I really didn’t think I had formed much of a bond with Carter Hawkins, Cubs GM, when he held a similar post with the Indians, but something clicked.

For the past couple of weeks, I hinted at a player the Cubs should trade at the deadline and not because I don’t love love love him. Despite his enthusiasm, and general love for the game, I felt now was the best time to move Christopher Morel.

For all the talk that he could hit between 30-40 homers, he’s not on track to do so and their willingness to take him out for late inning defense is a sign that his bat isn’t that dangerous or consistent. I have no doubt that he won’t be the player the Cubs thought he’d become. I just think someone else might possess the key to his success, and that might include having play multiple positions. This whole (only) third base thing might have sapped some of his strength.

Fans and the media are quick to project numbers that may not be realistic. We’re hopeful and excited that we’ve got young talent, but we tend to overlook deficiencies even when they are staring us in the face.

What surprised me about the trade was the who for and who to. I didn’t think they’d trade for a guy that plays the same position, third base. I’ve been buying the Matt Shaw hype even though I’ve never seen the guy play. I assumed they’d bring him up to finish out the season, and maybe he will.

On the surface, it looks like Isaac Paredes is a Morel clone as their career numbers are similar. However, Paredes is a better fielder and is a little more advanced as a power hitter. Besides, the Cubs traded away Morel and two prospects so it’s not exactly apples for oranges. I decided against a double-negative.

The Cubs are very familiar with Isaac as they signed him in 2014 as a 15-year-old out of Mexico. He was part of the trade to the Tigers in 2017 for Alex Avila (ouch!) and Justin Wilson.

As it turns out, 2017 was one of my busier minor league seasons. I saw Isaac play twice for the South Bend Cubs and after the trade I saw him with the West Michigan White Caps in September although he wasn’t in the lineup that day. I was the bad penny that kept showing up. He’s one of those guys that I’ve followed since the 2017 trade and am happy he’s back in the organization.

Despite what I wrote upthread, I’ll be rooting for Christopher and wouldn’t be surprised if a better developed version doesn’t return to the Cubs down the road.