Cub Tracks Gets Fired Up

When last seen, Cub Tracks was hitting the ground running, discussing clean living, flat feet and fire helmets at Wrigley, trade talks, the saga of "Eric", rampant speculation, and other bullets. This time around, we're considering what kind of gravy to have on the meatloaf. Brown, or ketchup? Or a combination of the two, or something else? In my world, we put bacon on top, cheese in the middle, and use barbecue sauce. Which is fitting, because it's Sunday, and in my world, that means barbecue. So I'll be wearing my vintage reversible jersey and cheering on our beloved Cubs while gnawing on the bones of dead beasts treated with fire. I hope you have similarly fulfilling activities planned.
Now that you're nice and hungry, here are some links to chew on:

*autoplay on (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome)

• Carrie Muskat (MLB.com): Joe Maddon, Cubs, to be cautious with Carl Edwards Jr. Young right-hander learning he belongs in the majors.
  
• Jesse Rogers (ESPN): Potato chips could prevent slump from Cubs' Jason Hammel. Balancing carbs and salt are key to minimizing the cramping that has plagued him throughout his career.
• Tony Andracki (CSN Chicago*): Addison Russell thriving in five-hole. He likes hitting with runners on.
• Aldo Soto (Sports Mockery): Javier Baez is now making ridiculous barehanded plays from the outfield look easy. Javy does his thing. It's fun to watch.
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): How the heck is Kyle Hendricks doing what he's doing? The Professor has been schooling the league.
• Tony Andracki: (CSN Chicago*): How Kyle Hendricks has taken on the Jake Arrieta role for the Cubs in 2016. June 29th looms large in the pitcher's personal calendar.
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Prospect-huggers beware, Cubs will move a few of your favorites in trades. Discusses which prospects might have the most value.
• Carrie Muskat (MLB.com): Cubs considering options close to deadline. Upgrade via trade is a possibility.
• Bradford Doolittle (ESPN): Theo Epstein says front-running Cubs have plenty of work to do. Epstein admitted that nobody on the team is "untouchable" in terms of trade conversations, but that there were people who he would be extremely reluctant to deal.
• Bruce Levine (Chicago Sun-Times): Theo Epstein, Cubs casting a wide net on trade market. Epstein made it clear that he’ll listen to anyone’s ideas.
• Tim Huwe (Zygote 50): Manfred, minorities, and the Dodgers loophole. "Pay amateurs better." Good article from former BCB writer.
• Andrew Beaton (Wall Street Journal): The Chicago Cubs: Baseball's human Lego set. "Versatility has gone from a luxury to a requisite, really, at this point," said Cubs president Theo Epstein.
• Tommy Meyers (Wrigleyville-Baseball Prospectus): Lineup roulette: how much will Jorge Soler play? Depends on how much he contributes when he is out there.
• Jerry Crasnick (ESPN): The outlook for baseball's 50-win club: Who is the team to beat? Crasnick doesn't make the call, just lays out the possibilities.
• Sarah Langs (ESPN): What it means to be in first place at the All-Star break. Breaking it down.
• Dam McGrath (Chicago Sun-Times*): Cubs hope they're rid of hiccup. "...I think as we get well, we’ll have another nice run in us," said Joe Maddon.
• Todd Johnson (Cubs Insider): Cubs' next superstar prospect Eloy Jimenez handles hype with a smile. "His attitude and demeanor will benefit him as he moves up the system."
• Neil (Chicago Cubs Online): Baseball America's midseason Top 10 Cubs prospects. The organization no longer has a clear #1.
• Liam McGuire (The Comeback): Cubs introduce hot dog deep dish pizza. I admit that I'd eat it.
• Richard Kagan (Cubbies Crib): Chicago Cubs flashback: Pitcher Moe Drabowsky. Journeyman made good and prankster extraordinaire.
• Carlos Portocarrero (Wrigleyville-Baseball Prospectus): Revisiting the Tony Campana trade. The two 17-year-olds that the Cubs got are still around, and improving rapidly.
• Aldo Soto (Sports Mockery): Ryan Dempster needs to be banned from the Cubs' tv booth. Or at least his imitation of an imitation of Harry Caray should be.
  

Food for thought.

• Brendan Cole (Wired): 35 mice watched the film "Touch of Evil" for science. You can check out the results for yourself.
  
• David Schulz (Science): Your culture -- not your biology, shapes your musical taste. Miles Davis' quote on music: "Do not fear mistakes. There are none."
• Matt Simon (Wired): Charcoal grilling tastes better than gas -- it's just science. And use a chimney, not lighter fluid.
  

I find it amusing that this exists: Cub Tracks Online. It's from Humboldt High School. Enjoy your Sunday.