Cub Tracks’ Tenace elbow

#Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news, notes, and commentary, four days a week, rain or shine. Just throwing that title out there. Things are picking up a little bit.

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.

I bet Matt Shaw has mixed feelings — the usual recovery period for flexor tendon surgery works in favor of his possibly breaking with the big club, but he and Nico Hoerner get along well, and nobody wants to see a teammate hurt.

The Cubs’ relative success worked against Shaw in this case as the club was in contention until late in the season, and management weren’t going to make changes while they were. It looks iffy for an offseason trade of Hoerner, though (some details below). My math says May at best, if he (Hoerner) doesn’t need another procedure to remove the scar tissue.

Developments. You know what to do.

RIP Fernando. You were one of a kind.

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• Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma (the Athletic {$}): Changes are coming to Craig Counsell’s Cubs coaching staff: Sources. “Counsell is continuing to evaluate candidates for the other open positions…”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Cubs again figure to prioritize ‘Upper Middle-Class’ pitchers in Free Agency. “… the Cubs don’t figure to be swimming in the deep end of the free-agent pool…”
• Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): Top 10 Cubs building blocks: No. 2 Justin Steele. “Steele’s production is elite — and comes at a bargain for the Cubs.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Jameson Taillon adds a layer to just how impressive Shōta Imanaga’s season was. “We have heard some great things from his fellow pitchers…” Andy Martinez says he’s the #3 building block.
• Alexander Patt (Cubbies Crib*): Jameson Taillon has quietly cemented his spot in the Chicago Cubs’ rotation. “… he has been able to get desirable results and pitch with exceptional command.”
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Nico Hoerner undergoes right flexor tendon surgery. What’s the timeline for the Chicago Cubs 2B’s return? “There is currently no timeline for his recovery.” Relevant data. “It takes 10 to 12 weeks for the tendons to regain most of their strength. Do not return to full activity or do heavy lifting for 3 months after surgery. Many times, patients need another surgery to remove scar tissue 3 to 4 months after the first surgery.” Corroboration.

Once Chicago’s players convene at their spring headquarters in Mesa, Ariz., in February, Hoerner will be assessed by the Cubs’ medical team and the ballclub will determine the next steps for their second baseman. — Jordan Bastian.

• Matt Ostrowski (North Side Baseball*): Isaac Paredes needs to get back to what made him successful with the Rays. “… pull fly balls.”
• MLB.com*: Cubs name C Moisés Ballesteros and RHP Brandon Birdsell Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year. “Ballesteros, 19, has been named the Cubs Minor League Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons after he also won the award in 2023.” As reported on the front page.
• Ryan O’Rourke (Cubbies Crib*): Latest Matt Shaw update may have him ready for the Chicago Cubs Opening Day roster. “After a strong minor league season, Shaw will get even more experience playing international competition alongside fellow prospects and free agents.”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Cubs forge affiliate partnership with Australia’s Canberra Cavalry. “As part of the collaboration, two prospects and a coach from the Cubs organization will head Down Under for several weeks over the winter.”

Food for Thought:

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