotion only further calls into question Russell’s future with the club. That’s been the case since the time of his suspension, although the Cubs chose to stand by Russell, with president of baseball operations Theo Epstein speaking of second chances and supporting Russell in “stabilizing his life” and “growing.” That said, Epstein was also candid that the club would be prepared to move on from Russell if need be. His lackluster performance at the plate, recent defensive miscues — he dropped a pair of pop-ups over the weekend — and recent, eye-opening acknowledgment that he “need[s] to become more familiar with the signs” (via Rogers) in the wake of a baserunning gaffe certainly don’t paint a favorable outlook.
CubsRule08
See ya.
GoSoxGo
No. This cannot be happening. First Ian Happ. Then Edwards. Now Addison Russell? Whose next? Almora? Didn’t they get the memo? All the Cubs’ young players were so talented that they were elected to the Hall of Fame even before they came to the bigs. They were going to win a dozen World Series, consecutively, then retire as a group to baseball’s Valhalla. Please tell,me this cannot be happening.
justme
Yeah conveniently forgot to mention rizzo Baez Contreras and Bryant and the 90 plus wins they produce every year.. but go Sox lol
GoSoxGo
You’re right. All those guys? Hall of Famers, every one. Why wait for retirement? Let’s just vote them in right now. And why bother with all those pesky games they have to play on the field? Let’s just declare them winners of every game every year. Really, don’t be sensitive or defensive. You have history on your side. As for the Sox? Yep. LOL. No argument here. But wait. They just signed Jimmy Cordero. Add A. J. Reed to the mix. Can those World Series flags be far behind?
justme
Hey I wasn’t bashing your sox I think they have a ton of talent and a strong future ahead,nor did I say hof for anyone to early for that stuff… just having a lil fun with this stuff and how much you hate the cubs which was evident by how you are quick to hate on the cubs every chance you get
Dumpster Divin Theo
Cant we all just get along?
artfay
The really funny thing is Jim Hendry is responsible for Baez & Contreras. The only good bat Theo actually acquired is Rizzo. Bryant was a layup for whoever had that draft position. I wouldn’t call it skill.
So 1 bat, that’s it.
Ironman_4life
And that world series ring.
Ry.the.Stunner
The White Sox are the Jan Brady of Chicago and the Cubs are Marcia.
ChiSox_Fan
Marcia with the big nose from a football toss. Ha!
bencole
Haha Cubs fan but this is still funny
Dumpster Divin Theo
Marcia, Marcia, Marcia
Miketime53
About time somebody said that! Hell they called Garcia A “ budding star” after one game!
johnk
Sox looking for .500. Remember when the Sox won it all? The Cubs outdrew them. No wonder Sox fans have an inferiority complex. Or are they just inferior?
Mcimaru7
Spot On!
Bernie's Dander
What a loser this guy is. Addition by subtraction for the Cubs.
Cmurphy
Good call. They can use Willson’s bat in the lineup and deploy him to the outfield on off-catching days and use Caranti a bunch more.
tomselleck
Bout time.
excusemeflo
Wish they would’ve just DFA’d him. So tired of this guy, should’ve never even tendered him a contract this offseason
RiseAgainst3598
I know this guy is the worst but boy are there some teams that could use a shortstop – Tigers, Orioles, etc
dugdog83
Too much baggage for an ok player
sidewinder11
Any team acquiring him would face a PR disaster from fans. He likely has negative trade value unless he starts performing well enough to make teams overlook the off the field stuff (see Roberto Osuna)
bencole
I think his potential still certainly gives him positive trade value, even if that stuff hurts. Great buy low/change of scenery option for teams. He’s still super young, has provided positive defensive metrics every year of his career, and has accumulated between 2 and 4.1 WAR every year of his career.
Priggs89
At what point do you start looking at production over potential though? He has over 2,000 major league plate appearances, and he still can’t hit major league pitching. He’s really not much better than Jose Iglesias, who had to settle for a minor league contract this offseason. Add in his off the field stuff, and his trade value is buried in the trash.
