Cub Tracks’ did you catch that?

Well, that didn’t end well. Willson Contreras giveth, and Willson Contreras taketh away. Victor Caratini was awesome. The Cubs were that/close to a win. Maybe today! Happy Independence Day! What I want is some fireworks from the Cubs’ bats.

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.

• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Cubs manager Joe Maddon says he enjoys being more hands on: ‘I’ve had a good year’. “The record is what it is, and there are a variety of reasons for that. What I set out to do this year and how I’ve done it, I’m pleased with that, quite frankly.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Theo Epstein threatens ‘a ton of changes’ if Cubs don’t improve — then the team calls up infielder Robel Garcia. “You’re always looking for new talent, and you’re always looking to push people,” Maddon said. Evan Altman amplifies. Jake Crouse elaborates.
• 670 The Score: Epstein expects Ben Zobrist, Brandon Morrow to return to Cubs. “I mean, I think they both will (play),” Epstein said.
• Robbie Stratakos (Baseball Essential): The Chicago Cubs starting rotation is running out of gas. “... an important element to this rotation is its age.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Kyle Hendricks on Cubs’ woes: ‘Just not going our way right now’. “It’s just making good pitches from the start, being aggressive and give our lineup a chance to get the lead early might help,” Hendricks said.
• Jake Crouse (MLB*): Cole Hamels’ MRI results give Cubs ‘good news’. “It’s not awful,” Maddon said.
• Matt Snyder (CBS Sports*): Power-hitting Garcia joining Cubs, completing fascinating journey from Class A to Italy to the majors. “Garcia hadn’t played in the minors since 2013 and never higher than Class A until this season.” Tim Stebbins adds on.
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Javy Baez officially declines Home Run Derby repeat to rest his heel. “Although he suggested he was hopeful it might feel like it would be fine to participate, he’s (wisely) instead going to opt for rest.”
• Daniel Shepard (Cubs Insider): Cubs not taking advantage of Kris Bryant’s strengths. “That means bumping Bryant and his .393 OBP to the top of the order.”
• Gprdon Wittenmyer (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): J-Hey, say what? Check out who suddenly looks like 184 million bucks for the Cubs. ‘‘This is as good as we’ve seen him since he’s had the uniform on,’’ Maddon said of outfielder Jason Heyward.
• Cubs birthdays: Bill Sullivan, Chuck Tanner, Bill Tremel, Wayne Nordhagen, Dan Larson, Johnny Abrego. Also notable: Mickey Welch (HoF)

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading.