Cub Tracks pitches curves

So why not Taylor McGregor for the new tv voice of the Cubs? Or Sage Steele if we need someone sports-qualified or actually from ESPN? That is, if Sara Sanchez won’t do it. Cuz Sara is clearly the best possible candidate (outside of Michelle Obama, who definitely wouldn’t do it). But Taylor already works for Marquee, has a rapport with JD, all of that, and isn’t an old white dude.

I realize such a progressive notion won’t fly at at the Marquee Sports Network, but it should. You can @ me if you like. I already know I’m nuts. But please, no Chris Myers or Wayne Randazzo.

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.)

“I want this to be crystal clear. If Cub games were still on WGN or NBC Sports Chicago or Channel 7, I would still be doing this. I was treated like a king with the Cubs. This is 100 percent about a moment in time during which I could not pass up the opportunity of a lifetime.” — Len Kasper

• Jayson Stark (The Athletic {$}): The non-tender deadline’s ‘Central’ issue. “Concentrated in the two Central divisions,” the same exec went on, “you’ve got some of the smallest markets in the game.”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Cubs saved around $1M on pre-tender reliever deals. “Doesn’t seem like a lot until you consider that represents a 23-44% discount over initial salary projections.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): 5 questions for Cubs after non-tender moves. “Jed Hoyer made it clear that some changes could be coming.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Whether it’s goodbye or see you later, Jon Lester will always toast to Chicago. “I know where I stand in this free agency compared to the last one, just based on age and performance,” Lester said. “It is probably going to be a little bit slower offseason for me.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Chicago Cubs “Very Open” to trading Willson Contreras? This originated with Joel Sherman and should be eaten with a salt lick.
• WBBM Newsradio*: 5 potential landing spots for Kyle Schwarber in free agency. The AL version.
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Chicago Cubs might have options in the new pool of non-tendered free agents, including Carlos Rodon and David Dahl. “The list of non-tendered free agents is accompanied by a “buyer beware” sign.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): MLB reportedly investigating sponsor patches for uniforms and batting helmet decals. Of course they are.
• Jon Greenberg (The Athletic {$}): Why did Len Kasper leave the Cubs for the White Sox?: Dollars and sense. “What’s next, the Wrigley Field Starbucks closes?” Evan Altman reacts to this. Jeff Agrest adds a few things.
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Legendary Cubs tale: Homer in the Gloamin’. ““The greatest thrill of my life,” Gabby Hartnett told the Chicago Tribune after that blast in 1938.”
• Michael Long (SportsPro*): Chicago Cubs execs and Raine Group latest to create sports-focused SPAC. “Marquee Raine Acquisition Corp. is seeking US$325 million to invest in sports and sports-adjacent businesses across technology, media and betting.” Previously reported by Al earlier this week.

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading. RIP Arecibo.