Cub Tracks goes fourth

In the first game of three at simWrigley Field, the first place simCubs defeated the simDiamondbacks in a twelve-inning marathon punctuated by several lead changes and some memorable defensive plays.

Of particular note was Javier Baez getting nailed at home with what would have been the Cubs’ first run, but they turned out not to need that one, in the end, as Anthony Rizzo singled in Kris Bryant, who had doubled, for the game-winning run in the 12th inning.

Here’s a nice video of the highlights:

All games are available after streaming at the BCB Media Center. Al will have more details in the game thread at 2:30 Central, as well as lineups for today’s game. Thanks for watching!

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*): Yu Darvish’s GQ magazine history only makes Cubs’ ace more likable. “In 2012, Darvish was named the GQ Man of the Year in Japan. The magazine also billed him as the “Elvis of Japan” in 2010.”
• Sean Holland (Cubs Insider*): Unparalleled consistency makes Kyle Hendricks best Cubs pitcher of this era. “What you see is what you get with him.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Jon Lester on pitching as an older gent. “I want guys to still be excited when they see me run out there.”
• Teddy Greenstein (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Who is the most popular Cub: The dazzling Baez, the mellow Bryant or the charitable Rizzo? “It’s Javy,” Bryant said last summer.
• .Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cubs’ Jason Kipnis sets up unique fundraiser for COVID-19 relief. “... he’s set up a Cameo account and will donate portions of the proceeds to coronavirus relief and medical workers.”
• Tommy Birch (Des Moines Register* {$}): Chicago Cubs players launch podcast to pass time, entertain fans while MLB is on hold. The continuing adventures of Zack Short, Ian Happ, Dakota Mekkes and Nico Hoerner.
• Keith Law (The Athletic {$}): Even with baseball shut down, specter of minor-league contraction looms. “MLB’s initial proposal would drastically reshape the minors as we know them ...”
• Pinstripe Alley is simming the 2020 season. So are Bless You Boys and The Good Phight. NBC Sports has the White Sox. CBS Sports has them all. You can even watch those. But WE ARE STREAMING OURS.
• Cubs birthdays: Joe Brown, Pete Kilduff, Mickey Owen, Willie Ramsdell, Eddie Watt, Also notable: Tris Speaker (HoF), Ray Fosse, Jim Fregosi, Gil Hodges.

Food for thought:

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