Cub Tracks irons out the kinks

Well, the Cubs added Jim Adduci to the coaching staff a few days ago. So they did a thing. And there was the Rule 5 Draft. Oh, and WilIie Harris. I dunno about you but I am nonplussed by this addition by subtraction stuff. The rumor mill has Kevin Pillar and Michael Taylor’s names out there. Those aren’t new wrinkles. There isn’t even enough to add up eventually. Even Viva el Birdos is mocking the Cubs’ lack of movement. It’s just sad.

Smooth segue. What, you wanted Van Halen? 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 on this page as sarcasm font. (In the comments section, use @ before and after your remarks @ to produce sarcasm font.)

• Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): The Cubs aren’t paying for pitching this winter, but can they sell opportunity? “Sometimes opportunity allows you to give guys a shot,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said.
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Retooling roster means Cubs rotation may rely on rookies, reclamation projects. “... the Cubs have neither the budget nor the desire for a long-term commitment at this point ...”
• Russell Dorsey (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Success with under-the-radar bullpen moves gives Cubs confidence with latest acquisitions. “Rowan Wick and Brad Wieck were under-the-radar moves that helped bolster the Cubs’ bullpen the last two seasons.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Chicago Cubs’ decision to let Kyle Schwarber walk is another reminder ‘it’s a tough time ... in the sports industry,’ Jason Heyward says. “You ain’t lying,” said Heyward.
• Gordon Wittenmyer (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cubs’ Heyward: ‘Still a lot of optimism’ for change, equity. “It’s amazing to see what The Players Alliance has done in six short months,” said T.F. South grad and three-time All-Star Curtis Granderson, one of its founding directors.
• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): 5 possible trade partners for Cubs’ Kris Bryant, plus how every team fits. “... a trade is far from certain.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Baseball America drops Its post-2020 top Chicago Cubs prospects list. A look behind the paywall. Todd Johnson peeks too.

Food for Thought:

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