I’m not sure when ChicagoNow will stop existing, but I thought I would get this out to you ASAP.

I have no idea how this is going to work, but I decided to try Substack to see what happens. I do have other options which I’ll investigate eventually.

I’m going to keep my Catholic theme of writing going, but I’m also going to talk about navigating my senior years. I’ve been a senior for a while, so I have a bit of experience.

I exported all your emails to the new site (I don’t know if it even worked), but if you’re not interested, no hard feelings. Feel free to unsubscribe.

I’m still on Facebook so I welcome your interaction, following and sharing!

Substack here I come!

I’m not sure when ChicagoNow will stop existing, but I thought I would get this out to you ASAP.

I have no idea how this is going to work, but I decided to try Substack to see what happens. I do have other options which I’ll investigate eventually.

I’m going to keep my Catholic theme of writing going, but I’m also going to talk about navigating my senior years. I’ve been a senior for a while, so I have a bit of experience.

I exported all your emails to the new site (I don’t know if it even worked), but if you’re not interested, no hard feelings. Feel free to unsubscribe.

I’m still on Facebook so I welcome your interaction, following and sharing!

Substack here I come!

Jacob Wetzel (Photo by Stephanie Lynn)

MLB

The selloff has begun. First out the door is reliever Chris Martin. A solid middle reliever with playoff experience, Martin has been a bit homer prone this year, but otherwise been reliable. He’ll join former Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel in the Dodgers bullpen.

The return for Martin was never going to be outstanding, but I think the Cubs did pretty good here all things considered. Utility man Zach McKinstry has fairly ugly numbers in his limited at bats with the Dodgers the last couple of years, but his playing time has been sporadic at best, and he’s already proven himself at the AAA level (.335/.417/.487 in 223 PAs this season), showing both some pop and patience at the plate. He looks like a guy simply in need of an opportunity to prove himself. The Cubs have shown the ability to help players in a similar situation find a way to contribute as big leaguers, but unlike some of the older players from post-TDL last season (Ortega/Schwindel/Wisdom), McKinstry is a couple of years younger, so if he does break out at all he still in the age range to be around when the Cubs are more competitive.

A versatile defender and left handed bat, McKinstry can play multiple spots, notably 3B/2B/LF/RF. Should the Cubs end up trading Patrick Wisdom, I can see McKinstry getting fairly regular reps at 3B in the 2nd half, while sharing the position with the equally versatile Christopher Morel. McKinstry could also receive some reps at 2B, spotting Morel and Nick Madrigal (who the Cubs will no doubt try to reincorporate into the lineup once he completes his rehab assignment). The lefty McKinstry offers a better compliment to those two than the righty David Bote.

With Ian Happ and Rafael Ortega also expected to be on the move, McKinstry’s left handed bat could also be deployed in LF at times, presumably sharing that spot with Narciso Crook. Depending on if the Cubs add any more MLB-ready players at the deadline, McKinstry may end up as one of just two left handed bats on the roster alongside Alfonso Rivas, so opportunities should abound.

There are a couple of caveats as to why McKinstry was available for a rental middle reliever though. At 27 years old, he isn’t really a prospect at this point, and he is also in his final option year. So, if all McKinstry needs is an opportunity to establish himself, he has the final two months of the season and then next spring to do so, otherwise the Cubs will be faced with placing him on waivers. If he does establish himself though, the Cubs have team control over him through 2027.

AAA

St. Paul 7, Iowa 4

Game Recap

Not a nice game for starter Anderson Espinoza, as he gave up six runs and was knocked out of the game without recording an out in the 2nd inning. The bullpen slammed the door after that fateful inning, but the damage was done, and the Cubs couldn’t mount enough of a comeback. Nicholas Padilla, who has ascended from High-A to AAA (with an eye toward the MLB roster by year’s end) struck out four over two scoreless innings. Matt Dermody cleaned things up over the final four frames, as he continued his red hot July.

Two other players who likely figure into the post deadline plans in Chicago are Nick Madrigal and Narciso Crook. Madrigal recorded two hits and a walk to raise his average above .350 over his 6 games since starting his rehab. Crook has been on a homer binge of late, but settled for a pair of singles in this one.

Top Performers

Nick Madrigal: 2-3, R, BB (.314)Narciso Crook: 2-4 (.273)Jared Young: 1-3, BB (.244)Matt Mervis: 1-4, RBI (.242)Nicholas Padilla: 2 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 4 K (3.00)Matt Dermody: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 4 K (3.74)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Andrelton Simmons also started in this one, going 0-for-4 with 3 Ks.

RBI machine Matt Mervis delivers again.

Two-out single in the 1st scores Nick Madrigal to give the @IowaCubs a 1-0 lead.

87 RBI. Leads minor league baseball. Most RBI in affiliated baseball from anyone not named Aaron Judge.

July 31, 2022

AA

Birmingham 11, Tennessee 6

Game Recap

Obviously not a great day for the Smokies pitching staff, but a handful of guys who have swung the bat well of late, continued to do so last night. Miguel Amaya reached base three times, as did Yonathan Perlaza, Jake Slaughter, Bradlee Beesley, and Bryce Ball.

Radical! The Smokies are on the board after an RBI single from Bryce Ball! Smokies trail 2-1 in the bottom of the first. @bryceball_05 pic.twitter.com/FHfaxAyah2

July 30, 2022

Bryce Ball with ANOTHER RBI tonight! Smokies still trail 7-3 in the bottom of the 5th. @bryceball_05 pic.twitter.com/wTDNiOUumv

July 31, 2022

Top Performers

Bradlee Beesley: 3-4, 2B, R, RBI, 2 SB (8, 9) (.252)Bryce Ball: 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI (.282)Jake Slaughter: 3-5, 2B, R (.320)Miguel Amaya: 1-3, R, RBI, 2 BB (.360)Yonathan Perlaza: 1-3, 2B, R, BB, HBP (.246)

High-A

Lake County 7, South Bend 2

Game Recap

Good work from lefty relievers Adam Laskey and Riley Martin in relief of Kohl Franklin in this one. Franklin did hit 101 on the stadium gun, but when you give up four runs and only record one out there isn’t much to get excited about. We’ve seen Franklin’s talents surface in fits and starts this year, but it has no doubt been a rocky first few months as he fights back from all the missed time in 2020 and 2021. It is important to keep in mind too that a blister kept him out for a stretch in Eugene back in 2019, and he also missed significant time with a (leg?) injury in high school. In hindsight, maybe High-A was a bridge too far, despite the excitement over his raw stuff. The upside remains, and he’s still got a couple of months to build momentum to hopefully come out strong in 2023.

Kohl Franklin… “That says 101 on the scoreboard.” pic.twitter.com/ZU1UYskk4S

July 30, 2022

Luis Verdugo continues to quietly reestablish himself as a prospect. Two more hits (including his 20th double) and two more walks bring his season slash line up to .270/.343/.402. Not bad for a 21-year old in High-A. Coupled with his strong defense at 3B, and some currently untapped home run power, there is enough upside for Verdugo to one day make the show.

Top Performers

Luis Verdugo: 2-2, 2B, 2 BB (.270)Jordan Nwogu: 1-4, 2 RBI (.243)Adam Laskey: 3.2 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BB, 4 K (4.50)Riley Martin: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (4.20)

Low-A

Augusta 6, Myrtle Beach 4

Game Recap

I didn’t expect Jacob Wetzel to struggle over the course of the 1st half of the season, especially since I thought there was a decent chance he’d open the season in South Bend, not Myrtle Beach. But he’s begun to turn it on of late, and roped his 9th homer of the season in this one.

Sent this one into the river. Think he’s opened up his stance some (or maybe I’m just noticing it with a straight CF camera). pic.twitter.com/KYLzcjEsJt

July 30, 2022

Kevin Alcántara drove in his 70th run of the season:

Matt Mervis isn’t the only RBI machine in the Cubs system. https://t.co/MtafunBApr

July 30, 2022

70 RBI for Kevin Alcántara in his 85th game of the year. pic.twitter.com/U4hdva0STQ

July 30, 2022

And hard throwing Frankie Scalzo Jr., who missed much of the first half due to injury, is starting to get dialed in with the Pelicans. He tossed three no hit innings to lower his ERA to 4.05. I’ll be curious to watch him down the stretch. He could be a guy who takes a jump next season.

Top Performers

Jacob Wetzel: 1-3, HR (9), R, RBI, BB (.215)Josue Huma: 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, SB (3) (.266)Malcolm Quintero: 1-3, R, BB (.226)Alejandro Rivero: 1-3, R (.271)Kevin Alcántara: 1-4, 2B, RBI (.265)Frankie Scalzo Jr.: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K (4.03)

ACL

Cubs 7, Athletics 2

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Veteran righty Jonathan Holder, who has missed the majority of the last two seasons, fired two scoreless innings while striking out 3 as he continues his rehab. Depending on how things go in the 2nd half, it may not be a bad idea to have a guy like him available to eat some innings in Chicago.

DSL

Cubs Blue 4, Cubs Red 3

“Fresh Midwest-Modern Recipes From the Heartland”Maren Ellingboe King, Countryman Press $35

I admit to being dubious about Maren Ellingboe King’s recipe for Pumpkin Bread in “Fresh Midwest.” Pumpkin spices can be overwhelming, and I usually take a pass on most of the recipes, a sentiment the author shares.She writes, “ I can’t get behind the pumpkin spice craze that seems to take over come fall…”

And then she makes an exception. “…but a classic pumpkin bread with my morning cappuccino? Yes, please.”

I agree, as long as the pumpkin bread is the one in “Fresh Midwest.” Maybe it’s the half-cup of maple syrup that makes it so moist and flavorful? Or maybe it’s because the mix of spices (cloves, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon) is well-balanced and flavorful? Or maybe it’s the smell that lingered after the bread was baked? Whatever the reason, the pumpkin bread is a winner, and the recipe, itself, is well-written and easy enough for a novice cook.

Much of the book focuses on the culinary traditions of the Scandinavian immigrants who settled in the upper Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas) in the late 1800s, a group that included King’s family.

She explains, “Many of the recipes in this book are based on archives I inherited from my grandmothers and great-grandmothers… Through the process of making these recipes, I acted as translator into the modern era…Though these recipes don’t use processed ingredients, the dishes retain their nostalgic taste, and are no less simple to prepare.”

The changes are especially evident in the various recipes for “hotdish,” Minnesota’s version of the casserole, which King defines as “a humble, baked, one-pan dinner.” In her updated versions, King swaps a simple, made-from-scratch béchamel for the canned cream of mushroom soup used in the original recipes.

She also uses ingredients native to the Upper Midwest that give the recipes a sense of place. Wild rice, for example, is used in salads, soups and a hotdish made with chicken and butternut squash that I’m planning to make as soon as the weather turns cooler. And then there are the dishes made with Scandinavian specialties like lefse (similar to a soft tortilla or a chapati) and gjetost, a Norwegian brown cheese with “caramelized undertones” (a personal favorite) that give the book a distinct ethnic identity.

But in the end, what really sells the book is the quality of the recipes. They’re appealing; you can envision serving them to friends and family with the expectation that they’ll be eaten and enjoyed. As the author puts it, “This is food that’s meant to be shared with the people you love.”

Pumpkin Bread

1 cup pureed pumpkin2 eggs1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil1/2 cup buttermilk1 cup flour1 cup sugar1/2 cup maple syrup1 teaspoon baking soda3/4 teaspoon kosher salt1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground cloves1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

Preheat oven to 325-degrees F. Use butter or baking spray to coat and 8-by-4-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper so that the parchment hangs over the long sides of the pan.Whisk together the pumpkin, eggs, oil and buttermilk in a large bowl. Add the flour, sugar, maple syrup, baking, soda salt, baking powder, and spices. Whisk until completely combined.Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake until a tester in the middle comes out clean, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes on a rack, then remove bread from the pan.

Barb and I were entertaining two of our granddaughters over the past week while their parents enjoyed a much-deserved 10th-anniversary trip. Is it any surprise I wound up sitting outside an emergency room at 11:30 Friday night?

No, nothing happened to our precious granddaughter cargo. And fortunately, neither Barb nor I were stricken with a relapse or complications from last month’s COVID cases. I was slumped in my car in the parking lot of the 24-hour Veterinary Specialty Clinic waiting for news on the health of Cooper, our indefatigable labradoodle.

The babysitting gig was actually going quite well. Barb had just treated the gals to an in-home spa night, with shampoos and blow-drys. Cooper and I were watching Only Murders in the Building in the home office when he bolted out the door and into the bathroom, where the girl’s clothes were still in their pre-bath pile on the floor.

And the fun began. He rooted through the clothes until he found a favorite –a freshly worn sock. In a blur, the sock was in his mouth, and Cooper’s favorite game of “Catch Me and See If You Can Get This Away From Me” was on.

I chased the Coop dog through the bedroom, through the family room, and back into the office where at last I cornered him. The gleam in his eye said it all. “Socks? I don’t have to show you no stinking socks,” he seemed to be saying.

I gripped his mouth and pulled his jaws apart, but I already had a sinking feeling. No sock. And after a brief discussion with Barb over the appropriate next course of action (per usual, she was right, and I was wrong) Cooper and I were speeding off to the 24-hour vet.

Like a human ER, the veterinary ER is a busy place on a Friday night. I pulled into the parking lot and followed the posted registration procedures. This put Cooper 10th on the waiting list, with an approximate time before he would see the vet of 3 hours 40 minutes.

