Cub Tracks Is Packing Up

If you're feeling bitter about the weather (pun fully intended), remember: February is usually worse. So we've got that going for us.

And a bit of absolutely shameless self-promotion. I've had fun starting the "Fan Favorites By The Numbers" series that has been running on the weekend. That will continue this weekend plus we'll kick off the "Fan Foils By The Numbers" series. And I'm fairly confident you might be interested in chatting about our first subject. So tune in this weekend!

From Comcast SportsNet

• At least one projection service thinks the Cubs are the worst team in baseball.
• But Chris Bosio believes in his pitching staff.
• Dave Kaplan breaks down the key portions of the contract with the rooftop owners.
• If you're tired of winter and/or waiting for baseball, take heart. The Cubs are packing up for spring training.

From Cubs Den

• The Texas Rangers have been a trade partner with the Cubs the last two seasons. And the haul the Cubs received could start paying dividends this season. The Cubs have acquired six prospects from Texas, five of whom will start in Triple-A or the big leagues. And the sixth may be the best of the bunch and is just one level "behind."
• This article about Javier Baez was accompanied by a picture of a unicorn.
• John Arguello says it is time for the Cubs to take their bat off their collective shoulder when it comes to dealing with the rooftops.
• After some time with other news, trade rumors surrounding Jeff Samardzija are back. It still seems unlikely he is dealt during the offseason, though.

• The robotic future won't look the way you imagined.
• Mexico's axolotl "water monster" may be extinct in the wild.