Cubs News and Notes: Yu Darvish strikes again, trading Cubbies, Hot Stove, more
Benny Sieu - USA Today Sports

Cubs News and Notes: Yu Darvish strikes again, trading Cubbies, Hot Stove, more


by - Columnist -

CUBS NEWS AND NOTES

Darvish vs. Yelich: As the battle continues between Yu Darvish and Christian Yelich, Yu scores the next point. In case you missed it, the original salvo, Darvish was talking about sign stealing on social media, when he recalled a strange incident with Christian Yelich shifting his eyes toward the Brewers bullpen in Milwaukee. Yu never (outwardly) accused Yelich of gathering intel about Darvish’s signs, but Yeli took it to heart, telling Darvish that he should “Be better than that.” Next, taking this jab, “Nobody needs help facing you.”

Then yesterday, this from Darvish – who’s becoming quite the gritty and sarcastic individual (and I love it).

This undoubtedly beats Kris Bryant and Yadier Molina griping about whether or not St. Louis is boring. (it is, by the way). To make things even better, Josh Donaldson decided to add a little humor to the argument:

ESPN 1000 Poll: ESPN asked about whether or not fans would be OK with Theo Epstein trading away star players to be able to retool in 2020. Good to see that fans are finally starting to get it.

Welcome aboard: Former Angels’ pitcher and Arkansas Razorbacks coach, Doug Willey, has joined the Cubs’ pitching coach department.

HAPPy Gilmore: I’m not a huge fan of golf, though I used to shoot right around 80 – that is, for nine holes, but Ian Happ has one of the prettiest damn swings I’ve ever seen. Now… can he hit a golf ball left-handed?

Cubs’ Birthdays Celebrating yesterday were former Cubs Chris Haney (51) and posthumously, Harry Chiti (87), Garth Mann (104), Clay Bryant (108), Charles "Tuffy" Stewart (129), Rollie Zeider (136), and Joe Quest (167).

Baseball Quotes: “Speed is a great asset, but it's greater when it's combined with quickness - and there's a big difference. -Ty Cobb

MLB and the Hot Stove

From the Rest of MLB:

Condolences: Vera Clemente, wife of former baseball great, Roberto Clemente has died; she was 78.

Mets: With about $20M to spare before reaching the luxury tax threshold, Mets’ GM Brodie Van Wagenen says Noah Syndergaard isn’t going anywhere. Historically, the Mets stay under the salary cap, but Van Wagenen has suggested that they may go over this year if it means keeping Thor aboard.

Twins: RHP Jake Odorizzi has accepted the $17.8M qualifying offer from Minnesota.

Red Sox: Unlike the Mets who may dabble in crossing the luxury tax threshold, the Red Sox need to get back under it, hence their desire to look at trading a starter. David Price, Chris Sale, and Nathan Eovaldi may all be up for grabs, and that’s after the team tries to deal Mookie Betts away.

Nationals: According to his own Instagram account, Trea Turner underwent surgery on his index finger yesterday. The injury stemmed from an incident on April 2nd when Turner attempted to lay down a bunt while playing Philly. Turner wasn’t having issues at the plate (.298/.353/.497 in 2019), but he felt that his defense was suffering.

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