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Happy birthday to the world's best dad: mine.
Also, I'm very happy for Dioner Navarro that his injury wasn't much worse.
From Comcast SportsNet
- The next episode of "The Foundation" is focused on first base prospect Dan Vogelbach.
- Kerry Wood is a life changer, as described in a three part series. Part 1, Part 2, & Part 3.
- In case you missed it, Cubs' legend Ernie Banks will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor. And he'll get it from a White Sox fan.
- Dioner Navarro feared the worst when Phillies second baseman Chase Utley bowled him over. Now the Cubs' back-up catcher is feeling lucky.
- Kris Bryant is making a really nice first impression. Caveat: He's too good for the league he is playing in.
- The team feels Jeff Samardzija will be able to block out the noise about a possible contract extension.
From Cubs Den
- Former Cub GM Dallas Green can't see the light when it comes to a Jumbotron at Wrigley Field.
- Here's a look at the organizational depth at second base.
- Is Jeff Samardzija just pressing? Beyond that link, take a look at Shark's stats: they're really close to his numbers for last season. His ERA is up and he's walking another half a batter per nine innings. Everything else is very comparable. It should be intriguing to see how the rest of the season plays out as Shark marches toward 200 innings pitched.
From Cubs.com
- Official or not, the first night game at Wrigley Field was special.
- Anthony Rizzo is trying to improve his situational hitting.
- Injured prospect Jorge Soler could play in the Arizona Fall League.
- The team is not concerned about Shark's work load.
From ESPNChicago.com
- Jeff Samardzija's start against the Phillies was rough, as Shark wasn't blowing heat past anyone. Not one Phillie swung and missed at his fastball.
From the Chicago Tribune
- Shark won't let a rough outing get him down.
- (Video) As you can imagine, Dale Sveum was very pleased with Chris Rusin's start against the Cardinals.
From the Chicago Sun-Times
- Former GM Dallas Green thinks Theo Epstein has his work cut out for him.
- Any August waiver trades for the Cubs seem unlikely.
From the Daily Herald
- Earlier in the year, Cody Ransom and Luis Valbuena made a solid platoon at third base. But the club is pretty much back to square one at the position.
Today's food for thought
- I always love these. There are some pretty cool looking critters in the depths of the ocean. The Sea Spider was my favorite.