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. Dave’s probably here. Thanks for coming.

Kerry Wood is selling his Winnetka home. Cody Bellinger was the talk of the Convention. The Cubs have seven of the top 100 prospects. Christopher Morel had visa problems.

Putting Cody Bellinger to the Cubs out into the Universe.

Please help spread the vibe. #CodyBellinger pic.twitter.com/1k8bwngf1x

— OBVIOUS SHIRTS® (@obvious_shirts) January 15, 2024

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Jordan Bastian (MLB. com*): Shōta Imanaga honors Zobrist with number choice. “Ben Zobrist was an excellent player,” Imanaga said. “He played a lot of roles. He did whatever it takes to help the team win.”
Ryan Taylor (NBC Sports Chicago*): Imanaga looks to add patented cerebral approach to Cubs starting rotation. “I want to keep an open mind and seek advice from a lot of people,” Imanaga said through Shingo Murata.
Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune*): How new lefty slugger Michael Busch fits the Chicago Cubs’ offensive needs: ‘He’s going to get an opportunity’. “Hitting coach Dustin Kelly represents a friendly face for Busch.”
Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): Cody Bellinger? Matt Chapman? A look at which Scott Boras clients fit the Cubs. “… Boras may not have the same advantage over Hoyer he once did.”
Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune*): Why the Chicago Cubs could continue to move Christopher Morel around instead of playing him at one position. “… the Cubs are keeping an open mind on where Morel will slot in defensively as they look for ways to keep his electric bat in the lineup.” Patrick Mooney has thoughts {$}.
Michael Brakebill (Cubbies Crib*): 3 Cubs pitching prospects to know not named Cade Horton or Ben Brown. “Losing Jackson Ferris hurts, but there are still several Cubs pitching prospects who will excel this season.”
Jordan Bastian (MLB. com*): Matt Shaw (No. 7 prospect) aims to ride his versatility to the bigs. “It’s just about being all-around — just being able to play any position,” Shaw said during Cubs Convention this weekend.
Prospects 1500*: Chicago Cubs Top 50 Prospects (2024). “The Cubs have steadily added to their system by the draft…”
Evan Altman (Cubs Insider*): Cubs sign SS Fernando Cruz, MLB Pipeline’s No. 4 International Prospect. “Also add 5 other IFAs.” MLB.com has more. Brett Taylor also has thoughts. North Side Bound has words.