Cub Tracks seals the deals

Less than a week remains before Spring Training starts. I dunno about you, but I can’t wait. Not just for the baseball, but because I genuinely enjoy reading all of the articles to find the best ones to share here. Writers tend to be researchers — indeed it fills more of the time than the actual writing, in many cases. We do Google-fu.

And on that note, 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.

• Patrick Mooney, Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): Believe it or not, the Cubs are undergoing a major transformation. What effect will it have? “... a deeper look reveals that the Cubs have transformed their baseball operations department, even if a familiar group of players reports to spring training in Arizona.”
• Sean Holland (Cubs Insider*): 4 simple ways David Ross can improve Cubs immediately. “... the organization believes greater benefits are likely to emerge from a more symbiotic relationship between manager and front office.”
• Adam Berry (MLB.com*): Here’s how NL Central starting rotations stack up. The Cubs have the most name recognition with Yu Darvish, Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks and José Quintana.
• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cubs invite Brandon Morrow, 20 other non-roster players to spring training. “The group includes 12 pitchers, four infielders, two outfielders and three catchers.” Jordan Bastian adds a few words. Mark Gonzales adds his thoughts. Gordon Wittenmyer says a few syllables.
• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Cubs fans brace for a Kris Bryant trade as Boston wails over Mookie Betts’ departure from the Red Sox. “Bryant’s fate hangs over the franchise as the clock ticks toward spring training ...” Dan Santaromita reports that multiple offers have been tendered. Tim Stebbins debates relative value for Bryant and thinks the Braves are the logical trading partner. NJ.com loves Bryant trade talk. Brett Taylor opines. And Mark Gonzales adds on.
• Bruce Miles (The Athletic {$}): Q&A with Len Kasper, who is entering his 16th season as the Cubs’ play-by-play TV voice. “... only four No. 1 play-by-play men have manned the microphone on Cubs telecasts over all these years: Jack Brickhouse, Harry Caray, Chip Caray and Len Kasper.”
• Jaclyn Hendricks (Page Six*): Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder goes to bat for the Chicago Cubs. “The Pearl Jam frontman, 55, lived out every baseball fan’s fantasy, enjoying a four-day vacation in Mesa, Arizona, last week with his beloved Chicago Cubs.”
• Cubs birthdays: Walt Huntzinger, Dale Long, Smoky Burgess, Travis Wood, Also notable: Babe Ruth (HoF).

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading. RIP Kirk.