So we settled in to wait. I lowered the back of my seat and made a pillow out of cloth grocery bags. I tuned the radio to The Drive for the replay of Bob Stroud’s 10 at 10. Geddy Lee’s birthday–who knew there were 10 songs by Rush I actually liked?

At the end of the first hour, a tech took Cooper inside and I soon received a phone call asking for permission to give Cooper an IV medication to induce vomiting. Sure–whatever it takes.

And about 45 minutes later, I got the news. Success! Cooper had barfed up a sock. “We’ll be bringing Cooper out to you in a few minutes. Would you like the sock back?” You can guess my answer to that one.

Yes, I am sorry to say that one of our granddaughters was returned to her very relaxed parents the next day shy one pair of socks. And as for Cooper? Did he learn a lesson? He seems to have enjoyed every moment of his experience. And he still hasn’t met a sock that might not make a tasty morsel.

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———————————–

Jacob Wetzel (Photo by Stephanie Lynn)

MLB

The selloff has begun. First out the door is reliever Chris Martin. A solid middle reliever with playoff experience, Martin has been a bit homer prone this year, but otherwise been reliable. He’ll join former Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel in the Dodgers bullpen.

The return for Martin was never going to be outstanding, but I think the Cubs did pretty good here all things considered. Utility man Zach McKinstry has fairly ugly numbers in his limited at bats with the Dodgers the last couple of years, but his playing time has been sporadic at best, and he’s already proven himself at the AAA level (.335/.417/.487 in 223 PAs this season), showing both some pop and patience at the plate. He looks like a guy simply in need of an opportunity to prove himself. The Cubs have shown the ability to help players in a similar situation find a way to contribute as big leaguers, but unlike some of the older players from post-TDL last season (Ortega/Schwindel/Wisdom), McKinstry is a couple of years younger, so if he does break out at all he still in the age range to be around when the Cubs are more competitive.

A versatile defender and left handed bat, McKinstry can play multiple spots, notably 3B/2B/LF/RF. Should the Cubs end up trading Patrick Wisdom, I can see McKinstry getting fairly regular reps at 3B in the 2nd half, while sharing the position with the equally versatile Christopher Morel. McKinstry could also receive some reps at 2B, spotting Morel and Nick Madrigal (who the Cubs will no doubt try to reincorporate into the lineup once he completes his rehab assignment). The lefty McKinstry offers a better compliment to those two than the righty David Bote.

With Ian Happ and Rafael Ortega also expected to be on the move, McKinstry’s left handed bat could also be deployed in LF at times, presumably sharing that spot with Narciso Crook. Depending on if the Cubs add any more MLB-ready players at the deadline, McKinstry may end up as one of just two left handed bats on the roster alongside Alfonso Rivas, so opportunities should abound.

There are a couple of caveats as to why McKinstry was available for a rental middle reliever though. At 27 years old, he isn’t really a prospect at this point, and he is also in his final option year. So, if all McKinstry needs is an opportunity to establish himself, he has the final two months of the season and then next spring to do so, otherwise the Cubs will be faced with placing him on waivers. If he does establish himself though, the Cubs have team control over him through 2027.

AAA

St. Paul 7, Iowa 4

Game Recap

Not a nice game for starter Anderson Espinoza, as he gave up six runs and was knocked out of the game without recording an out in the 2nd inning. The bullpen slammed the door after that fateful inning, but the damage was done, and the Cubs couldn’t mount enough of a comeback. Nicholas Padilla, who has ascended from High-A to AAA (with an eye toward the MLB roster by year’s end) struck out four over two scoreless innings. Matt Dermody cleaned things up over the final four frames, as he continued his red hot July.

Two other players who likely figure into the post deadline plans in Chicago are Nick Madrigal and Narciso Crook. Madrigal recorded two hits and a walk to raise his average above .350 over his 6 games since starting his rehab. Crook has been on a homer binge of late, but settled for a pair of singles in this one.

Top Performers

Nick Madrigal: 2-3, R, BB (.314)Narciso Crook: 2-4 (.273)Jared Young: 1-3, BB (.244)Matt Mervis: 1-4, RBI (.242)Nicholas Padilla: 2 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 4 K (3.00)Matt Dermody: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 4 K (3.74)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Andrelton Simmons also started in this one, going 0-for-4 with 3 Ks.

RBI machine Matt Mervis delivers again.

Two-out single in the 1st scores Nick Madrigal to give the @IowaCubs a 1-0 lead.

