Keep Cubs success in perspective

Before Theo Epstein is anointed GM of the century, let us remember the facts.

Kris Bryant was held in the minor leagues for no other reason than greed.

Jon Lester is an average left-handed pitcher who is gigantically overpaid. There are at least five lefties in Major League Baseball who are as talented if not more, so moves and were available. Mark Buehrle tops the list joined by Scott Kazmir, who went from Oakland to Houston for almost nothing. Both pitch in the American League, face lineups that include the DH, have better statistics and can hold runners on if not pick them off.

No matter how the season plays out, these were both mistakes. There are 162 games and every one counts.

We will never know if the Cubs would be ahead of the Pirates and closer to the Cardinals who are cruising comfortably to the division crown.

Offensively the Cubs are far superior to the Cards and could be battling until Oct. 4 had these mistakes not been made.

If we end up waiting until next year again, Lester will still be overpaid and Bryant will be one year closer to remembering how he was treated in 2015.

Brian DeValk

Palatine