Cub Tracks learns the shade zone

Well, there still aren’t any little packages under the tree. Not that I expected anything to happen overnight — it ain’t Christmas yet. But hey! One can hope that somebody from the idiomatic second tier will sign on the dotted line at any given time (I for one am not satisfied with simply taking CD Pelham 1, 2, or 3, but I’d be interested in talking about Jurickson Profar or Jackie Bradley Jr if they’re non-tendered.). It’s entirely possible that a free agent is negotiating right now. Hell, it’s even probable... just maybe not with the beloved. But we’re here to talk about the Cubs, and read about the Cubs, and think about the Cubs. So let’s just do that, and I’ll shut up.

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.

• Todd Johnson (Cubs Insider*): Chicago Cubs organizational breakdown Pt. 1: Miguel Amaya leads promising group of catchers. “... the Cubs will have to lean on the minor league system to produce impact players.”
• Adam Berry (MLB.com*): The NL Central’s most attractive trade chips. “Cubs: Controllable stars.” They come with remote control and everything.
• MLB.com*: 7 Hot Stove blockbusters to dream of. A young starter and potential star center fielder for Kris Bryant?
• Jared Wyllys (Forbes*): Cubs eyeing second-tier pitching market. “... pitchers like Alex Wood, Julio Teharan, and Collin McHugh.” Also, Cubs nearing decision time for Addison Russell.
• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cubs free agent focus: Josh Donaldson. “... there’s no spot for him on the Cubs roster, as currently constructed.”
• Will Leitch (MLB.com*): Ranking each World Series champ since 2000. Second! It’s a travesty. Everyone knows the Cubs are first. But I’ll give noted Cardinals backer Leitch credit for not making the Redbirds first. Or even Top Ten.
• Jason Coskrey (Baseball America* {$}): Analyzing Japanese baseball stars aiming for MLB debuts in 2020 and beyond. “Outfielder Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, infielder Ryosuke Kikuchi and righthander Shun Yamaguchi will be posted. Outfielder Shogo Akiyama will hit the market with no strings attached as an international free agent.”

Today in Baseball History:

• 1928 - National League President John Heydler becomes the first person to propose a baseball rule change calling for a 10th man, or a designated hitter, to bat in place of the pitcher. The NL will vote in favor of the proposal, but the American League will turn it down. (BBRef)
• 1971 - The Chicago Cubs release longtime star and future Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, ending his 19-year major league career. The Cubs also announce that Banks will serve as a coach on manager Leo Durocher’s staff next season. Mr. Cub finishes his playing career with 512 home runs and 1,636 RBI. (BBRef)
• Cubs birthdays: Tommy Raub, Charley Moore, Johnny O’Connor, Mike Cvengros, Lefty Sloat, Cal McLish, Tom Filer, Dan Straily, Javier Baez. Also notable: Walter Alston (HoF), Larry Walker, Matt Broderick.

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading.