Theo's Presser

[Gilby]

I've said this before, but I think the shortstop discussion is a reasonable one to have. Even with the throwing issues from time to time, Russell has proven to be the superior defender. But to me, the discussion doesn't end there. Shoulder soreness is something he's battled for more than one season now, and I do wonder if it has affected his swing and hindered his growth at the plate. Maybe it hasn't, but I've wondered about it. And it's not like Russell's defensive runs saved would just disappear, as he'd maybe (likely?) be the best second baseman in the league. When you have a "backup" like Javy, who looked great at SS after he settled in, I think it is something to explore.

[toonsterwu]

The whole Russell/Baez comment by Theo seems to read, to me, that they are aware of Addison's issues, but for now, are giving him time, but if there's some struggles in the future, they may revisit it.

 

And as gilby notes, at some point, Addison's lack of offensive development has to be taken into consideration, particularly as it pertains to value.

 

All that said, I don't anticipate them making any sort of move prior to 2018. Russell's earned enough rope and has shown flashes that, combined with his youth, doesn't make it likely that they'll move on.

 

____

 

I am mildly surprised at Theo's insistence that a top of the order hitter isn't that significant. Yes, this lineup can score runs, but Bryant/Rizzo/Contreras would be put in a better position to do some damage if there was more consistency in the ability of the person ahead of them to get on base.

[Sammy Sofa]

I am mildly surprised at Theo's insistence that a top of the order hitter isn't that significant. Yes, this lineup can score runs, but Bryant/Rizzo/Contreras would be put in a better position to do some damage if there was more consistency in the ability of the person ahead of them to get on base.

 

Wasn't he just responding to the nonsense questions about a "traditional" leadoff hitter? Obviously they want someone who can get on base at a decent clip ahead of the 2-4 guys.

[toonsterwu]

Fair enough ... I didn't actually read the question, was just looking at the comments.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

The issue with adding a guy for the top of the order is

 

- they need to be pretty good to be worthy of those PA over existing options

 

- there aren't a ton of those types of guys who might be available. Maybe Yelich is available in trade, maybe Cain holds up in his 30s, but outside of that there aren't a wealth of established hitters.

 

- in order to get such a person they'd require non-trivial assets

 

- there are other priorities that might need those assets that are more pressing

 

If they manage to land Otani that makes things easier. Without Otani that requires some impressive trade jujitsu to fit in.

[UMFan83]

Hey look it's the dude that takes legitimate info from a direct source, adds a safe logical next step and calls it insider info

 

https://twitter.com/sean_sears6/status/922201602446036992

[David]

and you're posting it here because you just can't help yourself

[Transmogrified Tiger]

"per source, Cubs willing to do exact thing Theo said they might do in press conference 2 days ago"

[UMFan83]

and you're posting it here because you just can't help yourself

 

I was waiting for someone to ask why I was posting it and that was gonna be my response

[17 Seconds]

i enjoy the umfan sean sears storyline