Oh hi. Saturday, you know. Spring training is almost here. Kris Bryant is still a Cub, despite the best efforts of Joe Giglio and the ‘absolutely motivated’ Cubs. The GLOAT may be back.
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.
The history and legacy of the men and women of the Negro Leagues will be celebrated by MLB, players and clubs during the 2020 season. pic.twitter.com/NR1G0A3QJu
— MLB (@MLB) February 13, 2020
on Q. pic.twitter.com/TfsXuRYp4C
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 14, 2020
Good morning! Javy is here. pic.twitter.com/zJrfFnuB1U
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 14, 2020
- Gordon Wittenmyer (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Astros’ response to cheating scandal all the buzz among victimized foes, including affected Cubs. “... former Dodgers reliever Brandon Morrow said Astros owner Jim Crane “doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”” Patrick Mooney weighs in {$}. Tony Kemp says he didn’t do it.
- AP via ESPN: Kenta Maeda questions effect of Astros’ sign stealing on Yu Darvish. “Darvish usually doesn’t give up that many hits...”
- Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Humble? The Cubs? This should be interesting to see. “It’s a new opportunity,” Anthony Rizzo said.
- Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): From the leadoff man to the closer, little details come into focus for the Cubs. “Everything about Ross as a manager is projection.”
- Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): 4 takeaways from Cubs spring training Friday, including Darvish and other veterans operating on their own schedule.
- Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Veteran leadership showing; Ross on Miguel Amaya. “I expect him to use me as an example both on the good side and the bad side,” Lester said. 5 predictions as Cubs open Spring Training.
- Cam Ellis (NBC Sports Chicago*): Their teams and roles have changed, but the Jon Lester-David Ross dynamic remains the same. “I would say I’m almost too honest with him,” Ross said with a big grin. Evan Altman has words.
- Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): A new fitness routine has Kyle Hendricks hoping it can lead to more success with the Cubs: ‘I noticed there was a deficiency and I needed to address it’. “Hendricks is essential to the success of a franchise that could overturn its roster within two seasons.” Cam Ellis has thoughts about this. Evan Altman adds his wisdom.
- Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Craig Kimbrel working to stay healthy, answer questions after ‘terrible’ campaign. “Terrible is kind of an understatement for what I felt like I did last year,” Kimbrel said Thursday. Sahadev Sharma contributes {$}. Gordon Wittenmyer chimes in.
- Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago* ): Cubs could turn to Anthony Rizzo as answer to prolonged leadoff spot question. ““There’s a handful of guys you guys can say or can speculate, but I think [Anthony Rizzo] is definitely a viable option if I want to go with a professional at-bat to lead it off,” Ross said Tuesday.” Rizzo talks to ESPN [VIDEO].
- Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): Kyle Schwarber could be the leader, offensive force the Cubs need in 2020. “It’s not like I ended the year on a low note,” Schwarber said.
- Cam Ellis (NBC Sports Chicago*): Albert Almora’s 2019 season was both the worst of his life and equally necessary. “It was an important year in my life that I needed to go through and experience.”
- Cubs birthdays: Charlie Irwin, Footer Johnson, Chuck Estrada, Ron Cey, Rolando Roomes, Brian Williams, Nate Schierholtz. Also notable: Billy Hamilton (HoF).
Food for thought:
The Repeating Signals From Deep Space Are Extremely Unlikely to Be Aliens. Here's Why https://t.co/j3YbbmBTgX
— ScienceAlert (@ScienceAlert) February 14, 2020
Upside-down jellyfish lob tiny grenades to kill prey https://t.co/IHNUi8GZTh pic.twitter.com/1JmQDNecCD
— Popular Science (@PopSci) February 14, 2020
Monkeys Wake From Anaesthetic When Brain Region Linked to Consciousness Is Stimulated https://t.co/RXjfl3QmKk
— ScienceAlert (@ScienceAlert) February 14, 2020
Thanks for reading.