CarolinaRays
I’d take Iglesias over Russell any day. At least Jose has a head on his shoulders
kyote35
I was definitely wrong about Russell. At least I wasn’t as wrong as Len Kasper though. He was calling Russell a future MVP as recently as last year.
mike127
@ prigs–you are exactly right–here’s the issue–he has been given ample time–has turned out to be nothing but a .240ish hitter, minimal to moderate power for the position (debatable now), better than average fielder, very poor baserunner…..the off the field stuff changes it from just trash to buried. Him going down has NOTHING to do with his off the field crap.
Aaron Sapoznik
It’s hard to fathom how Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper could peg Addison Russell as an MVP candidate as recently as 2018, especially with Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Russell on the same team and in the same infield.
Russell is not in the same conversation with Bryant and Baez. He is a plus defensive MLB shortstop with some offensive upside including better than average power at the position. He was also a very highly regarded prospect because of this. Not all elite prospects reach their ceilings. Many never even make it to the “Show”. Russell has at least demonstrated that he could compete very well at the highest level.
None of us knew that Russell would turn into a “tool” as a human being and that he was equally stupid on the baseball diamond. Clearly the Cubs couldn’t figure this out early on either or they might never have traded for him in the first place. Even so, they could have at least offered Russell some help before his actions resulted in a domestic abuse suspension. They also should have done a better job of evaluating his baseball IQ early on and correct this issue. I mean, after all these years in the sport he still can’t figure out signs from his 3B coach or the dugout. Give me a freaking break!
spinach
The guy showed that Russell has produced well…
kyote35
Well said AS.. Kasper normally comes across as being level headed in my opinion, but he just couldn’t quit Addy for some reason. Even when Russell wasn’t even a top 5 player on his own team that had 2-3 MVP candidates on it.
bencole
Priggs, I mean he has produced.
WAR by year
2015 3.5
2016 4.1
2017 2.4
2018 2.0
All of that is average to well above, and his defensive runs saved are positive every year.
Mike127, sorry man, anyone who still uses batting average as a significant measure of a player’s performance has pretty much shown himself to be either not credible enough or knowledgeable enough to engage. No disrespect, but there’s no place for that now that we have the data we do. Like win-loss record. Can be an indicator at most
Priggs89
His “production” is the same overinflated type that helped Heyward get such a ridiculous contract from the Cubs. He plays good defense at a premium position – nobody can argue that. But how valuable is that when you factor in his below average hitting and off-field issues?
fWAR by year
2015: 2.6 – 1.5
2016: 3.3 – 2.2
2017: 1.5 – 1.7
2018: 1.4 – 2.5
Player 1 is Addison Russell. Player 2 is Jose Iglesias. He’s barely better than a guy that couldn’t get a major league contract. Factor in the off-field issues, and I think it’s safe to say teams won’t be lining up to trade for Russell.
kyote35
Bencole, fangraphs isn’t as high on him. Plus he is not going to bump Baez from SS which will hurt his WAR going forward. Russell hasn’t had a 100 wRC+ season. He has been trending in the wrong direction.
bencole
Think Fangraphs may not take defensive WAR into that number, maybe I’m wrong though. And he plays 2B now. And can play SS very effectively. Should help his value. I think the Iglesias comparison is more about scouts not believing in Iglesias’ offensive ability than it is about Russell. Plus Iglesias is 29 and fully developed, Russell is still only 25. Additionally, the numbers above show no above average seasons by Iglesias, and 2 by Russell. There’s potential there, and Russell’s gotten to it at times before, whereas there’s not w Iglesias.
theoepsteinhof
Put down your device and go to bed.
