Cub Tracks bite-size

Not a ton of stuff today (the beat writers are still on vacation seemingly), but what there is of it is good reading. Enjoy the links and a couple of topical remedies.

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

Cubs News and Notes:

• Jeff Burdick (Cubs Insider): Theo Epstein may also be haunted by ghosts of chicken and beer. “...one can see how parallels to that 2011 Boston team could haunt him now.”
• Matt Snyder (CBS Sports*): Bryce Harper rumors: Why you shouldn’t count out the Cubs despite supposed budget crunch. “What if, though, the Cubs are sending out messaging in a ploy to throw everyone off the scent?”
• Randy Holt (Wrigleyville-Baseball Prospectus): 2019 offseason target: Patrick Corbin. “...he’d be a tremendous boost to a Cubs rotation that struggled in the consistency department last year.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Pedro Strop is the “Heartbeat” of the Cubs, and his off-the-field performance deserves love. “Strop is a special dude.”
• Sean Holland (Cubs Insider): Andrew Miller, other lefty relievers could be viable options for Cubs. “...relievers are notoriously fickle and don’t typically operate under the same long-term deals as position players or starters.”
• Bill Thompson (Wrigleyville-Baseball Prospectus): Cubs 2018 Rule 5 draft preview. “...the Rule 5 Draft plays off of the idea that teams should not be able to stockpile their best prospects.”
• Doug Glanville (NBC Sports Chicago*): Glanville Offseason Journal: Traded in the offseason, but life goes on. “Granddad, I am still hitting that ball.”

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading.