Yea, I don’t see this move as very likely at all, given how much (a) the Cubs have robbed from their farm the past few years and (b) that offense is not really a huge issue for the Cubs (and Machado is obvs a defensive downgrade). However, I think the idea is Russell would be one of the big pieces heading back for Machado, so “what to do with him” is not really an issue.
"For all his tattooings he was on the whole a clean, comely looking cannibal."
It's unfair to say that about the 07 team. Andruw was just off 2 MVP level seasons, Chipper was healthy, Kelly Johnson was killing it at 2B, Francoeur was mediocre but still intriguing. Add a rotation with Hudson, Smoltz, and a top prospect in Davies to go with a bunch of wild cards. Now of course things shook out bad for all of our pitching that wasn't Hudson and Smoltz. But I digress. That team wasn't that bad. And that team had a much more glaring offensive hole.
Stockholm, more densely populated than NYC - sturg
jpx7 (05-21-2018)
Overpaid a lot. I liked the trade, then I heard Feliz and Andrus were included and I revolted. If it was Salty, Harrison, and Jones, great trade. You give up a top prospect, a good but not amazing prospect, and a fringer, when you add in Feliz and Andrus it would be like casually throwing in Pache and Toussaint to a trade now (if Toussaint was 18)
Stockholm, more densely populated than NYC - sturg
Made the trade like they thought they could resign him.
Still, they traded from surplus.
Wish they’d found a decent starter for some of those guys instead.
Tex did his job—think Mahay did as well.
If they’d made the playoffs they’d have had a punchers with Hudson and smoltz. Which is all they were looking for. Probably hoped the other wouldn’t suck.
I was always confused as to why the Braves didn't address the rotation at the deadline that year. When the trade with Texas was announced, I thought for sure the Braves would be bringing Millwood back in the deal. Having another veteran arm in that rotation could've really made a difference.
As for 3b options this season, I'm fully on board the Beltre train. Would be the perfect addition and wouldn't cost all that much.
Really wish we would've made a play for Verlander last July (assuming he would approve it)