Cub Tracks cracks code

Insofar as there is news, this is where it lives.

Here’s Cub Tracks 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.

• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): According to fans, it’s been weird seeing these former Cubs play for other teams. Highlights.
• Anthony Castrovince (MLB.com*): MLB clubs pledge $30M for ballpark employees. “More details regarding how and when the funds will be available are forthcoming on a team-by-team basis.”
• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Joe Maddon hopes MLB will experiment with new rules and ideas when it returns from coronavirus hiatus. “It’s a perfect time to create a different method that should (bring in) new and younger fans,” he said. “I think the traditionalists just want to see the game, period.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Where the Cubs’ roster battles currently stand. “... what to expect when baseball activities resume ...”
• Gordon Wittenmyer (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Decreasing number of Cubs remain in Mesa to stay ready for season they hope will be played. “I think there’ll be a season,” Anthony Rizzo said. “Hopefully. If there’s not, then obviously our world’s not in a good spot. This is bigger than baseball.” Evan Altman reports on the new normal.
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): David Ross quickly understands this job is about a lot more than just baseball. “There’s a reason why guys get this job and look really old at the end of the first season,” Ross said.
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Hey, oh, hey now, stop that: The Jason Heyward deal is Nowhere near as bad as the Chris Davis deal. “... neither has performed to the level of their contract ...”
• 670 The Score*: Score adds some classic programming to schedule. “Starting April 1, 670 will re-air the 2016 Cubs’ entire playoff run to a championship.”
• Jason Wilson (670 The Score*): A peek behind MLB The Show 20’s commentary curtain. Relevant.
• C. Trent Rosecrans, Eno Sarris and Jayson Stark (The Athletic {$}): Here’s a homemade version of the Codebreaker algorithm — and how to break it.
• Cubs birthdays:

Food for thought:

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