MLB.com:
CHICAGO -- About a month ago, Athletics vice president and general manager Billy Beane talked to Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein about starter Jeff Samardzija. Beane wanted to make sure if Epstein was going to trade the right-hander that he'd call Oakland. Epstein has been in rebuild mode since joining the Cubs in October 2011, and he dealt two starting pitchers in '12, and again last year. The focus has been on adding young pitching and impact talent. But Epstein and Beane had a tough time finding a combination of players that fit each other's check lists. Beane wanted a way to expand the deal and get more back, and the Cubs were focused on one player who they felt was better than any pitcher offered in exchange.
On Friday, the Cubs acquired a player who now makes the "core four" the "fab five." "There was no pitcher available who was even close to the caliber of player that Addison Russell is," Epstein said of the shortstop, ranked No. 11 on MLB.com's list of No. 11 among MLB.com's Top 100 Prospects, who is now a Cub.
Once again, Epstein dealt two starting pitchers, packaging Samardzija with Jason Hammel, and sending both to the A's for three Minor Leaguers -- Russell, right-handed pitcher Dan Straily and outfielder Billy McKinney. The Cubs will also receive a player to be named later.
"We certainly hope this is the last year we'll be obvious sellers at the Trade Deadline," Epstein said Saturday. "Nothing would make us happier than being in the position Oakland is in, which is to aggressively add to the big league team and enhance the team's chances of making the postseason and winning the World Series."