Chicago Cubs placing Addison Russell on double secret probation
By David Hill
The Chicago Cubs are giving shortstop Addison Russell his last chance. Again. For the final time this time.
The Chicago Cubs found themselves in a difficult situation when it came to Addison Russell this offseason. The talented, but disappointing shortstop had received a suspension for domestic assault, leaving the Cubs in a quandary when it came to whether or not to offer him a contract for 2019. Eventually, that contract was tendered, a below market offer that Russell quickly signed. That decision led to a lot of negative publicity for the Cubs, especially in what has been a slow offseason for the team.
However, there is no reason for despair. The Cubs know what they are doing with Russell, as Theo Epstein has said that he will be held to the highest possible standard, or he will not play for the organization again.
Cubs president Theo Epstein on Addison Russell: "We hold Addison Russell to an extremely high standard and we expect him to abide by that or he won't play another major league game for the Chicago Cubs ever again.''
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 12, 2019
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As Dr. Weird once said to Steve when asked about the second batch of corn on the hidden table, this time will be different. We have the assurances of both the Cubs President of Baseball Operations and Russell himself. That has to mean something, right? Just ask Steve how much Dr. Weird’s assurances meant.
Yet, maybe this time, things actually will be different. Russell has to know that his career hangs by a thread, with one more incident likely being the last one he will make as a professional baseball player. At least, in regards to the Cubs organization; as other teams may be willing to overlook the past for his potential.
Even then, that opportunity may only present itself if Russell begins to develop into that player the Cubs anticipated when he was acquired as part of the package for Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija. Last year, he produced a disappointing .250/.317/.340 batting line; his 74 OPS+ the lowest of his major league career. Even his defense took a step back, as his four runs saved at short were his worst showing over a full season at the position.
Taking out his transgressions, Russell is hardly a given beyond this season. If he continues to take another step back, both offensively and defensively, there is nothing to stop the Cubs from moving on. He has to work to regain his form on the diamond, and the trust of the front office. Can he do both this season?
Next. Darvish wants to prove he is worth the money. dark
That is the multi million dollar question as it comes to Addison Russell and the Chicago Cubs. For now, he is on his last chance, his double secret probation the final straw.