Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein just spoke with the media via conference call about last night’s big Jeff Samardzija/Jason Hammel trade, and, although I was not on the call, I can share with you the tweets of the media folks who were on the call, and then offer some of my thoughts.
Let’s start with the big one:
Theo hopes this is the final season the Cubs will be such "obvious" sellers and can change the conversation in 2015.
— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) July 5, 2014
By my count, that marks the first time Epstein has explicitly mentioned a specific year like that in which the Cubs will hopefully have turned a corner. That it just so happens to coincide with what I’ve been mentioning for six months – particularly when you consider the financial situation and the evolution of Cubs prospects – is simply gravy. I already was excited for the next six/seven months, but now I’m really, really excited to see what the Cubs do.
On to the trade, itself:
Theo starts presser by thanking Samardzija and Hammel..says Jeff in particular since he's been here so long, etc.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 5, 2014
Theo says Beane called about a month ago and said A's would be aggressive, and liked Shark. #Cubs
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) July 5, 2014
Theo says started talks with A's about a month ago but couldn't find right match. Finalized Thurs night. #Cubs
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 5, 2014
Theo/Beane were on phone a lot Thursday night to try to expand deal outside of just Samardzija/Russell
— Brian Bedo (@BrianBedo) July 5, 2014
Theo: "We felt, this, by far, was the best deal for the Chicago Cubs. Billy (Beane) great to deal with, direct, courageous,"
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) July 5, 2014
Theo says he doesn't see a quick flip of any of these guys later this month, etc.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 5, 2014
As for signing Samardzija, Theo basically said in one sense they were close because there was mutual interest but that alone wasnt enough
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 5, 2014
Theo: "There was no pitching package available that made us think twice on passing on this opportunity.”
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 5, 2014
It sure would be fun to know what those conversations were like between Beane, Epstein, Hoyer, etc. The PTBNL must be named within 6 months, by the way, so it could be any time between now and late November (likely before rosters have to set for Rule 5 purposes at the latest).
On Russell and positional glut:
#Cubs were insistent on getting Addison Russell
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 5, 2014
Theo says there was no pitcher avail in trade market that "was close" to the talent of Addison Russell
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 5, 2014
Theo: "Offensive impact players are hard to find." #Cubs
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) July 5, 2014
Theo clears up positions: Javy SS, 2B, 3B or OF. Bryant 3B or RF. Arismendy 2B, SS or OF. Addison SS, 3B or 2B.
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) July 5, 2014
Theo reiterates impact middle of the field players that can hit can always move around…has said that before w/ Baez, etc
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 5, 2014
Again, the idea here is obvious: the Cubs wanted the best possible talent, regardless of position or role. Russell is an elite, elite prospect. You take the talent in the deal, and then sort out the good problems later.
On Straily:
Straily to @IowaCubs to "take a deep breath." Theo says hope responds the way Arrieta did
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 5, 2014
Straily going to AAA for a bit then prob come up, per Theo
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 5, 2014
There will be movement in the rotation over the next few weeks, even if there aren’t any more trades. There will be a chance for Straily to get a look later this year once he gets a chance to work with the Cubs’ staff.
On Starlin Castro:
Theo calls Starlin a centerpiece to plans and says Cubs SS shouldn't be looking over his shoulder.
— Patrick Mooney (@CSNMooney) July 5, 2014
Theo: Starlin should not be looking over shoulder; doesn't see him moving from SS "anytime in the near future." + "ecstatic" about his '14.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) July 5, 2014
Theo: "I already communicated with Starlin’s agent. We’re ecstatic with the way he’s playing and proud of him."
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) July 5, 2014
I like to hear that there was immediate communication so that no one gets the wrong idea. Obviously it remains possible that the Cubs could accommodate all of Castro, Baez, and Russell in the lineup, if it comes to that. I don’t think that’s what’s actually likely to happen, but there’s no sense in rocking the boat prematurely. The deal really didn’t have anything to do with Castro – it was simply about getting the best possible talent, and it just so happens that Russell plays shortstop.
On Hammel grousing about being pulled at 92 pitches yesterday:
Theo said Hammel was right in voicing displeasure over being taken out Friday and #Cubs don't have strict pitch-count limits
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) July 5, 2014
Theo talked to Hammel after Friday's game when he complained about coming out of game after 92 pitches. #Cubs
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 5, 2014
Then told him they were close to a deal and they had told Ricky to be smart…was just about the timing..him starting on day he was dealt
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 5, 2014
As I said before, I tend to think both sides were right, and I’m glad to hear it’s not an issue. Hopefully Hammel took it to heart, and is still not perturbed that he was traded (as he implied for weeks that he knew was coming). It remains unlikely that he could come back after the season, but, hey, you never burn bridges.
There will be more to come, but that should give you a sense from the organization’s perspective on the deal. No real surprises here, but all good stuff.