Cub Tracks’ status pro

Theo Epstein had some things to say, and there will be commentary about that, and any other momentous Cubs news, as warranted and necessary. Of course this has been covered by our intrepid front-page crew, but there are always other opinions.

If you want Cubs, you’ve got it.

Here’s Cub Tracks 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. Italics are often used here as sarcasm font.

• Jeff Gordon (St Louis Today*): Tipsheet: Cubs face massive overhaul after postseason flop. “The only certainty for the Chicago Cubs this unoffseason is certainty.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): A return to your Cubs-less existence. In which we wax poetic and deal with the buildup.
• Russell Dorsey (Chicago Sun-Times* [$}): Cubs’ core accomplished its goal, but sometimes things end, and that’s OK. “Nobody knows their future,’’ third baseman Kris Bryant said.
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Epstein says roster change ‘Warranted and Necessary,’ expects ‘Status Quo’ for leadership structure. “... the winner trap ...” Mark Gonzales keeps on rockin all over the world. Tony Andracki writes it all down down. Gordon Wittenmyer reckons. Patrick Mooney {$} reflects. Jordan Bastian finishes it off.
• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): If Epstein leaves the Chicago Cubs, will Jed Hoyer assume the crown? Nothing is set in stone — but you can plan for the coronation. “... 2021 is basically a transition year for Hoyer, who has waited patiently for his chance.”
• Russell Dorsey (Chicago Sun-Times* [$}): Jon Lester’s legacy will be felt in Cubs’ clubhouse for a long time. “He helped them change their culture from one known for losing to one that expects to win every season.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Javier Báez wants to be a Cub for the rest of his career. Is it that simple? “We will never see the Cubs’ entire financial picture.”
• Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): How Jason Heyward, Ian Happ picked up the Cubs’ slack on offense. “Happ, Heyward and even David Bote will all need to fill different roles for the Cubs going forward ...”
• Phil Rosenthal (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Stop changing the channel and turn down the fake crowd noise. Here’s how to fix MLB’s postseason TV coverage. “How is it in the interests of MLB or its media partners to make viewers work that hard to find — and watch — a game?”
• Cubs birthdays: Dutch Meyer, Gene Clines, George Riley, Jay Baller.

SimNews:

Just a couple of days ago, I was making plans for postseason moves. Then, lightning struck. Blue lightning. Now...

The simCubs prevailed over the simNationals in dramatic fashion, with Ian Happ leading the way and Kyle Hendricks holding a clinic. Happ was 3 for 4 with two home runs. David Bote clouted two as well, with Jason Heyward adding on and Javier Baez getting in on the fun. Anthony Rizzo ‘tripled’ in three of his chums after it looked like a Happ solo homer would be all of the offense, and then the blood was in the water and it was candygram time.

The simCubs will move on to face the simDodgers, Friday at 11 a.m. CT. Yu Darvish (1-0, 1.13) will take the hill against Walker Buehler (1-0, 0.00) in a likely pitchers’ duel, a night game in the Friendly Confines. Ryan Yarbrough (0-0, 0.00) and Clayton Kershaw (0-1, 4.50) will face each other in the second game, Saturday at 11 a.m. CT.

Sunday will be a ‘travel day’ as the teams ready for battle in Chavez Ravine. Pitching will be at a premium in this series. Both teams also feature star-studded offenses and this promises to be a great series. All game video and related material is available commercial-free, 24/7, at the BCB Media Center.

Food for Thought: