Cub Tracks Has Reason To Celebrate

You know, I envy Josh's ability to come up with something witty as an introduction to his MLB Bullets each day.  There's always something creative there as opposed to my humdrum opening of "Here's the latest from around the web".

And with that in mind, here's the latest from around the web.  (I'm such a bore.)

From Comcast SportsNet Chicago:

• After a 4-2 road trip through Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, Tony Andracki writes that the Cubs have plenty of reasons to dance and celebrate.
• Tony Andracki also writes that Jake Arrieta is playing like someone who has developed a true understanding of pitching.
• What play from Starlin Castro impressed Joe Maddon the most from Sunday's game? His groundout in the ninth inning.
• He still may not have a homer yet, but Kris Bryant is bringing something else that's just as important to the lineup: Patience.
• When asked about the hot start for Anthony Rizzo this season, Joe Maddon paid Rizzo a high compliment by comparing him to Joey Votto.

From Cubs.com:

• Addison Russell on making his Wrigley Field debut: "I'm pretty excited to get there."
• [VIDEO] In case you missed Starlin Castro's highlight-reel play on Sunday, here it is.
• While Kris Bryant has been doing well at being patient, Jorge Soler has been getting a little bit eager and has seen his strikeout totals increase as a result.
• Joe Maddon likes what he's seen so far from the pitcher hitting eighth.
• Maddon also praised Reds speedster Billy Hamilton, saying that he's "definitely a game-changer."
• Jason Motte reached out to former Cardinal teammate Adam Wainwright upon hearing of his injuries to his left ankle and Achilles.
• Fergie Jenkins was inducted into the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum's "Hall of Game" class of 2015 along with Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, and Luis Tiant.

From ESPN Chicago:

• The Cubs know that the Cardinals are down one key piece but there's no celebrating as a result of it, writes Jesse Rogers.
• [VIDEO] Addison Russell comments on his three-RBI game against the Reds and preparing to play his first game at Wrigley Field.
• Russell is also trying to stay patient with his approach despite having 12 strikeouts in his first 22 plate appearances.
• What kind of pitches is Kris Bryant seeing? ESPN Stats and Information has the numbers so far.
• People may not know how to pronounce his name, but Gonzalez Germen has made a name for himself by getting people out.
• Regarding Saturday's rainout, Jake Arrieta was... well, he wasn't happy about it.

From CBS Chicago:

• [AUDIO] Joe Maddon spoke with Lisa Fielding on WBBM Radio's Behind the Plate.

From the Chicago Tribune:

• Jake Arrieta doesn't have a strong opinion one way or the other on bringing the designated hitter to the National League.
• Zac Rosscup is pitching with a lot more confidence this season.
• [VIDEO] Jake Arrieta speaks about his start against the Reds on Sunday.
• [VIDEO] Joe Maddon speaks about the Cubs' 4-2 road trip.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

• With the Cubs' two-game sweep in Cincinnati they have won or split their first three road series, something they haven't done in almost 10 years.

From the Daily Herald:

• Bruce Miles writes that the 2015 Cubs aren't quite there yet, but they're getting closer. The story also includes a look back to some of the names on the 2012 roster that could cause moments of intestinal discomfort.

From Cubs Den:

• Juggling a four-man bench is causing Joe Maddon to make some tough choices in-game.

From Bleacher Nation:

• From the opposition's playbook: If you can't beat Kris Bryant, just have the mascots try to run him over.
• Luke Blaize takes an early look at the 2015 draft.
• Dallas Beeler and Blake Parker are both optimistic about their recoveries from injury.

From Cubs Insider:

• When you have a four-hour rain delay, you can end up with a lot of time to think about things like what the Cubs' finishing moves would be if they were Mortal Kombat characters.

Miscellaneous:

• WGN takes a look back at some classic photos of the Cubs and the White Sox from the 1950s and 1960s.
• Could Kyle Schwarber be the best of all the Cubs prospects? Clayton Richer of Baseball Hot Corner examines the possibility.

Today's food for thought: