'Frustrated' Kyle Schwarber tries to ignore trade rumors
Cubs nation took a collective shot to the solar plexus in April when outfielder/ding-machine Kyle Schwarber went down with season-ending injuries to his left knee after a fielding collision with teammate Dexter Fowler.
The collision left Schwarber with a fully torn ACL and LCL, requiring reconstructive surgery and a long road to recovery for the 23-year-old utility man, and three months in, Schwarber is still neck-deep in rehab and facing new and less concrete concerns.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, Schwarber spoke about the frustrating nature of his rehabilitation and another daily task he faces: drowning out rumors about being traded.
Per the Chicago Tribune's Chris Kuc, Schwarber is getting increasingly frustrated as he heals.
"Those first six weeks...it was just trying to get my knee to bend and I was done," Schwarber told Kuc. "Now that I'm doing a lot more it's been more challenging."
"There are times when you're going to get frustrated because you feel you're doing the same thing over and over again. It's just a process. I feel like I want to do more but you can't do more because if you do, you can definitely have another setback."
As for the trade rumors, Schwarber tries to ignore the chatter, but admits being bothered by the thought of leaving Chicago, per CBS Chicago's Bruce Levine.
"I don't pay much attenton to it," Schwarber said. "You have to know in your own mind, rumors are rumors. I will worry about being a Cub. I can't worry about that stuff. Here is what I can worry about—worry about my rehab, being a Cub and worry about this team going to the World Series. Until something happens physically, you can't worry about it."
Wise words, Kyle.
Even with the Cubs poised for a World Series push, there isn't any indication that Theo Epstein and the Cubs front office would be willing to ship Schwarber off for more immediately valuable assets.
Of course, that could change quickly, given the right opportunity for Chicago. But with veteran catcher David Ross on the wane and a young, proven mega-bat in Schwarber, the prudent decision would be to hold on to their young asset through this setback and see what develops.
In any case, Schwarber's on the mend and—until he receives word otherwise—a key member of the Cubs offense going forward.
Dan is on Twitter. Schwarbombs or bust.
