Cub Tracks is all wet

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.

Double-header today! Ernie approves! Even if the games are only seven innings, which we disapprove of.

I hope Keegan Thompson enjoyed his coffee. Not a lot going on but some stuff is ripe for speculation.

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It’ll be even prettier after the rain.

• Mark Sheldon, Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): In May, Cubs-Reds ‘felt like a playoff game’. “Back and forth. Heavyweight fight. Wind blowing out in Cincinnati. And we just came up on the short end,” continued David Ross.
• Gordon Wittenmyer (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cubs vs. Dodgers: A study in big-market contrasts. “The Cubs have the worst rotation ERA in the majors and average the fewest innings per start in the National League.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Pedro Strop is currently in the Dominican Republic, Has reportedly taken personal leave from Cubs org. Gordon Wittenmyer reported that Strop has indeed taken a personal leave from the organization for unspecified reasons.
• Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): How Cubs catchers can help Kyle Hendricks and Zach Davies get back on track. “As a former catcher, when you have your pitcher not locked in, the ball flight usually gives you a lot of feedback,” David Ross said.
• Tom Verducci (Sports Illustrated*): How Kris Bryant changed his innovative swing and returned to MVP Form. “The story of Bryant’s resurgence is an old tale wrapped in modern metrics.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Joc Pederson activated in time for Dodgers series. Ross said “He feels good. I haven’t asked him specifically, but I’m sure he’s excited to face his old team.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Ian Happ in ‘good spirits’ after outfield collision. “He did a nice job, a nice day,” Ross said. “Big home run. It looks like he’s starting to get going.” Russell Dorsey adds on. Happ and Nico Hoerner were still being evaluated on Monday afternoon.
• Patrick Mooney, Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): How the Cubs are rebuilding their farm system after a year of tech classes and remote learning. “The Cubs are at an inflection point in this post-Theo Epstein/Joe Maddon era.”
• Jim Callis (MLB.com*): Where Cubs top prospects are starting ‘21. “... here’s where the Cubs’ Top 30 Prospects are projected to start...”
• Bob Goldsborough (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Retired Cub Ryan Dempster lists Lakeview home for $2.25M. “He is trying to sell the home through a pocket listing...”

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading!