Cub Tracks walks it off

Here at CUB TRACKS NEWS AND NOTES™, we have news for you. Vladimir Gutierrez and Alec Mills opposed one another in the rubber game of the series. I shaved this morning, to give the NooCubs a fighting chance.

Ian Happ continues to drink the Morale Blend. He’d like to be back in 2022, looks like. And I’m sure this version of Happ would be welcome.

Joey Votto Votto’d for a brand-new ball game. But that was all the runs the Reds would get. J-Hey provided a few for the Cubs:

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.)

• Russell Dorsey (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}: If the Cubs want a quick rebuild, starting pitching must be top priority. “No team is going to be able to compete allowing six runs per game.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Checking back in on the reverse standings, where the Cubs have rocketed down. The Cubs are a ten.
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Justin Steele’s goal? ‘Be known for my consistency’. “...Steele has a long-term vision for himself...”
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): How 2 rookie pitchers for the Chicago Cubs are learning the challenges of being a big-league starter — and trying to fit into rotation plans for 2022. “Ideally, the Cubs would rely on Steele, Thompson and right-hander Adbert Alzolay to fill key roles on next year’s pitching staff.”
• Alexander Patt (Cubbies Crib): Codi Heuer continues to rebuild himself with the Chicago Cubs. “While Nick Madrigal is the centerpiece of the deal, reliever Codi Heuer will be another key guy in the Cubs long-term plans.”
• Gordon Wittenmyer (NBC Sports Chicago*): Second-chance Cubs find ‘beauty in being cast aside’. “They’re ready to fight,” Willson Contreras said. “they’re ready to win a lot of baseball games.
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Contreras still bringing fireworks to Wrigley. “He’s a huge part of what we do here,” Cubs bench coach and acting manager Andy Green said. Patrick Mooney agrees {$}.
• Jim Callis (MLB.com*): India remains atop Rookie Power Rankings. “9. Patrick Wisdom, 3B, Cubs.”
• Russell Dorsey (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): Despite season-ending injury, Michael Hermosillo proud of first season with the Cubs. “Hermosillo was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a Grade 3 left forearm strain.”
• Duane Pesice (Cubbies Crib*): Chicago Cubs History: Pete Rose ties Ty Cobb at Wrigley Field. “Some maintain that Reggie Patterson actually gave up the record-breaking hit...”

Food for thought:

Thanks for reading.