Cub Tracks on the hot seat

Some days the muck rakes itself. Addison Russell has been revealed to be a serial philanderer and abuser. The Cubs organization certainly seems to be lacking in the social responsibility department, and the Sun-Times reports that the new TV network is definitely with the Sinclair network... all of which have many people questioning their allegiances.

The national media have gotten in on the dog-and-pony show, and we need to include the points they bring up to see the whole picture, but let’s not use the fact that some of the spin is political to air our grievances. I try to do honest reporting but this is a secular, non-political discussion board. We’re all adults here, yes?

We wanted news, but I’m not sure this is what we had in mind. All this and Allen Webster, too!

Here’s today’s Cubs News and Notes. As always * means autoplay on, or annoying ads, or both (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome).

• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): As more details emerge, the Cubs are still monitoring the Addison Russell situation. “Theo Epstein is still trying to thread the needle and wanting to be part of the solution...”
• Molly Osberg (Deadspin*): Cubs owners discussed moving team out of Chicago during beef with Mayor.
• Craig Edwards (Fangraphs): A Cubs-Sinclair Partnership May Be Cause for Concern. “Sinclair’s track record indicates there is also significant risk in letting it control who gets to watch baseball across the country.”
• Tony Andracki (NBC Sports Chicago*): Explaining Cubs’ budget woes: Why Theo Epstein’s front office is limited this winter. ““It doesn’t do us any good to ever talk about specifics with money,” GM Jed Hoyer said.”
• John Tayler (Sports Illustrated*): Why aren’t the Cubs in the market for Manny Machado or Bryce Harper? “It took two months, but the Cubs finally made a move.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Tommy Hottovy combines analytics with experience. “New Cubs pitching coach taking new-age approach toward staff.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): What Theo Epstein really means when he talks about leadership in the Cubs clubhouse. “What we’ve lacked is that one really respected, loud voice, really since Rossy left.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Yu Darvish resumes light throwing on flat ground. “Cubs right-hander has second session since undergoing surgery.”
• Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): Why Daniel Descalso is much more than just Tommy La Stella’s replacement. “Descalso is more dynamic and can provide more than just a left-handed bat off the bench.”
• Brendan Miller: (Cubs Insider): Descalso’s evolved swing could yield more sustainable offensive results. “...the question is whether the 32-year-old can provide the kind of offensive value he had failed to produce in previous seasons.” More Descalso from CI.
• Patrick Brennan (Beyond the Box Score): The new and improved Daniel Descalso finds an ideal fit with the Cubs. “One of the more improved hitters in all of baseball can provide plenty of flexibility for the Cubs.” Matt Provenzano chimes in.
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): I’m not going to start worrying about Kris Bryant’s free agency right now. “An extension has never felt like a realistic fit.”

Food for thought: