Cub Tracks’ only Yu

Song of the day:

not-‘Dickie Goodman’ here:

Cub Tracks is still thinking of Yu. No one else but Yu. Well, Jake Arrieta, Alex Cobb, them, too. But mostly Yu. I’d be willing to deal with five years of Yu at about 25 million per annum. It’s not my money anyhow, so I’d be happy to give it to Yu.

I think I love Yu. Honestly. I’m never gonna give Yu up.

Congratulations! You’ve been Rick-Rolled.

We have a nice mix of articles, tweets, quotes, and videos today. Former BCB writer Rob Huff penned a couple of minor-league-oriented things for the Athletic, various others have featured pieces, and we wind it all up with current weird science.

As always * means autoplay on™ (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome).

Today in baseball history:

• 1926 - The possible elimination of the intentional walk is discussed by the Commission on Rules of the Major Leagues, but no action is taken by the group.
• 1958 - Commissioner Ford Frick announces the fans will no longer have a vote in the selection of participants for the All-Star game, with teams now to be chosen by major league players and coaches.
• 1987 - The Cubs trade veteran third baseman Ron Cey for the A’s infielder Luis Quinones. The ‘Penguin’ lasted 45 games before being released and retiring.
• 2006 - The Cubs and Jerry Hairston Jr. (.261, 4, 30) avoid salary arbitration when the second baseman/outfielder agrees to a one-year, $2.3 million deal.
• Happy birthday: Doc Watson, Vin Campbell, Matt Alexander

Cubs news and notes:

“It seems inevitable Maddon will again consider Schwarber, because of his ability to take a walk. But he’ll have to hit a little more to make that happen, and early on in the season, Maddon might prefer to protect Schwarber from the pressure of the leadoff spot and give him a chance for some sustained early success.” — Buster Olney {$}

Daily Cat:

Only Yu?

Evan Altman elaborates.

“Hey, here’s a thought: Maybe Darvish’s camp is feeding people from uninvolved teams the same info in an effort to spur the Cubs, Twins, or Brewers. Wouldn’t that be something?”

• Jed Hoyer talks to Spiegel and Parkins [AUDIO]. “I’m really happy here,” Hoyer said.
• David Adler (MLB.com*): 1998 Yankees top list of 25 greatest teams: MLB Network ranks best of the best in expansion era. “6. 2016 Chicago Cubs”
• Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): How good (or bad) are the Cubs at drafting and developing pitching? “...even the weakest area isn’t one that sinks an organization on its own.”
• Jesse Rogers (ESPN): Think the Cubs haven’t made a big addition this offseason? Chili Davis will prove you wrong. “Don’t be a hero, the hero role will present itself.”
• Tim Huwe (The Zygote 50): Cubs sign minor league 1B, infuriate people. “...a violent infraction of epic proportions.”
• Rob Huff (The Athletic {$}): Cubs minor league climbers and fallers: Which pitchers took steps forward, backward in 2017? “...this section will be a reminder there are some positives.”
• Rob Huff (The Athletic {$}): David Bote’s arrival, Dillon Maples’ emergence and Trevor Clifton’s downward spiral. Prospects are not all crackerjack.
• Tom U. (Cubs Den): Winter League wrap-up. “...only 26 players that belonged to the Cubs system at one time or another in the 2017-18 offseason would play winter ball.”
• Tyler Smith (Cubs Insider): Cubs Insider Q & A with Wrigley Field Historian Brian Bernardoni. “It’s not just a job, it’s a passion. Getting to go to Wrigley and seeing it in a behind-the-curtains way is a really cool thing.”
• Daniel Grzina (Eater Chicago): Big Star Wrigleyville to unleash two floors of tacos across from Wrigley Field in April. “...more and more visitors and residents are interested in higher-quality food and drink options beyond the glut of sports bars the neighborhood had long been known for.”

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading/listening/watching.