Cub Tracks Has A Catalyst

Here's the latest from around the web.

From Comcast SportsNet Chicago:

• It was true before, and it's still true now: Dexter Fowler is a catalyst to the Cubs' offense.
• Justin Grimm is leading the way for the Cubs out of the bullpen, writes Tony Andracki.
• When will Javier Baez be back with the big club? Joe Maddon's thoughts: "His time will be coming. But he's definitely on the radar screen."

From Cubs.com:

• Kris Bryant wasn't looking to hit a home run when he knocked the game-winner out of the park on Monday. All he was really looking for was to hit a fly ball.
• Jordan Bastian writes that the matchup between Jon Lester and Corey Kluber on Monday more than lived up to its billing.
• The Cubs only have two off-days over the course of the next month due to make-ups of previously rained out games. Joe Maddon -- stop me if you've heard this one before -- isn't worried about it; in fact, he actually likes it.

From ESPN Chicago:

• What's the key to the Cubs' chances in the playoffs? For Joe Maddon it comes down to two things: Pitch it well and catch it well.
• David Schoenfield gives his take on what has sparked the Cubs' hot streak.
• "American Legion Week" has been a rousing success, writes John Jackson.

From CBS Chicago:

• Laurence Holmes writes that the Joe Maddon's impact as the manager is real, even if it can't be quantified.
• The call for more protective netting at Wrigley Field is picking up steam after another injury on Sunday when a woman was hit in the head with a line drive foul ball.
• Pedro Strop knows how to celebrate a walk-off homer.
• [AUDIO] Jon Heyman spoke on the Mully and Hanley show about the chances of Anthony Rizzo winning the National League MVP award.
• This week's "Behind the Plate" focuses on Lester Strode, the Cubs' longest-tenured coach. Fun fact: Strode has served under eight different Cubs managers.

From the Chicago Tribune:

• Chris Denorfia and Chris Coghlan are both enjoying the Cubs' push toward the playoffs, with Denorfia saying that "this is the type of situation I want to be in every single year."
• Kyle Schwarber is experiencing his first extended slump at the major-league level, but Kris Bryant is confident that he'll get out of it soon.
• Notre Dame Law School professor Ed Edmonds chimes in on the call for more netting at major league parks, saying that baseball should voluntarily remedy the situation without the need for further study.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

• Rick Morrissey writes that the Cubs deserve better than having to play a one-game playoff.
• Kris Bryant is in a good position to post the best fWAR for a rookie in Cubs history.
• The Cubs' game of "bullpen chicken" got a little close on Monday for Zac Rosscup.
• Anthony Rizzo has a thing this season with turning bunts into double plays.
• It's more rookies making a Starbucks run! This time, it was the Braves rookies making the trek.

From Bleacher Nation:

• The Cubs signed Quintin Berry to a minor-league contract after having been released from the Red Sox. His speed makes him a potential September "designated baserunner", writes Brett Taylor.
  
• Dexter Fowler isn't the only Cub that's been hot since the All-Star break. Addison Russell has also found a groove, hitting .293 with an .810 OPS in the second half. Here's hoping he comes back soon.

From Cubs Insider:

• As for Dexter Fowler's second-half numbers, how do these sound: .320 average, 1.035 OPS, 184 wRC+. Yeah, that's pretty good.

Today's food for thought:

• [VDIEO] Are you a fan of fighter jets? Here's a video of every US Navy combat jet in history.
• And on the lighter side, here are the secret confessions of some of the most famous monsters.