Writer off base about Cubs' Epstein

I have to completely disagree with the recent letter by Brian DeValle criticizing the moves of Cub Team President Theo Epstein. Is he kidding?

He criticized Theo for holding Kris Bryant in the minor leagues. However, by keeping him in the minors for nine days, the Cubs get to keep him for another year - seven seasons instead of six. No brainer, in my book.

Sure, Jon Lester is only a good pitcher, not a great pitcher, but the Cubs needed to make a statement, and they made one by signing him. Besides, there is no salary cap in baseball, and it's not your money. Tom Ricketts does not seem to mind.

Then, there are the great trades he has made. Trading Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger to the Orioles for Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop may turn out to be one of the greatest trades in baseball history, not only in Cub's history. He also traded underachieving Jeff Samardzija to Oakland for Addison Russell, who will be their shortstop for the next ten years, and Billy McKinney, who may be a starting outfielder in a year or so.

Then we have the drafts. The aforementioned Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Jorge Soler and others to come are just examples of his great drafts. When everyone was telling the Cubs to draft one of the two college pitchers available - Mark Appel and Jonathon Gray, neither of whom has done anything yet - the Cubs went with Kris Bryant, who is a lock to win Rookie of the Year in the National League.

So I really have no idea what Mr. DeValle is talking about when he criticizes Theo Epstein.

Gary Koca

Pingree Grove