Team not inclined to trade James Russell

[nwfisch]

Is this serious?

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS 2h teams have asked the #cubs about James Russell. they are not inclined to trade him, however.

 

[dabears253313]

"James Russell is the best pitcher in the Cubs bullpen, but he is a lefty so he can only face one batter per game."

- Dale Sveum

 

[The Bandit]

"James Russell is the best pitcher in the Cubs bullpen, but he is a lefty so he can only face one batter per game."

- Dale Sveum

Sounds about right actually.

 

[mountsalami]

"James Russell is the best pitcher in the Cubs bullpen, but he is a lefty so he can only face one batter per game."

- Dale Sveum

Doesn't say much for him or the the bullpen if he can only face one batter per game.

 

[brett05]

Is this serious?

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS 2h teams have asked the #cubs about James Russell. they are not inclined to trade him, however.

It's not like relievers aren't out there when you will really need them which is what 2018?

 

[nwfisch]

It's not like relievers aren't out there when you will really need them which is what 2018?

I'm hoping if the Cubs aren't competing by 2016, Theo is gone.

 

[dabynsky]

Is this serious?

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS 2h teams have asked the #cubs about James Russell. they are not inclined to trade him, however.

Just trying to understand here. You are upset that the team is bad, and you are upset that they aren't going to trade James Russell, probably?

 

[daddies3angels]

Just trying to understand here. You are upset that the team is bad, and you are upset that they aren't going to trade James Russell, probably?

Yes you got a point but on a BAD team RP should never be untouchable. RP is last thing you build on good team. Team still needs about 6 different positional players before they worry about the bullpen.

 

[nwfisch]

Just trying to understand here. You are upset that the team is bad, and you are upset that they aren't going to trade James Russell, probably?

What value does Russell have to this team besides being dumped for prospects?

 

[dabynsky]

What value does Russell have to this team besides being dumped for prospects?

But you want this team to be good sooner than later?

 

[nwfisch]

But you want this team to be good sooner than later?

I do, but it doesn't matter what I want. It's clear this team is on a rebuild plan, and holding on to Russell while not having serious interest in trading is a detriment to that rebuilding plan IMO.

 

[dabynsky]

I do, but it doesn't matter what I want. It's clear this team is on a rebuild plan, and holding on to Russell while not having serious interest in trading is a detriment to that rebuilding plan IMO.

I don't think the Cubs are seriously refusing to trade James Russell, but I just don't think that they are willing to trade him unless a team overpays. I could be wrong, but it seems the FO position has been that no one is untradeable. That said I could see why they would hang onto guys that are cost controlled for next year and move the guys that aren't first.

 

[nwfisch]

I don't think the Cubs are seriously refusing to trade James Russell, but I just don't think that they are willing to trade him unless a team overpays. I could be wrong, but it seems the FO position has been that no one is untradeable. That said I could see why they would hang onto guys that are cost controlled for next year and move the guys that aren't first.

And the Cubs aren't going to be expected to compete next season either. Russell's value can't get much higher than it is now to other teams, and now is the time to make a move and get some chips into the fold.

 

[dabynsky]

And the Cubs aren't going to be expected to compete next season either. Russell's value can't get much higher than it is now to other teams, and now is the time to make a move and get some chips into the fold.

The Cubs control Russell for two more years as well. There is no immediate need to move him. Again if the Tigers want to offer Drew Smyly or some other team with a ridiculous package for James Russell I am sure the FO will pull the trigger, but that said James Russell isn't going to bring game changing talent. I can see why they would instead focus on other areas at this point in time.

 

[dabynsky]

Cubs Den echoes what I said about the Cubs position on Russell:

and Jon Heyman tweeted that teams area also calling on James Russell -- though the Cubs aren't inclined to trade him. The translation for that last phrase is "if you want him, it's going to cost you dearly."

http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/06/trade-dealine-preview-series-four-teams-seriously-interested-in-garza-cubs-sp-may-have-one-last-start-maybe/