Len isn’t stupid and never said that.
bencole
Priggs, and he’s 25 still. That matters.
kyote35
Fangraphs does factor in defense in their WAR. He has not been as good since 2016. He has a 242/314/393 career slash line with a 24% k rate. He lacks focus on the base paths and in the field, and admits he needs to learn the signs. All of those things matter. He has very little trade value. He might be packaged with a prospect or two to dump what’s left of his 3.4 mil salary since the Cubs claim they don’t have money.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Except he did. On YouTube
bencole
Isn’t fWAR just the offensive war and the defensive WAR is calculated down below? Asking because I’m not 100%. I trust fangraphs a bunch, the number I pulled were off baseball ref. which are decent too
kyote35
No, his defense props up his WAR for both sites. Fangraphs and BR have different formulas for calculating WAR. They differ in their defensive, baserunning and park factors slightly. Even by BR’s WAR he has been an average player or worse for 2 and a half years and is regressing. Yolmer Sanchez has a higher WAR since 2016 for goodness sake.
Raps902420
It’s pretty sad when you can overlook domestic violence if a guy is really good at a child’s game.not saying it’s you,just sports fans in general.
Mattimeo09
Look at when Ozuna was acquired by the Astros. They didn’t care that he had to serve a suspension twice as long.
As long as you can play MLB baseball well, you can get away with almost anything
Domingo111
Of course but teams do factor such a baggage in and prefer a player without off the field issues. But of course there is a point when performance is so good that off the field stuff doesn’t matter much. The astros dealt for DV offender osuna and the cubs paid a huge price (gleyber) for DV offender chapman.
But the difference is that russell isn’t there. He still has potential but has never really shown it in a full season and it also seems the off the field stuff clouds his head and endangers his former defensive stability which kept up his value.
Thus with him he is at a point were teams might ask themselves is he worth the headache, espciallly since he doesn’t have so much control years left that a tanking team could bet on him being good in 3 years
Cubbie75
I don’t think they “overlooked” it at all. They decided that serving a suspension and going to lots of counseling was sufficient to atone for his behavior. I understand if some disagree with that, but his behavior wasn’t just completely “overlooked.”
Cubbie75
Just to be clear, I don’t like Russell as a man or a baseball player.
Android Dawesome
How was it overlooked? Seems like the whole process was pretty transparent and well documented in the media.
Completely agree Cubbie75. I don’t really care if he ever plays another game but it wasn’t overlooked.
bencole
I would be really angry at my GM if he took moral viewpoints even slightly above baseball viewpoints.
Ejemp2006
World class at anything buys freedom from consequences.
bencole
He has the same legal consequences as everyone else. He just has the media digging into his life, unlike some everyday sales guy/tradesman/retail employee/postal worker.
lookouts
I’ll stick with Richie Martin in Baltimore, thank you. The guy’s never going to hit much more than Mario Mendoza, but regardless of what the metrics say, Martin is an outstanding defensive player. I’ve seen him in person many times at the Yards.
arc89
Martin should be in AAA still learning to hit. next year the Os will have him start in AAA. Only reason he is on the club is because of being a rule 5 draft.
Polymath
If the Cubs trade NOW, Bryant, Rizzo, Baez, & Hendricks … they have a chance to win in the future. Otherwise, another 109 years. Which is worse? Sell them now. Improve yourself. Just do it. My Grandpa said something like this in 1908, but no one paid him any attention. A century later he was right. Don’t fight facts.
mstrchef13
I don’t know that Russell is any better than what the O’s hope Martin will be. Remember that the Orioles are not interested in improving this year. They will win or lose with what they have while they wait for those in the minors to develop (or not develop as the case may be).
justinept
The O’s would actually be an interesting option given Hyde’s experience with Russell. I’m not saying Hyde would vouch for him – or even that he likes the guy – but he would be an excellent source of information for the Orioles if they wanted to discuss a potential move for Russell.
bravesfan
Everyone’s obsession with this guy never made sense to me…. I never thought he was that good… in fact, I’d almost say he’s bad
casey
You should be a scout
jdgoat
I’ll never forget the time about one year ago when one Cubs fan tried to argue that Russell and Baez were both top three shortstops league wide.
justinept
Haha yes! I got into an argument with someone on here saying the Cubs shouldn’t even consider dealing Russell and Montgomery for Machado in January 2018. Not only did the person say it was way too much for a rental, but he thought Russell was better than Baez.
justinept
There are plenty of guys similar to Russell. He was an elite prospect who flashed in the big leagues but never showed anywhere near enough consistency to reach his potential.
The obsession is two-fold. Fans of his team obsess over what could have been (or should have been) while fans on rebuilding teams dream about buying low on a guy that was once considered a cant miss type talent.
FWIW, some of these guys do adjust and reach that potential after being moved. Others continue on the same trajectory. But most just flame out, never to be heard from again.
Given Russell’s off field issues, coupled with a complete inability to accept any responsibility for his actions (or to even admit he did something wrong) makes me believe he will flame out with his next team. But I’ve been wrong plenty of times…
GoCubsGo
I 100% agree with your entire statement. It’s easy to fall in love with the prospect pedigree he had and the 2016 season he had, but we’re now 3 years removed from the best he will be. It’s time for people to let it go. Strictly from a baseball standpoint, he’s just not a good player. From a human standpoint, he’s worse than that. There is no appeal left, it’s over, the time to move on was this past offseason. Just cut him.
tharrie0820
Not all players develop at the same rate. think Josh Donaldson, max muncy, Whit merrifield, etc. just because he hasn’t lived up to expectations now doesn’t mean he never will
Dankgesang
Yeah agree with the commenter who says you should be a scout since you can tell what’s up with these ballplayers
burnsy1119
Option Brach….or just dump him
tiger9
Good riddance wife beater
Bryzzo2016
It fair to Iowa, I wonder who’s roster spot he took there. Shoulda sent this clown to Japan!
casey
Joe Panik replacement
azcrook
He couldn’t carry Panik’s J… Strap
talking baseball
The Giants would never trade for anyone that has been accused of any type of domestic violence. If the A’s traded him then why would the Giants want him ??
I’m a big Joe Panik fan, he’s coming around at the plate and will be fine going forward.
Aaron Sapoznik
It’s about freakin’ time. Next up, a DFA!
Aaron Sapoznik
While in AAA, perhaps Addison Russell can also get a refresher course in Sign Reading 101.
batty
I’m surprised comments are open on this.
I have no sympathy for him.
Asfan0780
Many A’s fan including myself hated trading Russell. He was probably their highest rated hitting prodpect in over a decade. Shark trade part 2 and getting Marcus semien, turned out well. Never couldve i imagined him being a top 20ish ranked player in mlb in WAR
ElMagoN9ne
About time
benz27
Hey I thought you said Russell will be the centerpiece for a trade for Smith and Dyson from the Giants? Good luck getting those bullpen help with your unwanted garbage like Russell, Ian Happ and Maldonado LOL
ChiSox_Fan
Cubs should make another move to replace Lester for today.
Chatwood won’t win Cubs a road game.
pinstripes17
Yikes
ChiSox_Fan
Cubs win but Chatwood had to be bailed out.
The bullpen taxed again. Won’t make it to August. Flaming out.
bencole
Chatwood was outstanding. He isn’t stretched out, wasn’t supposed to go very far.
diller1340
Castellanos for Happ and Russell
bencole
Castellanos has virtually no value.
diller1340
Most doubles in the majors. On pace for over 60 doubles and that’s only been done 6 times in MLB history. And that has no value? Castellanos is terribly underrated
diller1340
Castellanos also has the 2nd most hits in the AL since the start of 2017 #virtuallynovalue
justinept
He’s a rental outfield bat. They don’t carry much deadline value. Remember JD Martinez? This is less about production and more about positional and contractual value.
diller1340
Agreed. But Happ and Russell have even less value so wouldn’t my proposed trade make sense?
justinept
Happ has more value than both. And by a significant margin.
diller1340
Ok now saying that Happ has more value than Castellanos is just inept
justinept
Ha. What an adorable little play on words. Cliche. But adorable. The reason you feel that way, though, is because you’re conflating talent with value. Chris Archer brought back significantly more last summer than Manny Machado because he carried more value. Yes, the Pirates were stupid to include both Glasnow and Meadows, but even the inclusion of just one of those players would’ve been more. And no, this isn’t a comparison between Happ and Archer or to even remotely suggest that Happ would bring back anywhere near that much. It’s just to show that talent and value don’t always correspond.
Now when it comes to Happ, I’m guessing you’re pretty low on him due to his name being talked about with Russell. But you shouldn’t be. In a “bottom falling out” 2018 season, Happ got on base at a .353 clip while playing above average LF. The strikeout rate and dip in ISO from 2017 was definitely a concern, but we’re talking about a 24-year old with five years remaining before free agency. Go back and look at Castellanos’s two seasons prior to turning 25. They were dreadful, and with reception to his K%, they don’t compare against Happ’s. Heck, Castellanos had a combined 0.9 fWAR in those two season. Happ had a 1.5 fWAR last year, along with a 1.9 fWAR in 2017. Even in the event Happ never improves on last year, five years of a 1.5 fWAR is significantly more valuable than 2 months of Castellanos’s projected 0.8 fWAR. And it isn’.t even close.
ncaachampillini
Castellanos would be a decent bat pickup for the stretch but Happ has far more value. Russell worth zippo.
Priggs89
Happ and Russell have minimal trade value, so it’s probably not that far off…
Melchez
Castellanos has value. He just doesn’t play a prime position. Corner outfielders are very abundant. His defense has improved. He just had his second error of the year and it was a bad call. He threw to third to get a runner going from first to third. His throw was in time, but it short hopped the 3B. The 3B tried to swipe at the ball and apply the tag at the same time and the ball popped out. An infielder should be able to pick up a short hop throw.
justinept
Errors aren’t the defining stat to determine defensive ability/improvement.
batty
I agree, but i give throwing errors more weight on defensive ability. There are guys that can get to the ball but can’t make the throws. Range can be compensated for, in some ways.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Nor do Happ or Russell
RicoD
I think that’s a fair trade. Seems like a win/win to me. Bencole has made it clear he doesn’t like Castellanos, some weird personal grudge
GoCubsGo
An OF that moves Heyward to CF, and has Castellanos and Schwarber anchoring the corners is absolutely terrible defensively. I would stay as far away from Castellanos as possible, no matter how little was given up to acquire him.
GarryHarris
Nicholas Castellanos helps the Cubs offensively but, Joe Maddon will have to have a special defensive alignment that will substitute him out in close games.
I like Addison Russell in DET. He’s a so much better INF than they currently have. Ron LeFlore was serving in Jackson Prison for armed robbery when they gave him a break. Russell paid for his behavior.
Russell is not worth Castellanos straight up but as a salary balance throw in.
bencole
I could care less about Castellanos other than that he’s not particularly good. Sucks on D, not really even playable at any position, poor player.
Career WAR:
2013: -.2
2014: – 1.2
2015: .5
2016: 1.5
2017: .8
2018: 2.9
Means Castellanos has massively sucked every year of his career except last year.
Plus he’s a rental for $10 million a year. I would take Castellanos for a nobody minor leaguer who wont likely make the majors if the Tigers eat at least 70% of the contract.
mistry gm
Castellanos=mediocrity. No thanks.
RicoD
Not sure if NC fits with the OF setup since you need to slide over Heyward, but that means you prefer Almora?
pileofsandwich
Compare his stats to the current league averages offensively. Average, OBP, OPS, all are above average. His OPS is WAY above average. most doubles in the league. He is average in the OF, but that doesn’t negate all of his offensive numbers.
WubbaLubbaDubDub
Cubs could wish for that.
Led Hoyer
Designate Descalso and Brach next.
pplama
Good
frankf
All else aside, Addison Russell is still useful in the field and not an automatic out. Meanwhile, Daniel Descalso is the epitome of dead weight.
justinept
It’s rotten apples and rotten oranges here. Ideally, you dont rely on either for much. But if you have to keep one around, you keep around the guy who people want to be around. That’s clearly Descalso.
While you’re right that Russell is a better defender, that’s entirely true because of his gold glove calibur work at SS. But as 2B, he’s below average. He simply cant make the throw to 1B from that angle. Problem for him is that you are never going to push Baez to 2B to accommodate for Russell’s platoon quality bat. So you’re stuck with his below average ability at his secondary position.
Hitting wise, you might get one extra hit every 20 at bats out of Russell. So what? They’re both terrible…
ncaachampillini
Glad he’s gone he was useless out there. Don’t know where the guy with 95 RBI’s who was hitting grand slams in the World Series went but have a nice life. Don’t let the door hit ya where the Good Lord split ya…
Priggs89
Even that year he was a below average hitter…
msqboxer
I would bet that Theo has explored the trade market for Russell and has come up empty or the diminished returns weren’t acceptable or insulting.
mike127
Thanks Einstein. If Jed and Theo found a deal that would yield an all star and a couple top 100 prospects for Russell, you think they would jump on it? Of course, Russell’s name has come up in talks and they are not finding value. If you make those kind of bets all they time you are a very, very rich man.
msqboxer
Sorry…didn’t know that Theo and Jed’s lap puppet was the moderator of the board. You believing that Russell’s value should net an all star or top 100 prospect is delusional.
talking baseball
Russell’s trade value is so negative that the AAA team might not want him.
lefty58
I think you need to read his comment again.
mike127
@ lefty—–ends up my Einstein comment may have been spot on….you are correct—I did mean to say…if they were able to get top 100 talent and all star for him they would have, with the exact same meaning he had saying they obviously can’t get squat for him…..
justinept
The Cubs would move Russell for a fringe talent. If a rebuilding team wanted to give up a veteran, rental pinch hitter to take a chance on Russell, the Cubs would pull the trigger.
I’m not entirely sure why you’re conflating Russell not having significant value with what the OP is saying- which is that Rusell has zero value.
But that’s the case with him. Teams dont even seem to want to give up a 25th guy on the roster for Russell.
Ryan The Riot Theriot
It’s about time. The Cubs have at least a couple more moves to go before the deadline.
bosox2004
So much potential when he got there. Now is just to has been before he ever was a was
Jkucharski
To be honest, I’ll take him over Descalso any day. Why hasn’t he seen the boot yet. I understand he’s a veteran with experiance, but he’s been batting .100 with horrible fielding. Why hasn’t happ been promoted.
ChrisEnvy76
I won’t say I’d rather have Russell.. but Descalso needs to be gone. I can’t understand what they could possibly see in him. He is hitting far worse than poorly. I think they are hoping he turns a corner, but how long can you give him?
Jkucharski
He needs to realize his playing years are over and take a coaching position. That’s his role right now. Promote happ with the open roster spot.
nailz#4life
what a shame for the former Vermont Lake Monster!!
chitown311
Too little too late. This POS was accepted back by the Cubs organization after beating his baby momma on numerous occasions. NOW they’re going to make an example of him? Give me a break. They way the Cubs handled this situation has left a black eye on the organization and it has had an effect on the whole clubhouse.
bencole
Uh… I think outside of the human part of this, no one cares. I expect my GM doesn’t confuse moral issues with putting a good baseball team on the field, and wouldn’t want him as GM if they did. I do think they handled it as well as he could. I wouldn’t treat a player any differently if he had a DV background after he had served his suspension. Proud of the way the Cubs handled this issue, and I’d say the same about any other athlete, Ray Rice, etc. There’s no place for enforcing morals in sports.
lowtalker1
But cubs fans swore he was the greatest short stop of all time and they swore he was the most clutch player of all time. Hahaha
mistry gm
I just hope the Cubs don’t bother with Beckham but I am glad to see Russell go. Strop and Brach next please.
Wheaty300
Well that only leaves one option….Whit Merrifield!!
Priggs89
Perfect fit if they’re willing to give up whatever top prospects they have.
