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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.
Things are looking up all over.
Pitchers and catchers report in less than three weeks (Feb. 9). Soon there will be Spring Training games and then actual regular-season games. The Cubs are consensus-favored to win the division, though in truth the margins are vanishingly small, as the team seems to be playing for career years rather than improving personnel.
Tyler Zombro is already having some positive influence on the Cubs, as they have signed a couple of his proteges. Brett Taylor reports. Matthew Trueblood recommends that the Cubs sign Harrison Bader as a backup for PCA. The Athletic {$} is hearing things. Ian Happ admires Sammy Sosa’s accomplishments.
All this and more — stay tuned for developments.
ETA: Jon Berti has signed with the Cubs, according to Fansided’s Robert Murray.
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- Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): A couple observers went in on Cubs ownership for those spending comments. “… we may very well be “misinformed,” as Ricketts said, but some of that is probably by design.”
- Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation*): Here are the Top-5 remaining free-agent relievers for the Cubs. “So let’s briefly go over who’s still out there, in no particular order, to see what leftover scraps the Cubs will put on the menu.”
- Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Cubs may be able to benefit from Dodgers’ free agent gluttony. “… they won’t have room for everyone on the 40-man roster.”
- Brian Kelder (North Side Baseball*): 4 players who could outperform projections for the Chicago Cubs in 2025. “All contending teams have guys who break out and perform at a higher level than expected. So let’s identify the breakout candidates, as it were, instead of getting lost in the projection sauce.”
- Matt Danielewicz (Marquee Sports Network*): Cubs pitcher Jordan Wicks details new workout routine and his mindset for 2025. “Whether Wicks ends up as a swingman coming out of the bullpen or as a regular starter, he is focused more on the little things…”
- Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): How Cubs, Matt Shaw are viewing third base opportunity this spring. “I think the likelihood is, yeah, [the third baseman is in the organization].” The Athletic {$} has more.
- Mike McGraw (Daily Herald*): Why Hoyer plans to keep most of the Cubs prized prospects in Triple A. “The future could be bright, but it’s still in a holding pattern.”
- Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): How the Cubs helped play a role in luring Ben Johnson to Chicago. “These people are special.” WGN has more.
Food for Thought:
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