Cub Tracks’ in times of trouble

Here at CUB TRACKS NEWS AND NOTES™, we have news for you. Crosstown series began Friday. Keegan Thompson vs Dallas Keuchel. The Cubs tortured Keuchel for an inning and a half and then he got an early shower.

Thompson pitched into and out of a jam in the first, showing us all a lot of heart and allowing only a single run. 6-1 after one. Nice start, including a birthday bash by Patrick Wisdom and his old-school lip caterpillar. Derrek Lee also homered on his 30th natal anniversary.

Thompson struggled a bit afterward but I really like him. Steele, too. I hope they’re both rotation regulars for the remainder of 2021. I suspect they will be. Adrian Sampson can keep journeying, barring an Adam Morgan recovery. I’d sooner see more AAA arms.

Andrew Romine isn’t working for me, either. Nice story but no thanks.

Sad times.

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.

• Michael Brakebill (Fansided*): Chicago Cubs fans have the power to force Tom Ricketts’ hand. “... no fans in attendance last year alone cost the Cubs $179 million in estimated revenue.”
• Phil Rogers (Forbes* {$}): With payroll stripped, Chicago Cubs have huge range of possibilities. “The great unknown, of course, is the strategy dictated by owner Tom Ricketts.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): How Cubs manager David Ross is channeling his frustrations and managing his rebuilding team. “I’ve probably jotted down a lot more stuff that I will take to implement,” Ross said.
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Justin Steele learning to balance contact, whiffs. “There’s a huge upside and potential in there,” Cubs manager David Ross said. Michael Cerami has thoughts also.
• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): Thompson labors in ‘very poor’ outing vs. White Sox. “With a six-run lead, it’s unacceptable to go out there and not be able to throw strikes.“With a six-run lead, it’s unacceptable to go out there and not be able to throw strikes.
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras remains day to day, while David Bote is scratched from the lineup against the White Sox after freak pregame injury. “Bote suffered a right ankle sprain during batting practice after stepping on a baseball...” Russell Dorsey has more.
• Tim Stebbins (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cubs’ Patrick Wisdom crushes home run, ties Javy Báez for team lead. “What better way to celebrate your 30th birthday..”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Breaking down Ian Happ’s stats with ‘22 in mind. “It would seem to help Happ’s case that he has a history with the Cubs...” Evan Altman has a few words.
• Russell Dorsey (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Ian Happ feels confident with things at the plate finally ‘falling into place’. “The Cubs outfielder is slashing .357/.426/.738 with four doubles and four home runs in his last 13 games.”
• Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): How Cubs top prospects Brennen Davis and Chase Strumpf have out-muscled the rigors of hitting development in odd season. “... developing position players has never been so complex and necessary for the Cubs organization.”
• Mark Gonzales (Daily Herald* {$}): ‘It’s double circled on my calendar’: Bryant not on revenge mission when he returns to Wrigley. “I can’t wait to go back there and play games, or watch games when I am retired and be a fan of the team when I can.”

Food for Thought:

Thanks for reading.