Cub Tracks Plays Dominoes

Today's Cub Tracks looks at the domino effect. The writers look at the outcome of a two-year old trade, how trades between other clubs affect the Cubs, what the minor league staff shuffle means, what happens when you don't sign a flyer draft pick, and how roster openings affect your next moves.

From Comcast SportsNet

• Patrick Mooney takes a look back at the Cubs' acquisition of Matt Garza two years ago... in light of the big Kansas City Royals - Tampa Bay Rays trade. The anti-rebuilding crowd will probably enjoy this one.
• A nice rundown on the Cubs minor league staffing. IMO, this expands on what Al posted earlier this week (to no fault of Al's).
• This is a really thorough breakdown of what the rest of the Cub offseason might look like. Mooney's breakdown suggests the Cubs are after another SP, a starting CF, and a RH bat to help out at 3B. That on its own isn't really "news", but Mooney names some names and gives some credence to the Cubs' efforts to continue upgrading the roster.
• San Francisco 49er QB Colin Kaepernick torched the Chicago Bears in his big breakout on Monday Night Football. I bet the Bears wish the Cubs had been able to sign their former draft pick.

From Cubs Den

• Could Matt Garza's injury be a silver lining for the Cubs? Here's an argument for locking him up with an extension, instead of dealing him away.
• Tim Huwe territory alert... here's a scouting report on Indiana State LH SP Sean Manaea, who the Cubs reportedly are considering with the 2nd pick in this year's amateur draft.
• The deal between the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians, and Cincinnati Reds could have a short- and long-term impact on the Cubs.
• Newest (presumably) Cub Sandy Rosario fits the mold of what the Cubs are trying to do with the bullpen.
• Some Cub notes on Alfonso Soriano, Rick Porcello, Mike Olt, and new minor league coaches.

From the Chicago Tribune

• New Kane County Cougars manager says being geographically close to the parent club is a big benefit for the Cubs' low-A affiliate.
  

From Cubs.com

• Small bios for all the Cub minor league staff.
• And an extended look at how hard work paid off for new Boise manager Gary Van Tol.
• Matt Garza and Ian Stewart are on the mend.

From ESPNChicago.com

• The Cubs are exploring their ticket selling options... and may, or may not, have opted out of StubHub.
  

From the Daily Herald

• A former south sider is moving up the ladder and will lead the Cubs' new affiliate in Kane County.
  

Today's food for thought

• There's very little my two dogs hate more than getting a bath. If only they enjoyed it like this little pup.