87 RBI. Leads minor league baseball. Most RBI in affiliated baseball from anyone not named Aaron Judge.

July 31, 2022

AA

Birmingham 11, Tennessee 6

Game Recap

Obviously not a great day for the Smokies pitching staff, but a handful of guys who have swung the bat well of late, continued to do so last night. Miguel Amaya reached base three times, as did Yonathan Perlaza, Jake Slaughter, Bradlee Beesley, and Bryce Ball.

Radical! The Smokies are on the board after an RBI single from Bryce Ball! Smokies trail 2-1 in the bottom of the first. @bryceball_05 pic.twitter.com/FHfaxAyah2

July 30, 2022

Bryce Ball with ANOTHER RBI tonight! Smokies still trail 7-3 in the bottom of the 5th. @bryceball_05 pic.twitter.com/wTDNiOUumv

July 31, 2022

Top Performers

Bradlee Beesley: 3-4, 2B, R, RBI, 2 SB (8, 9) (.252)Bryce Ball: 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI (.282)Jake Slaughter: 3-5, 2B, R (.320)Miguel Amaya: 1-3, R, RBI, 2 BB (.360)Yonathan Perlaza: 1-3, 2B, R, BB, HBP (.246)

High-A

Lake County 7, South Bend 2

Game Recap

Good work from lefty relievers Adam Laskey and Riley Martin in relief of Kohl Franklin in this one. Franklin did hit 101 on the stadium gun, but when you give up four runs and only record one out there isn’t much to get excited about. We’ve seen Franklin’s talents surface in fits and starts this year, but it has no doubt been a rocky first few months as he fights back from all the missed time in 2020 and 2021. It is important to keep in mind too that a blister kept him out for a stretch in Eugene back in 2019, and he also missed significant time with a (leg?) injury in high school. In hindsight, maybe High-A was a bridge too far, despite the excitement over his raw stuff. The upside remains, and he’s still got a couple of months to build momentum to hopefully come out strong in 2023.

Kohl Franklin… “That says 101 on the scoreboard.” pic.twitter.com/ZU1UYskk4S

July 30, 2022

Luis Verdugo continues to quietly reestablish himself as a prospect. Two more hits (including his 20th double) and two more walks bring his season slash line up to .270/.343/.402. Not bad for a 21-year old in High-A. Coupled with his strong defense at 3B, and some currently untapped home run power, there is enough upside for Verdugo to one day make the show.

Top Performers

Luis Verdugo: 2-2, 2B, 2 BB (.270)Jordan Nwogu: 1-4, 2 RBI (.243)Adam Laskey: 3.2 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BB, 4 K (4.50)Riley Martin: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (4.20)

Low-A

Augusta 6, Myrtle Beach 4

Game Recap

I didn’t expect Jacob Wetzel to struggle over the course of the 1st half of the season, especially since I thought there was a decent chance he’d open the season in South Bend, not Myrtle Beach. But he’s begun to turn it on of late, and roped his 9th homer of the season in this one.

Sent this one into the river. Think he’s opened up his stance some (or maybe I’m just noticing it with a straight CF camera). pic.twitter.com/KYLzcjEsJt

July 30, 2022

Kevin Alcántara drove in his 70th run of the season:

Matt Mervis isn’t the only RBI machine in the Cubs system. https://t.co/MtafunBApr

July 30, 2022

70 RBI for Kevin Alcántara in his 85th game of the year. pic.twitter.com/U4hdva0STQ

July 30, 2022

And hard throwing Frankie Scalzo Jr., who missed much of the first half due to injury, is starting to get dialed in with the Pelicans. He tossed three no hit innings to lower his ERA to 4.05. I’ll be curious to watch him down the stretch. He could be a guy who takes a jump next season.

Top Performers

Jacob Wetzel: 1-3, HR (9), R, RBI, BB (.215)Josue Huma: 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, SB (3) (.266)Malcolm Quintero: 1-3, R, BB (.226)Alejandro Rivero: 1-3, R (.271)Kevin Alcántara: 1-4, 2B, RBI (.265)Frankie Scalzo Jr.: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K (4.03)

ACL

Cubs 7, Athletics 2

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Veteran righty Jonathan Holder, who has missed the majority of the last two seasons, fired two scoreless innings while striking out 3 as he continues his rehab. Depending on how things go in the 2nd half, it may not be a bad idea to have a guy like him available to eat some innings in Chicago.

DSL

Cubs Blue 4, Cubs Red 3

“Fresh Midwest-Modern Recipes From the Heartland”Maren Ellingboe King, Countryman Press $35

I admit to being dubious about Maren Ellingboe King’s recipe for Pumpkin Bread in “Fresh Midwest.” Pumpkin spices can be overwhelming, and I usually take a pass on most of the recipes, a sentiment the author shares.She writes, “ I can’t get behind the pumpkin spice craze that seems to take over come fall…”

And then she makes an exception. “…but a classic pumpkin bread with my morning cappuccino? Yes, please.”

I agree, as long as the pumpkin bread is the one in “Fresh Midwest.” Maybe it’s the half-cup of maple syrup that makes it so moist and flavorful? Or maybe it’s because the mix of spices (cloves, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon) is well-balanced and flavorful? Or maybe it’s the smell that lingered after the bread was baked? Whatever the reason, the pumpkin bread is a winner, and the recipe, itself, is well-written and easy enough for a novice cook.

Much of the book focuses on the culinary traditions of the Scandinavian immigrants who settled in the upper Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas) in the late 1800s, a group that included King’s family.

She explains, “Many of the recipes in this book are based on archives I inherited from my grandmothers and great-grandmothers… Through the process of making these recipes, I acted as translator into the modern era…Though these recipes don’t use processed ingredients, the dishes retain their nostalgic taste, and are no less simple to prepare.”

The changes are especially evident in the various recipes for “hotdish,” Minnesota’s version of the casserole, which King defines as “a humble, baked, one-pan dinner.” In her updated versions, King swaps a simple, made-from-scratch béchamel for the canned cream of mushroom soup used in the original recipes.

She also uses ingredients native to the Upper Midwest that give the recipes a sense of place. Wild rice, for example, is used in salads, soups and a hotdish made with chicken and butternut squash that I’m planning to make as soon as the weather turns cooler. And then there are the dishes made with Scandinavian specialties like lefse (similar to a soft tortilla or a chapati) and gjetost, a Norwegian brown cheese with “caramelized undertones” (a personal favorite) that give the book a distinct ethnic identity.

But in the end, what really sells the book is the quality of the recipes. They’re appealing; you can envision serving them to friends and family with the expectation that they’ll be eaten and enjoyed. As the author puts it, “This is food that’s meant to be shared with the people you love.”

Pumpkin Bread

1 cup pureed pumpkin2 eggs1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil1/2 cup buttermilk1 cup flour1 cup sugar1/2 cup maple syrup1 teaspoon baking soda3/4 teaspoon kosher salt1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground cloves1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

Preheat oven to 325-degrees F. Use butter or baking spray to coat and 8-by-4-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper so that the parchment hangs over the long sides of the pan.Whisk together the pumpkin, eggs, oil and buttermilk in a large bowl. Add the flour, sugar, maple syrup, baking, soda salt, baking powder, and spices. Whisk until completely combined.Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake until a tester in the middle comes out clean, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes on a rack, then remove bread from the pan.

Jacob Wetzel (Photo by Stephanie Lynn)

MLB

The selloff has begun. First out the door is reliever Chris Martin. A solid middle reliever with playoff experience, Martin has been a bit homer prone this year, but otherwise been reliable. He’ll join former Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel in the Dodgers bullpen.

The return for Martin was never going to be outstanding, but I think the Cubs did pretty good here all things considered. Utility man Zach McKinstry has fairly ugly numbers in his limited at bats with the Dodgers the last couple of years, but his playing time has been sporadic at best, and he’s already proven himself at the AAA level (.335/.417/.487 in 223 PAs this season), showing both some pop and patience at the plate. He looks like a guy simply in need of an opportunity to prove himself. The Cubs have shown the ability to help players in a similar situation find a way to contribute as big leaguers, but unlike some of the older players from post-TDL last season (Ortega/Schwindel/Wisdom), McKinstry is a couple of years younger, so if he does break out at all he still in the age range to be around when the Cubs are more competitive.

A versatile defender and left handed bat, McKinstry can play multiple spots, notably 3B/2B/LF/RF. Should the Cubs end up trading Patrick Wisdom, I can see McKinstry getting fairly regular reps at 3B in the 2nd half, while sharing the position with the equally versatile Christopher Morel. McKinstry could also receive some reps at 2B, spotting Morel and Nick Madrigal (who the Cubs will no doubt try to reincorporate into the lineup once he completes his rehab assignment). The lefty McKinstry offers a better compliment to those two than the righty David Bote.

With Ian Happ and Rafael Ortega also expected to be on the move, McKinstry’s left handed bat could also be deployed in LF at times, presumably sharing that spot with Narciso Crook. Depending on if the Cubs add any more MLB-ready players at the deadline, McKinstry may end up as one of just two left handed bats on the roster alongside Alfonso Rivas, so opportunities should abound.

There are a couple of caveats as to why McKinstry was available for a rental middle reliever though. At 27 years old, he isn’t really a prospect at this point, and he is also in his final option year. So, if all McKinstry needs is an opportunity to establish himself, he has the final two months of the season and then next spring to do so, otherwise the Cubs will be faced with placing him on waivers. If he does establish himself though, the Cubs have team control over him through 2027.

AAA

St. Paul 7, Iowa 4

Game Recap

Not a nice game for starter Anderson Espinoza, as he gave up six runs and was knocked out of the game without recording an out in the 2nd inning. The bullpen slammed the door after that fateful inning, but the damage was done, and the Cubs couldn’t mount enough of a comeback. Nicholas Padilla, who has ascended from High-A to AAA (with an eye toward the MLB roster by year’s end) struck out four over two scoreless innings. Matt Dermody cleaned things up over the final four frames, as he continued his red hot July.

Two other players who likely figure into the post deadline plans in Chicago are Nick Madrigal and Narciso Crook. Madrigal recorded two hits and a walk to raise his average above .350 over his 6 games since starting his rehab. Crook has been on a homer binge of late, but settled for a pair of singles in this one.

Top Performers

Nick Madrigal: 2-3, R, BB (.314)Narciso Crook: 2-4 (.273)Jared Young: 1-3, BB (.244)Matt Mervis: 1-4, RBI (.242)Nicholas Padilla: 2 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 4 K (3.00)Matt Dermody: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 4 K (3.74)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Andrelton Simmons also started in this one, going 0-for-4 with 3 Ks.

RBI machine Matt Mervis delivers again.

Two-out single in the 1st scores Nick Madrigal to give the @IowaCubs a 1-0 lead.

87 RBI. Leads minor league baseball. Most RBI in affiliated baseball from anyone not named Aaron Judge.

July 31, 2022

AA

Birmingham 11, Tennessee 6

Game Recap

Obviously not a great day for the Smokies pitching staff, but a handful of guys who have swung the bat well of late, continued to do so last night. Miguel Amaya reached base three times, as did Yonathan Perlaza, Jake Slaughter, Bradlee Beesley, and Bryce Ball.

Radical! The Smokies are on the board after an RBI single from Bryce Ball! Smokies trail 2-1 in the bottom of the first. @bryceball_05 pic.twitter.com/FHfaxAyah2

July 30, 2022

Bryce Ball with ANOTHER RBI tonight! Smokies still trail 7-3 in the bottom of the 5th. @bryceball_05 pic.twitter.com/wTDNiOUumv

July 31, 2022

Top Performers

Bradlee Beesley: 3-4, 2B, R, RBI, 2 SB (8, 9) (.252)Bryce Ball: 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI (.282)Jake Slaughter: 3-5, 2B, R (.320)Miguel Amaya: 1-3, R, RBI, 2 BB (.360)Yonathan Perlaza: 1-3, 2B, R, BB, HBP (.246)

High-A

Lake County 7, South Bend 2

Game Recap

Good work from lefty relievers Adam Laskey and Riley Martin in relief of Kohl Franklin in this one. Franklin did hit 101 on the stadium gun, but when you give up four runs and only record one out there isn’t much to get excited about. We’ve seen Franklin’s talents surface in fits and starts this year, but it has no doubt been a rocky first few months as he fights back from all the missed time in 2020 and 2021. It is important to keep in mind too that a blister kept him out for a stretch in Eugene back in 2019, and he also missed significant time with a (leg?) injury in high school. In hindsight, maybe High-A was a bridge too far, despite the excitement over his raw stuff. The upside remains, and he’s still got a couple of months to build momentum to hopefully come out strong in 2023.

Kohl Franklin… “That says 101 on the scoreboard.” pic.twitter.com/ZU1UYskk4S

July 30, 2022

Luis Verdugo continues to quietly reestablish himself as a prospect. Two more hits (including his 20th double) and two more walks bring his season slash line up to .270/.343/.402. Not bad for a 21-year old in High-A. Coupled with his strong defense at 3B, and some currently untapped home run power, there is enough upside for Verdugo to one day make the show.

Top Performers

Luis Verdugo: 2-2, 2B, 2 BB (.270)Jordan Nwogu: 1-4, 2 RBI (.243)Adam Laskey: 3.2 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BB, 4 K (4.50)Riley Martin: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (4.20)

Low-A

Augusta 6, Myrtle Beach 4

Game Recap

I didn’t expect Jacob Wetzel to struggle over the course of the 1st half of the season, especially since I thought there was a decent chance he’d open the season in South Bend, not Myrtle Beach. But he’s begun to turn it on of late, and roped his 9th homer of the season in this one.

