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• Cubs roster moves: Matt Mervis, Hayden Wesneski recalled, Kyle Hendricks to IL, Garrett Cooper DFA

Matt Mervis bats during 2024 Spring Training | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The Cubs first base prospect gets another MLB opportunity. Garrett Cooper didn’t play much for the Cubs, batting .270/.341/.432 (10-for-37) in 12 games, starting nine times (six as DH, three at first base). He had a double, triple and home run. Today, the Cubs designated Cooper for assignment. To replace Coop...2024
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• Why are the Cubs not stealing bases this year?

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The team is dead last in MLB in steals. In 2023, the Cubs were one of the better base-stealing teams in MLB. They stole 140 bases, which ranked eighth overall, and were caught only 34 times, for a stolen-base percentage of 80.5 percent. That’s quite good! Nico Hoerner stole 43 bases, fourth-most in the NL, while being caught just seven times, a SB percent...2024
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• Cubs roster moves: Jameson Taillon, Patrick Wisdom activated from injured list

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Hayden Wesneski and Miles Mastrobuoni were returned to Iowa. Even with today’s rainout, the Cubs announced two roster moves, about an hour after the postponement. First, the Cubs activated Jameson Taillon from the injured list. He was going to start Thursday night’s game. It’s not yet clear whether he’ll start Friday afternoon instead. Taillon missed all ...2024
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• Cubs roster moves: Hayden Wesneski, Colten Brewer recalled; Luke Little, Daniel Palencia optioned

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The Cubs needed bullpen reinforcements after two extra-inning games. The Cubs bullpen was pretty gassed after the two long extra-inning games the last two days, as well as some tight contests in Seattle. Thus, they made the following roster moves today: The Cubs today selected right-handed pitcher Colten Brewer and recalled right-handed pitcher Hayden Wes...2024
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• Minor League Wrap: Shaw homers twice, but Smokies fall to Lookouts 7-5

Matt Shaw | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Everyone lost today, but there were a few standout hitting performances. Pitching? Not so much. Infielder Leonel Espinoza joined the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, where he played 13 games last year. Outfielder Christian Olivo went on the 7-day injured list. So, everyone loses today. Except the major leaguers, and that’s what counts. Iowa Cubs The Io...2024
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• Cubs roster move: José Cuas optioned to Iowa, Keegan Thompson recalled

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The Cubs brought in a bullpen reinforcement. The Cubs quietly demoted José Cuas to Triple-A Iowa late Thursday. I say “quietly” because no press release was issued; some of us simply noticed the move posted on the Cubs transactions page. Cuas has not pitched well this year, after being reasonably good after being acquired by trade in 2023. This year he ha...2024
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• Cubs roster moves: Matt Mervis, Hayden Wesneski recalled, Kyle Hendricks to IL, Garrett Cooper DFA
2024

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• Cubs roster moves: Jameson Taillon, Patrick Wisdom activated from injured list
2024

Continue with Jameson Taillon injury status
• Cubs roster moves: Hayden Wesneski, Colten Brewer recalled; Luke Little, Daniel Palencia optioned
2024

Visit the page Hayden Wesneski availability report
• Cubs finalize Opening Day roster

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The final decisions on who is going north with the team were revealed today. With the first game of the season in Texas just three days away, the Cubs revealed who will make up the Opening Day 26-man roster. Cubs finalize roster:IF Nick Madrigal and IF Miles Mastrobuoni fill out the benchLHP Luke Little and RHP José Cuas get the final bullpen spotsOF Al...2024
Visit the page Nick Madrigal injury report
• Baseball history unpacked, March 25

Happy birthday, PCA! | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images A M-W-F digest, replete with #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB content, gathered from reputable sources. Happy birthday to PCA and other, and other stories. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue is pleased to present a light-hearted, Cubs-centric look at baseball’s colorful past, with plenty of the lore and various narratives ...2024
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• Cubs release Carl Edwards Jr., Dominic Smith

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Two more cuts to the roster as we get closer to Opening Day. The Cubs today announced that they have released two non-roster invitees to Spring Training, right-handed pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. and first baseman Dominic Smith. Both players opted out of their contracts when they were told that they would not make the Opening Day roster. The moves reduce the ...2024
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• BCB After Dark: Which way with Javier Assad swing?

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The late-night/early-morning spot for Cubs fans asks whether Javier Assad will pitch more as a starter or a reliever this year. It’s another Wednesday at BCB After Dark: the grooviest get-together for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. Welcome everyone. New friends and old ones are all welcome. There’s no cover charge. The dress c...2024
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• 2024 Cubs player profiles: Outfielders

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The first in a four-part series. Today we thumbnail the Cubs’ starting outfield and backup candidates. Halfway through Spring Training, a spot or two in the outfield remain open. Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger, and Seiya Suzuki are the starters, with MIke Tauchman the fourth man and Player X still to be determined. Alexander Canario would seem to have the insi...2024
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• Baseball history unpacked, March 13

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images A M-W-F digest, replete with #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB content, gathered from reputable sources. Not much happened, but what did happen was important. Happy birthday to current Cubs Mark Leiter Jr. and Keegan Thompson. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue is pleased to present a light-hearted, Cubs-centric look at baseball’s colorful past, ...2024
Click for news about Keegan Thompson injury update
• BCB After Dark: How many homers for Cody Bellinger?

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The late-night/early morning spot for Cubs fans asks how many home runs will Cody Bellinger hit? Welcome back to BCB After Dark: the coolest club for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. We are so glad that you stopped in tonight. Old friend or new, all are welcome. There’s no cover charge. We still have a couple of tables availabl...2024
Continue with Cody Bellinger injury update

• BCB After Dark: Is Canario a part of the Cubs plans?

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The late-night/early-morning spot for Cubs fans asks you how much will Alexander Canario play this year. It’s another Wednesday evening here at BCB After Dark: the swingin’ spot for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. We are so glad that you decided to stop by. Come on in and relax for a while. There is no cover charge tonight. Th...2024
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• Cub Tracks’ stealth blogging

#4, the invisible man | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news and notes, hand-selected for your possible pleasure, with commentary. What even is ‘content’? 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,...2023
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• Cub Tracks’ best paw forward
Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images All the #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news you can use, four days a week. Clark is looking for a Clark bar and a Clark station, on Clark St. 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 c...2023
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2024
"Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images We’re getting closer to real games — well, real practice games, anyway."

2023
"Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The righthander is on the road to return to the Cubs."

2022
"| Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The team is likely to see major turnover by the time they take the field at Wrigley next March 30."

• Cubs roster moves: Hayden Wesneski, Colten Brewer recalled; Luke Little, Daniel Palencia optioned
2024

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• Cub Tracks’ Brown harvest

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news and notes, links and discussion, plus more or less scientific food for thought. Part of the future is coming to a park near you. Plus game notes and other amusements for the discerning reader. WELCOME to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground ...2024
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• 2024 Cubs player profiles: Relief pitchers

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The fourth of a four-part series. The Cubs bullpen is just about set, and we hope this year’s puzzle fits together. Roles in general haven’t been established for the bullpen, but we can certainly take an educated guess. After Carl Edwards Jr. opted out and was released Sunday, still on hand in camp are right-handers Yency Almonte, Adbert Alzolay, Jose Cua...2024
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• Cubs release Carl Edwards Jr., Dominic Smith
2024

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• Baseball history unpacked, March 13
2024

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• MLB.com ranks the Cubs minor-league system No. 2

Matt Shaw gets ready for play at third base | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images It’s been a while since Cubs prospects have been ranked this high. Many of us have noted the Spring Training play of top Cubs prospects such as Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcántara and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Today, MLB.com came out with a ranking of all 30 team farm systems and the Cubs were ranked second, b...2024
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• The case for Cody Bellinger’s comeback season being replicable in 2024

Cody Bellinger hits a home run against the Cardinals | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images What if the shift rules made this sustainable? So, normally this would be a “The Cody Bellinger Signing: By the Numbers” post and I would write some words about Bellinger’s projected contribution to the Cubs, the amount of money they will owe him relative to what he might do for the team and how it wi...2024
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• BCB After Dark: Is Canario a part of the Cubs plans?
2024

Read about Alexander Canario salary
• Cub Tracks turns the page

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Typically acerbic #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news and notes, links and discussion, plus more or less scientific food for thought. All about Bellinger, more about Bellinger, and some stuff about Bellinger. Plus news. WELCOME to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cub...2024
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• A first look at 2024 Cubs ticket pricing

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Season ticket holders got a presale for single game tickets Wednesday. Here’s a look at some pricing trends. Cubs single game tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday, February 23. Here’s a page where you can find links for tickets to every game, along with listings of the promotions available. BCBer Lifetime Cubs Fan, who writes up some info on Wrigley Field ...2024
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• Baseball history unpacked, March 25
2024

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• 2024 Cubs player profiles: Outfielders
2024

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• How did re-signing Cody Bellinger change the Cubs projections for 2024?

