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Here’s Cub Tracks News and Notes. 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* {$}): Baseball is in crisis mode as more MLB players and staff test positive for COVID-19. And World Series or bust, we’re all passengers on this strange journey. “We’re playing in unusual circumstances,” Anthony Rizzo said.

• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Cubs proud of adherence to COVID protocols, still not blind to reality. “Six teams were out of action Friday, four of which came as a direct result of the Marlins’ inability to follow the most basic safety measures, so it’s understandable that a lot of people around the league are pissed off.”
• Maddie Lee (NBC Sports Chicago*): How Yu Darvish began to recreate his success from the second half of last year. “I tried to throw fewer hard cutters,” Darvish said.
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): David Ross isn’t committing to Craig Kimbrel as Cubs closer going forward. “In a season where every win or loss is magnified, there isn’t much of an excuse not to go all out every game, trying to win.” Gordon Wittenmyer has more. Jesse Rogers loads the bases. Paul Sullivan moves them over. Evan Altman keeps the line moving.
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): How Cubs star Anthony Rizzo views a risk/reward season that could be in jeopardy. “Once the game starts, Rizzo has a unique ability to concentrate and enjoy the competition.”
• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): Jason Kipnis‘ first home run with Cubs is one he’ll ‘remember always’. “And, I got the ball too. That’s coming with me.”
• Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): David Bote details his at-bat routine and approach. “I’m playing the game in my head, like how it’s gonna play out,” Bote said.
• Will Laws and Nick Selbe (Sports Illustrated*): MLB Power Rankings: Where every team stands after hectic week. “Right-hander Dillon Maples, who was sent down Wednesday after walking four hitters without recording an out, is the first player since 1939 to give up at least 20 earned runs and issue at least 25 walks in less than 25 career innings pitched.”
• Cubs birthdays: Lloyd Merriman, Derek Botelho, Matt Guerrier, Brett Jackson.

SimNews:

There were some positives despite the final score. Anthony Rizzo broke out of his brief slump with a 3 for 4 day, with a home run (31) and a clutch late-innings single driving in three of the Cubs’ runs. He’ll be back at leadoff today. Willson Contreras (24) drove one out of the yard, as did Jason Heyward (17). David Bote had a clutch double. The Cubs were on their way to a one-run win but Craig simbrel had other ideas and coughed up the lead for his fourth blown save and then Dan Winkler allowed Christian Yelich to hit a bomb out onto the the Wrigleyville streets and Brad Wieck and Ryan Tepera melted down too and it took Trevor Megill to quiet things down, though he allowed an inherited runner to score.

For his trouble, Megill has been sent to Iowa. Alec Mills has been singularly ineffective in the rotation and will celebrate his extension by joining Jesus Luzardo in long relief as Max Fried will celebrate his extension by moving into the rotation. Newly acquired flamethrowing southpaw Tanner Scott will join the bullpen and celebrate his new deal.

Brandon Woodruff (9-1, 2.56) will face Jon Lester (13-5, 3.32) in the Sunday matinee as Lester tries to garner a one-year deal and more jewelry. The simCubs are still 79-32 and aren’t going anywhere except to the toppermost of the poppermost. On deck is a four-game series against the dangerous Atlanta Braves and then next weekend the simCubs will head to Wrigley North for three.

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading!