Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

Bleacher Bunch Network:

4.4 (55)
BASEBALL
UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

For fans of the Chicago Cubs.

18 HR. AGO

CubsPS+ #94: Cubs Making Moves - Jed’s Awake!

Podcast Show Notes – Episode 94 Host: Mike Waller Episode Summary: In Episode 94, I dive into the Cubs’ recent roster moves, including trades, designations, and Rule 5 protections, as the team gears up for the 2024 season. With the non-tender deadline looming, I analyze key decisions impacting the roster and what they signal for the future. From designating beloved players like Adbert Alzolay and Brennan Davis for assignment to adding intriguing bullpen depth, this episode explores the Cubs’ strategy and roster construction challenges. Key Discussion Points: Recent Roster Moves: 40-Man Additions: Owen Caissie and Ben Cowles were protected from the Rule 5 draft, while Adbert Alzolay and Brennan Davis were designated for assignment. Trade News: The Cubs acquired reliever Eli Morgan from the Cleveland Guardians for outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario. Player Spotlights: Adbert Alzolay: Reflecting on his transition from starter to closer, his struggles, and future options post-Tommy John surgery. Brennan Davis: Once a top prospect, Davis’s career has been hindered by injuries. I discuss his potential path back to the majors. The Backup Catcher Puzzle: The Cubs added Matt Thaiss from the Angels as a depth move, raising questions about the backup catcher role. Improving the Bench and Bullpen: Bench Needs: The Patrick Wisdom DFA highlights a push for a deeper, more versatile bench. I discuss the critical importance of improving this area. Bullpen Additions: Eli Morgan brings a unique skill set to a bullpen increasingly focused on high-leverage depth. Future Outlook: I revisit last week’s discussion with Sara Sanchez about constructing a competitive Cubs roster under the same financial constraints as Jed Hoyer. Exploring potential free agent targets like AJ Minter and Ryan Stanek to bolster pitching depth. New Faces in Development: Tyler Zombro: A special assistant added to the Cubs' pitching development team, Zombro brings expertise from his time with the Rays and Driveline Baseball. Key Takeaways: With the non-tender deadline approaching, the Cubs’ moves reveal a clear focus on depth and flexibility. The bullpen gains versatility with Eli Morgan, but questions remain about filling the closer role. The bench must evolve to better support regular starters like Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner. Quote of the Episode: “Watch the bench moves. They may not be sexy, but they’ll be critical for success in 2024.” Tune In To Learn: How the Cubs’ recent roster moves shape the team’s strategy for 2024. Why player depth and flexibility are vital for the Cubs’ success under new manager Craig Counsell. What to expect from upcoming free agent signings and trades. Listener Engagement: Have questions about the Cubs’ roster or suggestions for my new baseball rules segment? Drop me a message on social media or reach out via email. Let’s dive into the quirks and history of the game together! Stay tuned for more episodes and updates as the offseason heats up. Go Cubs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

53 min
3 DAYS AGO

Cubs Pod History #4: Game 6, 1945 World Series, Tigers vs Cubs

The Second World War was winding down as the World Series was heating up, as the Tigers took on the Cubs in a wild one at Wrigley Field. Early and ad free access when you support the Son Ranto Show by becoming a Super Ranter for only 1 dollar at http://www.patreon.com/sonranto FREE TRIALS AVAILABLE! Buy your tickets here http://www.sonranto.com/tickets Buy your gear here http://www.sonranto.com/shopping Buy your Amazon here http://www.sonranto.com/stuff Buy your shirts here http://www.intheclutch.com/sonranto CODE "SONRANTO" for 10% Off! Buy more shirts here http://www.sonranto.com/swag Listen to Bleacher Bum Band! https://open.spotify.com/album/0gedLl... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr
6 DAYS AGO

Son Ranto #1020: Thick as a Brickhead

Bricks Behind the Ivy's Jeff Ragauskis joins Danny to ponder why the Cubs are the "Glorified Pirates". We visit with our Super Ranter of the Week, Rogue Wave Creative, and in Act 2 Eric Wielo and Johnny Onomatopoeia join to let you know how you can be wined and dined without buying into a Timeshare. For early and ad-free Son Ranto. Subscribe to our Patreon campaign. Subscribe free at any of these fine podcasting establishments: Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Watch us record live on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and the Son Ranto Show site. Follow us! Facebook, BlueSky, Insta, TikTok. Buy your shirts here http://www.intheclutch.com/sonranto CODE "SONRANTO" for 10% Off! Buy your tickets here http://www.sonranto.com/tickets Buy your gear here http://www.sonranto.com/shopping Buy your Amazon here http://www.sonranto.com/stuff Buy more shirts here http://www.sonranto.com/swag Listen to Bleacher Bum Band! https://open.spotify.com/album/0gedLl... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 59m
NOV 14

CubsPS+ #93: Can We Build It Better Than Jed?

