Cub Tracks needs a Martini

Here at CUB TRACKS NEWS AND NOTES™, we like to keep things brief on the principle that it makes us appear wise. We don’t always, but we like to.

I don’t care who David Ross is dating, but in the interest of accurate reportage, I feel that I must, soooo. I hope they’re happy. Joe Giglio has the laugh of the day. No game Monday. The Cleveland ball club today. OK, so it sounded better in 2016.

Javier Baez got his wife a car. No word yet on Jake Marisnick’s injury.

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• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): 3 takeaways from the Chicago Cubs’ 5-1 homestand, including young pitchers getting a long look and a ‘scary’ number of HBP. “The main thing is to think a little bit more long term,” Ross said. “You can’t take a guy out every time he feels a bump or bruise.”
• Gordon Wittenmyer (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cubs take big wins, big losses on 5-1 homestand. “We played really well, won some close ballgames, won some tough ballgames,” Ross said.
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): The Cubs are a .500 team that could go in either direction and Jake Marisnick’s injury is not a good sign. “More than 20 percent of the way into the season, the Cubs are unpredictable and inconsistent, just like the elements at the Friendly Confines.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Kyle Hendricks makes ‘positive progress’ in loss. “It was just that kind of day for Hendricks.” Evan Altman ponders the probabilities.
• Russell Dorsey (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): How nutrition played a major role in Cubs pitcher Adbert Alzolay’s growth as an MLB player. “Cubs’ right-hander Alzolay didn’t always know what to eat, but with a little help from his wife, Diana Inzunza, he figured out that nutrition could push him to new heights.”
• Tyler Maun (MLB.com*): Shelby Miller leads I-Cubs’ combined no-hitter. “... four Triple-A Iowa pitchers — including Tommy Nance, Brad Wieck and Ryan Meisinger — combined for a no-hitter...” Gordon Wittenmyer has thoughts.
• Jared Wyllys (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Baseball-card fever hits Cubs’ clubhouse. “Marisnick helped introduce the hobby to his teammates, and guys now are gathering around as new boxes and packs are opened before games.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Marisnick exits with right hamstring strain. “Heyward exited with right hand injury.”
• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): How did broadcaster Beth Mowins celebrate after making history with the Chicago Cubs? ‘A hamburger, a Manhattan and more baseball.’ “I think people are pleased to hear her on the air, and rightfully so.”

Food for Thought:

Thanks for reading!