Cub Tracks number nine, number nine

Welcome to today’s episode 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, steeped in writers’ tears, and then cold-brewed overnight for maximum flavor.

It’s the beginning of a new year for me, the ninth year of these columns, often-misunderstood and probably destined to remain that way. Welcome! Join the party. BYOB.

Cub Tracks is here to inform and entertain. We try to present a balanced view. There may be things here that you disagree with. There certainly will be things that I disagree with. This is by design.

Thanks for understanding. Happy Holidays!

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• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Mets reportedly targeting Cubs Scouting VP Dan Kantrovitz for ‘High-Level Position’. As Jon Morosi reported Thursday afternoon...” Also Andy Green interviewing...
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): 5 questions facing the Cubs in the offseason. “... the key to consistency is to not build like a one-year super team, but to try to get to the playoffs as often as possible,” said Tom Ricketts.
• Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): State of the Cubs: Key roster decisions will impact 2024 starting rotation. “A pair of decisions after the World Series could determine whether the Cubs’ rotation is a solid piece heading into the offseason or one of their biggest question marks.” DH.
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): You can expect the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen approach this offseason to look familiar. Building on an article by the Athletic’s beat writers {$}. “... just with a heavier emphasis on getting more durable veterans in the mix.”
• Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation*): Lukewarm Stove: Big Cubs Trade Expected? Yankees Actually Haven’t Talked About Soto? More. “Jesse Rogers recently joined ESPN1000 to discuss some MLB Rumors.
• Jesse Borak (MLB.com*): James Triantos finding truly rare air in the Fall League. “You know, it’s really just staying consistent with what I do best, being able to repeat it,” Triantos said.
• Jeff Agrest (Chicago Sun-Times*): Cubs TV voice Jon Sciambi brings passion for radio to his first national World Series call. “I’m not thinking about trying to put my stamp on it,” Sciambi said...
• ABC7*: Weekend passes for Chicago Cubs Convention on sale Thursday. “The convention will run from January 12 through the 14 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.”

Food for Thought:

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