Episode Summary: In this episode, I welcome Sara Sanchez (Bleed Cubbie Blue) to tackle an ambitious roster-building exercise: could we construct a stronger Cubs roster for 2024 within the same budget constraints as the current front office? Inspired by a September discussion, we analyze roster decisions, free agent signings, and trades to see if we can outmaneuver Cubs GM Jed Hoyer. Key Discussion Points: The Challenge: Could we build a better roster under the Cubs’ financial limits? Using the 2023 roster as a baseline, we explore options, non-tender candidates, and possible trades. Roster Decisions: Kyle Hendricks: We debate keeping the seasoned pitcher, balancing sentiment with recent performance. Yan Gomes: Sara argues for a younger, more affordable catcher like Victor Caratini. Non-Tenders: I release Patrick Wisdom and Nick Madrigal to free up payroll. Signings & Adjustments: Free Agents: We look at bullpen adds like Emilio Pagan and Ryan Stanek to bring depth. Bench Power: I suggest JD Martinez for depth and power off the bench. Bellinger’s Return: We discuss scenarios if Bellinger re-signs and examine possible replacements. Michael Bush Trade: Evaluating Bush’s role at first base and its impact on the infield. Pitching & Bullpen: Relievers: Sara advocates for impact relievers like Ronaldo Lopez, while I add Brent Suter for balance. Closer Role: We agree on Adbert Alzolay but add depth with reliable bullpen options. Reflecting on Cubs’ Past Decisions: Trades & Contracts: Revisiting past moves, Sara shares insights on players like Wilson Contreras, whom she believes still had value for the Cubs. Cubs 2024 Vision & Future Strategy: Craig Counsell’s Influence: How Counsell’s flexible approach could impact roster management. Developing Prospects: Emphasizing key players like Moises Ballesteros and Porter Hodge to prevent trading valuable future assets. Quote of the Episode: “If you get a chance to sign one of the top 10 players in baseball, you pay the premium and do it – it's worth it to build a winning team.” - Sara Sanchez Tune In To Learn: Our approach to reshaping the Cubs roster within budget. Insights on key free agents, trades, and Cubs prospects that could influence the 2024 season. Listen to the full episode to hear our dream roster and if we can truly build a better Cubs lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 13m
NOV 10

CubsPS+ #92: Cubs History Rhymes? Don’t be Larry Himes

Podcast Show Notes for Episode 92 In Episode 92, I take a deep dive into the Cubs' current offseason situation, unpacking the big decisions that lie ahead and revisiting some crucial moments in team history that hold powerful lessons for today. Episode Highlights: 1. Juan Soto Rumors and the Cubs’ Approach: A breakdown of the latest rumors around Juan Soto and the implications for the Cubs if they sit out of the bidding process. Why Juan Soto is a generational talent worth pursuing, even if it means stretching the budget, and why missing this chance might feel like deja vu for long-time fans. 2. The Larry Himes Era Revisited: Taking a look back at the early 1990s when then-GM Larry Himes chose not to keep star pitcher Greg Maddux—a decision that haunted the franchise for years. Exploring how the Cubs could be at a similar crossroads today with Soto and other potential big moves, and what lessons they might learn from history. 3. Ownership, Budget, and Spending Philosophy: Examining the Cubs’ spending strategy and why fans feel the team should take bolder financial risks, especially with a billionaire ownership. Insights into how ownership’s decisions have influenced the team’s on-field results, and where Jed Hoyer’s approach as a GM fits into this narrative. 4. Key Offseason Deadlines and Decisions: Important upcoming dates, including the tender deadline on November 22 and the Rule 5 Draft in early December, with potential roster moves and non-tenders. Names to watch for, including young players on the brink of roster decisions and possible non-tender candidates like Patrick Wisdom and Nick Madrigal. 5. Next Week’s Special Episode Preview: A teaser for next week’s episode featuring Sara Sanchez (Bleed Cubbie Blue, Cuppa Cubbie Blue Podcast), where we will revisit the Cubs’ 2023-24 offseason moves and reimagine how the budget could have been spent differently. Closing Thoughts: This offseason presents a rare opportunity for the Cubs to reshape their future. As a fan and follower of this team, I can’t help but feel a mix of optimism and worry as I watch how they choose to proceed. With generational talent on the line, the Cubs' decisions over the next few weeks will have an impact on the team for years to come. Connect with the Show: Subscribe to the Bleacher Bunch podcast feed for in-depth Cubs coverage and analysis. Follow along on social media for updates on new episodes and Cubs news. @CubsPSPlus on Twitter/X, Insta, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok and YouTube. Go Cubs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

