Cub Tracks goes south

No game Friday, so the Cubs coast in to the weekend’s tilt against the White Sox on the heels of a victory against the Pirates, salvaging the last game of the series. Somebody has to do standup in the ‘Comedy Central.’ I elect the Cubs.

Speaking of standup, the ‘fire Joe Maddon’ catcalls have been heard. And they should be peremptorily disposed of. If he’s not rehired, or at least offered a contract, then there’s something really wrong going on.

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.

• Bill Quinn (Cubs Insider): Cubs need to extend both Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies for Marquee jobs. Yes. Yes, they do.
• Gordon Wittenmyer (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Wish the Cubs would fire manager Joe Maddon? Be careful what you wish for. “Just because we played bad doesn’t mean it’s the manager’s fault,” Jon Lester said. Bruce Miles buys the ticket too.
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): 6 factors that will affect rest of Cubs’ season. “... here is a look at three positive developments and three red flags for the North Siders.”
• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): 4 people to watch as the Cubs and White Sox resume the City Series on the South Side. “Full Metal Maddon was a great way to get on the front page of the sports section.”
• Tony Andracki (NBC Sports Chicago*): The definitive team of modern-day Cub Killers. “the list... continues to grow.”
• Luke Stuckmeyer (NBC Sports Chicago*): So, you’re saying there’s a chance?: Danny Hultzen could be the answer to the Cubs’ search for a lefty reliever. “... it would be a dream come true to be called up,” Hultzen said. Cubs Talk had words with him.
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Of all the ex-Cubs on the AL All-Star team, DJ LeMahieu is the one the 2019 team needs the most. “Remember when the Cubs had so much talent that some of their prospects had no path to Wrigley Field before 2022?”
• Steve Greenberg (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Cubs’ Mr. Nice Guy on critics, position changes and All-Star Game No. 3. “I just care so much,” Kris Bryant said. “Every big situation, I want to come through.” Brendan Miller has more Bryant.
• Kenny Kelly (Beyond the Box Score): Jason Heyward is hitting like his old self. “2019 is shaping up to be his best offensive season since his days with the Braves.”
• Riley Murdock (Arizona Republic* {$}): Massive office complex near Chicago Cubs spring training ballpark in Mesa going to a vote. “Our aim is to protect the guest experience,” Justin Piper, general manager of the Cubs’ spring training operations, said.
• Cubs birthdays: Frank Kellert, Lance Johnson.

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading.