From Comcast SportsNet Chicago:
- The newest class offering at Joe Maddon's Cubs University: Teaching young players how to win consistently.
- Part of the new class involves keeping things loose despite recent struggles. On a side note, if there was a Maddon Blackhawks jersey available for sale, I'd probably buy it.
- Kris Bryant is also keeping his head up despite an 0-for-4 game on Saturday in which he struck out four times. In his words: "I never look into a bad game too much."
- Here are some more photos of the customized Blackhawks jerseys that the Cubs are sporting.
- In the latest episode of "As The Bullpen Turns": The Cubs claimed Anthony Varvaro off of waivers from the Red Sox.
From Cubs.com:
- Small victories: He had to grind it out, but Jason Hammel got his second consecutive quality start on Sunday.
- Most Cub fans would probably say that the four-game series against the Cardinals at Busch is a big one. Joe Maddon's thoughts, however: "I never apply more weight to a game than another game."
- Edwin Jackson seems to be settling in as a reliever, holding opponents to a .171 batting average since making the transition.
From CBS Chicago:
- [AUDIO] WBBM 780's Lisa Fielding speaks with organist Gary Pressy, who is now in his 29th year behind the giant Lowrey organ at Wrigley Field.
From the Chicago Tribune:
- It's Mark Gonzales' turn at the Cubs Mailbag.
- Paul Sullivan writes that if the Cubs hope to contend this season, Kris Bryant will need to flip the power switch soon.
- Former Cub swingman Carlos Villanueva is thriving in his role with the Cardinals.
From Cubs Den:
- John Arguello writes that the current series against the Cardinals is just what the Cubs need right now.
- Early pitch framing statistics are now available, and the results are encouraging.
From Bleacher Nation:
- Luis Medina looks at the numbers behind Edwin Jackson's early success.
- More good news for the bullpen: Justin Grimm is on his way to Iowa for a rehab assignment.
Miscellaneous:
- Jeff Sullivan from FOX Sports takes a closer look at Anthony Rizzo's surge in stolen bases this season.
Today's food for thought:
- Why can't you distill liquor that's 100 percent pure alcohol?
- Looking back at an issue of Scientific American from 10 years ago, it's interesting to see just how many predictions that were made back then were so wrong.