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WELCOME to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, steeped in writers’ tears, and then cold-brewed overnight for maximum flavor. No artificial intelligences were deployed, employed, entranced, or embalmed in the commission of this missive (apparently I might be training some though). Cub Tracks eagerly awaits the advent of robotic umpires and has already amended the three laws. The going is weird. Cub Tracks turned pro a long time ago.
Cub Tracks. Where the great ones run away.
That was a tough loss. But today’s a new day. We have hopes.
The Chicago Cubs as constructed currently are deficient in several key areas, but nonetheless, they are successful at present. Some of these areas should be addressed in order for the team to continue its rumored March To October.
But the Cubs are 17-12 and in the home stretch, so to speak, of their season-opening gauntlet. A couple of clubs have laid a glove on them but they’re giving better than they get. Right now’s a good time to be a Cubs fan. Enjoy. Cubs hope to scuttle the Bucs tonight.
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As the calendar approaches May, Taillon continues to be cautious about the idea that the Cubs can relax at all, even as the schedule theoretically gets easier.
“I still don’t want to overcook it,” Taillon said after the Cubs’ 3-1, 10-inning loss to the Phillies on Sunday night. “In the big leagues, you just never know. You can run into a team with a bad record that’s playing well that can do damage and school you. — Jordan Bastian.
- Jon Greenberg (The Athletic {$}): The Cubs are playing with high hopes once again, which has Craig Counsell smiling. “No, things aren’t perfect with the Cubs, but they’re a lot better than they have been.” Patrick Mooney adds on {$}.
- Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Chicago Cubs passed their 1st wave of big tests. Now it’s time for the National League Central. ““Resilience-building” is a term manager Craig Counsell likes to use…” Jordan Bastian has more of this.
- Jason Ross (North Side Baseball*): Did the Cubs look to Shota Imanaga to improve Colin Rea? “… it’s been clear the Cubs had been under-the-hood tinkering with the arsenal and have helped transform him into a pitcher who goes beyond his durability.”
- Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): Where Cade Horton fits as Cubs’ rotation begs early season questions. “There’s absolutely things that he needs to keep improving on,” Counsell said.
- Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Keep Connor Noland in the back of your Cubs-starting-depth mind. “Noland, who is also 25, reached Triple-A last season, and is eligible for the Rule 5 Draft after this season.”
- Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): 5 wild numbers behind Cubs’ April offense. “… there has been damage done up and down the order to put Chicago at or near the top of multiple statistical categories.”
- Katie Krall (Marquee Sports Network*): Beyond torpedo bats: How MLB teams use hitting technology to gain edge. “The benefit of using a bat that increases a player’s bat speed and exit velocity (and ramifications if it declines) are significant…”
- Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Matt Shaw remains Cubs’ best solution to 3B situation. “The Cubs have used five different players at third base already this season…” Cubbies Crib has more. Vinnie Duber checks in* {$}.
- Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Pete Crow-Armstrong thrilling fans, igniting Cubs’ clubhouse: ‘He’s a game-changer’. “The Cubs’ No. 7 hitter has blazing speed, makes exciting defensive plays and has boosted his offensive production in 2025.”
Food for thought:
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