July 16, 2017

Chicago Tribune, Jake Arrieta and Cubs offense in sync for 10-3 victory over Orioles http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-orioles-spt-0716-20170715-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Jose Quintana could be piece that turns around puzzling Cubs rotation http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-cubs-jose-quintana-sullivan-spt-0716-20170715-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Jon Lester likes stability Jose Quintana adds to rotation now and in future http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-lester-quintana-stability-cubs-notes-spt-0716-20170715-story.html

Chicago Tribune, Jake Arrieta sees blister problems resurface: 'I've never had this many issues with it' http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-jake-arrieta-20170715-story.html

Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs vow urgency in July: ‘No room to slide now,’ says Anthony Rizzo http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/cubs-vow-urgency-in-july-no-room-to-slide-now-says-anthony-rizzo/

Chicago Sun-Times, As Quintana Era opens for Cubs, Jake Arrieta still key to playoff run http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/as-quintana-era-opens-for-cubs-jake-arrieta-still-key-to-playoff-run/

Daily Herald, With Quintana, Cubs getting much more than a great pitcher http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170715/with-quintana-cubs-getting-much-more-than-a-great-pitcher

Daily Herald, Ostrowski: Quintana is the answer for Cubs http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170715/ostrowski-quintana-is-the-answer-for-cubs

Daily Herald, Rozner: Chicago baseball in very nice place http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20170715/rozner-chicago-baseball-in-very-nice-place

Cubs.com, Quintana, Cubs excited for lefty's debut vs. O's http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/242290302/quintana-cubs-excited-for-leftys-debut-vs-os

Cubs.com, Cubs' bats stay hot behind Arrieta to top O's http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/242289572/jake-arrieta-dominates-orioles-as-cubs-win/

Cubs.com, Arrieta dominates in first return to Baltimore http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/242333736/jake-arrieta-beats-orioles-in-baltimore-return/

Cubs.com, Maddon: Aug. 1 'key date' for 2nd-half surge http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/242296430/joe-maddon-says-august-1-is-key-to-second-half/

ESPNChicago.com, Are the Cubs starting to make their move? http://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/44966/are-the-cubs-starting-to-make-their-move

ESPNChicago.com, The Cubs' Jose Quintana debut plan: Let him take control http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/20076703/the-chicago-cubs-jose-quintana-debut-plan-let-take-control

CSNChicago.com, Jake Arrieta Knows The Score With Cubs: ‘If I Have To Leave, I Don’t Want To Leave Without Another Ring’ http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/jake-arrieta-knows-score-cubs-if-i-have-leave-i-dont-want-leave-without-another-ring

CSNChicago.com, Jon Lester Breaks Down Jose Quintana Trade And Where Cubs Go From Here http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/jon-lester-breaks-down-jose-quintana-trade-and-where-cubs-go-here

CSNChicago.com, Joe Maddon Knows It’s Time To Start Pushing Cubs Harder – Except Wade Davis http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-cubs/joe-maddon-knows-its-time-start-pushing-cubs-harder-except-wade-davis

-- Chicago Tribune Jake Arrieta and Cubs offense in sync for 10-3 victory over Orioles By Mark Gonzales Jake Arrieta realizes his future with the Cubs remains uncertain beyond this season, but for now he's focused on giving the team his best, as he did Saturday night. "I don't want to leave," Arrieta said after pitching 6 2/3 innings of four-hit ball to help the Cubs to a 10-3 victory over the Orioles. "If I have to leave, I don't want to leave without another ring." Arrieta was optimistic after the Cubs (45-45) collected 16 hits and scored nine runs after two outs. Willson Contreras, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant collected three hits apiece, and Albert Almora Jr. raised his batting average against left-handers to .368 after smacking a home run and RBI single. Jason Heyward highlighted a four-run fifth with a bases-loaded triple after Addison Russell was walked intentionally. The Cubs' 19 runs in their first two games since the All-Star break, coupled with the addition of starter Jose Quintana from the White Sox, has lifted hopes of a World Series repeat despite the fact they are 5 1/2 games behind the Brewers in the National League Central. "It would be amazing to be able to do that for a second time for the fans, the organization, and we're all on the same page here," Arrieta said. "Regardless of how we played in the first half, that's the goal — to get back to the playoffs and just have the chance to roll the dice and see what happens in October, and hopefully we get to play in November." Arrieta is eligible for free agency after this season and there have been no discussions on a contract extension. During Arrieta's return to Baltimore, where he was 20-25 before the Orioles traded him to the Cubs midway through the 2013 season, he and his family reminisced as they ate at one of his favorite restaurants, walked around town and visited his former residence. Around the ballclub, Arrieta has noticed a pleasant vibe since starting the second half, especially from youngsters like Russell, who hit his second homer in as many games, and Contreras. "Our young players were able to get away from their game (during the All-Star break), enjoy themselves back home and decide what to do. They are back with a good mindset, a good approach. It definitely has showed itself these last two games and we're looking to carry it over." Before the game, manager Joe Maddon spoke of the temptation to push his players sooner than his traditional August drive. The Cubs have a 41-15 record during their last two Augusts under Maddon.

Friday's 9-8 victory brought relaxation along with success. "The first day was kind of business-like, 'Let's go,'" Maddon said. "(Saturday), after a tough win, it was business-like but a little more fun. That's what I'm waiting to see or hear. I want them to have fun. I want to hear that laughter. That's when you're normally winning, when you get that reaction. So it's a little better." And Maddon is confident about the Cubs' chances of catching the Brewers even if Arrieta doesn't show his 2015 NL Cy Young Award-winning form. "I'll take that one (Saturday)," Maddon said. "I'll take strike throwing, ball on the ground, take soft contact. He was all of that." -- Chicago Tribune Jose Quintana could be piece that turns around puzzling Cubs rotation By Paul Sullivan The words rolled off Joe Maddon's tongue like he had been waiting for years to put them together. "Quintana manana," Maddon said in Spanish while sitting in the Cubs dugout before Saturday's game against the Orioles at Camden Yards. That, of course, translates to "Quintana tomorrow," meaning Sunday is the day of Jose Quintana's highly anticipated Cubs debut. Quintana may not be the kind of pitcher who instantly creates a ballpark buzz, as closer Aroldis Chapman did last summer when he arrived at Wrigley Field. But the former White Sox left-hander could be the piece that helps turn around a puzzling Cubs' rotation that hasn't fulfilled expectations after taking the club to a World Series title. As the jolt from the Cubs-Sox deal wears off, it's time to see if Quintana can be a game-changer in the National League Central race. "It's probably a win-win for everybody," Jon Lester said of the deal. "You don't see trades where you don't have to move houses or do anything. "He's pretty well set and established, knows his way around the city. Now he just has to drive north instead of south, just kind of get acclimated to his surroundings around here and get to know us a little bit." Quintana has been in a whirlwind the last few days after becoming part of a crosstown trade that surprised everyone but a couple of anonymous Reddit commenters who blabbed about it online Wednesday night before the deal became official Thursday. Quintana laughed when he heard former Sox teammates Derek Holland and Carlos Rodon Instagrammed a video in which they go through his Sox locker. Holland thanks Quintana in the video for "leaving us everything," adding "yard sale!" One of the most popular players in the Sox clubhouse, his mere presence will be missed as much as his pitching. "I called Melky (Cabrera) and said 'Hey, I miss you guys,'" Quintana said. "He said 'I miss you, too.' But it's part of the game, and I'm happy to be here, and all of my focus now is on the Cubs." In Lester, Quintana, Jake Arrieta and John Lackey, the Cubs now have four starters who have been considered their team's ace at some point. Quintana struggled when he inherited that role this spring from the departed Chris Sale, but rediscovered his groove over the last six weeks, pitching the way everyone expected.

