Cub Tracks’ world serious

I’m not the world’s biggest Red Sox fan, but I heartily dislike the Dodgers, so I’m rooting against the blue here. At least that question will be answered in a few days. The 350-million-dollar-question may take a bit.

We’re still not oversupplied with stuff, but what we have is good stuff.

As always * means autoplay on, or annoying ads, or both (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome).

1. With reference to ongoing commentary: Cub Tracks’ full 40-man as of 10/13.

Cubs News and Notes:

• Tony Andracki (NBC Sports Chicago*): Podcast: Bold predictions for the Cubs offseason. “Though the front office has downplayed the importance of a lead-off hitter the last two off-seasons, they will look to add one for 2019 so that Joe doesn’t have to be so creative.”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Report: Bryce Harper to Cubs ‘Seems Inevitable,’ opening bid starts at 10 Years, $350 million. Refers to Bruce Levine article. “The moral of the story is that signs continue to point to Harper making good on his running joke, which I suppose could carry all kinds of tampering claims.” Brett Taylor chimes in.
• Moshe Wilensky (Cubs Insider): Trading Mike Montgomery would help Cubs replenish farm at minimal cost. “...his value in a trade may outweigh what he offers in internal value.”
• Tony Andracki (NBC Sports Chicago*): No-brainer: The Cubs should absolutely bring back Jesse Chavez in 2019 bullpen. “...he clearly found something with his mechanics that helped lead to the remarkable consistency he showed in a Cubs uniform...”
• NBC Sports Chicago*: Theo on Morrow: ‘We knew his injury history going in’ [VIDEO].
• Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation): The Cubs consistently shift less than any defense in baseball – is this a zigging edge? “Maybe their player personnel has simply been such that shifting doesn’t make as much sense for them, regardless of their overall perspective on the strategy.”
• Todd Johnson (Cubs Central): What will be the top pitching storylines in 2019 for Cubs prospects? “Unlike hitting, the Cubs starting pitching does not have depth issues.”
• Cam Ellis (NBC Sports Chicago*): This Cubs World Series pumpkin is either really impressive or very sad, probably both. “The thing about pumpkin carving is: it’s hard.”
• Tim Bannon (Chicago Tribune* {$}): From Mark Prior to Chris Sale: The 6 former Cubs and White Sox members in the 2018 World Series. “Modified Cub Factor”
• Dan Hayes (The Athletic {$}): As a busy Twins offseason unfolds, new details emerge in their manager search. “Chicago Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde is another finalist after making a strong impression during his first round.”

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading.