CSN Chicago · Jun 6, 2015
Why Cubs passed on Russell and what it says about MLB draft
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 on Saturday afternoon at Nationals Park in a 4-2 win, 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.