Cub Tracks puts it in park

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, steeped in writers’ tears, and then cold-brewed overnight for maximum flavor.

‘nuff said. Face front, true believer. Let’s see the Cubs start a streak that Ray Stevens would be proud of.

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• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Wesneski making strong case for rotation: ‘He knows that he belongs’.
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Freddie Freeman on Dansby Swanson’s transition, impact on Cubs: ‘That’s a winner’. “The idea of being the leader of an ascending team and establishing a clubhouse culture appealed to Swanson...”
• Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): 23 for ’23: What will Trey Mancini and Eric Hosmer bring to the Cubs? “... first base should be markedly improved offensively and defensively with Hosmer and Mancini.”
• Alexander Patt (Cubbies Crib*): What Patrick Wisdom’s role could be in 2023. “Even if Wisdom is not an everyday player, it’s still nice to have the power he provides on the roster.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): How Cubs’ Ian Happ took charge in a Gold Glove season ahead of big contract decision. “He’s a huge leader in our organization,” Cubs manager David Ross said.
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Checking in on Seiya Suzuki’s injury status. “... this injury really, really sucks.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*) Prospect trio makes for promising outfield future. “Maybe their individual paths will converge at Wrigley Field at some point in the future.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Sun-Times*): L.A. Story: New coaches are a hit with Cubs. Former Dodgers minor-league staffers bring proven methods to club.

Food for Thought:

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