Chicago Cubs: Takeaways from Theo Epstein’s press conference

Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Odds and ends from the press conference

As we all know, without Kyle Schwarber, the Chicago Cubs would have barely broken onto the score column in the books in the National League Championship Series. His five home runs set a franchise record, but late in the series, fans turned a bit on the young stud.

Schwarber misplayed a trio of balls hit at him in left field during Games 3 and 4, ultimately resulting in several New York Mets’ tallies in the process. However, Epstein said the plan is for the Indiana University standout to continue working both behind the dish and in left field, which makes sense.

This makes even more sense should David Ross decide to retire after the season, despite the fact that he’s signed for another year – but that’s for another time and place.

Even less surprising is Epstein’s statement that the team plans on sitting down with Jake Arrieta and super-agent Scott Boras this winter to see what progress can be made on a long-term deal.

Boras clients rarely forego free agency, but after struggling so much in Baltimore, staying in Chicago may be a clear priority for Arrieta, who could be en-route to an NL Cy Young Award after a 22-win campaign. This could very well be the top storyline to watch outside of free agency this winter for Cubs fans.

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