Cub Tracks’ a grounder gathers no moss

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. No artificial intelligences were deployed, employed, entranced, or embalmed in the commission of this manuscript (apparently I might be training some though). Cub Tracks eagerly awaits the advent of robotic umpires and have already amended the three laws. The going is weird. Cub Tracks turned pro a long time ago.

Julio Teheran is opting out. Daniel Palencia was activated and optioned to Iowa. Jordan Wicks threw well in a rehab start. Keegan Thompson is working his way back.

Crosstown Series begins today. Al will have details.

The first time I saw this band, it was across from Wrigley Field at the Cubby Bear.

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• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib*): Jed Hoyer’s contract status may surprise Chicago Cubs fans. “... his contract expires after the 2025 season.”
• Justin Kaufmann (Axios*): Cubs and Sox limp into Crosstown Classic. “Both teams have losing records, although the Southsiders are flirting with historic futility.” Maddie Lee has more.
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Chicago Cubs have a lot of work to do in 2 months before trade deadline. “... nothing should be ruled out.”
• Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): Three Cubs takeaways from another series loss as they continue to fall further back of first. “This month will likely define what direction the Cubs take this season.
  Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): The secrets to Ben Brown’s success during breakout season with Cubs. “... he has the most effective curveball in baseball.”
• Nick Deeds (MLB Trade Rumors*): Julio Teheran to opt out of minors deal with Cubs. “... according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.”
• Patrick K Flowers (Bleacher Nation*): The Cubs will get a look at a potential buy-low bullpen arm this week against the White Sox. “... it’s a perfect time to talk about Michael Kopech as a potential trade target...”
• Kyle Williams (Chicago Sun-Times*): Cubs’ struggles with runners in scoring position cost them in series vs. Reds. The Cubs have now lost six straight series and sit 7 1/2 games back of the Brewers in the National League Central. They’re now 7-12 against divisional teams this season.
• Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation*): What’s the opposite of the stars aligning? That’s what’s happening with Michael Busch. “... unlike some of his teammates, you can’t really make the “bad luck” case for Busch.”
• Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): After a long journey, David Bote is getting a rare second chance with Cubs. “I didn’t know if it was ever gonna happen again,” Bote admitted.
• John Owens (ABC7*): Four generations of Veecks in baseball. “... the Veecks and actor/comedian Bill Murray have taken over ownership of the Joliet Slammers...”

Food for Thought:

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