Cub Tracks currently in DC

In Friday’s game, the simCubs defeated the simNationals. Our team prevailed by a score of 5-3 in a game that was competitive until the final pitch. I’m already tired of Howie Kendrick and there are two more games to go until the scheduled day off on 4/20.

There was a lot of action, some uncharacteristic spotty play by Kris Bryant and Javier Baez, and some interesting pitching in the game, which featured a dramatic finish authored by Craig Kimbrel, who wrote himself into a corner and pitched his way out. Here are some of the highlights:

The Cubs and the Nationals play again today at 3 p.m. Central. Yu Darvish will be facing Joe Ross.

Al will have more information about that game in the game post at 2:30 p.m. CT, for our 3 p.m. start. I’ll drop the specific URL to the contest in the game thread, but you can lurk at the BCB Media Center and catch it there as well. All past games and highlights reels are available there too, if you want the full #simCubs experience.

And now, 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.

• Scott Gleeson (USA Today*): ESPN, TV networks ‘threw out rule book’ to rebroadcast classic games and weather sports drought. “The problem? Rebroadcast rights, or the ability for a network to show a game it originally aired, can be restrictive.”
• Jeff Nelson (NBC Sports Chicago*): MLB players still express concern over whether baseball can return in 2020. “... Angels superstar Mike Trout expressed some doubt.”
• Doug Glanville (ESPN*): As a former player, it would be a shame for baseball to return without fans. “The value of those who come out to support their team and your journey, loyally, is priceless.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Cubs were 1 of 3 MLB teams that declined to participate in a coronavirus study, report says. “A source stressed that the study, which involved 10,000 people and included those from corporations and MLB, was voluntary.” Gordon Wittenmyer corroborates.
• Ken Rosenthal (The Athletic {$}): Rosenthal: Q&A with Anthony Rizzo on helping front-line workers, this Cubs team and more. “I want to play. But we don’t want to jeopardize two years of baseball. That’s the hard part.” Tim Stebbins interprets for those who don’t have a sub. Evan Altman adds a little bit more.
• Nathan Fournier (Lewiston Sun-Journal*): Chicago Cubs star Rizzo provides meals to staff at CMMC. “The first baseman is a friend of cardiologist Paul Weldner, whose family hosted Rizzo when Rizzo was a member of the Portland Sea Dogs in 2010.”
• 670 The Score: Ian Happ talks to Sahadev Sharma [AUDIO].
• Russell Dorsey (MLB.com*): NL Central players who could one day manage. The Professor? Yadi.
• And Now You Know: Chicago Cubs open Wrigley Field as Food Packing and Distribution Center. “... in partnership with the Lakeview Pantry.”
• Cubs birthdays: George Borchers, Mal Moss, Mike Paul, Rich Bordi, Dennis Rasmussen, Alberto Gonzalez, Marcos Mateo. Also notable: Sam Crawford HOF.

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading! Happy 420!