Cub Tracks looks for the bright spot

This has been a trying offseason. I suspect that we fans are in for a trying season. I’m not sure that the Cubs are going to field a competitive squad and I do not believe the people who tell me why that is, but I’m going to try to be fair and respond in a balanced and sane fashion whenever possible.

I still like the laundry. I got another black cap for Xmas. At least the Cubs aren’t the Astros or Cardinals. That’s all I have for positive spin right now.

Here’s today’s episode of Cubs News and Notes, the only links column that really matters. 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.

• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Bulk approach to bullpen construction has Cubs in good spot on paper. “Theo Epstein’s front office has taken the Costco approach when it comes to shopping for a bullpen.”
• Jesse Rogers (ESPN*): Lessons from Nick Saban, Aaron Boone and others: How David Ross is preparing to lead the Cubs. “I’ve just tried to talk with everyone,” Ross said.
• Gordon Wittenmyer (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): ‘No ill will whatsoever’: Kris Bryant focused on season after losing grievance against Cubs. “The arbitrator’s decision, which preserves the Cubs’ remaining two years of club control over Bryant, surprised no one.” If that’s good, why does it feel so bad? asks Rick Morrissey. Vinnie Duber adds thoughts. Evan Altman dicusses it. Paul Sullivan has words also. Jesse Rogers asks what it all means. Barry Rozner does math.
• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): Nolan Arenado would ‘love’ to play for Cubs, should Rockies move him. “If Arenado grows increasingly disgruntled with the Rockies, perhaps a trade becomes more likely.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): How do NL Central outfielders stack up? “... the offseason dominoes that have tumbled to date seem to point to the Cubs sticking with status quo for their outfield.”
• Anthony Castrovince (MLB.com*): Cards, Cubs superfans hyped for London Series. “Ultimately, they are all bound by their love of baseball and their curiosity for what it will be like to watch it played in such an uncharacteristic setting.”
• Joey Donia (KWQC.com*): Chicago Cubs announcer Len Kasper reaches out to 12-year-old who overcame mental health struggles while sportscasting. “Having people support you and that kind of stuff, that’s really been the best feeling in the world, and it’s really gotten me back up,” said Noah Schlicksup.
• Cubs birthdays: Doc Watson, Vin Campbell, Davey Johnson, Matt Alexander.

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading.