Morning Marquee: Sammy Sosa, Cubs’ “X-factor” Kyle Hendricks and more

Talk around Chicago has recently floated around the possibility of the Cubs and Sammy Sosa mending their broken relationship. How much of a reality it is, that’s up for debate. But with Manny Ramirez joining the team, Sosa is one of the few left from that era that hasn’t made amends. Should Theo Epstein and Co. give him that chance?

Kyle Hendricks had a spectacular rookie season. And thanks to a breakout year from Jake Arrieta, and the additions of Jon Lester and Jason Hammel, he won’t have the weight of carrying a staff. All of that could allow the young right-hander to continue to develop in a “Maddux” type pitcher without the pressure of success.

The arrival of Jon Lester has been a shot in the arm for the Cubs, and it hasn’t hurt sales either. Fanatics.com, a sports apparel and merchandise site, has Lester’s jersey sales at No. 7 of all Major Leaguers. Last season, Anthony Rizzo was the best-selling Cubs’ jersey at No. 19.

These stories and more you might have missed:

‘Should Theo Epstein welcome back Sammy Sosa?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Kyle Hendricks: The Cubs’ X-Factor’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Extending Andrew McCutchen does not make sense’ – Rum Bunter

‘Cubs’ Jon Lester No. 7 in jersey sales on Fanatics.com’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Josh Hamilton’s in trouble, but does it even matter to the Angels?’ – Halo Hangout

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