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If I don't leave soon, I'm gonna be in real big trouble with the missus. So my five cent, gut reaction: risky. Most analysts seem to like this deal for the Cubs. I'm sitting more on the fence. I want to collect more data, take a few more breaths, and see how this shakes out. Russell is an amazing talent, obviously. I can see all the reasons this has the potential to be an amazing deal for the Cubs. But I do worry a bit about team psyche, who will pitch, and going all in on this deal. I'm not saying I don't like it. But I'm also not in the "slam dunk for the Cubs" group that many seem to be in. Ok. Enough of me. On to the people who get paid to write (which defies explanation, in some cases).
From Comcast SportsNet
- The Cubs' deal with the A's is a true blockbuster.
- Kris Bryant welcomed fellow top prospect Addison Russell via Twitter.
From Cubs Den
- This rumor column went up as talks started to progress. You can follow the updates and check the comments from another community.
- And here is their official recap, with more updates.
From Cubs.com
- The Cubs are getting the A's top two prospects, a starting pitcher and the inevitable PTBNL. This link includes a video with commentary from Ken Rosenthal. By the way, near the end of the audio, Rosenthal makes a point that Cubs' fans who don't understand this trade will appreciate.
- Of course, Addison Russell is the headliner in the prospect haul. This link includes a video with commentary from Jonathan Mayo.
- Phil Rogers thinks the A's are capitalizing on the pitching market.
From ESPNChicago.com
- Jesse Rogers summarizes the deal.
- (Insider) Keith Law says timelines helped dictate when this trade occurred.
- These were some serious fireworks for the A's on the 4th of July.
- And Oakland is now "clearly" the World Series favorite.
- Even columnist Jon Greenberg, who hates most everything, liked this deal for the Cubs.
- Columnist Steve Rosenbloom says this is a trade to remember.
- The Cubs are positioned for even more deals.
- You can vote in the Trib's poll to declare whether you like this deal.
From the Chicago Sun-Times
- Gordo summarizes the trade in his own special way. One thing I like about this write-up (pauses for you to pick up your jaw) is that Gordo makes some very reasonable projections on domino moves that could happen with the Cubs' logjam in the middle infield.
- Jason Hammel's unhappiness with getting pulled one batter into the 7th inning on Saturday turned into a parting shot.
From the Daily Herald
- Womp womp.
Miscellaneous
- Fangraphs gives their take on the blockbuster. As it relates to the Cubs, they note the team is trying to capitalize on the relative lack of offense across baseball. They also conclude the Tampa Bay Rays may be the biggest winners.
- SB Nation's columnist breaks down the trade.
- Our SB Nation partners at Athletics Nation look at the trade from their perspective. The second link looks at their roster ramifications.
- The Oakland Tribune also calls this a blockbuster. And their columnist says it proves the A's are in "win now" mode.
- CNNSI breaks down the trade, too.
- Chicago Cubs Online (reminder for the uninitiated - this is another blog, not an arm of the team) has their breakdown. They also think this is the first of many more deals to come.
- MLBTR draws together some sources. And, to be a little funny, it's also worth noting the Angels answered their division mates by trading for Joe Thatcher and former Cub Tony Campana.
- Even Deadspin has a take.
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