Now he's in a different atmosphere, with added pressure to perform. "Things are way different here," he said. "The Cubs are in good position to make the playoffs. I'm excited to be here with a contender. That's what I wanted, and now I want to do the best I can do. I want to be here a long time." Was Quintana tired of answering questions about the possibility of being traded, which began in January at SoxFest and continued for the next six months? "Yeah, but I understand why you guys did it," he said. "That's part of the game, and I enjoyed talking (to the media). But when the season started I didn't want to talk too much about that. But for me, now it's over, and I'm happy it's over." Quintana was one of the most consistent starters in the American League from 2013 until the start of this season, when he hit that road bump. But even with that slow start, he still has the second most quality starts (95) among AL pitchers since 2013. But, as Sox fans know all too well, he also had the second-lowest run support average among qualifying AL starters since '13, leaving him with only 44 victories in 147 starts in that span. That glaring lack of offensive support, combined with some awful late-inning relief, led to a recurring theme on the South Side in which Quintana would cruise through six or seven innings only to get stuck with a no-decision. Some early runs Sunday in Baltimore would be appreciated. "I would think that our guys are going to be excited to play behind him for the first time," Maddon said. "That happens to some guys. Most of the time it happens in patches or stretches, then it goes away. That brings out the best in you." Quintana has had to overcome adversity most of his career. The 28-year-old Colombian was released as a minor leaguer by his first team, the Mets, and the Yankees organization granted him free agency twice before the Sox signed him on Nov. 9, 2011. Then he met pitching coach Don Cooper, who Quintana credits for his evolution from a 2011 suspect to 2016 All-Star. "I learned a lot from 'Coop,' my first pitching coach," he said. "We have a really good relationship and I learned he's special for pitchers. He gave me the gifts on how to be a better pitcher every day. "I'm so proud of that and want to just say thank you to him. I appreciated the opportunity he gave me, teaching me how to be better." Quintana is looking forward to his Wrigley debut in a Cubs' uniform sometime next weekend against the Cardinals. He has made two starts at Wrigley, including a duel with Arrieta on July 12, 2015 when the Sox managed only two hits in a 3-1 loss. "I enjoyed pitching there, and it's an honor for me to pitch there now with a lot of fans at every game," he said. "That's cool. I can't wait." Because the rotation for the Cardinals series isn't set, Quintana doesn't know whether he will face the Sox during the back-to-back two-game series July 24-27. If he starts Friday or Saturday against the Cardinals, Quintana should be on target to start against the Sox on the South Side on either July 26 or 27. That's a matchup Quintana is dearly hoping comes to fruition.

"Sure, why not?" he said. "Facing my old teammates? It's going to happen one day." Rest assured the day before it happens, Maddon again be will ready to declare "Quintana manana." -- Chicago Tribune Jon Lester likes stability Jose Quintana adds to rotation now and in future By Mark Gonzales Cubs left-hander Jon Lester is signed through 2020, but he admitted Saturday that the acquisition of Jose Quintana alleviates some of his curiosity over the possibility that Jake Arrieta and John Lackey won't return next season. "That wasn't going to go unaddressed," Lester said. "I was a little surprised it happened now. Usually a trade like that happens kind of last minute (before the trade deadline). So that's good for us. We get those extra couple of weeks with him here and get him comfortable." The Cubs remain on the hunt for more controllable starting pitching. A source confirmed Saturday the Cubs still have interest in the Athletics' Sonny Gray, although the trades of Gleyber Torres, Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease has depleted their pool of high-end minor-league talent in the last 13 months. And Oscar De La Cruz, their top pitching prospect, hasn't pitched in nearly two months because of a tender arm. Lester stressed the importance of the Cubs maximizing Quintana's talent toward achieving another World Series title at the high cost of giving up prospects. "That's on us to play well, and whatever (President Theo Epstein) decides we need, we need," Lester said. "At the same time, the guys in the clubhouse can't worry what's going on there and who's talking about what." Six likely not in mix: The Cubs seem to be leaning against a six-man rotation when Kyle Hendricks returns from the 10-day disabled list. But the rotation will become more definitive after series with the Braves in Atlanta ends Wednesday. Hendricks is expected to throw five innings and between 65 and 75 pitches in his second minor-league rehab start for Double-A Tennessee on Monday, and Lackey will start Tuesday against the Braves for the first time since being placed on the disabled list after suffering plantar fasciitis of his right foot. The Cubs want to align their rotation for the most favorable matchups against the Cardinals on July 21-23 and against the first-place Brewers on July 28-30. Maddon wouldn't say whether left-hander Mike Montgomery would be dispatched to the bullpen, but Montgomery has a 2.50 ERA in 19 relief appearances and a 5.77 ERA in seven starts. -- Chicago Tribune Jake Arrieta sees blister problems resurface: 'I've never had this many issues with it' By Mark Gonzales Jake Arrieta occasionally picked at an old blister on his right thumb Saturday night during the Cubs' 10-3 victory over the Orioles. Arrieta revealed that he didn't throw during the four-day All-Star break, leading one reporter to suggest that the layoff can only help his thumb.

He divulged that he continues to put Dermabond, a skin closure substance, on his right thumb to prevent the wound from reopening. "I’ve never had this many issues with it before," said Arrieta, aware of blister problems that other pitchers are encountering and pointing to the lower seams on the baseball. "But who knows? I’ll stay on top of it and keep using that film that goes on there, like a tacky, rubbery substance that protects the skin. If that's what I have to do to prevent that from continuing to happen, that’s what I’m going to do." Arrieta stopped short of blaming the baseballs for causing the thumb issues. "It’s tough to say," Arrieta said. "At the end of the day, as long as everyone is using the same baseball, I don’t care." -- Chicago Sun-Times Cubs vow urgency in July: ‘No room to slide now,’ says Anthony Rizzo By Gordon Wittenmyer BALTIMORE – If it’s not now, it might be next year for the Cubs. At least that’s the way a lot of them looked at this first week or two out of the All-Star break – even before the front office pulled off the crosstown-shocker trade that landed left-hander Jose Quintana from the White Sox on Thursday. “I don’t think from our perspective anything’s different than what were already set out to do coming into the second half,” World Series MVP Ben Zobrist said. Two games under .500, 5½ games behind the first-place Brewers, the defending champs were the most underachieving team in baseball heading to the break – never more than four games over .500, never more than two games under and never showing signs that change was imminent. “There’s a lot to be said for having a break at the right time,” said pitcher Jake Arrieta, who turned in one of his best starts of the season Saturday in the Cubs’ 10-3 victory over the Orioles. The Cubs pounded the Orioles’ worst-in-baseball rotation the first two games out of the break to win back-to-back games during the same road trip for the first time since April. It might be the start of something – or not, if the first half was any indication. At the very least it syncs well with Quintana’s debut Sunday, just ahead of John Lackey’s return from the disabled list the next series in Atlanta. “It’s just that time to really find our groove,” lefty Mike Montgomery said. “Adding him, and just what these guys are capable of, we feel pretty good about it.” The start of something? It better be if they plan to make a move before the sense of urgency morphs into desperation. If the first two games didn’t already suggest it, the schedule out of the break is comparatively soft, with also-rans in the Orioles and Braves on the road, followed by the mediocre Cardinals and rebuilding White Sox at home, followed by two more against the White Sox on the South Side and then a three-game showdown with the Brewers in Milwaukee.

That leads into July 31, trading deadline day. “It’s a really important two weeks,” team president Theo Epstein said Friday, talking about the team’s plans to add more before the deadline. “If we can get hot and start to play the way that we know we’re capable of, that probably puts us in a little bit more aggressive posture, trying to maximize all 25 spots on the roster and maybe even do some things for this year. “But if we don’t get hot, obviously, we’d have a little bit longer-term perspective.” First baseman Anthony Rizzo said the Cubs don’t need any more incentive than they already had coming out of their four days off. “Winning’s addicting. We want to get back to the top and be the best,” Rizzo said. “There’s no room to slide now. We’re going to go out there and keep playing hard and believe it’s going to turn.” That’s where the starting pitching comes in, say Joe Maddon and history. “It’s going to start with us. We know it,” Montgomery said. “We won last year because of our pitching. We’re kind of looking forward to that.” After riding their 2.96 rotation ERA to a wire-to-wire division title last season, the Cubs have staggered in large part because of a first-half 4.66 rotation ERA that Arrieta improved Saturday, when he allowed just one earned run in 6 2/3 innings. Quintana can make his impact felt Sunday. If anything, said Jon Lester, there’s more incentive in not “wasting” Quintana’s talents than in pushing the front office to add more by the end of the month. “It gives you a little shot in the arm and you say, ‘Hey, let’s get going and make this mean something’ as opposed to you make a trade and you waste prospects for nothing,” he said. Quintana, of course, was acquired with the longer term in mind because he’s under club control through 2020. But Lester compared it to last year, when the Cubs acquired rent-a-closer Aroldis Chapman in July. “If we don’t win the World Series [after that trade] you waste prospects for basically nothing,” he said. “That’s what gives players that little extra incentive to make trades work when guys to make big deals.” What about Epstein making more this month? “Obviously, he’s not going to make a big deal if we’re not doing well,” said Lester, who starts Monday in Atlanta. “That’s on us to play, and whatever he decides that we need, we need. But the guys in this clubhouse can’t worry about what’s going on up there, and who’s talking about what. “If we don’t [make a deal], we have a really good team in this clubhouse, and we’ll continue to just try to play good baseball.” “We can only control what we can control,” shortstop Addison Russell said. “We got Quintana, and we welcome him. He’s going to be part of something great.” -- Chicago Sun-Times As Quintana Era opens for Cubs, Jake Arrieta still key to playoff run By Gordon Wittenmyer

BALTIMORE — We interrupt this Jose Quintana-all-day, every-day coverage to report that the Cubs have located another impact starting pitcher for their second-half push. This according to Jake Arrieta and evidence provided during his 10-3 victory over the Orioles on Saturday night at Camden Yards. “I joke with my friends, and I kind of tell them how I think I’m going to finish the second half,” Arrieta said before refusing to share the details of those visions. “But I am very confident.” As much as the Orioles’ terrible starting pitching has provided an ideal launching pad for the Cubs’ hitters in the second half, it’s even more self-evident that the Cubs need more than Quintana to shake the rotation out of its first-half doldrums if they plan to catch the first-place Brewers and reach a third consecutive postseason for the first time since Frank Chance. Quintana, acquired from the White Sox in Thursday’s blockbuster trade, gets his first chance Sunday to show what kind of difference he can make for a playoff-minded team. But they’re probably not getting that done without Arrieta (9-7) pitching more like he did Saturday than he did through the first half. “I’ll take that one tonight,” manager Joe Maddon said, raving about the way Arrieta leaned mostly on two pitches, saving the rest of his wide array for show. “I’ll take strike throwing. I’ll take ball on the ground. I’ll take mishits, soft contact. He was all of that. His method was outstanding. I’ll take that the rest of the year, just like that.” And if he gets that 6⅔ innings with one earned run allowed often enough, consider the Cubs back in business. Their first two games back from the break already have resulted in 19 runs (including eight homers) and their first back-to-back victories on the same road trip since April 23-24. This was Arrieta’s first trip to Baltimore since the Orioles traded him to the Cubs four years ago this month. He and his family went past their old house and ate at their favorite old spots. Then Arrieta spent the day remembering what it was like pitching for a Cubs playoff contender. Against the backdrop of all that nostalgia, Arrieta admitted to thinking about one last November hurrah on his way out of Chicago. “I don’t want to leave,” said the pending free agent, “but if I have to leave, I don’t want to leave without another ring. I think it would be amazing to be able to do that a second time for the fans, for the organization, and we’re all on the same page here, regardless of how we played in the first half.” -- Daily Herald With Quintana, Cubs getting much more than a great pitcher By Scot Gregor In Jose Quintana, the Chicago Cubs are getting more than a top-end starting pitcher. Much more. "Q is an amazing teammate," said Chicago White Sox starter James Shields, who is in his 12th major-league season and ought to know. "This guy worked his butt off every day. He was the epitome of a role model for young guys coming up. He went about his business the way a professional is supposed to every day. "The Cubs and (manager) Joe Maddon have a really good pitcher over there now. He's going to fit in really well over there, so I'm happy for him."

There was a whole lot of sadness in the Sox's clubhouse on Friday, the day after Quintana was traded from the South Side to the North Side. Not only was the 28-year-old lefty the Sox's best pitcher, he's been one of the best teammates I've seen in more than 20 years on this beat. Over the last six seasons, Quintana has a 3.93 run support average, the sixth-lowest total among major-league starters. Not once did he complain about the lack of support, and Quintana would often blame himself for allowing a run or two during those frequent 1-0 and 2-1 losses. Three years ago, following a familiar gut-wrenching loss for Quintana, I ran into White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf at the press elevator. "I can't believe he hasn't asked to be traded," he said. Reinsdorf has a dry sense of humor and was probably joking around. Then again, maybe he was serious about Quintana's sanity being tested in start after start. The funny thing is, Quintana never wanted to be traded, even when the Sox ramped up their rebuild in December by trading Chris Sale and Adam Eaton on consecutive days. He was fiercely loyal to the team that signed him as a minor-league free agent on Nov. 10, 2011. Quintana was even more loyal to the White Sox after signing a five-year, $21 million contract extension on March 23, 2014. The deal includes $10.5 million club options in 2019 and '20. "You'll never know inside how he's feeling," third baseman Todd Frazier said. "If he's having a bad day you'll never know it because he doesn't want to make people feel bad." Quintana never seemed to have a bad day when he was wearing a White Sox uniform. He did make a slight departure from character on May 30 when he allowed 7 runs on 10 hits in 2⅔ innings against Sale and the Boston Red Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. "Tonight, for me, was a little embarrassing with my teammates," Quintana said after a 13-7 loss. "They made a lot of effort to win this game and I can't do anything." At the end of May, Quintana was 2-7 with a 5.60 ERA. Yes, he had an 18.1 WAR (FanGraphs) from 2013-17, but was he hurt? No. White Sox general manager Rick Hahn on Friday admitted the nonstop trade talk probably worked its way into Quintana's head. Quintana was able to block everything back out, and he was 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in June and July before being traded to the Cubs. Following a June 27 start against the Yankees (6⅓ scoreless innings), catcher Kevan Smith raved about Quintana. "When he's hitting his spots, he's working both sides of the plate with his off-speed, he's unhittable," Smith said. Quintana starts against the Orioles on Sunday, and Cubs fans can expect to see a quality cutter, rising fastball and very good curveballs and changeups.

