Cub Tracks makes it a double

Cubs split. Recap. They play twice again today, under sunny skies, against the Diamondbacks (in Arizona) and Reds (in Las Vegas). Double your pleasure, double your fun.

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.

• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): MLB says it isn’t closing locker rooms to the media — for now — amid the new coronavirus outbreak. “... opting not to follow the NHL’s decision to close dressing rooms to reporters upon the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control.”
• MLB.com*: Chicago Cubs launch School Night Special value offer for 2020 season. “The School Night Special value offer coincides with all home games that start at 6:40 p.m. CDT...”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Yu Darvish, Jon Lester make case to start Opening Day. “There’s two pitchers going,” David Ross replied, careful not to tip his hand.
• Steve Greenberg (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Has Cubs’ Jon Lester hit the ceiling? He’ll let you know after his 13th straight 30-start season. “It’s harder and harder every year, but I don’t want somebody to dictate for me when I’m done,” he said.
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Rex Brothers putting together strong audition for bullpen spot. “With 11 strikeouts and three walks through six innings, Brothers may be turning back the clock.”
• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): Ross-ter rundown: Albert Almora Jr. looking to rebound behind new swing, refreshed mental state. “Almora and Ian Happ will split time in center field this season ...”
• Matt Snyde (CBS Sports*): Why Cubs’ Ian Happ, one year after demotion, looks primed to win center field job. “Ross described Happ as a “man on a mission” this spring.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Cardinals utility man Yairo Muñoz simply left camp and went home, so the Cardinals released him (UPDATE). “This isn’t really the same as the Tommy La Stella situation, mind you, where he was in contact with the Cubs about his unique situation and eventually returned to the team.”
• Cubs birthdays: Jim Hughey, Toby Atwell, George Gerberman, Ryan Freel. Also notable: Jim Rice (HoF).

Food for thought:

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