Cub Tracks’ sanity claws

Previously on Cub Tracks, we played it again, ‘it’ in that case being some old A-sides by the Sweet. I don’t mind if the Cubs don’t play that again, do you? Ouch. The bats are still on the way, I hope. 2 hits. Sheesh. Let’s get this over with now, eh?

We also treated with Joe Maddon’s ideas about having an extra guy on the roster after extra-long extra-inning games, weird baseball, brainwaves, and other bullets. Today we start a taco tradition, listen to ‘stories’, and check in with the beat writers and bloggers. As always, when the team is cold, there are plenty of hot takes. And of course we’ve put the tracks in Cub Tracks.

This band was better-known for a hit song that was written by a band that was better-known for other songs. Their hit was a pop confection but they were more frequently American-proggy. Enjoy some old Stories, if you will.

And now it’s time for the news. As always * means autoplay on™ (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome).

Cubs news and notes:

With 10 strikeouts on the day, the Cubs have tied the 2009 Nationals for most strikeouts by a National League team through its first five games. The Cubs have struck out 57 times so far. Two extra inning games over the weekend, including one that lasted 17 innings, helped increase their total.

Ian Happ has had a rough go of it since hitting a home run on the first pitch of the season last Thursday. According to Elias, he is the first player in Cubs history with multiple strikeouts in each of his first four games of the season. He has 10 to lead the majors after striking out twice so far today against the Reds. — Jesse Rogers

• Jon Greenberg (The Athletic {$}): If it’s early April that means two of the best sports songs are back. ““Go Cubs Go” is a perfect communal song, which is the entire point of its existence.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Joe Maddon: Don’t blame scouts for the Cubs’ 2-2 start. “If we wanted to talk about advance scouting, nobody is more prepared to go into a game than we are,” an amused Maddon said Monday.
• Mike Axisa (CBS Sports*): MLB opening weekend observations: Cubs’ Jon Lester still doesn’t look right. “Can Lester make the necessary adjustments to remain successful as his stuff and command begin to wane?”
• Carrie Muskat (MLB.com*): Reds blank Cubs behind dominant Tyler Mahle. Cincinnati took its first lead of the season and hung on for the victory.
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Hey, where were the whiffs? “...feels like the starting pitchers couldn’t put anyone away.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Top Cubs pitching prospect Adbert Alzolay not ready for start of minor-league season. He’s “about two weeks behind in building up arm strength,” said Jaron Madison.
• Jeff Burdick (Cubs Insider): A few key challenges for Cubs’ bench and bullpen. “...it takes more than stars to win.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Cubs strike out 11 times in 1-0 loss to Reds. Peter Gabriel was right — you need contact.
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Apparently nobody wanted that Javier Baez bunt that left Kyle Schwarber hung out to dry. “Baez had seen a sign that wasn’t there.”
• Tony Andracki (NBC Sports Chicago*): Free and easy: Addison Russell is on fire. “Addy looks fantastic,” Maddon said.
• Phil Thompson (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Cubs have opening for ‘part-time mascot handler’ and we have translations. The qualifications include “At least one year of mascot or cheerleading experience at a professional or collegiate level.”
• Ashok Selvam (Eater Chicago): The massive Big Star Wrigleyville debuts today to ignite a Cubs taco tradition. “The interiors are familiar to anyone who’s visited the Wicker Park location.”

Food for thought:

...and here’s the better-known number (especially since Louis CK used it), as played live just a few years ago. This is the original.

Thanks for reading!