Cub Tracks shortens up

Welcome to today’s edition of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, and then cold-brewed overnight for maximum flavor.

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• Maddie Lee (Chicago Sun-Times* {$}): How the new playoff format surprised Cubs president Jed Hoyer. “MLB executives weighed in on the expanded playoffs at the general managers meetings.”
• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune* {$}): 6 players not named Aaron Judge who could fit the needs — and budgets — of the Chicago Cubs and White Sox. “... the price of free agency has increased dramatically, so spectacular free-agent flops can handcuff a team for years.”
• Jack Vita (Fan Nation*): Feinsand: Ian Happ is Cubs’ ‘best trade chip, likely to start 2023 in new uniform’. “Happ appears to be doing all that he can to receive an extension...” SI adds on.
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Cubs reportedly interested in Cody Bellinger and Kevin Kiermaier for center field. “... you can’t just invent a great target out of thin air.” Evan Altman weighs in.
• Gordon Wittenmyer (NBC Sports Chicago*): Bogaerts, Bell, Bellinger buzz for Cubs as GM Meetings close. “It’s a lot of get-to-know-type conversations and really just making sure there’s general interest discussed vs. specifics,” Hawkins said.
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Cubs must be keeping lap ready because they’re ‘among most active’ in SS market. “Jesse Rogers has maintained that the Cubs will only land a top shortstop if one falls into their lap...”

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