Cub Tracks gets it done

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. Mostly we crack wise, but we are trying.

Zach Davies (sac bunt) helped himself out and in the process helped the squad out. He pitched well, for a change. David Bote might be coming out of his funk. Jason Heyward (RBI) barreled a couple of balls.

Nico Nico’d (three hits). Some folks are having an “I told you so” kinda time.

Which was great, and then Craig Kimbrel Kimbrel’d. I’m sure Amir Garrett won’t be getting barbecue invites from Javy or Rizzo anytime soon. Great stuff! Al has a detailed recap for you.

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 on this page as sarcasm font. (In the comments section, use @ before and after your remarks @ to produce sarcasm font. In the text body. It doesn’t work in the headlines.)

• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cubs observations: Nico Hoerner’s big day helps take down Reds. “... he’s halfway to his hit 2020 hit total.”
• Mark Sheldon, Manny Randhawa (MLB.com*): Benches clear in Cincy as Garrett, Báez jaw. “This isn’t the first time Garrett and Baez locked horns.”
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): 3 takeaways from the Chicago Cubs’ 8-6 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, including Jake Arrieta’s cut thumb, Willson Contreras’ precautionary exit and Kris Bryant’s hot April. “It won’t be an issue next time out,” Arrieta said.
• Bryan Smith (Bleacher Nation*): What to expect when you’re expecting Keegan Thompson: A third-round pick who’s quietly developed power stuff. “... today, he’s a big leaguer...” His college paper tells the story.
• Manny Randhawa (MLB.com*): Notes: Contreras rests; Thompson called up. “Manager David Ross said Contreras felt a little sore Saturday morning but said he could play if necessary.”
• Maddie Lee (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cubs get ‘good news’ on Contreras injury. “Willson feels better today,” Ross said.
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Why did Anthony Rizzo pitching to Freddie Freeman strike such a nerve on Cubs Twitter? “... sometimes one moment can encapsulate many different ideas about the franchise’s direction or lack thereof.”
• Russell Dorsey (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Versatile Matt Duffy becoming one of the early surprises of the Cubs season. “Duffy has a .432 on-base percentage in 20 games this season and has been one of the Cubs’ most consistent hitters.”
• Tommy Birch (Des Moines Register* {$}): Pitching prospects and experience: Breaking down the 2021 Iowa Cubs roster. “The pitching has the most potential.”

Food for Thought:

Thanks for reading.