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. 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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I see MLB insider Bob Nightengale is starting more trouble, trying to get Kyle Tucker’s price to raise by invoking the mighty Dodgers. In other news, cash fits nicely inside brown paper lunch bags and those fit nicely over transoms. It’s all talk.

– The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to jump into the free-agent fray for Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter. They may not be the high bidder, but they’ll surely keep everyone honest just as they did when they were in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.

The Cubs are gone fission five out of the next eight games, with a Crosstown Series neatly sandwiched between home series. The Cubs won’t be seeing former Cub Gage Workman, as the White Sox DFA’d him.

Colin Rea continued his good work. Dad-strong Dansby Swanson put the Cubs on the board with a blast in the fifth and King Kyle finished the one-inning cycle with an RBI three-bagger. Seiya said seeya and it was 5-0 after five.

The bullpen held the lead after Rea gave up a two-run homer run to Derek Hill, and the Cubs try again tonight.

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Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Swanson’s blast sparks Cubs in opener. “Swanson belted a two-run home run off Miami’s Cal Quantrill in the fifth inning to help ignite a five-run outburst for Chicago’s lineup.”
Thomas Domol (North Side Baseball*): It’s not ideal, but Matthew Boyd Is Cubs’ de facto ace. “Boyd gets by on the concept of “swing decisions”, i.e., he tunnels his pitches well and forces hitters to guess at what offering they’re actually seeing.” Marquee Sports Network has more.
David Adler (MLB.com*): Horton’s stuff — and guts — on display in winning MLB debut. “It was just the first impression the Cubs were looking for.” More Horton from the AP*.
Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): Cubs’ strong start: 3 key, under-the-radar performances. “With the schedule easing a bit, it feels like a good time for them to go on a run.”
Dave Benson (Heavy.com*): Former Cubs fan favorite making powerful impression in Korea. “… it should come as little surprise that Wisdom’s home run-hitting prowess travels internationally.”
Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball*): Michael Busch is a very unusual hitter, and he’s becoming an unusually great one. “… Busch is off to a sizzling start in 2025. He’s getting there, however, in an unexpected way—with a peculiar relationship between his swing decisions and his swing itself.”
Oliver Vandervoort (Cubbies Crib*): This top-ranked Cubs infield prospect just popped off at the plate. “A top Chicago Cubs prospect shows big-time growth with huge Sunday in South Bend.”
David Adler (MLB.com*): Soon-to-be parent Swanson already playing with dad strength. “Swanson and his wife, soccer star Mallory Swanson, are expecting their first child. And now Dansby is starting to slug home runs.”
Tom Prizeman (Marquee Sports Network*): Cubs manager Craig Counsell provides update on Ian Happ’s injury. “We’re day-to-day, not discussing an IL or anything like that but just trying to be cautious for a day at least.” Maddie Lee has more* {$}.
James Neveau (NBC Sports Chicago*): Cubs celebrate Mexican Heritage Night at Wrigley Field this week. They celebrate by merchandising. Here’s a football jersey for a Brewers game.

Food for thought:

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