Cody Bellinger signs autographs at Sloan Park | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The answer: Less than you might think About three weeks ago I finally caved and did my annual look at how various projection systems saw the 2024 Cubs relative to the rest of the NL Central. I was pretty reluctant to even write the piece at the time given how unfinished the Cubs seemed in mid-February. Like ...2024
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• The case for Cody Bellinger’s comeback season being replicable in 2024
2024

Read about Cody Bellinger statistics
• Cub Tracks turns the page
2024

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• A first look at 2024 Cubs ticket pricing
2024

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• 5 bold predictions for the 2024 Cubs

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images In which I go out on the proverbial limb to forecast the year to come. You know what? A year ago today I posted 5 bold predictions for the 2023 Cubs and, revisiting them in November, I did pretty well. All that did is make me more confident that I can do it again this year. That’s probably misplaced confidence, but it’s not going to stop me. I’m going to...2024
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• 2023 Season in Review: Angel Zerpa

Photo by Matt Dirksen/MLB Photos via Getty Images In a larger sample, the lefty struggled a little more. Angel Zerpa looked impressive for the Kansas City Royals in 2021 and 2022, despite only pitching a handful of innings. His 2021 ERA was 0.00 over five innings and he followed that up the next season with a 1.64 ERA over eleven innings. Heading into 2023, there was optimism that those re...2023
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• Let’s take a peek at the Royals’ 2024 payroll

Photo by Matt Dirksen/MLB Photos via Getty Images I’m already ready to look ahead. The Royals are playing out the string, with the only drama remaining being by how much will they set the new club record for losses? We will take deeper dives on the off-season when it gets here, but I did want to give Royals fans ready to start discussing next year’s team a peek at the payroll situation. T...2023
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• Christopher Morel cut his swing and miss dramatically in June — is it sustainable?
Christopher Morel gets ready to bat against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field | Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The Cubs utility man could be a star if he can keep this up On June 28 Christopher Morel came to the plate to face Aaron Nola of the Phillies and was immediately down in the count 0-2. The Cubs were down 8-2 at that moment, the bases were loaded, and given everything we...2023
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• BCB After Dark: Wisdom of the crowds

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The late-night/early-morning spot for Cubs fans asks who should go down when Patrick Wisdom returns. Welcome back to BCB After Dark: the coolest spot for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. Come on in and join us. We’re all in a better mood this evening. Sit and spend some time with us. Let us know if we can do anything for you. Th...2024
See more articles Patrick Wisdom
• 2024 Cubs player profiles: Relief pitchers
2024

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• BCB After Dark: Which way with Javier Assad swing?
2024

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• Let’s get new White Sox nicknames!

Now, this is a real Pale Hose. | Grainger.com A picturesque, picture-filled plea Now is the time to put the Pale Hose to death! No, not the team — that would be a tad drastic — the nickname. It was apt in 1910 when it was created. It ain’t apt now. We’ll take a look at hose, pale and otherwise, through the years coming up, complete with pretty pictures. But first, we digress. A NEW AND A...2024
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• BCB After Dark: How many homers for Cody Bellinger?
2024

Check it out Cody Bellinger
• BCB After Dark: Is Canario a part of the Cubs plans?
2024

See more articles Alexander Canario
• A first look at 2024 Cubs ticket pricing
2024

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• BCB After Dark: Locking up the future

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The late-night/early-morning spot for Cubs fans asks which Cubs prospect would you sign to a long-term deal now. Thanks for stopping by at BCB After Dark: the hippest hangout for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. It’s so good to see some familiar faces and some new ones as well. Please let us check your coat for you. There’s no ...2024
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• BCB After Dark: Looking sharp?

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The late-night/early-morning spot for Cubs fans asks you what you think of the new Cubs spring training caps. It’s great to see you here at BCB After Dark: the grooviest get-together for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. Come on in and get out of the cold. The fellowship is warm in here. I think we even have a fireplace. Let us t...2024
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• Baseball history unpacked, January 29

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images A M-W-F digest, replete with #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB content, gathered from reputable sources. KB loses his case, the GWRBI is 86ed, and other stories. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue is pleased to present a light-hearted, Cubs-centric look at baseball’s colorful past, with plenty of the lore and various narratives to follow as they ...2024
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• Kyle Hendricks will make a rehab start for Iowa this Thursday
Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The righthander is on the road to return to the Cubs. Cubs righthander Kyle Hendricks, the last remaining active Cub who played for the team in the 2016 World Series, had two rough years in 2021 and 2022 and has not pitched in a game at all since a three-inning outing at Milwaukee July 5, 2022. Diagnosed with a shoulder injury, Hendricks chose rehabbing i...2023
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• The Daily Belli watch: 9 days to the Cubs Spring Training opener

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images We’re getting closer to real games — well, real practice games, anyway. Today’s the day! Cubs pitchers and catchers report to the Sloan Park complex in Mesa for their first official workout, though some players were going through informal workouts earlier this week. And guess whose name was on Nico Hoerner’s lips? Cutting to the chase: Cody Bellinger is...2024
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• Marcus Stroman opts out of his Cubs contract

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images This could change everything. Marcus Stroman had an opt-out of his Cubs deal for 2024, which would have paid him $21 million. Today, the Cubs have saved that money: Confirming @JonHeyman report, Cubs righty Marcus Stroman has opted out of his deal and is now a free agent. Was due $21 million for 2024. This was a 50/50 call after a down/injured second ha...2023
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• Cubs roster move: Brandon Hughes activated from injured list, Nelson Velázquez optioned
Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images At last, the Cubs have a lefthanded reliever. Before Saturday’s game, the Cubs announced that they had activated lefthanded reliever Brandon Hughes from the injured list and optioned Nelson Velázquez to Triple-A Iowa. Hughes had some minor knee inflammation during Spring Training and appeared in just four games during camp with a 6.75 ERA. He also made th...2023
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• Cody Bellinger watch: He’s still unsigned. What will it take to get him back in the Cubs fold?

