(670 The Score) While the Cubs won two of three games from the MLB-worst Diamondbacks over the weekend, manager David Ross acknowledged the upcoming trade deadline Friday has created stress for some of his players.
"I would say there has been some impact for sure," Ross said before the Cubs' 5-1 win Sunday. "I think when you create some narratives like that, it creates a little distraction. You try not to and try to control what you can control. There are other organizations that aren't in the position they want but not with the same narrative (as ours). This group has been together so long, and we have a lot of free agents. So some of this (pressure) is natural."
On the morning of June 25, the Cubs were tied with the Brewers for first place in the NL Central. Since then, the Cubs have spiraled downward, now sitting in fourth place in the division and falling nine games behind the Brewers entering action Monday.
"You see guys trying harder," Ross said. "When things started to go sideways, they went sideways hard. They are all trying extremely hard. So yes, I would say that's an easy assessment. I would say that's factual. You must ask them, but you would be naive to say it hasn't affected them. Looking up at the board, it's very uncharacteristic of who they have been. So that has to be a factor."
Plenty of Cubs have landed in trade speculation in recent years, but their contractual status makes this situation different. First baseman Anthony Rizzo, infielder/outfielder Kris Bryant and shortstop Javier Baez are three core members of the 2016 championship team set to be free agents at season's end, and the Cubs will listen to offers.
"It will be what it is," Rizzo said. "Nobody knows what is going to happen. It has been four years since all of this talk started. I don't think much has changed in those four years. This could be it. You might be right about that. We will face that when it happens. Until then, we will enjoy playing."
Rizzo's parents and family were in the stands at Wrigley Field over the weekend. Whether it was a sign of him perhaps being traded in the coming days remains to be seen, as Rizzo on Sunday wasn't yet getting emotional or nostalgic.
"As far as the sentimental stuff, I will have to save that for another time," Rizzo said. "At the appropriate time, I will address all of that. I think these next five days, there will be a lot more rumors. The trading market in general will be heating up. So we will see what happens."
For now, the Cubs players drawing the most interest on the trade market are star closer Craig Kimbrel and reliever Ryan Tepera. More than six teams have inquired about both pitchers, sources said.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
