Cub Tracks’ what is it good four!

Here at CUB TRACKS NEWS AND NOTES™, we have news for you. Only some of it is new news, but that’s how the Cub Tracks Continuum works, and has worked, for almost six years. It’s been, ahem, a slice...

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Cubs commenced a weekend series with the Pirates Friday afternoon at the Friendly Confines. Alec Mills took the hill against Steven Brault as the Cubs tried to extend their winning streak to four.

Mills threw pretty well for four innings. Michael Hermosillo brought his bat. The broadcast was a little awkward, for reasons. The hitting got contagious.

Bad camera angles took a run away. These NooCubs may not have the flair of the Core™ but they are steadily proving competence. I’m pleased to have been wrong and hope to continue to be wrong.

Alec Mills missed a couple of spots, and the game turned out to be a hard-fought and pretty entertaining contest complete with Andy Green doing some arguing. He got thrown out, which made me wonder about the manager hierarchy. Tommy Hottovy was next. Frank tanked. You can’t beat fun at the old ballpark!

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• Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): As Cubs focus on the future, Jed Hoyer launches search for next GM. “... Hoyer recognizes the importance of bringing in an executive with a different perspective shaped by other successful organizations.”
• Alexander Patt (Cubbies Crib*): Can the Chicago Cubs capture lightning in a bottle again with this rebuild? “Like many great sports stories, good fortune factors in this process.”
• Jared Wyllys (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Cubs’ David Ross, Jed Hoyer test positive for COVID-19. “Ross and Hoyer are both vaccinated. They are feeling well and quarantining, the team said, and bench coach Andy Green will manage the Cubs in the interim.”
• Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation*): Back-Up Manager Andy Green gets himself tossed from the game. “... giving the fans at Wrigley Field their money’s worth.”
• Ryan Herrera (MLB.com*): Adbert Alzolay ready to excel in new bullpen role. “I feel that I definitely can do that,” Alzolay said. Evan Altman has remarks. Meghan Montemurro does, too.
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Willson Contreras is an awesome dude, and we’ll keep on wondering about extension possibilities. Gordon Wittenmyer has more. Willson has reservations.
• Ryan Herrera (MLB.com*): Frank Schwindel, Michael Hermosillo lift Cubs over Bucs. “... it hasn’t yet become a given that either Schwindel or Hermosillo has secured an everyday spot for the Cubs in 2022.”
• Kyle Williams (Marquee Sports Network*): Jason Heyward’s authentic self-expression shines a light on his culture, guides his service. “When you attain a certain level of fame, almost as if you’ve ventured into another world,” Heyward said. “You become larger than life.”
• Kelly Haulotte (Wrestling, Inc*): Photos: Paul Wight throws first pitch at Chicago Cubs game. “Wight threw out the first pitch and was also the guest conductor.”

Food for Thought:

Thanks for reading.