46 min
NOV 8

Son Ranto #1019-An Altman-ative Universe

Cubs Insider's Evan Altman and Bleed Cubbie Blue's Sara Sanchez join Danny Rockett to talk about the Cubs new implementation of Scout GPT and the Emotionless A.I. models being built to develop and sign players. Plus, a visit with Ranter Maggie Mae! Early and ad free access when you support the Son Ranto Show by becoming a Super Ranter for only 1 dollar at http://www.patreon.com/sonranto FREE TRIALS AVAILABLE! Buy your tickets here http://www.sonranto.com/tickets Buy your gear here http://www.sonranto.com/shopping Buy your Amazon here http://www.sonranto.com/stuff Buy your shirts here http://www.intheclutch.com/sonranto CODE "SONRANTO" for 10% Off! Buy more shirts here http://www.sonranto.com/swag Listen to Bleacher Bum Band! https://open.spotify.com/album/0gedLl... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 55m
NOV 1

Son Ranto #1018: A Santoween Visitation

Lyle and Danny talk World Series Champion Dodgers and Ranter Kari Bronner Meier stops by for a visit, as does a dear departed Cubs player and broadcaster while we raise the dead with a Ouija board. Early and ad free access when you support the Son Ranto Show by becoming a Super Ranter for only 1 dollar at http://www.patreon.com/sonranto FREE TRIALS AVAILABLE! Buy your tickets here http://www.sonranto.com/tickets Buy your gear here http://www.sonranto.com/shopping Buy your Amazon here http://www.sonranto.com/stuff Buy your shirts here http://www.intheclutch.com/sonranto CODE "SONRANTO" for 10% Off! Buy more shirts here http://www.sonranto.com/swag Listen to Bleacher Bum Band! https://open.spotify.com/album/0gedLl... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 35m
OCT 29

CubsPS+ #91: Fact or Fiction - How to Win in the MLB Postseason

Episode 91 - Fact or Fiction: How to Win in the Postseason In this episode, I take a deep dive into the world of Major League Baseball, examining how teams approach postseason success and the key factors that lead to winning championships. We explore the delicate balance between parity, spending, and star power in MLB, comparing it to other major sports like the NBA, NFL, and NHL. Key Discussion Points: Fact or Fiction: How Playoff Success Really Works: A breakdown of common myths and truths about the postseason, including the idea that spending big guarantees wins. MLB’s Economic Structure & Competitive Balance: Does baseball’s current economic model create haves and have-nots, or does it actually support more parity than other leagues? Star Power vs. Depth: Can teams rely on superstar players to carry them, or is building a well-rounded, deep roster the real key to success? Lessons from Recent Postseasons: Insights from the last 15 years of MLB playoffs, looking at how teams win, who makes the deep runs, and why mid-80s win teams often fall short. Comparing Parity Across Sports: How does MLB stack up against other major sports leagues in terms of competitive balance and opportunities for underdog teams? Join me as I break down the trends, analyze strategies, and look at what it truly takes for a team to go from making the playoffs to hoisting the championship trophy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

59 min

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4.4

out of 5

55 Ratings

Entertaining Slate of Cubs Podcasts

Oct 17

RFBleachers

Great personalities and a wide variety of content: ranting, analysis, statistics, fandom, nostalgia. Creating not only content but community! SBUCOG!
All Stars of Cubs Podcasts

Apr 11

Fur72

What a talented and fun group of Chicago Cubs podcast personalities. There is something here for everyone. Fantastic!
Best and Humorous podcast🤩

07/02/2023

Blkbird63

This podcast is very informative with Cubs baseball with a humorous twist.
Just Baseball Would Be Better

Jan 22

smashp1979

This podcast host has trouble hiding political bias when I thought it was just a Cubs podcast. Other than that, it’s ok.