"He can almost be a guy when he only has two of them working, he can be very successful," Smith said. "When he has the third and fourth one going it makes it fun to keep the hitters off balance." The White Sox are thrilled to get outfielder Eloy Jimenez, starting pitcher Dylan Cease and two lesser prospects from the Cubs for Quintana, but Hahn said it was not an easy trade to make. "We feel good about the results of what we're trying to accomplish and moving this process along and continuing to have every element of our operation focused on a singular goal," Hahn said. "And we feel like we're getting closer to that goal. But there's a cost, too. There's a price to it, and no one in this organization from Jerry up through this clubhouse wanted to see Jose Quintana walk out the door." -- Daily Herald Ostrowski: Quintana is the answer for Cubs By Joe Ostrowski Jose Quintana was the unequivocal answer to the Cubs' biggest question. However, it doesn't mean another NL Central crown is a lock for the north siders. It means they have a much better shot at making the postseason and more in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Hours after the crafty trade was announced, the Cubs' odds went from 10-1 to 6-1 to repeat as World Series champions. So that leads us to ask the question: Why Quintana? A dependable #2 starter The Cubs' starting rotation has been a fickle group and Quintana brings stability. From 2013-2016, he gave the White Sox 32 to 33 starts and 200-208 innings in all four seasons. Don't be troubled by Quintana's 4.49 ERA. He's better than that and it's shown recently with a 2.70 ERA and .213 batting-average-against in his last 7 starts. A move to the National League, with pitchers hitting, will also improve his numbers. That beautiful contract Only $33 million dollars for three and a half years of a guy that has proven to be a top ten pitcher in baseball. According to Fangraphs, Quintana has pitched like a $38 million dollar player in each of his previous three years. Remember those silly Justin Verlander rumors? The Tigers' starter is 34 years old, having one of his worst seasons, and due $90 million dollars. Q is six years younger. They need a winning streak Last year was filled with dominant stretches of play. Taking 12 of 13, 11 in a row, 10 of 11. The Cubs aren't going to be able to catch the Brewers unless they have a similar run and that's very difficult to accomplish without consistent starting pitching. In addition to Quintana, Kyle Hendricks is expected to return soon. Hendricks' second rehab start is Monday. A one through four of Jon Lester, Quintana, Hendricks, and Jake Arrieta can compete with most teams. Clubhouse culture

The Cubs kept their World Series winning core in tact and brought in an all-star that won't disrupt the locker room. When Quintana received 3-plus runs of support, he had a 49-14 record. But if there's a pitcher that had every right to complain about his team's offense, it's Quintana. Not a peep. Never pointed a finger, only thumbs. Two months before the trade, I pointed out Theo Epstein's comments on 670 The Score: "At some point, we're gonna be able to pull off a deal where we trade some position player resources, probably in the form of prospects, for starting pitching to help our big league club either in the present or in the future or hopefully both." Once again, Epstein told you what they were going to do and did it. The plan, striking in free agency when the time was right, winning the World Series, and now this. My advice to Cubs fans is to put down the phone for a minute and listen when your front office speaks. They aren't lying. -- Daily Herald Rozner: Chicago baseball in very nice place By Barry Rozner Theo Epstein arrived in Chicago with a plan and delivered on every promise. Much to the chagrin of those who didn't get it, the Cubs president tore it apart, rebuilt the team and did the unimaginable, winning a World Series in five years. But the underrated part of his game is just how cutthroat Epstein is in his dealings within the game of baseball. Sure, he's well-spoken and smiles while always remaining polite. But underneath all that polish is a competitive executive who will slice up anyone who dares to get in his way. This should remain a comfort to Cubs fans who may have wondered if there is any complacency in the front office. Similarly, Rick Hahn has become the face of the White Sox front office, seemingly mild-mannered and friendly with all who come across his path. He's a North Shore guy and very well-schooled, but having waited his turn to take over the operation, Hahn pushed hard for a rebuild and only eight months in he has capitalized nicely on the brilliant contracts the Sox signed early in players' careers. That is the most overlooked part of the program. Sox ownership took chances with some young players and scored big with Chris Sale, Adam Eaton and Jose Quintana, saving a ridiculous amount of money in the process and making those players very attractive in trade talks. That cost certainty allowed the Sox to jump-start a rebuild and virtually all of their top prospects have been added since the deals began in December, including significant money spent internationally. But Hahn is also deceiving in his personality. Calm on the outside, he had to be stewing at the foolish narratives dominating the Sox conversation, especially the notion that the Sox would harm their own chances of getting better by refusing to deal with the Cubs. No matter how many times he said it was a question only of matching up, his case fell on deaf ears.

And then there was the belief that the Sox were stopping after two big deals, or that Hahn had missed the boat on Quintana, waiting too long and being too stubborn in his asking price. Absurd when you consider Quintana's long-term value. Still, Hahn had to have the guts to stay the course. He couldn't be talked into selling low, willing even to wait until the off-season to restart trade talks on Quintana if necessary. Turns out it wasn't. "We had multiple conversations right up to (the end), and actually while the medical review was going on," Hahn said. "Clubs were still calling us even though we were down the road (with the Cubs). "They wanted to be part of this in case something did fall apart. There was strong interest. Probably the two highest periods of interest in Jose were right after we did the Sale and Eaton deals, a week to 10 days thereafter. More robust than that was the last 10 days, certainly the last five. "There were teams involved that are not in contention to win (this year) … interested in the conversation about how (Quintana) would fit in for them over the next three years." As was the case with the Cubs, there is no guarantee that a rebuild works for the Sox, but given their success with the previous approach, it was far past time to try something different. And with every trade they make that bolsters their inventory of young talent, their chances of making this work get better. Far from done, the Sox will continue dealing. "We've made great strides in the last 12 months," Hahn said. "We've had two very fine drafts. We've made a potentially impactful international signing in Luis Robert and with the (Quintana) trade we've acquired some very highly regarded, potentially impact players. "In terms of how close we are to the end of this process, I don't have an answer for that yet. We still have more work to do over the next (two weeks) before this trade deadline. "There will be more work that needs to be done this offseason, and as part of that process of preparing for the offseason we'll assess where we are from a talent standpoint and continue on the proper path toward accumulating as much talent as we can. "All I can tell you is we're in a much better position today than we were a year ago." Hahn and Epstein, two men who smile and pat you on the back while talking shop. When it happens, it's probably a good idea to keep your hand on your wallet. -- Cubs.com Quintana, Cubs excited for lefty's debut vs. O's By Mandy Bell Jose Quintana will make his Cubs debut against Orioles right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez in the teams' series finale on Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards. Quintana was acquired on Thursday from the White Sox for four Minor League players. The lefty said he had heard trade rumors all season and was happy to be able to stay in Chicago.

