Cub Tracks writes by fridgelight

Previously, Cub Tracks considered its condition, and its condition was in. The Hot Stove gave us a wink, then it showed us the freezer. Ooh the pain.

If this keeps up, we’ll have to re-employ Moldy and Scowler, or maybe the Agents of Field, to track down some signable free agents or a wayward GM in search of a fair trade or a pre-existing condition.

THEN what will we do with the conceptual continuity, let alone the Cub Tracks continuum? Maybe this is the point where we start making up the news...wait for it...

...nah, not this time.

Here’s the best of the web for your infotainment needs — as always * means autoplay on™ (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome).

Today in baseball history:

• 1933 - Kenesaw Mountain Landis, in a move seen as a precursor of all salaries being reduced during the depression years, voluntarily cuts his pay by forty percent. In 1920, the Millville, Ohio native accepted the offer to become the game’s first commissioner for seven years at an annual salary of $42,500, on condition he could remain a federal judge.
• 1985 - Lou Brock, the major leagues’ all-time stolen base king, and Hoyt Wilhelm, who rewrote the record book on relief pitching, are elected to the Hall of Fame by the BBWAA.
• 1992 - Tom Seaver, one of the greatest starting pitchers of all time, and Rollie Fingers, who helped revolutionize the role of the relief pitcher, are elected to the Hall of Fame. Between the two of them, they won or saved 767 games: Seaver had 311 wins and one save, while Fingers had 114 wins and 341 saves.
• 2011 - In an eight-player trade, the Cubs send outfielder Sam Fuld and minor leaguers Christopher Archer, Hak-Ju Lee, Brandon Guyer, and Robinson Chirinos to the Rays to acquire starter Matt Garza. In addition to receiving the 27 year-old right-hander, who compiled a 15-10 record last season that included a no-hitter, Chicago obtains outfielder Fernando Perez and minor league southpaw prospect Zachary Rosscup.
• Happy birthday — Alvin Dark, Doug Capilla, Alfonso Soriano, Jon Lester

Cubs news and notes:

Winter Meetings chatter between the Padres and Cubs involving infielder Javier Baez failed to develop, per another Rosenthal report. It’s “likely” that Chicago was looking to pick up “a controllable starter” in any such deal, says Rosenthal, and the San Diego organization was just not interested in dangling Dinelson Lamet or Luis Perdomo. The sides also held some discussions involving Baez and Friars lefty Brad Hand, per Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Precise formulations of potential trade packages are not really clear, but it probably shouldn’t be too surprising to hear that those particular names came up. It seems that ship has sailed at this point, though in theory the sides could always strike up talks again if one or the other has a change of heart. Lin also addresses a few other topics of note; in particular, he says the Pads are likely just about done adding rotation options, so fans looking for a Jake Peavy reunion shouldn’t hold their breath. — Jeff Todd, MLB Trade Rumors.

• Chris De Luca (Chicago Sun-Times*): Don’t be surprised if market brings Jake Arrieta back to Cubs. The latest rumblings on an Arrieta landing spot focus on two teams: The Cubs and Cardinals.
• Carrie Muskat (MLB.com*): Drew Smyly touts potential Alex Cobb, Cubs coupling. “I think any team would be pumped to have Alex Cobb,” Smyly said in an interview with MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. “I would love for him to sign with Chicago.”

• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Idea of Cubs pursuing Christian Yelich or Lorenzo Cain seems dubious. “...just can’t find a way that either of these big splashes would really work out for the Cubs.”
• Buster Olney (ESPN Insider {$}): Top 10: Starters. Relievers. Catchers. First Basemen. Second basemen. All except relievers have Cubs content.
• Madeleine Kenney (Chicago Sun-Times*): Want to work for the Cubs? Now’s your chance. The Cubs posted a list of front-office, ballpark and sales job opportunities on their website.
• Madeleine Kenney (Chicago Sun-Times*): Cubs save social media flop with hilarious response. Playing tag.

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading.