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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.
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Lend us an ear, if you would.
Rob Zastryzny has elected free agency and is now free to entertain offers.
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- Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Stars, smiles and introspection on display as the Chicago Cubs begin full-squad workouts. “Maybe this year will be different…”
- Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation*): The Cubs are one piece short and I think they kind of know it. “I’ll offer three: One more big right-handed bat. One more top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. Or one more impact reliever.”
- Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): As Cubs camp heats up, Nico Hoerner’s recovery timeline remains murky. “Now on the road to recovery, Hoerner is back on the field taking grounders and working through a throwing progression.”
- Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Runway clear for Shaw to win 3B job: ‘It’d be a dream come true’. “To have the front office, coaching staff, players, kind of believe in me and believe that I can help this team win a division and move forward with that would be amazing.” AP* has more. Brett Taylor has good news.
- Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}: Chicago Cubs’ swing and miss on Alex Bregman is another chapter in a long-running narrative. Maddie Lee has similar thoughts* {$}.
- Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): ‘True superstar’ Tucker brings deep playoff experience to Cubs. “We did have a lot of team success over in Houston and I’m hoping to continue that here,” Tucker said.
- Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Why a Cubs-Kyle Tucker extension looks doubtful after unsuccessful Alex Bregman pursuit. “Each side can reassess after what the Cubs hope will be the return of October baseball to Wrigley Field.”
- Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Seiya ‘in a good place’ on DH role after connecting with Counsell early at camp. “One message Counsell has delivered early on is that Suzuki should embrace the lofty expectations attached to the slugger.” Patrick Mooney has more {$}.
Food for Thought:
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