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This was submitted before the double-header started on Saturday. So you'll probably have to go to the game threads to talk about that amazing / horrible thing that happened yesterday. Random thought without knowing how Dallas Beeler did yesterday: with today's off day and reports that the Cubs might consider moving Jason Hammel "early" in the trade season, I wonder if Hammel gets dealt before his next start and Beeler just slides into the rotation. Just thinking out loud.
From Comcast SportsNet
- The Cubs hope Manny Ramirez is exactly what Javier Baez needs.
- And the front office is thrilled with the early returns.
- Starlin Castro is doing damage in the clean-up spot. And that means he's proving the doubters wrong.
- What's been the key to Anthony Rizzo's turnaround?
- Unlike crosstown rival Jose Abreu, Rizzo would love a shot at the Home Run Derby.
- Baseball is easy come, easy go for John Baker.
- The Cubs hope hamstring issues are in the rearview mirror for Jorge Soler.
- Theo Epstein thinks Jason McLeod is ready to be a GM. That could be bad news for keeping him around.
From Cubs Den
- Here are thoughts on the trade deadline.
- And a review of assets acquired by the Cubs via trade.
From Cubs.com
- Phil Rogers (how the holy hell did he go "national"??) thinks the Cubs can buck the trend when it comes to last place teams only have a single All-Star representative.
- The team will still be cautious with Welington Castillo as he works his way back into playing shape.
- Justin Ruggiano appreciates the efforts of the U.S. World Cup team.
- Paging Sean Marshall. Rick Renteria is thinking of putting relievers in the outfield.
From ESPNChicago.com
- Darwin Barney wants to stay with the Cubs. We want you to hit, Darwin.
- (Video) The Baseball Tonight crew talks about the dangers of playing at Wrigley Field.
- Of course, this is in the wake of Junior Lake crashing into an outfield door. The collision scared his teammates.
- The team will consider padding those doors.
- Edwin Jackson's struggles look familiar. All too, I'd say.
- (Audio) Jake Arrieta joined the podcast to talk about chasing perfection.
- (Insider) Anthony Rizzo's numbers show he's becoming a true superstar.
- This was also submitted before game action on Saturday, but Jesse Rogers thinks Dallas Beeler represents a look at the future.
- Despite better play recently, these wins are too little, too late for the Cubs.
- The team is trying to reprogram Jorge Soler's posture to prevent future injuries.
From the Chicago Tribune
- Stuart Shea wonders if Wrigley Field itself is cursed.
- (Video) Travis Wood is more encouraged by the team's play this season.
- (Video) Rick Renteria talks about "baseball vs. soccer."
- And Renteria is urging young players to follow the example set by Billy Williams.
- Mark Gonzales keeps answering mailbags. I would've stopped by now.
- Dallas Beeler was on "Cloud 9" heading into his debut.
- Jason Hammel just keeps going about his business.
From the Chicago Sun-Times
- The Cubs have made it clear: Manny Ramirez is a coach first and a player second.
- And "the Manny Ramirez headache" seems to have passed. That's good, since it was really only caused by the dipsticks in the media.
- Rick Renteria believes Ramirez will help the Cub youngsters.
- Travis Wood could be part of the team's long-term plans.
- When one or more starting pitchers are traded, Jake Arrieta could be the team's ace.
- I saw the headline for this: "Cubs' manager Rick Renteria is good for the kids." I immediately thought "that can't be a Gordo article." I was right.
From the Daily Herald
- Rick Renteria thinks baseball is still special, despite its slow pace.
- Bruce Miles wonders when the Cubs will get out of the spin cycle.
Miscellaneous
- Jason McLeod talked to FanGraphs about scouting and player development. It's a long and interesting interview.
Today's food for thought
- Time lapses of New Zealand are stunning scientists.
- Here are 11 things you didn't know you could eat.