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 missive (apparently I might be training some though). Cub Tracks eagerly awaits the advent of robotic umpires and has already amended the three laws. The going is weird. Cub Tracks turned pro a long time ago.

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Phil Bickford is now a Cub. He’s been around a bit, doesn’t have the good velocity, but has had some success. If Jed Hoyer is throwing spaghetti, Bickford is a noodle. Maybe he’ll pass the eye test. He’s on a minor league deal, sources report. Reports say that Mike Napoli will be added to the Reds’ coaching staff.

There are bound to be some jewels in the free agent market. Let’s hope the Cubs can find a couple. I don’t care if that validates anyone’s legacy, I just want to win.

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• Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball*): Resetting Cubs roster projection and offseason outlook after a very busy week. “… the Cubs have changed a lot in the last week.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Shota Imanaga achieves another first for Cubs rookie. “… Imanaga became the first rookie in Cubs history listed among the vote-getters for an accolade that dates back to 1956.”
• Maddie Lee (Chicago Sun-Times*): Cubs have come a long way since courting Shohei Ohtani; will that help their pitch to Roki Sasaki? “The Cubs are expected to be among Roki Sasaki’s suitors when he’s posted to MLB teams.”
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib*): This non-tendered two-time All-Star has all the makings of the next Cubs closer. “A buy-low candidate with ninth-inning experience?”
• Adam Weinrib (Yanks Go Yard*): Non-tendered players Yankees should (and will) target after Friday night frenzy. “Need a fourth outfielder?”
• Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): Cubs move on from a pair of veteran role players. “Parting ways with Tauchman comes as a bit of a surprise…”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Mike Tauchman non-tender, Cody Bellinger trade talk may signal willingness to play kids. “This situation is a microcosm of what the Cubs have with their roster in general.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): The Cubs have a new Top-30 prospect, and it underscores how strong their 2023 Draft was. “… Yahil Melendez, welcome to the top-30:”

Food for Thought:

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