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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.