Cub Tracks Is Star Struck

Well, this place feels familiar. But everything seems bigger.

From Comcast SportsNet Chicago:

• Theo Epstein is fishing. The question is whether he can reel in the big catch.
• Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant didn't impact the outcome much, but each young star is taking their All-Star experience in stride.
• For Bryant and his dad, the Home Run Derby was an emotional experience.
• You probably remember that Will Ferrell played for the Cubs and several other clubs in spring training. HBO has released a trailer for a documentary about Ferrell's experiences.

From Cubs.com:

• Rizzo and Bryant are taking many memories from their All-Star experience.
• It will be all hands on deck as the Cubs are learn what it's like to be in contention.
• The Cubs' Franchise Four were announced during the All-Star activities. How do you feel about a foursome of Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo, and Ryne Sandberg?
• Kyle Hendricks will take the bump to kick off the second half.

From ESPN Chicago:

• ICYMI in MLB Bullets, the Cubs were well represented on Jayson Stark's list of 25-and-under stars.
• Jesse Rogers gets out his red pen and grades the Cubs at the half-way point.
• And he gave some awards, as well.
• Then there's a midseason roundup. You feel like the world wide leader has done this before.
• (Insider) The midseason betting report suggests you take your Cub fandom and head to Vegas.
• The Cubs are a compelling storyline.

From CBS Chicago:

• Here are five metrics you need for Chicago baseball.

From the Chicago Tribune:

• Mark Gonzalez has five questions facing the Cubs.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

• Kris Bryant's girlfriend enjoyed All-Star weekend.
• Meanwhile, Bryant's family has become closer with Anthony Rizzo's family.
• But Rizzo's family couldn't keep him from getting bullied at the game.

From the Daily Herald:

• Nothing, I think.

From Cubs Den:

• Some bounce back performances are vital to the Cubs' second half aspirations.
• The club's minor league system is evolving.
• John Arguello thinks he's found a hidden advantage to senior underslot deals in the amateur draft.

From Bleacher Nation:

• The Cubs' TV ratings are doing great at a very opportune time.
• Jake Arrieta enjoyed a dominant first half.
• Among their bullets, BN notes that the Cubs are the 17th most valuable franchise in sports.
• Good on Brett Taylor and the folks at BN. They are raising money for the Make A Wish Foundation through marathon coverage at the trade deadline.

From Cubs Insider:

• Kris Bryant's All-Star selection put him in some interesting company in Cubs' history.
• And Bryant's footwear was a big hit at the Home Run Derby.

From Fangraphs:

• Fangraphs is doing their top 50 trade value countdown and some Cubs have made the released portions of the list. In the 50-41 range, Jorge Soler started the list at No. 50 and in the 40-31 range, Addison Russell came in at No. 32. No Cubs in the next segment, but I'm guessing at least two more Cubs are still to come in the countdown.
• Several posters have linked this already, but ICYMI, Dexter Fowler is getting a raw deal from the umpires this year.

From SB Nation:

• After all these promotions, just what is left in the Cubs' farm system?
• One of those "left" is a player many of you have never heard of. But Frandy Delarosa drew enough attention to merit his own article.

Miscellaneous:

• Hat tip to BCB poster BVictor for posting this article from a Eugene paper on Cubs' pitching prospect Justin Steele.

Today's food for thought:

• A flyby gives an up close look at Pluto.
• This American town has banned cell phones.