Cub Tracks’ we can still get meatloaf

WELCOME to today’s episode of Cub Tracks News and Notes™a greatest hits collection of Chicago style Beat writers and bloggers, floor from #Boys#MiLBAnd #MLB Baseball, overheated, permeated by Tears of the writersand then cold brewed overnight for maximum spice. No artificial intelligence was used, employed, enchanted or embalmed in the making of this writing (apparently I am some train although). Cub tracks eagerly awaits the introduction of robot referees and has already changed the three laws. It’s funny. Cub tracks I became a professional a long time ago.

Cub tracks. Where the big ones run away.

The late Ian Hunter was a fan. The Cuyahoga River hasn’t caught fire in at least four years, so I say there is progress.

The baseball team isn’t bad. Before Monday’s game, they were 69-49, 20 games over .500, and led the AL Central by 3.5 games over the Twins. That’s the same record as the Dodgers and Phillies, which puts the Guardians among baseball’s elite here in the dog days of August.

The Cubs are third in the NL Central at 59-60, 8-2 in their last ten games and trending upward. They will at least provide some exciting games here in the late summer/early fall and could, with a little luck, clinch a postseason berth if the Cards play right.

Shota Imanaga (9-2, 3.06) represented the Cubs at the start of the series against Cleveland pitcher Ben Lively (10-7, 3.59). Lively doesn’t throw particularly hard and his attacks seemed vulnerable to Cody Bellinger and Michael Busch.

Cubs fans were ready for progressive rock. Pittsburgh native Ian Happ celebrated his birthday the way one does:

PCA also had a gift.

Lively left with two on base and two outs in the fourth inning. Shota was robbed. The Guardians took the lead on a solo hit on Jhonkensy Noel’s huge swing. Noel, 23, has considerable power and has hit 112 home runs in his MiLB exploits. But he shouldn’t have been at the top.

The Guardians pushed forward, but the Cubs fought back hard.

But the Guardians still had a goal up their sleeve. Still a good game.

*means Autoplay on(Removal instructions for Firefox and Chrome). {$} means Paywall. {$} means restricted views. Italics are often used on this site as Sarcasm font. Those in power made it possible real sarcasm font in the comments.

“I think it feels like we’re still able to control what we can. The first thing you can do is control your part of it, and I think we’ve done a good job of that lately. Obviously we’ve gotten ourselves into trouble with the way we’ve played for a long period of time, but I think you’re seeing a very complete version of us right now in terms of starting pitchers, bullpen, defense, and a complete lineup. So I think we’re in a good position.” – Nico Hoerner.

• Joe Noga (Cleveland.com*): Guardians outlast Cubs, winning 9-8 after Jhonkensy Noel hits two home runs. “The Guardians have a 26-9 record against left-handed starting pitchers this season, the best record in the major leagues.”
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Chicago Cubs take positives from overcoming a five-run deficit, but 9-8 loss keeps them below .500. “Cubs’ comeback ultimately came for naught…”
• Robert Murray (Fansided*): Jed Hoyer deserves more credit than he gets from Cubs fans. “… Hoyer is responsible for putting together this Cubs roster.”
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Can the Cubs realistically expect to make it to October? “We still have time. But we have to play good baseball,” said Craig Counsell. Andy Martinez knows more.
• Alexander Patt (Cubbies Crib*): The Cubs are making a bold move for the Guardians Series, skipping the veteran starter’s spot in the rotation. “Chicago is looking to keep the momentum going after winning eight of its last 10 games.”
• Maddie Lee (Chicago Sun-Times*): Cubs prevent rookie Ben Brown from pitching, recovery timeline uncertain. “Brown has been on the injured list since early June with a neck problem.” Brett Taylor has more to report.
• Andy Martinez (Marquee Spots Network*): Cubs’ top talent suffers injury setback, likely out for the rest of the season. “Cade Horton suffered a setback in his recovery from a subscapularis strain and will likely miss the rest of the season.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): What the Cubs have tried at the catcher position this summer and what they might try next. “… Amaya hasn’t quite reached the level of a ‘starter’ yet, and Ballesteros is only 20 years old.” Sahadev Sharma has more {$}.
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Miguel Amaya continues his offensive upswing in victory over the White Sox in the series finale. “I think you’ve seen Miggy make some really impressive adjustments this year,” said Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner.
• Sahadev Sharma (The sporty one {$}): Cubs insights: Why the offense is better, Busch’s defense and Crow-Armstrong’s baserunning. “… the team is undoubtedly playing better baseball.”
• MLB.com*: Top Talents: Cam Smith, 3B, Cubs. (VIDEO).

Food for thought:

Please note: Cub tracks And Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of any articles, podcasts, or videos referenced in this series. Thanks for reading!