Cub Tracks does shots

I like this new Jason Heyward. The rest of those guys might have a future, too. Looking good right now. Here’s Jose Cardenal on a big bike:

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Cubs News and Notes:

“I figured I got it pretty good, but I thought I hit it a little too high,” Russell said. “I’m happy that it’s summertime in Chicago and now those balls are flying.”

Russell, who got off to a slow start this season, has seven hits in 17 at-bats over his last four games to raise his average to .282.

”I’ve just been really trying to work on my approach with (hitting coach Chili Davis) and myself, as well as my discipline at the plate,” Russell said. “It looks like it’s getting better.” — ESPN.

• Matt Snyder, Mike Axisa (CBS Sports*): Cubs’ Yu Darvish diagnosed with elbow impingement after visiting doctor in Texas. “Darvish suffered a setback during his bullpen session Thursday.”
• Matthew Martell (MLB.com*): Yu reunites with Rangers doc for evaluation. “Darvish will have to wait three to five days before he can resume throwing.”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Cubs uniquely suited to helping Darvish overcome doubts. “When people boo you, they’re telling you, ‘We don’t like you,’” the pitcher said.
• Tony Andrackin (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cubs get good news on Yu Darvish, but know he still has a mental hurdle to clear. “...there probably isn’t any chance of seeing Darvish before the All-Star Break.”
• John Sickels (Minor League Ball): Thoughts on Chicago Cubs rookie Randy Rosario. “...the bullpen suits him well, with the increased fastball velocity in shorter outings making all of his pitches more effective.”
• Tommy Birch (Des Moines Register {$}): Eddie Butler to join Iowa Cubs on rehab assignment. “Butler was placed on the disabled list with a right groin strain on April 20.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Cubs reliever Anthony Bass is in control of his expanding role. “I feel good right now and will keep trying doing what I’ve been doing,” he said.
• Randy Holt (Wrigleyville-Baseball Tendencies): Looking at Javier Baez’ increasing oppo tendencies. “In demonstrating more zone coverage, Báez becomes that much more difficult to pitch to. And his numbers indicate that he could be working towards doing just that.”
• Travis Sawchik (Fangraphs): Is Javier Baez breaking out or is it just loud noise? “...even if he improves just a little bit offensively he can be considered a star.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Kris Bryant’s injury eases the Cubs’ Albert Almora Jr.-Ian Happ debate. “Maddon’s logic for playing Happ includes the fact that while Almora has the much better batting average (.318 to .239), their on-base percentages are identical at .359.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Trade season is kicking up really early this year — what’s that gonna mean for July? “...here we are, before July even arrives, and we’ve already seen major trades go down...”
• David Haugh (Chicago Tribune* {$}): The 2014 Sammy Sosa tell-all interview that fell through: By saying nothing, he said everything. #narrative

Food For Thought:

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