"I think it was the best trade for me," Quintana said. "I'm really happy to be a part of this team, and we have a good chance to go to the playoffs, so I'm excited for that." With the White Sox, Quintana went 4-8 with a 4.49 ERA and recorded 109 strikeouts in 18 starts. The lefty faced Baltimore on May 7 this season, where he allowed four runs on nine hits through five innings that resulted in a 4-0 loss for the White Sox. Since 2012, the lefty has had the most no-decisions in the Majors with 59 and has not gotten much run support, which Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he was unaware of. "I've always liked his body of work. To plug him in there with the rest of our guys could be exactly what we're looking for in the second half," Maddon said. "I would think our guys will be excited to play behind him for the first time." For the Orioles, Jimenez will be looking to get off to a fresh start in the second half after having to be removed from the starting rotation to the bullpen in May. Since returning from his brief stint in the bullpen, the righty has had two quality starts in five outings and is looking to be more consistent to have a strong finish to the season. Three things to know about this game • Orioles center fielder Adam Jones has hit .571 with two homers and five RBIs in 14 career at-bats against Quintana. • Quintana is 1-3 with a 5.16 ERA in four career starts in Baltimore. The lefty has given up six home runs at Camden Yards, the second most he's allowed at any away stadium (Comerica Park, 7). • Both Jimenez and Quintana rank in the top 20 in walks allowed this season. Jimenez (42) is tied for ninth, while Quintana (40) is tied for 16th. -- Cubs.com Cubs' bats stay hot behind Arrieta to top O's By Brittany Ghiroli and Carrie Muskat BALTIMORE -- Cubs manager Joe Maddon wasn't panicked about his team's first half, confident that Chicago would be able to turn it on when it mattered most. And while it's only two games into the second half, Maddon's club has rewarded that trust. The Cubs' offense -- which got homers from Albert Almora Jr., Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell -- brought forth another big night to back starter Jake Arrieta in Saturday's 10-3 series-clinching win over Baltimore at Camden Yards. The victory puts the Cubs back at .500 (45-45), as Chicago scored 19 runs in the first two games of the series, mashing eight homers. "They came back [from the break] with a good mindset, a good approach, and it's showed in these past two games," Arrieta said of his teammates. Making his return to Baltimore for the first time since he was traded to the Cubs in 2013, Arrieta held the Orioles to one hit over the first four innings before Caleb Joseph went deep in the fifth. The righty exited after a two-out infield single in the seventh, with a standing ovation from the Cubs fans at Camden Yards and some scattered applause from the home crowd. "All in all, it was a great experience," Arrieta said of his return. "I was fortunate to be able to play here for a few years. Now I've moved on to this phase of my career. I wouldn't trade those years [with the Orioles] for anything. I'm able to be the player I am today because of what I went through in this organization."

Orioles starter Wade Miley continued a disturbing trend for Baltimore's starting rotation, going 4 2/3 innings and allowing seven earned runs. Almora got things started with a solo blast in the third inning while Russell -- who had the game-winning homer on Friday -- cranked a solo shot in the fourth. "There's certainly a certain mentality that you want to be the guy that starts a good roll, but you've got to stay away from, when things get a little sideways early on [letting it get out of hand]," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "[Miley] started off sharp. I thought we were going to get another good outing from him like we did last time, but Chicago's pretty good." Rizzo extended his team lead to 21 with a solo homer off Orioles reliever Miguel Castro in the eighth. The Orioles' only other run off Arrieta came from Ruben Tejada's infield single to chase him. Joseph had two RBIs and was the lone bright spot for a Baltimore club that is 27-40 since May 1. MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Heyward makes Miley pay: After Miley opted to intentionally walk Russell to load the bases with two outs in the fifth, Jason Heyward ripped a triple into deep center field to score three. Part of a four-run frame, the hit also chased Miley from the game. "As crazy as it sounds, the numbers look terrible, but I felt more like my last start than the previous ones prior to that. I've just got to get back in the bullpen and continue to work," Miley said. "In the fifth inning, got the two outs, got the double-play ball, and then it just snowballed. Kind of did the same thing in the fourth. I was able to manage it. But, yeah, falling behind. Falling behind with two outs. Just not staying aggressive." Said Heyward: "I just tried to get a pitch in the strike zone and not miss it. [Miley] has got a lot of good stuff and a lot of ways to get you out." Arrieta's return: The right-hander was dominant against his former club, pitching 6 2/3 innings and allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks. Arrieta, who had a rough June (4.85 ERA), has turned in quality starts in two of his three outings in July. "I'll take that [performance] the rest of the year," Maddon said. QUOTABLE "Never threw a ball straight. Every ball he throws has movement. Some come into you, some go away from you. He's a tough at-bat. He's an uncomfortable at-bat, the way he strides for right-handers. It's like the ball comes out behind you." -- Joseph, on what made Arrieta so tough WHAT'S NEXT Cubs: Jose Quintana, acquired from the White Sox on Thursday for four Minor Leaguers, will make his Cubs debut in the series finale. The left-hander hasn't had great success against the O's (1-4 with a 4.29 ERA in six career starts). Maybe switching to the north side of Chicago will make a difference. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. CT at Camden Yards. Orioles: Looking to avoid a sweep, the Orioles will send Ubaldo Jimenez to the mound on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. ET. Inserted back into the rotation at the end of the first half, Jimenez won his last start, against the Twins. The righty yielded four runs on four hits and four walks with three strikeouts in five innings. -- Cubs.com Arrieta dominates in first return to Baltimore By Carrie Muskat

BALTIMORE -- Jake Arrieta ate at his favorite breakfast spot on Saturday, then toured his old hangouts in Baltimore, showing his two young children where he used to live. He capped his homecoming with a win that could be a sign of things to come. Making his first start at Camden Yards since the Orioles traded him to the Cubs in July 2013, Arrieta held Baltimore to four hits and two runs over 6 2/3 innings in Chicago's 10-3 Interleague win. "It was a really cool feeling," Arrieta said about being back. He heard a little chirping in the dugout from some fans but said the majority graciously welcomed him back. "All in all, it was a great experience," Arrieta said. "I was fortunate to be able to play here for a few years. Now I've moved on to this phase of my career. I wouldn't trade those years [with the Orioles] for anything. I'm able to be the player I am today because of what I went through in this organization." Since Arrieta was dealt to the Cubs, he's thrown two no-hitters, won the National League Cy Young Award, and a World Series. That's not too shabby. Saturday's outing was good enough. Arrieta admitted he didn't play catch during the All-Star break and was pretty much limited to two pitches against the O's. "I think we knew coming in that we had our work cut out for us," Baltimore's Chris Davis said. "He's a guy you're going to have to grind out. His ball moves so much that you have to make him be around the zone, and he did a good job tonight." It helped that the Cubs pounded 16 hits, including home runs by Addison Russell, Albert Almora Jr. and Anthony Rizzo, and a bases-clearing triple by Jason Heyward. With the win, the Cubs are back at .500 for the 21st time this season, and won back-to-back games for the first time since June 18-20. "I'll take strike throwing, ball on the ground, missed hits," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Arrieta's outing. "When you throw [offspeed pitches] too often, you have 90 to 100 pitches going into the sixth and you have to work, work, work, work, work. I like the approach of the located fastball and let us play some defense. I'll take that [performance] the rest of the year." Maddon heard more laughter than usual in the clubhouse prior to Saturday's game. The All-Star break appears to have come at the perfect time. "It's a fresh start or however you want to look at it," Heyward said. "It's some time away to mentally give yourself some space and focus on you and try to be the best you [that] you can be. "There's a lot of things we can't control that go on every day as players but we can control how we work and how smart we work and how we approach every day," Heyward said. "It's only been two games, but that will be big for us in the second half, to focus on being the best version of ourselves we can be and go from there." Arrieta has told friends how he expects to finish in the second half but didn't want to share his prediction. "We didn't perform the way we would like, all the way around," he said of the Cubs. "We want to get back to where we were last year, we want to get to the playoffs and have a shot to play in November again. It's still within reach." -- Cubs.com Maddon: Aug. 1 'key date' for 2nd-half surge By Carrie Muskat

