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I swear I wasn't on anything while writing that intro paragraph.
From Comcast SportsNet
- On Sunday, the Cubs learned about Ryan Braun. And the education of Kyle Hendricks continued.
- Welington Castillo wants to be a big part of the Cubs' future.
- The buzz around Javier Baez and Kris Bryant is almost deafening.
- The team loves what it sees from Arodys Vizcaino so far, but they've waited too long to rush him back.
- Chris Rusin is searching for consistency.
- As part of the NL Central, the Cubs will have to deal with Billy Hamilton's blazing speed.
From Cubs Den
- The Anarchist's Brunch thinks Theo Epstein sounded awfully pompous with his "cookie" comment.
- Young bullpen options are emerging for the Cubs.
- The Atlanta Braves are having some pitching issues. But you probably still shouldn't expect them to end up with Jeff Samardzija.
From Cubs.com
- Welington Castillo is maturing.
- Sunday's start was special for Kyle Hendricks, because his parents got to see him pitch.
- Blake Parker knows the stakes are high for the team's bullpen candidates.
- Rick Renteria says Anthony Rizzo's power will show.
- Jason Hammel understands the perils of pitching in the division.
From ESPNChicago.com
- Some new storylines are emerging at the spring-training midpoint.
- The Cubs have at least one guy that scouts are raving about. But you'll have to be an Insider and believe Jim Bowden to find out who.
- The team will be careful with its walking wounded.
- But Mike Olt is close to moving back across the diamond to third base.
From the Chicago Tribune
- (Video) Kyle Hendricks talks about his second start.
- (Video) Jason Hammel talks about working out of jams.
- The club is learning lessons about its divisional opponents.
- Mark Gonzalez fielded another mailbag.
From the Chicago Sun-Times
- Justin Ruggiano and Chris Valaika are trying to pick up the pieces after "Tinogate."
- Aaron Cunningham is trying to put his best foot forward. Yes. It's still the socks thing.
From the Daily Herald
- I have no earthly idea how this paper is still in business.
Miscellaneous
- Fangraphs thinks the Cubs have it relatively easy in the NL Central. Of course, the Cubs might be dragging down that projected WAR number.
Today's food for thought
- A new technique means scientists could find alien life within four years. It's out there, people. Time to pick which movie you think best represents their arrival. I'm hoping it's Transformers.
- Spider silk could be ready for commercialization soon. 'Bout time we put those eight-legged buggers to work.