Sent this one into the river. Think he’s opened up his stance some (or maybe I’m just noticing it with a straight CF camera). pic.twitter.com/KYLzcjEsJt

July 30, 2022

Kevin Alcántara drove in his 70th run of the season:

Matt Mervis isn’t the only RBI machine in the Cubs system. https://t.co/MtafunBApr

July 30, 2022

70 RBI for Kevin Alcántara in his 85th game of the year. pic.twitter.com/U4hdva0STQ

July 30, 2022

And hard throwing Frankie Scalzo Jr., who missed much of the first half due to injury, is starting to get dialed in with the Pelicans. He tossed three no hit innings to lower his ERA to 4.05. I’ll be curious to watch him down the stretch. He could be a guy who takes a jump next season.

Top Performers

Jacob Wetzel: 1-3, HR (9), R, RBI, BB (.215)Josue Huma: 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, SB (3) (.266)Malcolm Quintero: 1-3, R, BB (.226)Alejandro Rivero: 1-3, R (.271)Kevin Alcántara: 1-4, 2B, RBI (.265)Frankie Scalzo Jr.: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K (4.03)

ACL

Cubs 7, Athletics 2

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Veteran righty Jonathan Holder, who has missed the majority of the last two seasons, fired two scoreless innings while striking out 3 as he continues his rehab. Depending on how things go in the 2nd half, it may not be a bad idea to have a guy like him available to eat some innings in Chicago.

DSL

Cubs Blue 4, Cubs Red 3

“Fresh Midwest-Modern Recipes From the Heartland”Maren Ellingboe King, Countryman Press $35

I admit to being dubious about Maren Ellingboe King’s recipe for Pumpkin Bread in “Fresh Midwest.” Pumpkin spices can be overwhelming, and I usually take a pass on most of the recipes, a sentiment the author shares.She writes, “ I can’t get behind the pumpkin spice craze that seems to take over come fall…”

And then she makes an exception. “…but a classic pumpkin bread with my morning cappuccino? Yes, please.”

I agree, as long as the pumpkin bread is the one in “Fresh Midwest.” Maybe it’s the half-cup of maple syrup that makes it so moist and flavorful? Or maybe it’s because the mix of spices (cloves, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon) is well-balanced and flavorful? Or maybe it’s the smell that lingered after the bread was baked? Whatever the reason, the pumpkin bread is a winner, and the recipe, itself, is well-written and easy enough for a novice cook.

Much of the book focuses on the culinary traditions of the Scandinavian immigrants who settled in the upper Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas) in the late 1800s, a group that included King’s family.

She explains, “Many of the recipes in this book are based on archives I inherited from my grandmothers and great-grandmothers… Through the process of making these recipes, I acted as translator into the modern era…Though these recipes don’t use processed ingredients, the dishes retain their nostalgic taste, and are no less simple to prepare.”

The changes are especially evident in the various recipes for “hotdish,” Minnesota’s version of the casserole, which King defines as “a humble, baked, one-pan dinner.” In her updated versions, King swaps a simple, made-from-scratch béchamel for the canned cream of mushroom soup used in the original recipes.

She also uses ingredients native to the Upper Midwest that give the recipes a sense of place. Wild rice, for example, is used in salads, soups and a hotdish made with chicken and butternut squash that I’m planning to make as soon as the weather turns cooler. And then there are the dishes made with Scandinavian specialties like lefse (similar to a soft tortilla or a chapati) and gjetost, a Norwegian brown cheese with “caramelized undertones” (a personal favorite) that give the book a distinct ethnic identity.

But in the end, what really sells the book is the quality of the recipes. They’re appealing; you can envision serving them to friends and family with the expectation that they’ll be eaten and enjoyed. As the author puts it, “This is food that’s meant to be shared with the people you love.”

Pumpkin Bread

1 cup pureed pumpkin2 eggs1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil1/2 cup buttermilk1 cup flour1 cup sugar1/2 cup maple syrup1 teaspoon baking soda3/4 teaspoon kosher salt1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground cloves1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

Preheat oven to 325-degrees F. Use butter or baking spray to coat and 8-by-4-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper so that the parchment hangs over the long sides of the pan.Whisk together the pumpkin, eggs, oil and buttermilk in a large bowl. Add the flour, sugar, maple syrup, baking, soda salt, baking powder, and spices. Whisk until completely combined.Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake until a tester in the middle comes out clean, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes on a rack, then remove bread from the pan.