A Cub Tracks Call To Arms

Today's intro is actually more of a request.Whether you're a fan of Cub Tracks or clicked on this link thinking it was about hunting, I want to know what you think. So, in addition to commenting on our bevy of links, let me know what you like or don't like so far with this feature. What do you want to see more or less of? Any other suggestions? Chat away.

From Comcast SportsNet

• Cubs' GM Jed Hoyer stopped by Chicago Baseball Hot Stove Tuesday night. This is a nice six-minute clip where Jed touches on waves and waves of pitching, whether the Cubs are done, disagreeing with Theo, how the club feels about Alfonso Soriano, and the toll of losing vs. the plan to build.
• Same show: there are still free agents available.
• Same show: is the WBC too much of a risk?
• And a programming note: if you won't be making it to the Cubs Convention, you can at least catch the opening ceremonies live starting Friday night at 5 p.m.

From Cubs Den

• The Cubs have talked to free agent outfielder Scott Hairston, who was a topic of discussion here earlier this week.
• But, it looks like the team might be done adding bigger pieces.
• Theo may have been looking for a way out of his gig with the Red Sox for longer than you thought, even with an eye on the Cubs. Turns out, some of his Boston "mistakes" might not have been his idea.

From the Chicago Tribune

• Theo Epstein takes a swipe at his old employers in Terry Francona's new book.

From Cubs.com

• New Cub outfielder Nate Schierholtz says manager Dale Sveum sealed the deal.
• Speaking of the manager, just shooting for .500 isn't good enough for Sveum.
• Three Cub pitchers officially filed for arbitration, to the surprise of no one.
• Wish I'd seen this a little earlier (for the benefit of the locals), but the Cubs' Caravan will stop in Peoria later Thursday.
• The who's who of Cubs Convention attendees.

From ESPNChicago.com

• Bruce Levine says those hoping pitcher Jeff Samardzija will get a multi-year extension might have to be patient.
• Caution, ESPN Insider article ahead. Jason Martinez explains the state of the Cubs and why 2015 is their "optimal" year for contention. To fill in some of you without access, he lists Matt Garza, Shark, and Anthony Rizzo as extension candidates and thinks Welington Castillo better put it together this year or the Cubs might seek Brian McCann or Carlos Ruiz in free agency next year. Martinez also looks at the ETA of some of the zygotes: Dan Vogelbach (2016), Javier Baez ('15), Albert Almora ('16), Pierce Johnson ('15), Arodys Vizcaino ('13), and Jorge Soler ('14).

From the Daily Herald

• Someone woke up Bruce Miles. He writes about Cubs Convention week and some more details on the Cubs various spring training NRIs.
  

Today's food for thought

• You look underfed, so here's three links today.
• Some cool travel photos.
• A fish tries to avenge all his brethren.
• And you can vote for the Monopoly piece you want removed and a piece to take its place.