Cubs' Joe Maddon: 'Too Soon' To Worry About Addison Russell's Future Position

(CBS) With the ascension of youngsters to the major league level, there's plenty of discussion of how all the Cubs' talented pieces will fit together in the long-term future.

As it pertains to rookie infielder Addison Russell, it's too soon to worry about all that, Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. A week into his big league career, the 21-year-old Russell has been playing second base, with Starlin Castro entrenched at shortstop and playing really well. Russell came up through the minor leagues as a shortstop before getting second base reps at Triple-A for a bit this season.

It's also within the realm of possibility that he could play third base in the future, if the Cubs chose to move Kris Bryant to the outfield. Russell has the athleticism and body to play anywhere in the infield, Maddon said, meaning he gives the Cubs options.

"Too many times we try to make that opinion too soon," Maddon said in an interview on the Spiegel and Goff Show on Tuesday. "Let him just go play. I think agility-wise, quickness-wise, arm-wise, he could play anywhere on the infield. There's no doubt about that. Regarding size, it's just about lateral quickness, mobility, all that kind of stuff. maintaining that. This kid is solid, one of the nicest people you're ever going to meet.

"So I really know he's going to put the work in to maintain whatever he's got and hopefully improve on it.

"Let it play and see where it takes you, knowing at the end of the day it's going to be good. You just don't know exactly where it's going to be yet."

You can listen to Maddon's full interview below. He also talks about Chicago's fast start, his favorite restaurants in the city, the bullpen and the team's three-catcher situation.