Cub Tracks Says Hello

EDITOR’S NOTE: I’d like to introduce Duane Pesice, the BCB reader formerly known as “chiazdog,” who will be taking over Cub Tracks beginning today. Please welcome him!

Doors open and close. The Cubs' 2015 season is over -- that door is closed, but the work for next year is just beginning. Likewise the work here at Cub Tracks. Russ La Croix did an outstanding job, for which we all thank him, in taking over for Erik Peterson, for which we thank him.

From Comcast Sports Net Chicago:

• Kris Bryant is the rookie of the year. He deserves the honor.
• Addison Russell made his presence felt. But we knew that.
• Kyle Schwarber's positional future is still uncertain. The Cubs like him at catcher and in the outfield.
• Dexter Fowler may not be back. The Cubs are exploring the possibilities.
• Price or no Price, the Cubs need more pitching.
• All is Jake. The Cubs will explore extending his contract.
• [Video] The Mets were a tidal wave, says Theo Epstein.

From Cubs.com:

• It was Magic -- the Cubs 2015 season, that is.
• You might consider clicking on the sunglass ads. The Cubs future is bright.
• There are good reasons why Theo is proud of his team. He talks about some of them.
• The Cubs will target pitching. They'd like to have Dexter Fowler back. Who wouldn't?
• Phil Rogers agrees that the future is bright for the Cubs.

From CBS Chicago:

• Chris Emma breaks down the roster. Who's likely to be in or out?
• Bruce Levine explains that moving some young players is inevitable. It would be nice to keep them all, but sooo unlikely.
• Jed Hoyer is wary of moving too many players, though. Depth is good to have.
• Kyle Schwarber is likely to keep shuttling between the outfield and catching.
• Watch the season highlights video.

From ESPN Chicago:

• Jesse Rogers says that the Cubs met their match in his 2015 Report Card.
• Keith Law discusses Willson Contreras briefly in his AFL scouting notes.
• Where the Cubs can improve on defense (Insider).

From the Chicago Tribune:

• Steve Rosenbloom-Rizzo's story can be called The Empire Strikes Back. Ron Luciano would probably like that. George Lucas didn't comment.
  
• Paul Sullivan-This was a year like no other. It was the time of your life, until next year.
• Mark Gonzales-More prospects are on the way. Contreras, Pierce Johnson, Albert Almora and Duane Underwood are prominently featured.
• Key dates to watch in the offseason. Notate your calendar.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

• Rick Morrissey thinks Joe Maddon needs new motivational tricks. The magician needs to disappear.
• He also wonders if the fans can deal with fewer wins.
• Willson Contreras may be Kyle Schwarber 2.0. Nobody seems to worry about his defense.

From the Daily Herald:

• Barry Rozner says the Cubs don't have time to rest. Epstein wishes Opening Day were next week.
• Go Big, and benefit a disabled girl. Bring Wrigley Field home.
• Bruce Miles-Pitching, Defense, Situational hitting to be addressed. Help stamp out losses.

Miscellaneous:

• John Arguello talks ROY, possible trade scenarios including Schwarber and Soler. David Ross is coming back, he says.
• Brett Taylor writes that Schwarber trade talk seems out of place. I'd tend to agree. Wouldn't you?
• Ben Lindbergh started it. He quotes a scout that says that Schwarber's glove is unplayable in left. Matt Holliday and Manny Ramirez are evoked as examples of why Kyle can play the position.
• Are you ready for the Lukewarm Stove Season? Trade talk gets a little overheated.

Today's food for thought:

• When you win it all -- the Blackhawks are releasing a film and a book about their last championship season. I look forward to the one starring the Cubs.
• Thunderstorm theatrics and science. We now know the how, but not the why.
• Get the BIG net -- Space junk is due to fall to Earth in November.