BALTIMORE -- Mark your calendars, Cubs fans. Manager Joe Maddon said Aug. 1 is the day when it's time to start the second-half push. "The first half, I was concerned about doing that too early," Maddon said on Saturday. "It doesn't make any sense. Why wouldn't you want to? Because the guys were fatigued from the last two years, and I thought if you get the whip out too soon, you'll be done by the middle of August. That's my experience. What proof do I have? Nothing, but I've done it before." Maddon said he feels the players have a second wind heading into the second half of the season. "Now's the time to push it a little bit," he said. "For me, [the key date] is Aug. 1." • Jon Lester welcomed the addition of Jose Quintana, acquired from the White Sox on Thursday for four Minor League players. The new Cubs pitcher will make his first start on Sunday against the Orioles. "I know he's a very solid, good pitcher and has been doing it for a while," Lester said. "The thing I respect is his ability to take the ball every five days and pitch 200 innings and that he goes about his business the right way." Quintana was excited about the opportunity to be paired with Lester. "Jon is the best left-hander in the league, and now he's my teammate," Quintana said. "I'm really excited. I can't wait to talk to him and learn from him and help this team." Quintana also is under team control until 2020, which means he and Lester will be part of the Cubs' rotation for a few years. Lester is signed through 2021. "That's an added bonus in the deal," Lester said. "That's obviously something [Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein] was trying to do in the beginning." Lester called it a "win-win" situation for Quintana. "He's pretty well set and established and knows his way around the city [of Chicago]," Lester said. "Now he just has to drive north instead of south and get acclimated to his surroundings [with the Cubs]." The July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline is a couple weeks away, and Lester knows some young players may see their names mentioned. His advice? Ignore the rumors. "The biggest thing is stay in your lane, do your job," Lester said. "It's not your pay grade to worry about what Theo does. It's your job to play the game. Whatever happens, happens. If we make a deal at the Deadline, great. It'll make our team better. If we don't, we have a really good team in this clubhouse, and we'll continue to try to play good baseball." • John Lackey, on the disabled list with plantar faciitis in his right foot, threw a bullpen on Saturday and is still on schedule to start Tuesday against the Braves. The right-hander last pitched on July 5 against the Rays and posted his seventh quality start, giving up three runs over six innings. "Everything looks good right now," Maddon said of Lackey. Kyle Hendricks, on the DL with inflammation in his right hand, is scheduled to make his second rehab start on Monday night for Double-A Tennessee. Hendricks is expected to throw 65-75 pitches over five innings. If all goes well, he could be activated for the Cubs' series against the Cardinals next weekend. • Jason Heyward disappeared into the right-field corner and somehow caught Welington Castillo's fly ball leading off the Orioles' ninth inning on Friday.

"We lost sight of him," Maddon said of Heyward, who made another acrobatic catch. Heyward also hit a two-run home run and a double in the Cubs' 9-8 win over the O's. "I told him after the game, 'That was a great game you played tonight in all facets of the game,'" Maddon said. "The ball went in that corner and I know how that is down there, and I said to myself, 'He's going to catch this thing.' Then you hear the roar [of the crowd]. "It doesn't surprise me," Maddon said of the four-time Gold Glove Award winner. "He has an incredible radar system -- he has sonar when it comes to fly balls." -- ESPNChicago.com Are the Cubs starting to make their move? By Jesse Rogers BALTIMORE -- Jake Arrieta might see it as a coincidence. Joe Maddon could make a case that it's by design. Whatever it is, the Chicago Cubs have dominated their opposition coming out of the All-Star break the past two years, and they're off to an even better start this time around, outscoring the Orioles 19-11 over their first two games of the second half. Bottom line: Maddon is ready to push those post-All-Star break buttons once again. "We do have to push it a little bit," he said before Saturday's 10-3 win. "The first half, I was concerned about doing that too early. And I know [people might say], 'That doesn't make any sense. Why wouldn't you want to?' Because the guys were fatigued from the last two years, and I thought if you get the whip out too soon, you will be done by the middle of August. "That's my experience, and I absolutely believe that to be true. What proof do I have? Nothing except I've done it before." He might have a point, as the Cubs got a reset this past week. Slumping players got away from the game, while management worked to get them a new pitcher, Jose Quintana, who will debut Sunday. Saturday's win was about a suddenly dynamic offense and a confident starter who pitched into the seventh inning. Is Arrieta's mojo returning? "I joke with my friends and kind of tell them how I'm going to finish the second half," said the free-agent-to-be. "I don't know if I'll verbalize that to you guys. I'm very confident." It's safe to assume Arrieta thinks he'll put up some big numbers in the final months of 2017. If they're anything like those of his second half of 2015, then you can count the Cubs back in the pennant race -- and Arrieta can start counting his money as he prepares to test the market. In fact, the Cubs are back in the race now even though the first-place Milwaukee Brewers keep winning. The good news is the wild card is in play, as the Colorado Rockies are in free fall and Arizona isn't playing much better. The Cubs trail both the Brewers and the second wild-card spot by 5.5 games. A little rest might have helped their cause more than others. "There's a lot to be said for the timing of the All-Star break based on the struggles we've had, the ups and downs," Arrieta said. "It seems to come at the right time. For us, it's played out the right way the past couple years. We hope the same thing happens this year." Is it because Maddon has timed it this way? Don't dismiss the strategy. Not that he can predict results one way or another, but he understands the vibe of the Cubs more than most give him credit for.

