Cub Tracks holds the ball

Last time out, Cub Tracks shot the breeze instead of the piano player. Today is a turkey shoot instead of a funky chicken. Spatchcock that bird, Josh says. Don’t stuff it. Take the backbone out and put it on the grill. Or in the smoker, which is the best way unless you have a HUGE pair of tongs.

I must have seen that band a hundred times back in the day, when they’d open for the people that didn’t hire Head East. Never did like them very much, but Gary could play.

Also seasonal.

Check out the rest of this turkey below. As always * means autoplay on™ (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome).

Today in baseball history:

• 1943 - Commissioner Landis suspends William Cox indefinitely after the Phillies owner acknowledges making some "sentimental" bets on his team, not knowing it was against the rules. The gambling allegations first surfaced in July when the club's recently fired manager, Bucky Harris, revealed he had evidence that his former boss was wagering on games played by Philadelphia.

• 1964 - Future Hall of Fame southpaw Warren Spahn is purchased by the Mets from the Braves. In addition to serving on the club's coaching staff, the crafty southpaw will post a 4-12 record in twenty appearances.
• 1977 - The Red Sox sign two free-agent pitchers as Mike Torrez and Dick Drago come to terms to play in Boston.
• Happy birthday: Luis Tiant, Dale Sveum

Cubs news and notes:

Chicago Cubs (92 wins)

The Cubs should sign Yu Darvish.

If the Cubs wish to remain with the super teams, they will need another top-of-the rotation arm as Jake Arrieta heads to free agency, and their system lacks an MLB-ready impact arm. — Travis Sawchik, ESPN

NBC Sports Chicago, the multi-platform home for the most games and most comprehensive coverage of the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs and White Sox, will provide its viewers with a special 15-hour Thanksgiving Day marathon featuring four thrilling “Classic” games from this past Cubs & White Sox season beginning this Thursday, November 23 at 9:00 AM CT.

• Carrie Muskat (MLB.com*): Joe Maddon's 'Thanksmas' part of year-long efforts. “All of the Cubs -- and more -- combined to do their part this year to give back.”
• Bradford Doolittle (ESPN*): Hot stove stock watch: Cubs. “Although the Cubs' system lacks high-quality pitching prospects, the team still stands as a prime contender with a pre-hot stove win projection of 97.1.”

• Ken Schultz (Wrigleyville-Baseball Prospectus) 2017 player profile: Jake Arrieta. “I assume our only hope for seeing Arrieta in a Cubs uniform next year is if the front office goes back to only looking at websites if someone prints them out first.”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Cubs make potentially huge front office hire as staff changes announced. All about Jim Benedict,
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Best bullpen addition for Cubs might already be on roster. I GaronTee.
• Sean Sears (Sports Mockery): The Cubs believe they already have their closer of the future. Dillon Maples, that is.

• Rob Huff (The Athletic): Cubs have plenty of free agent options as they look to rebuild bullpen. “The relief pitching market...offers a bevy of strong options for the team...”
• Tim Huwe (The Zygote 50): Who is most likely to get Rule 5 poached? Maybe more than one.

Food for thought:

• Giorgia Guglielmi (Science): How to science up your Thanksgiving dinner. “Chemical reactions and physical transformations are key to any dish, from mashed potatoes to pumpkin pie.”
• Roni Dengler (Science): Why lefties have the upper hand in sports. It’s about timing.
• Rachel Feltman (Popular Science): Different kinds of alcohol might make you feel different emotions. “And figuring out why and how could save lives.”

Woodstock is a cannibal. Thanks for reading. Pass the gravy.