Cub Tracks’ words of wisdom

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.

The story of the game, in tweets:

Sweet. Even if I did have to watch the game via VPN, on my little laptop screen. Kohl Stewart looked damn good, Keegan Thompson gave up a run but continues to impress. The Sheriff did his thing and Tommy Nance finished it off with a flourish. See Al’s recap for additional wisdom and other such salient information. Let it be the beginning of a new streak!

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.)

• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Javier Báez, Cubs can feel the momentum and playoff atmosphere as Wrigley Field starts rocking again. “The Cubs are seven games above .500 and beating good teams.”
• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): Observations: Cubs, Báez end 19-8 May with signature win. ”Kohl Stewart earned a second look after coming up big vs. San Diego.”
• Jamal Collier (Chicago Tribune* {$}): ‘Good test for us:’ The schedule is about to get more challenging for the Chicago Cubs, with the next 17 games against potential postseason contenders. “We’re a little banged up and we’ve got the best team coming in here next, playing a high level of baseball,” David Ross said. Russell Dorsey weighs in on this.
• Gordon Wittenmyer (NBC Sports Chicago*): Why June is make-or-break month for Cubs’ season, core. “It’s a real challenge for any team,” Jed Hoyer said. “It’s a real challenge for us.” Sahadev Sharma also has words to that effect {$}.
• Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): Cubs’ depth shines in series-opening win over Padres. “I thought Kohl did a really nice job mixing his pitches attacking them,” Ross said.
• Mike McGraw (Daily Herald* {$}): Injuries forcing Cubs into tough roster decisions. “Several Cubs minor-leaguers remain on the 40-man roster.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): From Craig Breslow to Ed Howard, the Cubs are optimistic about their player-development evolution. “These things have been coming,” Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said.
• Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation*): Chicago Cubs lineup: Not healthy just yet. “Anthony Rizzo, Jake Marisnick, and Jason Heyward were all seen running, hitting, and warming up on the field today ...” Brett Taylor amplifies, and has a Bote update. Jordan Bastian goes to 12.
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Kohl Stewart limits the San Diego Padres to 1 unearned run in a 5-inning start, while Javier Báez and Patrick Wisdom hit 2 homers each in the Chicago Cubs’ 7-2 win. “The Chicago Cubs’ depth continues to be tested.”
• Gordon Wittenmyer (NBC Sports Chicago*): Yu don’t say: Darvish dump by Cubs ‘shot of belief’ for SD. “At least Darvish isn’t scheduled to pitch against the Cubs this week.”
• Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): ‘It’s just a lot of fun right now’: Ryan Tepera on a roll in Cubs bullpen. “That’s what we love about this game — we love success and to be out there and either get guys out or get hits and play baseball at a high level. That’s when this game’s really fun,” Ross said.
• Russell Dorsey (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Home Run Happy: Baez, Wisdom homer twice in Cubs’ win over Padres. “Kris Bryant added a two-run homer and triple as the Cubs hit five homers in the 7-2 win over San Diego.”
• Mike McGraw (Daily Herald* {$}): Cubs’ Wisdom wiser after long, harsh road through minors. “It wasn’t that long ago Wisdom was a hot prospect for the Cardinals.”
• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): Fan tries to catch Bryant HR with beer, douses Padres’ Myers. “Hopefully Myers was able to change out his wet uniform for a dry one between innings.”
• Alex Wilcox (Marquee Sports Network*): ALS Heroes: John Kennedy. “Like many, John grew up watching the Cubs on television and visited Wrigley Field as a child with his dad.”
• Food for thought:

Thanks for reading.