"First day [after the break] was kind of businesslike," Maddon said. "Today was more fun. That's what I'm waiting to see or hear. "Right now, my sense is they're in pretty good order right now. They're starting to catch a second wind. Now is the time to push it a little bit." If the first two games are any indication, the Cubs seemingly added a few hitters during the break along with Quintana. Shortstop Addison Russell has a home run in each game and is hitting the ball with authority again. He's been missing in action for most of the season. Catcher Willson Contreras has taken to the cleanup spot, hitting over .320 in that position in the order, while Jason Heyward is on time with every swing he takes, including a bases-loaded triple on Saturday. He already sees the difference in the Cubs' young hitters. "I would say so," Heyward said. "Just like a fresh start. Some time away and give yourself some space." Over the past two days, Kyle Schwarber has homered, Russell has two and Albert Almora Jr. went deep ... as did Heyward and Anthony Rizzo. That's the bulk of the Cubs' young core. Bad Baltimore pitching or not, it's a confidence boost that's coming at exactly the right time for the Cubs. "Addy's at-bats have been spectacular," Maddon said. "They really have. I love Willson's two-out, two-strike double down the right-field line to score a run. ... He's not fouling his pitch off. He's not missing it right now. A lot of these guys are using the whole field, and he is, too." Maddon even made a point of saying he usually waits until Aug. 1 to really start his push. The trade deadline will have come and gone, and he believes other teams will wilt under the August heat and in the fifth month of the season. Perhaps the push is coming early this year, considering the ground the Cubs need to cover. "It's kind of the day you want to get out there and push it," he said. "And make sure everyone plays so when you do need them, they're ready to contribute." If the Cubs fall flat, then Maddon's strategy will be scrutinized. But if it works, then it further cements his legacy as a manager who can read his team. The deck was stacked against him in the first half in a lot of ways -- short offseason, injuries and a tough schedule hurt -- but the tide could be turning. A new pitcher, a potentially revitalized incumbent one and 19 runs in two games will do that to you. Are the Cubs starting to make their move? "We can't keep putting it off," Maddon said. -- ESPNChicago.com The Cubs' Jose Quintana debut plan: Let him take control By Jesse Rogers BALTIMORE -- It's Jose Quintana day for the Chicago Cubs as they debut their prized July trade piece in Sunday's series finale against the Orioles. Happy he didn't have to change home addresses -- just uniforms -- the former White Sox pitcher simply wants to fit in. His new team, however, needs him to eat up some innings as the Cubs' starting rotation currently ranks 12th in innings pitched in the National League. "I can plug him in with the rest of our guys. [He] really could be exactly what we're looking for in the second half," manager Joe Maddon said this weekend. You better believe he could. Quintana is one of six pitchers to throw at least 200 innings over the past four seasons, and despite a slow start, his 104 ⅓ first-half innings have him on pace to do it again. With the Cubs

coming off wins Friday and Saturday, Quintana could pitch them to a rare road series sweep to provide the ultimate boost after a shoddy first half. So what's the plan when he takes the mound for the first time for the Cubs with a young catcher behind the plate? Let Quintana take control. "For the first outing or two you want to get [catcher] Willson [Contreras] acclimated to what [Quintana] is comfortable doing and maybe what he's not," catching coach Mike Borzello said Saturday. "Not steering him down the wrong path just based on a scouting report. You want to stay with what his strengths are and then incorporate information that we have. It doesn't hurt he's playing a team he knows." Quintana is 1-4 with a 4.29 ERA in six career starts against the Orioles, but he's not concerned about numbers. He wants to show his new teammates that the Cubs' brass made the right move. "I'm so happy for this trade," Quintana said. "I really want to help this team." It's always tough to judge a guy in his first start for a new team, but considering the ease of the transition, Quintana might not need an adjustment period. His manager was asked to put on his scout's hat to assess what the Cubs are getting. "He's an aggressive pitcher," Maddon said. "Eventually he got better with the off-speed stuff. I saw an assertive pitcher that went after hitters." A major league scout said to forget about Quintana's slow start -- he had an ERA over 5.00 at the end of May -- because it was due to playing in the World Baseball Classic. He was "stretched out" too early, though Quintana simply says he was missing his spots. That's an important part of any pitcher's game, of course, but Borzello thinks it's particularly important for the Cubs' new hurler. "When you're dealing with command guys, when they go into a hitter's strength, into their zones, it's a little dangerous," Borzello said. "They know why and where they're going with that pitch. You have a trust in those kinds of pitchers more than ones that are more apt to make a mistake." In other words, the Cubs will let Quintana dictate even if it goes away from the plan, at least while they get to know him. He had a big smile on his face when asked about being compared to new teammate Jon Lester, who lockered next to him in Baltimore this weekend. Their numbers over the last few years do look alike, but that's where the similarities end, according to team president Theo Epstein. "They manipulate the baseball differently," Epstein said. "Jon cuts the ball more than Quintana does. They are pretty good comps. They're right next to each other for most valuable pitchers the last three, four years." As for Lester, he wasn't into the comparisons as much as the fact that the Cubs made a bold statement in acquiring a top-flight pitcher. "You make a trade like that, obviously the belief is there," Lester said. "It gives you a shot in the arm, 'Let's get going.'" So Quintana gets the ball as the Cubs are starting to feel good about themselves. He can take that optimism to another level simply by being as good as he has been, nothing more, as his presence could elevate a rotation in need of a boost. While Lester downplayed the similarities and Quintana embraced them, Epstein pointed out one more difference. "Jose has him on throwing to first base, and Jon has him on throwing the cutter," he quipped. --

CSNChicago.com Jake Arrieta Knows The Score With Cubs: ‘If I Have To Leave, I Don’t Want To Leave Without Another Ring’ By Patrick Mooney BALTIMORE – Jake Arrieta didn’t throw a baseball while relaxing at home in Austin, Texas, during an All-Star break the Cubs absolutely needed. Walking the streets of Baltimore this weekend triggered memories, seeing where he used to live (when he wasn’t getting shuttled back to Triple-A), eating at one of his favorite restaurants, interacting with old Orioles teammates and appreciating the classic look and feel of Camden Yards. Jose Quintana arriving here on Friday pointed to the Cubs filling a big hole in their 2018, 2019 and 2020 rotations and moving in another direction once Arrieta becomes a free agent after this season. All these forces – decompressing from an all-consuming game, reminders of the struggling pitcher a Cy Young Award winner used to be and the dominos falling from the Quintana trade with the White Sox – made it seem like a good time to think about Arrieta’s future and how this could be his last chance to make history (again) with the Cubs. “If I have to leave, I don’t want to leave without another ring,” Arrieta said after Saturday night’s 10-3 win set Quintana up for the sweep on Sunday afternoon. The Cubs have scored 19 runs in their first two games after the All-Star break, but any sustained momentum will revolve around starting pitching. Arrieta kept an American League lineup off-balance for 6.2 innings in a steamy, hitter-friendly park, mixing in his cutter and changeup while limiting the Orioles to two runs (one earned) in the kind of controlled, efficient performance the Cubs desperately need if they are going to break out of their 45-45 pattern and make up those 5.5 games against the Milwaukee Brewers and Colorado Rockies in the division and wild-card races. It doesn’t even have to be the Bob Gibson/Sandy Koufax/Dwight Gooden/Randy Johnson-esque push that catapulted the 2015 Cubs and transformed the franchise’s identity. It won’t be Max Scherzer money. But super-agent Scott Boras will get Arrieta paid for his raw stuff, durability, big-game performances and good clubhouse reputation. “I would love to stay,” Arrieta said. “That would be cool. But if it doesn’t work out, that’s the nature of professional sports. “We’re all on the same page here. Regardless of how we played the first half, that’s the end goal – to get back to the playoffs and then just have the chance to roll the dice and see what happens in October. And hopefully we get to play in November.” Arrieta (9-7, 4.17 ERA) is starting to look more and more like the guy who beat the Cleveland Indians twice on the road during last year’s World Series. The thing is, Arrieta always thought he was The Man, even when he couldn’t stick in Baltimore. “I joke with my friends,” Arrieta said. “I kind of tell them how I think I’m going to finish the second half. I don’t know if I’ll verbalize that to you guys, but I’m very confident. “We didn’t perform the way we would like – all the way around – (in the first half). We expect better things from ourselves as a team overall. That’s the competitive nature of all these guys in this clubhouse. We want to get back to where we were last year. We want to get to the playoffs and have a shot to play into November again. It’s still within reach.” --

