Chicago Cubs News: On off-day, David Ross gives fans plenty to cheer about

With the Chicago Cubs enjoying an off-day before their 10-game homestand, David Ross earned his spot in the Dancing with the Stars finals on Monday night.

It’s a familiar phrase: #WeNeverQuit. It’s inscribed on the band of the Chicago Cubs’ World Series rings and, on Monday night, it rang true again. Against all odds, former catcher David Ross advanced to this season’s Dancing with the Stars finals.

All night, the four-judge panel offered comments about how happy they were that Ross was on the season and how much he brought to the show. Clearly, they (and most everyone else) expected Ross’ magical journey to come to a close Monday.

But Ross, his partner Lindsay Arnold and Cubs fans across the nation pulled it off, sending Major League Baseball’s first DWTS representative to the finals next week.

Meanwhile, Chicago enjoyed an off-day ahead of a big homestand that opens Tuesday. The team welcomes the Cincinnati Reds to the Friendly Confines, hoping to turn around a disappointing run.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

Veteran John Lackey takes the ball in the opener against the Reds. Yesterday, we looked at the team’s potential rotation options past 2017. Given Jake Arrieta and Lackey hit the open market, it’s a looming question for the front office.

Despite what more than a handful of people think, the team has a solid bullpen. One of the more overrated names in there, Pedro Strop, is more dominant than you think.

We also looked at the center field question facing the Cubs. Rookie Albert Almora has a lot of upside, but Jon Jay brings a veteran presence.

More from around the league

‘Fans help push Grandpa Rossy to DWTS finals’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Indians’ Carrasco leaves early with apparent injury’ – ESPN

‘Potential trouble spots for MLB contenders’ – Call to the Pen

‘Strop is a quality reliever for the Cubs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Pomeranz sent for MRI by Red Sox’ – BoSox Injection

Next: Almora deserves more reps than Jay right now

What’s Next

Chicago opens a 10-game homestand Tuesday. John Lackey (3-3, 4.29) takes the ball against Bronson Arroyo (3-2, 5.94) in the opener of a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds.

What’s Next

Chicago opens a 10-game homestand Tuesday. John Lackey (3-3, 4.29) takes the ball against Bronson Arroyo (3-2, 5.94) in the opener of a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds.