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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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Happy Turkey Day to those who celebrate!
Ben Brown has been cleared for a normal throwing program, sources say. This makes me more hopeful. I really like Brown’s work. If all goes well, the Cubs should have starter depth. They’re going to need it. They look to be trying to coach up some offense, rather than getting new, able players.
But, who knows? There may be developments. Let’s give thanks, if only for today.
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- Marquee Sports Network*: Cubs Weekly Podcast: Best of 2024 with Ben Zobrist, Justin Grimm and Brian McRae.
- Ryan O’Rourke (Cubbies Crib*): Newest Chicago Cubs’ offseason outlook sets a new reality for fanbase desiring more. “We know the Chicago Cubs aren’t going big game hunting offseason…”
- Michael Canter (Cubs Insider*): Nothing shocking about Bellinger news, reassessing Hoyer’s rebuild. “Rather than test the icy waters of the open market again, Bellinger decided to stick around for Year 2…”
- Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): What we’re hearing about the Chicago Cubs: Starting pitching and coaching changes. “The changes come at a time when many of their top prospects are position players nearing the major-league level.”
- Phil Rogers (Forbes* {$}): Cubs are a good fit in a Garrett Crochet deal with White Sox. “Hoyer and Hawkins can package the 25-year-old Paredes with two of three intriguing prospects and make a deal…”
- Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): State of the Cubs: Bullpen a central focus of Cubs offseason. “Last offseason, the Cubs mostly stood pat with their bullpen, only adding veteran reliever Héctor Neris.” Starting Rotation.
- Brian Kelder (North Side Baseball*): Narrative sifting with the 2024 Cubs: An offensive roller coaster. “I have fallen into the morass of hating and doubting everything on the North Side.”
- Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Chicago Cubs adding two coaches on the offensive player development side. Interpreting part of the Athletic article (above).
- Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Team USA Manager Mike Scioscia believes Matt Shaw can play 3B for Cubs. “The bat has never been an issue…”
Food for Thought:
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