Mailbag Time with Sahadev Sharma on The Athletic ⬇️
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The numbers are ugly, but there are some reasons for slight optimism. On Kyle Hendricks and the need for patience with the Cubs banged up pitching staff. theathletic.com/5408836/2024/0…

From fans chanting his name to the unraveling of baseball’s TV business, the gravitational forces and process of elimination that drew Cody Bellinger back to the Chicago Cubs. ⬇️
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Is a Wrigley Field sportsbook a sign of the apocalypse or a more sensible alternative to online betting?

My column:

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“Some days are incredible. Some days suck. Some days are in the middle. That’s not the point.” During a life-changing year in Chicago, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson learned a lot from watching his wife Mallory battle and return to the USWNT. ⬇️
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Shota Imanaga's rain-shortened performance against the Dodgers left me wanting more to see how he'd handle the challenge and the Cubs offense continues to follow up their strong 2023 with impressive at-bats. theathletic.com/5398409/2024/0…

On a soggy afternoon at Wrigley Field: theathletic.com/5398462/2024/0…

As the Dodgers and their Japanese stars descend upon Wrigley Field, Seiya Suzuki is finally becoming the dynamic player the Cubs envisioned: “There’s not a physical flaw. He has all the ability in the world. It’s just being mentally confident.” ⬇️
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Cubs’ offense leads the way once again as they take first of 3 against star-studded Dodgers theathletic.com/5394742/2024/0…

Michael Busch Revenge Game, Shohei Ohtani at Wrigley. Not a bad day at the ol’ ballyard.

My column:

theathletic.com/5394616/2024/0… Cubs steal the show from Shohei Ohtani and the star-studded Dodgers

The Cubs finally found a way to rattle Craig Counsell (low-grade fireworks at the Wrigley opener). Otherwise, it’s business as usual, even with two starters on the IL. Their new manager/former nemesis instantly lowers the panic level around the team. ⬇️ theathletic.com/5391740/2024/0…

Craig Counsell’s use of Luke Little and Ben Brown was confusing to some, but it worked out as hoped. The traditional five-man rotation just isn't going to be the norm with Counsell in charge. theathletic.com/5390229/2024/0…

The Christopher Morel experiment is a good idea (and the Chicago Cubs can always change their mind later).

What the team is thinking about third base, and how one player always seems to be in the middle of the action. ⬇️
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Can the Cubs clone Shōta Imanaga? My column:

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Shota Imanaga picked “Chelsea Dagger” as his walk-out music, dressed like a Bears offensive lineman for the Wrigley Field opener and looked like the real deal in his Cubs debut: “As we get going in the summer, you’re going to see a lot more of that.” ⬇️
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Despite sloppy play, Cubs avoid sweep in Texas and have some positives to lean on theathletic.com/5382099/2024/0…

Jason Benetti started his new life at his old home and it went better than expected, especially with the welcome back Thursday:

“You know I’m an emotional human being,” he said. “I will carry that forever.”

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Cubs pitchers are already under pressure to succeed after Justin Steele injury, 0-2 start theathletic.com/5380190/2024/0…

Justin Steele leaves Opening Day start as Cubs pitching depth gets early test theathletic.com/5376888/2024/0…

Did Craig Counsell find the Cubs annoying? No, but he understood the question after managing the Brewers in a heated rivalry. Turns out he was once a Chicago guy who listened to 670 and coached Catholic school basketball at FXW. This is what he wanted. ⬇️
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