Cub Tracks’ finale countdown

#Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news, notes, and commentary, four days a week, rain or shine. The season is almost over but that game may have shown glimpses of a brighter future.

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.

Cubs stalwart Jameson Taillon (11-8, 3.41) took the hill to start the final series of the year, the final home series of the year, and the aglet on the string the Cubs have been playing out. He was opposed by Nick Martinez (10-6, 3.22) and the Cincinnati Redlegs.

Great defense was on display right off the bat as PCA nailed Elly De La Cruz at third on a drive that the wind played with some and Isaac Paredes turned in a gem.

Both hurlers performed creditably. The Cubs scored on a sac fly after a Nico Hoerner double and a groundout.

And that was that. Tyson Miller and Porter Hodge locked it down. Today’s Saturday, sunny and a chance of meatloaf.

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• Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): Cubs believe Darvish, Suzuki, Imanaga signings helped open pipeline of Asian talent. “These success stories are a vision of team president Jed Hoyer, who hoped to establish the team as a player in Japan and South Korea.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Taillon makes quick work of Reds as Cubs secure winning record. “At 108 minutes, contest fastest 9-inning game since 2010.” The AP has more. Gordon Wittenmyer says hey.
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Kyle Hendricks prepares to soak up his Saturday start as his time with the Chicago Cubs likely nears its end. “Honestly, to still be on the team here and finishing the year, I would say it’s very unexpected from where I was at two months in to this season,” Hendricks said this week. Maddie Lee has more.
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Chicago Cubs slugger Cody Bellinger remains undecided on his future with a player option as offseason nears. “Bellinger understands what this offseason could entail.”
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): ‘He had a really good year’: Chicago Cubs call up prospect Kevin Alcántara for MLB debut against Philadelphia Phillies. “If I see middle-middle, I’m swinging — I’m not shy,” Alcántara said with a smile. Jordan Bastian has more.
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib*): 8 Cubs players who will be gone from the 40-man roster this winter. “Change is in the air in Wrigleyville – and the 40-man could look wildly different come spring.”
• Chuck Murr (Forbes* {$}): Minor-League Prospects seek step forward In 2024 Arizona Fall League. “Among 200 or so young players hoping to hone their skills are sluggers Jac Caglianone, Moises Ballestero, Xavier Isaac and Bryce Eldridge.”
• ABC7*: Sammy Sosa in Chicago area to raise funds for Cubs fans in need. “Club 400 has raised more than $850,000 total. More information can be found here.” The Chicago Tribune has photos.

Food for Thought:

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I’m in another book. This one is a charity tribute to Black Sabbath.