WASHINGTON – If Addison Russell is so good, why didn’t the Cubs draft him three years ago?
It’s an interesting question with Russell making his first big-league start at shortstop during Saturday afternoon's 4-2 win at Nationals Park, and the Cubs holding the No. 9 pick on Monday night.
Russell didn’t remember having any contact with Cubs officials during his senior season at Pace High School in Florida. Instead, the Cubs targeted another prep player in a different part of the Sunshine State who was also being advised by super-agent Scott Boras. Albert Almora became the first player drafted here by the Theo Epstein administration, sixth overall in 2012.