The muse of creativity is absent from my doorstep, so let's get right to the headlines from around the web:
From Comcast SportsNet:
- Patrick Mooney explains why the hiring of John Mallee as the new hitting coach makes sense.
- He also thinks it's time for the Cubs to put a good product on the field. Is there anyone that doesn't?
- Manny Ramirez is still having an impact on Javier Baez in the offseason.
- The Cubs hope that when they get their new TV deal, it will become the "magic bullet" for their payroll.
- Tom Ricketts has his eyes on the All-Star Game once the renovations to Wrigley Field are complete.
From Cubs Den:
- John Arguello looks at how the Cubs can use their payroll flexibility and their prospects to land at least one starting pitcher.
- He also provides his take on the 2015 Season Ticket Holder Event.
- More notes and recaps from the Arizona Fall and Instructional Leagues.
From Cubs.com:
- C.J. Edwards is eager to learn and progress, starting with his participation in the Arizona Fall League.
- John Mallee is getting his chance to realize his dream of being a Cub coach.
- Theo Epstein's goal is to win the N.L. Central in 2015.
From ESPNChicago.com:
- Jesse Rogers asks the question that many people also wonder: Where does all of the young talent fit?
- He also provides his take on the Season Ticket Holder event.
- Jon Greenberg compares Theo to Harold Hill from "The Music Man."
From CBS Chicago:
- John Mallee always wanted to be a Cub. Well, a Cub coach, that is.
- Excuses will not get in the way of a winning culture.
From the Chicago Tribune via RedEye Chicago:
- [VIDEO] Tom Ricketts talks about the doubts he had about the Wrigley project ever coming to fruition.
- [VIDEO] The ceremonial dirt meets the shovels at Wrigley Field.
- More photos from the groundbreaking ceremony.
- With the construction underway, there are smiles all around.
- [VIDEO] Addison Russell talks about playing different positions in the Arizona Fall League.
From the Chicago Sun-Times:
- Gordo reports on the John Mallee and Doug Dascenzo hires. I guess it's better than no stories at all.
From the Daily Herald:
- Bruce Miles says that the future's so bright, you have to wear shades. Or at least that was his take from the Season Ticket Holder event.
Today's food for thought:
- When you look at this image, can you guess what it is? (Hint: It's not a pink elephant.)
- The remains of the father of Alexander the Great have been found in a royal tomb in Greece.
- The first jack-o-lanterns weren't actually carved from pumpkins, but instead from giant turnips.