The Cubs’ decision to option Addison Russell to Triple-A is the first step toward creating the strongest MLB roster for the stretch run. In his fifth year with the team, Russell has not met his bosses’ expectations for growth and development in terms of his on-field performance. Joe Maddon sounded exasperated when describing “constant” attempts to get through to the infielder on something as simple as paying attention.
“The conversations between he and I and also infield coaches and baserunning coaches, we’ve had these conversations,” Maddon told 670 The Score. “We just need to get Addy to, it’s more of a how do you go through the permutations mentally before the play occurs?