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images Let’s throw some numbers around. The photo at the top of this post was chosen for a reason. Specifically, because it’s a photo of Cody Bellinger rounding the bases after a home run against the Cardinals last July... with the words CHICAGO CUBS prominently in view behind him. That, of course, is where we want him to remain for the 2024 season, and hopefull...2024
Read about Cody Bellinger
• Cubs non-tender Codi Heuer, Ethan Roberts and Brandon Hughes; Patrick Wisdom signed

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The injured pitchers could come back on minor-league deals. Today was the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players and here’s what the Cubs did: The Cubs are non-tendering RHP Codi Heuer, RHP Ethan Roberts and LHP Brandon Hughes. Additionally, Patrick Wisdom and the Cubs have agreed to terms on a contract, avoiding arbitration.— Andy...2023
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• David Bote is among five Cubs roster cuts

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The team reduced the spring roster to 37 Thursday. There has been much discussion here about whether David Bote would make the Opening Day roster. After a strong start to Spring Training his numbers declined a bit, and now stand at .222/.271/.578 (10-for-45), but with five home runs. Thursday, the Cubs sent Bote back to the minor-league camp. Three other ...2024
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• The Daily Belli watch: 8 days to the Cubs Spring Training opener

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images One week from tomorrow, there will be spring baseball. Pitchers and catchers had their official report date to Cubs Spring Training Wednesday and President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer held a news conference. He had things to say about Cody Bellinger. ‘‘There’s a lot of good free agents out there,’’ Hoyer said. ‘‘Certainly, it’s been a really late-ev...2024
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• Cubs roster moves: Matt Mervis, Hayden Wesneski recalled, Kyle Hendricks to IL, Garrett Cooper DFA
2024

See more articles Matt Mervis
• Cub Tracks’ Brown harvest
2024

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• 2024 Cubs player profiles: Relief pitchers
2024

Check it out Yency Almonte
• Baseball history unpacked, March 25
2024

See also Cleveland Indians
• 2024 Cubs player profiles: Starting pitchers

Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/Getty Images The third in a four-part series. We look at the Cubs starting four and the likeliest number five, plus alternates. Four of the five spots in the Cubs rotation should be settled. with Jameson Taillon apparently nearing a return to the team, as he threw pitches Tuesday. There are six or seven pitchers vying for the five starting spots, with staff ace ...2024
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• BCB After Dark: Which way with Javier Assad swing?
2024

Visit the page Javier Assad
• 2024 Cubs player profiles: Outfielders
2024

Click for news about Spring Training
• Baseball history unpacked, March 13
2024

Check it out Keegan Thompson
• How did re-signing Cody Bellinger change the Cubs projections for 2024?
2024

See more articles Cody Bellinger
• BCB After Dark: How many homers for Cody Bellinger?
2024

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• Cub Tracks’ Brown harvest
2024

See also Cub Tracks gossip
• BCB After Dark: Which way with Javier Assad swing?
2024

Read about Javier Assad scandals
• BCB After Dark: Looking sharp?
2024

Continue with Hector Neris scandals
• Could the Royals be a landing spot for a free agent on a short deal?

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images What better way to get potential voters on your side? Spring training is just a few weeks ago, but many top free agents remain unsigned. The contracts signed after the start of January are typically far less than the amount observers expect, as players settle for less money in the hopes of getting into camp in time. This could provide terrific value for t...2024
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• Cub Tracks’ filling in

Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news and notes. Ohtani, Yamamoto, other rumors and speculation. Who’s on first? 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 overnig...2023
Click for news about Cub Tracks whispers
• Cub Tracks’ land of the Giants
Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news you can use, four days a week. The Cubs effort looks positively Lilliputian and the tide is going out. Marcus Stroman tries to play stopper. 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, st...2023
Click for news about Cub Tracks whispers
• BCB After Dark: How high will the Cubs go?
Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images The late-night/early-morning spot for Cubs fans asks if the Cubs will set any marks for contract value this winter. Welcome back to BCB After Dark: the swingin’ spot for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. It’s so good to see you again this evening. Come on in out of the cold. We can take your coat for you if you’d like. There are...2022
Continue with José Abreu gossip

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