Cub Tracks stays right side up

I could get used to this kinda baseball. That game’s results were certainly cathartic given the events of the past weekend. It wasn’t like the Barves were gonna give up — so they scored a few runs! Whatever. The Braves are one of the few NL teams I don’t hate on. I remember when WOR and TBS were ‘superstations’ and I used to watch a LOT of Dale Murphy, but that doesn’t mean I mind the Cubs beating them. Not in the slightest.

I’m sure you understand. This just in — The Cubs are kinda good. They’re just not going to win like clockwork.

Well... since 2015? Let’s keep it going, Cubs! 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.

Jordan Hicks, ugh. Torn UCL. Mickey Callaway got fined.

• ESPN: Willson Contreras talks about his home run [VIDEO].
• RJ Anderson (CBS Sports*): Cubs, Braves’ benches clear following Willson Contreras home run. “Just a guess, but we don’t think Contreras was complimenting Flowers on his 114 OPS+.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Cubs show their feisty side despite working through an uneven stretch. “... there was no reason to question the effort of the Cubs’ players.” Gordon Wittenmyer says a few syllables. Jordan Bastian empties the pen.
• Gordon Wittenmyer (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): A unicorn to dream on? High hopes for Adbert Alzolay in Cubs starting debut. “The sky’s the limit for this kid,” Tommy Hottovy said.
• Tony Andracki (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cubs still searching for answers with Brad Brach. “... there’s more than meets the eye with his numbers and both he and the Cubs feel like they’re on the verge of getting things in order.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Craig Kimbrel won’t be pushed past 3 outs when he joins the Cubs. “... initially ...” More from Jordan Bastian. Cam Ellis joins the conclave. Bruce Miles adds to the conversation.
• Jesse Rogers (ESPN): What happens when a pitcher loses his best pitch? “Some experiences are similar, but many are unique to that individual.”
• Teddy Eley (Cubs Insider): Willson Contreras riding better prep, greater launch angle to bigger numbers. “... Contreras leads all catchers with a 143 wRC+ ...”
• Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation): Kyle Schwarber is trending up and the best is yet to come. “... Schwarber has actually been the 13th most unlucky hitter in baseball this season with an expected wOBA 48 points higher than his actual wOBA.”
• Tony Andracki (NBC Sports Chicago*): While Cubs offense struggles, Ian Happ continues his development in Triple-A. “I think the biggest thing there is we just want him to get his at-bats and not worry about the defensive side of things,” Joe Maddon said. More Happ from George Miller. Evan Altman opines. Sahadev Sharma {$} fills in the blanks.
• Cubs birthdays: Bill Phyle, Jose Ortiz, Brad Woodall, Michael Tucker, Aramis Ramirez, Paul Maholm.

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading.