Cub Tracks’ going in style

#Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news, notes, and commentary, four days a week, rain or shine. The Hendricks Experience, one more time. A fitting farewell, if farewell it was.

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.

What is this obsession with getting Patrick Wisdom playing time? Why, Craig Counsell? Seems overdone. Maybe Isaac Paredes needs a day off? Anyway, Kyle Hendricks’ last start as a Cub, most likely. In both cases, that ship has sailed, and it’s on more than a three-hour tour. But thank-yous are DEFINITELY in order for both.

Hendricks (4-12, 6.24) was opposed by Rhett Lowder (2-2, 1.40), who certainly has The Show hair. The Professor looked good, too, Both pitchers threw shutouts until the eighth, when Justin Wilson came in to do what he does for the Reds and the Cubs loaded the bags with nobody out and took the lead. Lowder is going to be a pain in the ass for years. But this day was all about Kyle Hendricks and his legacy.

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• Matt Carlson (AP*): Kyle Hendricks sharp in what may have been Cubs’ finale, 3-0 win over Reds. “Hendricks allowed only only a pair of singles, one an infield hit, and walked two over 7 1/3 innings…” Jordan Bastian has more.
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Kyle Hendricks not viewing Saturday’s start as his last even though it could be. “… I’m hoping to honestly pitch good enough to find myself back here pitching in the playoffs for the Cubs at some point.”
• Marquee Sports Network*: Cubs Weekly Podcast: Catching up with former Cub Frank Schwindel.
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Nico Hoerner on if this Cubs season is a failure, trade speculation and more. “We’re obviously short of the ultimate standard of what we want to do.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Fast-rising prospect Smith takes in Wrigley: ‘It’s a blessing’. “The next step for Smith is to head to Arizona for the Cubs’ strength camp for Minor Leaguers across October and November.”
• Alexander Patt (Cubbies Crib*): Isaac Paredes’ hot streak adds to the intrigue of Chicago Cubs’ offseason plans. “… if the Cubs believe in him, they can keep him at market value without a long-term commitment.”
• Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): Kevin Alcántara’s confidence made him ready for anything — including unexpected call-up with Cubs. “I was thinking about preparing myself for next year,” the 22-year-old outfielder admitted.
• Rich Eberwein (Cubbies Crib*): 3 Cubs players whose no-trade clauses could complicate the offseason. “The Cubs front office may have handcuffed themselves by giving out so many no-trade clauses in recent years.”
• Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): ‘I don’t know if a day will top this’: The emotional story of a young Cubs fan who lived out his dream at Wrigley Field. “Nine-year-old Ryker Colón has a rare form of muscular dystrophy that has confined him to a wheelchair.”

Food for Thought:

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