Cub Tracks leaves Berwyn for the valley

So here we are again on another pleasant Sunday in the valley, where the status symbol is a lemonade mimosa. I won’t be having one as my sweetness is still overwhelming, but feel free. I’ll have a sugar-free Arnold Palmer and my herbal remedies. One of these surely will screen out the sorrow of a Cubs ST loss to the Brew Crew, at least until tomorrow. Which is today for you, dear readers, through the magic of the Cub Tracks Continuum.

Feel free to dip your spacetime donuts in the coffee. In the meantime, 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). The beats aren’t in midseason form yet, so we’ll have a paucity of links today, but no doubt that’ll pick up as spring training progresses.

• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): 5 takeaways from Cubs spring training: Tyler Chatwood is determined to make the roster. “The Cubs might have only one open spot on their roster, and Chatwood hopes to convince management he’s deserving of it as the 13th pitcher.”
• Gordon Wittenmyer (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Cub twister: How many starts could Tyler get If Chatwood could chuck good? “He’s here to be stretched out as a starter,” manager Joe Maddon said.
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Cubs easing bullpen arms into game action. “..,Maddon felt it was important not to overwork them in Cactus League play, especially given the importance of that group for the success of the pitching staff in the season ahead.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): There have been a lot of Cubs hitting coaches recently. So what makes Anthony Iapoce’s approach different? ““He’s been good since the first day I got here,” catcher Willson Contreras said.”
• Greg Huss (Cubs Insider): Cubs Prospect Profile: Alex Lange’s changeup could determine future. “He could potentially separate himself from the pack with an outstanding campaign.”
• Daryl van Schouwen (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Homer vs. Cubs will be tough to beat for White Sox’ Eloy Jimenez. ‘“It was amazing for me,” Jimenez said of his blast to right-center field against Cory Mazzoni.”

Cubs birthdays:

• Art Bues. Also notable: John Ward, Willie Keeler (HoF).

Food for thought: