It's that time of year around here where baby geese are everywhere. And they're so darn cute. It's just too bad that they have to turn into annoying geese.
From Comcast SportsNet Chicago:
- One Cub called Kris Bryant's homer on Tuesday "the shot heard 'round the world". Bryant chose to be a little more modest and settled for the most meaningful homer of his career.
- Farm director Jaron Madison is happy with how things are going for Javier Baez at Triple-A Iowa.
- Will the Cubs take a college pitcher with the ninth pick in the draft this year? Theo Epstein's response: "Maybe. But he has to be the best bet."
From Cubs.com:
- The early ballot results are in for the National League for this summer's All-Star Game, and the Cubs have four position players in second or third place in the voting.
- What's the difference between winning and losing close games? According to Joe Maddon, it's relentless execution of fundamentals and technique.
- You've probably already seen this, but MLB Statcast showed that Kris Bryant's home run on Tuesday traveled 477 feet. And he hit himself on the video board.
- Addison Russell is adapting to big-league ball quickly, and his teammates can see that he's coming up huge.
From ESPN Chicago:
- Dexter Fowler is 14th in outfielder voting on the All-Star ballot... and he feels blessed.
- [AUDIO] Jed Hoyer spoke with Jesse Rogers on this week's podcast.
- Could Kyle Schwarber make it to the majors this year? Hoyer likes what he sees so far but admits that "it's way too early to talk about that."
From CBS Chicago:
- The Cubs are looking at pitching help and will be ready to capitalize when an opportunity presents itself, says Theo Epstein.
- [AUDIO] Joe Maddon spoke on the Spiegel and Goff show on Tuesday about topics including Kyle Schwarber, Starlin Castro, and handling the various start times to games.
- Bruce Levine wonders if Javier Baez will start seeing some time in the outfield.
From the Chicago Tribune:
- Theo Epstein is not a fan of mid-season progress reports.
- [VIDEO] Kris Bryant talks about being in second place in the current All-Star voting. I love the card that's hanging from his locker.
From the Chicago Sun-Times:
- Blair Sheade looks back at some of the other mammoth homers that have been hit at Wrigley Field.
- Here's Bryant's homer... from ALL THE ANGLES!
- This just in: The Cubs and the Angels rule Twitter. And apparently few other teams have much interest.
- This also just in: Anthony Rizzo gets hit by pitches a lot.
From Cubs Den:
- The Cubs' draft list for the ninth overall pick is apparently down to four players, according to Jason McLeod.
From Bleacher Nation:
- Kris Bryant has graduated from the MLB Pipeline Cubs' Top 30 prospect list, allowing right-handed pitcher Jeremy Null to move into the Top 30.
- Remember Anthony Varvaro? The Cubs sent him back to the Red Sox.
- Brett Taylor discusses Starlin Castro and his spot in the batting order.
From Chicago Cubs Online:
- Keith Law has also released a new Top 25 prospect list, and Kyle Schwarber is on it at number 15.
From Cubs Insider:
- Todd Johnson gives his take on players the Cubs may be looking at in the first five rounds of the upcoming draft.
Miscellaneous:
- The South Bend Cubs are in the New York Times, with the article focusing on the restoration and repurposing of the synagogue just outside of Four Winds Field into a team store.
- Max Rieper from sister site Royals Review was looking for some tips for a Royals fan headed to Wrigley Field. Al helped him out with some good advice.
Today's food for thought:
- Why are human eggs so huge?
- [VIDEO] And from the world of cute animal videos, here's a baby flamingo taking its first few steps.