CSNChicago.com Jon Lester Breaks Down Jose Quintana Trade And Where Cubs Go From Here By Patrick Mooney BALTIMORE – Jon Lester decided to sign with a last-place Cubs team during the 2014 winter meetings, taking a leap of faith while still expecting to be in the pennant race every season on that six-year, $155 million megadeal. As much as anyone in the clubhouse, Lester understands how team president Theo Epstein operates and what a huge hole there will be in the rotation if/when Jake Arrieta and John Lackey leave as free agents after this season. That’s why “until 2020” jumped out at Lester after the initial shock from the blockbuster Jose Quintana trade with the White Sox wore off quickly. “I know Theo,” Lester said before watching Arrieta shut down his old team during Saturday’s 10-3 win at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. “I know his track record. I know what he’s all about. That wasn’t going to go unaddressed. “I was a little surprised that it happened now. Usually, a trade like that happens kind of last minute. So that’s good for us – we get those extra couple weeks with him here and get him comfortable. “That’s probably a win-win for everybody. You don’t see trades where you don’t have to move houses. He’s pretty well-set and established, knows his way around the city. And now he’s just got to drive north instead of south.” As much as Epstein made this deal for the future, the 2017 Cubs needed Quintana to: reinforce a rotation pushed through back-to-back playoff runs; protect an overworked bullpen; and change a clubhouse vibe that’s been off. Quintana can finish off a three-game sweep of the Orioles – and create a real sense of momentum for a .500 team – when he makes his Cubs debut on Sunday afternoon. “Any time you make an acquisition, it’s a boost,” Lester said. “It just means that the front office and ownership believe in this team and they want us to go further. They think whatever piece it is (will) make us go. “Any time you make a trade like that, obviously the belief is there. That just kind of gives you a little shot in the arm to say: ‘Hey, let’s get going and make this mean something.’ “As opposed to making a trade and you waste prospects for nothing, kind of like the (Aroldis) Chapman deal last year. If we don’t win the World Series, you waste prospects for basically nothing.” Epstein made it clear that how the Cubs respond after the All-Star break will influence how aggressive he will be leading up to the July 31 trade deadline. Selling isn’t an option, because the Cubs are still within striking distance of the Milwaukee Brewers in a bad division and have too much on-paper talent. There is real value in all these young players experiencing more meaningful games and building up that competitive culture. But if the Cubs get hot, then Epstein can look harder at a veteran catcher, another reliever and a starting pitcher – Sonny Gray seems out of reach – instead of sitting out the deal-making frenzy. “That’s on us to play well,” Lester said. “Whatever he decides that we need, we need. But at the same time, the guys in this clubhouse can’t worry about what’s going on up there and who’s talking about what. “I was part of those talks for a long time as a young guy. And it can be distracting sometimes when you see your name on the bottom line or they’re talking about it on MLB (Network) saying a team put your name into this trade. “Nine times out of 10, it’s not even true. I know that’s difficult for a young guy sometimes. But the biggest thing is, like I’ve always said: Man, just stay in your lane. Do your job. It’s not your pay grade to worry about what Theo does.”

-- CSNChicago.com Joe Maddon Knows It’s Time To Start Pushing Cubs Harder – Except Wade Davis By Patrick Mooney BALTIMORE – The Cubs gave Joe Maddon a shiny new toy last summer without handing over the instruction manual – or the manager never bothered to read it – or something else got lost in translation. How to handle Aroldis Chapman became a recurring storyline, from his tone-deaf welcome-to-Chicago press conference to the first- and second-guessing even after winning a World Series Game 7. As the defending champs try to find another gear after a stop-and-start first half, Maddon understands “now is the time to push it a little bit, absolutely.” Except with All-Star closer Wade Davis, who has already shown an ability or willingness to work multiple innings and notched the final out in a World Series for the 2015 Kansas City Royals. “I learned early last year with Chappy that he didn’t want to do it,” Maddon said Saturday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. “When we first got him, I thought: ‘We’re good.’ And then I found out that it wasn’t so good, so we backed off. We had the conversation right there for the postseason and then everything was easy after that.” Does Davis have a Santiago that you have to clear it with? “I’m not aware of it,” Maddon said when asked about Chapman’s personal assistant who hung around the clubhouse and functioned as a go-between for the 100-mph closer and the coaching staff. “Santiago, we had a great relationship, it was awesome. “But, yeah, with Wade, I don’t want to push him on that, unless it’s absolutely necessary, with or without Santiago.” While Maddon can ride $155 million ace Jon Lester and new addition Jose Quintana – and make daily lineup decisions that aren’t as focused on the big picture – he’s not ready to extend Davis for four- or five-out saves: “I don’t think so, not yet.” Because the Cubs purposely built a deeper bullpen this year with Koji Uehara, Carl Edwards Jr. and Pedro Strop and want to keep Davis performing at this optimal level (2-0, 1.74 ERA, 17-for-17 in save chances) for a full season. “That would be like if everybody’s exhausted,” Maddon said. “Listen, I’m good with Koji. I’m good with C.J. Stropy’s been pitching really good in the eighth. I have no problem with any of that stuff. “I’m saying when you get on a nice run when you start winning some games, the guys get fatigued, and then all of a sudden you may have to get an extra inning or an extra out or two out of somebody under those circumstances. “Right now, we’re OK. But that would be the reason why I would do it, because if the bullpen’s fatigued, we’re on a nice little run right here, he’s rested, so let’s see him get four outs tonight. And I want to believe I’m going to ask him before the game ever begins.” Chapman’s overuse in the playoffs is a story that won’t go away for the New York Yankees, who’ve already stashed him on the disabled list for a month (inflammation in the rotator cuff of his left shoulder) and watched him put up ordinary numbers (3.92 ERA, 8-for-11 in save chances) in the first season of a five-year, $86 million contract. Lost amid that criticism of Maddon is how his aggressiveness in August 2015 – not caring about Jason Hammel’s feelings or Starlin Castro’s ego – helped transform the Cubs into a 97-win team that would come back for more. “This second half, we do have to really push it a little bit,” Maddon said. “The first half, I was concerned about doing that too early. And I know (there were times): ‘Boy, that doesn’t make any sense. Why would you?’ Because

the guys are fatigued from the last two years, and I thought if you get the whip out too soon, man, you will be done by the middle of August. “Of course, we can’t just keep putting it off until tomorrow. (So) get the pitching right. Keep the bullpen in order. And to get back to the point about the lineups – make sure everybody still plays but you might push somebody a little bit more right now.” --