(670 The Score) Cubs players who are on the trade market are full of mixed emotions, but they have reached consensus on this much.
They’d like to remain with the organization, but they understand that the circumstances aren’t lined up for that to happen as the Cubs are well out of contention in the NL Central race.
“I would love to stay,” closer David Robertson said Tuesday, when the Cubs ran their winning streak to six games with a 4-2 victory against the Pirates. “We are in first place in the second half. As far as I am concerned, we are a winning team. Of course you want to win. The bottom line is it's fun to play at Wrigley Field. Being a visitor, it was fun. But being a home player with the Cubs is a whole lot better.”
Left-hander Drew Smyly echoed those thoughts as the trade deadline looms next Tuesday.
"If a trade happens, it happens,” Smyly said. “That is totally out of my control. I do love it here in Chicago. If I don't get traded, I am very happy to stay right here with the Cubs. Honestly, I love the staff and the players on this team so much. The locker room is great. Obviously, we have lost a lot of games. A lot of them have been close games. I was telling people the other day this is one of the better clubhouses I have ever been around. It’s a very positive environment whether you are winning or not. It starts with (manager) David Ross and the coaching staff. We have a lot of young hungry guys who the veterans fit in with so well.”
The Cubs’ most high-profile trade chip is All-Star catcher Willson Contreras, who in an emotional interview Monday night made clear he’d love to remain with the organization.
"The Chicago Cubs are in my heart,” Contreras said. “This is my home. I have been here (with the organization) for 14 years. I wish I can be here for 10 more. I learned about this (trading deadline stress) from others. I saw a lot of what happened to the guys last year. I worked mentally in the offseason not to let things bother me. My whole family have given me great support, which has helped.”
At the same time, Contreras has also expressed time and again he understands he’s likely to be traded before next Tuesday, using a variation of the “it’s a business” line. Outfielder Ian Happ is in a similar situation, as he knows he could be trade soon as well.
“There is nothing about the deadline you can control as a player,” Happ said. “Playing here in front of these fans and being able to come to work in this place is special. I just want to enjoy it as long as I can.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
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