:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28641995/20140214_mje_sz6_1353.0.jpg)
Having actual news to work with makes these columns both easier (not scrounging) and tougher (more, well, work) to do.
From Comcast SportsNet
- The F.O. is singing a different tune, but Jake Arrieta says he will be ready for Opening Day.
- In the aftermath of missing out on Masahiro Tanaka, the Cubs will have to "wait till next year" to make big moves.
- The Cubs are saying with conviction that Starlin Castro is the team's shortstop.
- Darwin Barney is pulling out all the stops to improve.
- When it comes to acquiring young talent, the team will keep focus on pitching.
- Here are five storylines heading into spring training.
- The Cubs are Jeff Samardzija's team. For now.
- Jason Hammel doesn't want to be a "sign and flip" guy. Sorry, Jason, we don't always get what we want.
From Cubs Den
- Here are some spring training thoughts and news.
- Three self-proclaimed goofballs discuss a variety of Cub topics.
- EconoBall looks at what separates playoff teams from also-rans.
From Cubs.com
- Jose Veras is excited by the opportunity to close games for the Cubs.
- Rick Renteria is always looking at the positive side of things.
- The Cubs maintain that Theo Epstein has the resources to pursue impact talent.
- A pair of McDonalds are hoping to make the Cubs' 25-man roster. And, yes, James and Darnell are related.
From ESPNChicago.com
- The countdown to camp looks at the biggest question mark for the team. The article comes with a picture of Junior Lake, in case you need a hint.
- The countdown also looks at which players need a big year. How about all of them?
- As the team's new spring home opens, fixes to Wrigley Field will still wait.
- Jon Greenberg thinks fans should keep the faith in the new Cubs era.
- Camp is open with optimism for the future.
- The Cubs' rotation has plenty of options.
- Tim Kurkjian celebrates the return of baseball. I like Tim.
- Kyle Hendricks will take your questions. Given his status as a Dartmouth grad, this could be the most well-written Q&A yet.
- Jeff Samardzija is looking to boost his value to the Cubs or another club, if it comes to that.
- Rick Renteria is being positive from day one of camp.
From the Chicago Tribune
- (Video) Chris Bosio talks about his pitching staff.
- (Video) Jose Veras talks about being a Cub.
- (Video) Mike Olt talks about joining the Cubs.
- Theo Epstein is still confident in the plan.
- The Cubs are stockpiling arms.
- That's a little different than the infusion of pitching that is on its way.
- Rick Renteria is very comfortable in his world.
- Cubs Park is another steppingstone to success.
- James McDonald is working out with a purpose. Well, I certainly hope so.
- The bond between Jeff Samardzija and the Cubs seems to be shrinking.
From the Chicago Sun-Times
- Rick Renteria's managing will be vital to the team's prospect-fueled rebuild.
- Theo Epstein says the team's new spring facility means there are no more excuses. Frankly, I'm not sure this is quite that causal.
- Gordo says the Cubs can't escape the doom and gloom. Jeez, he's simply miserable. Clearly, everything is not puppies and rainbows, but doom and gloom is a little silly, too.
From the Daily Herald
- I think I'm just done with the Herald. Every other outlet has a flood of links with camp starting. The Herald had an Associated Press summary article on their front page.
Today's food for thought
- This is a GIF party.
- This is how an ice storm uproots a tree.