Cub Tracks fills in the gaps

Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon, and others of that ilk are unlikely to wind up in Chicago. That’s just the way it is. It’s presented as fiscal responsibility, an idea which rarely fails to double me over with laughter. Look, we’re talking about millions of dollars. And we’re talking about sports ownership and management, a thing done by a certain segment of the population who, well, let’s don’t talk about that. Let’s just call them Abdominal Snowmen, Alex Anthopolous.

I find it sad that conversation is mostly about payroll and not about relative talent. But then I’m from the Island of Misfit Toys and have a slightly different perspective. Hand me those pliers, please.

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). {$} means paywall. {$} means limited views. Italics are often used here as sarcasm font.

• Matt Snyder (CBS Sports*): Cubs could make a hot stove splash, but they would likely have to deal a star to make it happen. “There remains a quality core here, but it’s obvious changes need to be made to get back to a true World Series contender.”
• Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): Cubs seem ready to make big moves, but don’t count on them spending big money. “Despite obvious flaws on the roster that could be fixed by lavish spending, ownership prefers the front office find ways to extend their window of contention through more modest means.”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Cubs could find several potential value signings among top 50 free agents. “... some more realistic possibilities from among the less expensive options.”
• Tony Andracki (NBC Sports Chicago*): Where Cubs payroll stands as 2020 offseason ramps up. “... the Cubs’ financial picture for the winter has come into focus.”
• Tony Andracki (NBC Sports Chicago*): Yu Darvish is absolutely killing it on social media this offseason. “Darvish has really come into his own in his second year with the Cubs after a trying first season.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Inbox: Could Nico Hoerner shake up Cubs’ outfield? “... as things currently stand, it does look like Happ and Almora would be a partnership for center.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Shogo Akiyama might come very cheap if he comes to MLB at all, but there are reasons. “He reminds me of Adam Eaton, with his approach,” Mike Boisinger said.
• Brendan Miller (Cubs Insider): How would signing Nick Castellanos affect Cubs’ 2020 payroll? “... you have to assume the Cubs are going to evaluate Castellanos’ value with a microscope.”
• MLB.com: Garcia Tabbed MiLB Breakout Prospect of the Year. “Robel Garcia, 26, rose from oblivion over the last year, having last appeared in affiliated ball in 2013.”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Marquee reportedly finalizing deals to keep Len Kasper, Jim Deshaies together on Cubs broadcasts. “... the network’s brass will be working overtime to hire on-air talent and production staff in short order.”
• Cubs birthdays: Monte McFarland, Joe Hatten, Clarence Jones, Joe Niekro, Reggie Patterson, Glendon Rusch, Les Walrond. Also notable: The Only Nolan, Dick Stuart (Dr Strangeglove!), Buck Martinez.

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading.