Theo Epstein speaks on Jeff Samardzija, Jason Hammel trade

Apr 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein meets with the press prior to a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs’ President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein spoke on a conference call with reporters Saturday on the six-player deal that sent Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for top prospect Addison Russell, right-hander Dan Straily, and outfield prospect Billy McKinney, and a player to be named later.

Here are some highlights, via tweets from those reporters:

Theo says started talks with A's about a month ago but couldn't find right match. Finalized Thurs night. #Cubs
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 5, 2014

Theo says he's hopeful this is last summer #Cubs will be "obvious sellers"
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 5, 2014

#Cubs Theo: "I really feel there's a light at the end of the tunnel." Says he appreciates fans' patience
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 5, 2014

Theo: "You can never have too many shortstops. They end up all over the field."
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) July 5, 2014

Theo on Samardzija contract talks: "In the end, that mutual interest wasn’t enough. Don’t blame anyone. Timing wasn’t aligned."
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) July 5, 2014

Theo says Straily will head to Iowa and get a chance to regroup for a few starts, the way Arrieta did last season.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) July 5, 2014

#Cubs and #Athletics do have date set to determine player to be named later; will be later this year
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 5, 2014

Chris Rusin will join #Cubs today. Rest of roster moves will be announced later
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 5, 2014

Also says 1-2 from Wada, Hendricks, Beeler, Rusin group will get a chance
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 5, 2014

Russell to Double-A Tenn, could play tomorrow...McKinney to Daytona..
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 5, 2014

McKinney prob in LF and RF...Almora stays in CF, per Theo
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 5, 2014

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