ChrisEnvy76
Agreed! I would love to see Whit at 2b and move Garcia to the outfield to platoon with Schwarber.
Erik
So glad Descalso made the cut… I was worried there for a minute
justme
Seems Theo was serious the purge has begun Montgomery Edwards russel who will be next
dust44
I think Russell needs to go somewhere with low expectations so he can develop properly. Trying to develop a kid and have WS aspirations. Send him to the Marlins for spare change. There fans don’t show up anyways. Won’t b backlash for his off field crap.
ElMagoN9ne
Russell and ian happ for Starlin Castro
SupremeZeus
Cubs continue to pay a heavy price for sticking by Russell. There is no happy ending to this story. The should have done the right thing immediately and they would be better for it.
bencole
Not sure what price that is. At worst they have a replacement level starting SS playing as a backup who you can option at any point. That has value. I think very few people care would care what he did off the field if he was producing. I don’t even if he’s not, beyond from a general human perspective. He can play on my team. They all can if they’re good enough.
Melchez
Robel Garcia… I was looking at his stats… he was out of baseball for 5 years? Where did he go from 2014 to 2018? Wherever he went, he learned how to hit. Prior to 2014 he was a .210 hitter with no power at the A level. He comes back this year and he has 21 homers in the minors, 4 in the majors and an OPS around 1.00. Very suspicious.
justme
I believe Italy not sure how long he was there
Steve Adams
Looked it a little bit in writing about his promotion:
mlbtraderumors.com/2019/07/cubs-promote-robel-garc…
Melchez
Thanks Steve.
its_happening
The Castellanos for Russell and Happ idea is not a bad trade, for both teams.
With the right situation, the right team and the right personnel around him along with the right PR he will be ok – so long as he works at it. Not everyone will forgive and not everyone believes he deserves another chance. It will be a risk for any organization willing to help him find redemption.
justme
Agree fresh start might help him.. cubs should just cut him say they did there best to help him wash their hands of him..doubt they can get a can of soup for him at this point
its_happening
Yes. In the offseason. Non-Tender him.
mactruck
I agree as well, but as a Cubs fan I’d prefer to trade Russell and salary comp. for Castellanos. Happ hasn’t abused anyone that I know of so I’d like to see if he finds his swing by February. Of course, at this point I doubt anyone would trade a quality bat for Russell straight up.
Georgiajeff
I was listening to a podcast and one of the guys made an observation about Russell. He can hit the ball and field the ball but after all this time as a player he has no baseball instincts..After this past weekend it all makes sense. In any case I hope he can figure it all out. Personally I think we should pass on Castellono’s, I don’t like the idea of Heyward in CF with Schwarber in LF and the other guy in right. Heyward is a great fielder but even he can’t cover the whole outfield.. Just sorry Brad Bach wasn’t shown the door. I know this is a small thing but somebody tell Strop how to wear a ball cap.
mrpadre19
Ian Kinsler is available!
jorge78
Robel “stick” Garcia!!??
dewssox79
but but but he has trade value
Fred K. Burke
I agree with an above mentioned comment regarding a purge. But, I must say this team needs an enema. Edwards Jr, Russell, Brach, DeScalso just to name some of the headliners who seem to drag this Cub’s team down. Soon to add Morrow, who the Cubs will buy out for 2 million this off season. I don’t believe Russel is a trade candidate either. No sensible GM will make a deal Russell at this current time. He still needs to prove he has been rehabilitated and can at least marginally function as an MLB caliber player.
Yankeepatriot
I think he needs to mature as a person before reaching his full potential
baseballwarshipper
That notion doesn’t seem to apply to Tyrek Hill.
msqboxer
Too bad they can’t get Roberto Osuna type of return Russell.
bigcheesegrilledontoast
He’s an everyday player. Needs to change clubs, go back to SS, work on his confidence and tweek his swing. Easily a future 10+ year career in MLB.
ChiSox_Fan
Happ coming up.
Second (maybe last) chance.
Who is going down this time?