Cub Tracks’ tales of whoa

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.

Cub Tracks. Where the great ones run away...

Nico Hoerner has a hand fracture, and the team is in wait and see mode, trying not to place the infielder on the IL. David Bote will see some time at that position. It’s not like they can call up Nick Madrigal to play, as he also has a broken hand. “It could be worse,” reported Nigel Tufnel spontaneously. “He could be a drummer.” Cavan Biggio is said to be waiting by the phone.

Seiya Suzuki is also day-to-day after getting plunked. He’s had trouble with the oblique muscle there before, and so the Cubs are being cautious. Brennen Davis hit his 10th Friday night.

Patrick Wisdom and Christopher Morel 1+2, Craig? Seriously? Ok then. Ben Brown (1-2, 3.33) starting, though, I’m into that. Brown took the hill opposite Andrew Abbott (4-5, 3.39).

Ben’s going to need another pitch of some kind to throw batters off the scent of his fastball and curve. MLB hitters learn fast. He’s still effective but there are more barrels now than there had been previously. He has a change but throws it so seldom that I don’t remember seeing it. Baseball Savant says nine times. Former Cub, former Cub Jeimer Candelario dialed long distance and TJ Friedl redialed, Ben didn’t get very deep into this game before Jordan Wicks took over.

Dansby Swanson warming up. Cody Bellinger, too. But not warm enough. I’d like to see PCA lead off against right-handers, just a little, to see how he fares. Bat Swanson 2 while he’s raking and Nico is aching.

Another one-run loss. Can’t blame this one on the bullpen. It’s on the bats. The Cubs will try to salvage the final game of this series today before flying down to Tampa for three.

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• Maddie Lee (Chicago Sun-Times*): Cubs lose 4-3 to Reds, drop to fourth in NL Central. “In the last three days, the Nos. 2-5 spots in the National League Central standings have been rearranged.” Jordan Bastian reports.
• Orrin Schwarz (Daily Herald* {$}): Player development a part of the game in which Cubs, White Sox still have a lot to prove. “If only the Cubs and White Sox could develop their young players as fast as a cicada’s life span.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Mark Leiter Jr., Shota Imanaga and the stuff Cubs can’t measure in building team. “Like the Babe Ruth quote: It’s hard to beat a person who won’t quit.”
• Michael Brakebill (Cubbies Crib*): It’s time the Cubs give Mark Leiter Jr. a shot at closer. “The Leit show has been lights out for the Cubs this season and needs to be the team’s closer.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): ‘He will improve’: Cubs bullish on Amaya turnaround. “Pitchers around the room continue to rave about working with both catchers, even as the statistics do not paint a pretty picture.”
• Zach Pressnell (Fansided*): A Cubs-Blue Jays trade to ease Craig Counsell’s major concern. “... the Blue Jays will almost certainly trade their catcher, Danny Jansen, who’s on an expiring contract.”
• Mark Gonzales (Chicago Sun-Times*): Anthony Rizzo finds out that he can go home again. “Former Cub thrilled to be playing at Wrigley in September for first time since he was traded in 2021.”
• Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): Cubs’ injury woes continue as pair of key starters are kept out of lineup. “The injury bug that’s plagued the Cubs all season continued this weekend in Cincinnati.”
• Meg Linehand and Steph Yang (The Athletic {$}): Chicago Red Stars break NWSL attendance record vs. Bay FC at Wrigley Field. 35,038 fans. Very respectable.

Food for Thought:

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