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I'll tell you what: my overall sports consumption has really dropped the last couple years. But the NFL draft fascinates me... and I really hate that it does.
From Comcast SportsNet
- Jeff Samardzija is feeling confident and thinks he's just getting started.
- GM Jed Hoyer thinks the "controversy" about Shark's pitch count should probably die.
- Hoyer also is backing Anthony Rizzo, while giving credit to the White Sox for signing Jose Abreu.
- His team is getting the message from Rick Renteria's ejections.
- With no slam dunk pick, the Cubs draft plans are up in the air.
From Cubs Den
- The Cubs could have a dynamic duo at Double-A Tennessee in the form of Kris Bryant and Jorge Soler. Here are some thoughts and scouting info on the two.
- Add Cubs Den to those calling for Mike Olt to get full-time work.
- Here are some notes on possible minor league promotions and the upcoming draft.
From Cubs.com
- Mike Olt's new approach is producing results.
- First base coach Eric Hinske enjoyed coming back to Atlanta.
- Justin Grimm is thankful for his mother's extra push.
- Rick Renteria wants the offense to remain patient.
- Phil Rogers thinks the Cubs have the right building blocks.
From ESPNChicago.com
- Kris Bryant is simply dominating the double-A competition.
- Rick Renteria is being judged on tone, not wins. For now.
- The team is trying to stay the course, but frustration is showing.
From the Chicago Tribune
- The Cubs believe their slumping outfielders will turn it around.
- The front office is narrowing its scope for the 4th pick in the upcoming draft.
- Last year's third-round pick, Jacob Hannemann, is developing on the diamond rather than the gridiron.
- Emilio Bonifacio is trying to fix some bad habits.
From the Chicago Sun-Times
- The crosstown series lacked sizzle with a pair of rebuilding teams.
- The Cubs could learn from the Braves, who have a winning culture that starts at the top.
From the Daily Herald
- Bruce Miles reports that Rick Renteria's job is safe. Did that need to be reported?
- The Cubs aren't getting much to go their way.
Miscellaneous
- Fangraphs thinks Travis Wood is a wasteful pitcher. Kinda surprised to not see any Cub hitters among the wasteful swingers. Not at all surprised to see Alfonso Soriano on that list.
- This was in a Fanshot, but Forbes thinks the Cubs may be the next powerhouse.
- TheStreet.com lists what it considers its five biggest ripoffs in baseball. One of them has to do with the Cubs.
Today's food for thought
- You can watch the city of London evolve from Roman times to today.
- NASA has confirmed 715 new exoplanets.