They say lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place, but the Chicago Cubs are putting that cliche to the test. By calling up their top two prospects within the same week early this season, the organization is hoping to catch “lightning in a bottle” not once but twice.
As soon as #Krismas Day arrived (Kris Bryant was called up) early in the season, the clock started on the Cubs 21-year old SS/2B Addison Russell. He was the main piece in the Jeff Samardzija/Jason Hammel deal with the Oakland Athletics last July 4th.
#Merica!
Addison Russell played his entire minor league career at shortstop but the Cubs transitioned him to second base to fast track him to the majors. The Cubs have not made a decision on Starlin Castro’s long term future and with Javier Baez and Russell in the future, the Cubs have to shuffle players’ positions around in order to get everyone on the field.
“He’s still a future major league shortstop, there’s no question about that,” Maddon said of Russell.
“Right now, our shortstop (Starlin Castro) is playing as good as any shortstop in the National League as far as I can tell and maybe in all of baseball. So right now, keep pushing him in the right direction and see how far it takes us.”
Russell had a rough opening night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, as he went 0 – 5 with 3 strikeouts; but he has turned it around since that night. Joe Maddon was not worried about Russell’s early season struggles.
“He’s going to keep getting better. And he is already good,” Maddon said.
“I’m telling you, he’s going to just keep coming on offensively.”
Maddon was right… Addison Russell is currently on a 12-game hitting streak, where he is 14 – 40 and has driven in 6 RBI. The hitting streak has helped raise Russell’s season average to .271, with 6 doubles, 2 homeruns and 2 walks.
Russell came up as a defensive specialist with an above average bat that gave him a top-3 prospect status in all of baseball. Russell’s defensive prowess has translated well to 2nd base and Maddon has protected Addison’s offensive growth by batting him 9th in the order.
With Russell hitting his offensive stride, fans shouldn’t expect Maddon to move him up the lineup since Maddon shows no sign of batting the pitcher 9th. If the first 16 games is any indication of what Addison Russell could be for the Cubs, they have a potential all-star in the making for the next decade.
The Cubs future is bright and with the additions of young players like Addison Russell, the Cubs have an opportunity to change from the ‘Loveable Losers’ to…respected winners.