Cub Tracks gets some runs

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. We also like lots of pictures. Wish I’d been at the game. Damn that looked like fun. The Cubs disrespected the Cardinals properly.

I’m having a hard time being mad at Rizzo (or the others) for not getting vaccinated. If his teammates are dealing with it, and he’s testing regularly, then there’s nothing really (for me) to have trouble with unless he’s testing positive. There are a few words about that below. I try to save my rancor for where it belongs.

The Cubs fell behind but fought back, aided by Joc Pederson’s fourth inning knock, Yadi Hall-of-Famolina’s miscues, and Sergio Alcantara’s third triple in 24 at-bats.

And then, and then ...

Suddenly things looked a lot brighter to me.

And then Murray asked for some runs. And got them. And then, and then.

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.)

• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Jed Hoyer is in the spotlight as the Chicago Cubs — with their ‘Big 3’ on the free-agent clock — exceed expectations in his 1st year as president. “It’s just a matter of if they want to continue with us or go a different way. They’ve got some money,” said Kris Bryant. Meghan Montemurro adds on {$}.
• Russell Dorsey (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Cubs playing their way into meaningful games this summer. “After offseason of unknowns, Cubs will be playing meaningful games this summer and will likely add at the trade deadline.”
• Mike McGraw (Daily Herald* {S}): Do Cubs need to acquire a quality starter or can they survive with the arms already on board? “The Cubs have exceeded expectations so far this season, but the starting rotation could end up keeping them from playoff contention.”
• Jared Wyllys (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo says he is not vaccinated against coronavirus. “Rizzo did not offer context...other than that declining the vaccine was “a tough decision.”” Bruce Levine amplifies. Jon Greenberg puts it on the PA {$}.
• Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation*): Rizzo had Wrigley Field roaring for his 14-pitch at-bat *BEFORE* he tied the game with a home run. “It was truly such an unbelievable performance and moment.”
• Brendan Miller (Cubs Insider*): Eric Sogard providing Cubs negative value as statistically worst hitter in MLB. “...replacing Sogard with just about anyone else would make the Cubs a better team.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Despite breakout performance for Cubs, Patrick Wisdom is ‘still the same guy’. “He might be the third baseman for a long time,” said Bryant. More Wisdom from Brendan Miller.
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Streaming Update: Sinclair reportedly looking at $23 per month for Direct-to-Consumer in 2022. “I suspect Marquee is also going to be a separate thing.”
• Jeff Agrest (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Cubs, White Sox announcers’ national profiles make for ‘weird’ broadcasts. “It’s a little jarring when ‘Boog’ does a Sox game and I do a Cubs game,” Jason Benetti said. “But it’s a testament to the professionalism of everybody here.”
• Food for Thought:

Thanks for reading.