Cub Tracks Masters Reality

Uh-HAH! Huh-uh-huh-uh-uh...

From Comcast Sportsnet Chicago:

• Patrick Mooney: Why Cubs believe that winning the offseason won't be a curse. First, there's no such thing. Click-baity title is click-baity title. The discussion is about the Cubs' plans and possible resilience.

From CBS Chicago:

• Kris Bryant on Cubs' splashy additions: "It says a lot about the organization." Kris speaks BlackHawk too. Anthony Rizzo doubtless approves. "Or-gan-eye-za-tion," agrees Bob Pulford. "...I can’t wait for next year," finishes Bryant.
  
• Cubs owner Tom Ricketts: "Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer executed plan A." I wish my dastardly plans for world domination went this well, even on paper. "I don’t tell them to stop or go," Ricketts said. Fun. Includes interview with Mully and Haney [AUDIO].
• Cubs sign RHP Trevor Cahill to new deal. It's official. Sinker specialist returns for possible swingman role.
• Kris Bryant, Bryce Harper to be given ceremonial keys to Las Vegas. Pete Rose unavailable for comment. (too soon?) The native sons grew up playing together and against each other. The ceremony is Saturday.
  

From ESPN Chicago:

• David Schoenfield: Jason Heyward's contract and that 2016 lineup. Lots of data and discussion from Fangraphs and Baseball Prospectus, that says that the Cubs are going to be good in 2016.
• Buster Olney [Insider - $]: Zobrist, Heyward signings underline Cubs' focus on winning NOW. The Cubs didn't have to invest the largest contract in the history of the franchise to put themselves in position to contend for a title.But it won't hurt. Or will it?

From Cubs.com:

• Carrie Muskat: What will the Cubs do with Javier Baez? "Put me in, coach," says John Fogerty. Fan questions answered.
• Mike Baumann: Cubs solidifying winning new reality. "Of course, no championships are won in December. But you can get a nice head start on a championship, even before New Year's Eve."
• [VIDEO] Pat Hughes discusses the Cubs' offseason. Not enough of the sound of Pat's voice, but he has good things to say.
• [VIDEO] Joe Maddon on the Cubs' busy offseason. Not wearing his snakeskin jacket. Still very cool. As the most interesting manager in baseball, Joe can slam revolving doors, you know. (Too soon?)

From the Chicago Tribune:

• Mark Gonzales: Cubs' offseason work isn't finished. The Padres and White Sox were proof last season that "winning the offseason" is worthless.
• Fulfilling high expectations nothing new to Heyward. The Cubs new outfielder has faced such things before and come out on top.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

• Rob Ogden: Report: Cubs still listening to trade offers for Jorge Soler, Javier Baez. That's part of the new-reality narrative. "Don’t think that because the Cubs landed free-agent prize Jason Heyward on Friday that they’re done making moves this offseason."
• Kyle Thele: St. Louis columnist is as heartbroken over Jason Heyward signing as fans. Through most of the weekend Cubs fans celebrated the signing of outfielder Jason Heyward. They also had the option to enjoy the schadenfreude from Cardinals fans. A most delicious option, mind you. I had mine with whipped cream and a side of Jagermeister.
• Ogden: The Cubs now have three players that ranked in the top 16 in WAR. So that's what WAR is good for. Take that, Edwin Starr! Jason Heyward immediately followed Kris Bryant, a couple spaces ahead of Anthony Rizzo.
• Cubs fan creates Jason Heyward parody song to Hey Jude. Take a bow, Danny Rockett! We knew you when!

From Cubs Den:

• John Arguello: Does Soler (and more) for Inciarte make sense for the Cubs? Maybe...according to a tweet by Julie DiCaro, the Cubs are considering the idea.

From Bleacher Nation:

• Brett Taylor: More on the Cubs Possibly looking to trade for another starting pitcher. Possibilities laid out and speculated upon.
  

From Cubs Insider:

• Evan Altman: Ender's Game: Is trading Soler for Inciarte a good idea? Julie DiCaro tweet gets around. This alternate universe brought to you by Cubs Insider.
• Altman: On the philosophy behind the Heyward signing and what it says about "The Plan." Many, many words. I like words. Especially when they end up at "...if the Cubs win a World Series, that $184 million will look like a pittance." And that's right, according to the new reality.

Miscellaneous:

• Who's the best Chicago Cubs free agent ever? [Vote] I say Dawson. So does pretty much everyone else. The runners-up work for the MLB Network.
• How badly do the Cubs need a starting pitcher? Fangraphs' Jeff Sullivan discusses. "I believe the Cubs are the best team in baseball," he writes. I think we are all in agreement with that.
• Will Cubs' historic combo of young talent produce a dynasty? Very likely over-optimistic but I like it. Owen Watson/Fangraphs explains.
• Can Kris Bryant's grievance help set the stage for the end of service-time manipulation? Danny Knobler speculates. "Hopefully, this is something that can get changed," says Bryant.
  

Food for thought:

• In virtual reality headsets, investors glimpse the future. "There isn’t a market today, but it’s happening. Do you wait until that’s proven or start to get smart as its developing?"
  
• Recipe for Blue Champagne. Save til needed. Not transferable. No wave in that gravy.
  
• Analysis gives a glimpse of the extraordinary language of lying. "It’s difficult for liars to relay information that isn’t real." Tim Roth is said to have optioned the screen treatment. Would I lie to you?
• Take me out to the ball game. Sharon share alike.

Til next time-I'm off to make some Kool-Aid.