Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast Bleacher Bunch Network:

Evan Altman from Cubs Insider and Cubs PS Plus's Mike Waller join the gang to discuss the Cubs falling flat on their faces back into the break. Plus we mock the draft and welcome Brewers fan Eric Wielo to gloat.
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Episode 83: Talking Cubs Draft, Prospect Depth & Deadline Decisions with Greg Zumach
Host: Mike Waller
Guest: Greg Zumach
Episode Summary: In this episode, Mike Waller is joined by Greg Zumach to dive deep into the Chicago Cubs' recent draft picks and their implications for the team's future. They discuss the Cubs' drafting strategies, standout picks, and what these new players could bring to the organization.
Key Topics:

Introduction

Mike welcomes Greg Zumach to the podcast.

Greg shares his excitement about discussing the Cubs and the draft.

Cubs' Draft Strategy

Focus on college bats and players from the Cape Cod League.

Importance of wood bat leagues in scouting.

Cubs' emphasis on specific player traits such as reduced chase rates and strong contact abilities.

Notable Draft Picks


Cam Smith: Exceptional performer in the Cape Cod League. Expected to be a strong third baseman with potential improvements ahead.


Cole Mathis: A highly praised pick with a good chance of succeeding in the Cubs' system.


Ronnie Cruz and Ty Southeson: High school infielders with different foundational strengths.

Draft Camps and Scouting

Increased number of draft camps hosted by the Cubs.

Gathering trustworthy data through these camps.

System Needs and Draft Philosophy

Balancing the need for pitching with the emphasis on strong hitters.

Addressing gaps in the system while also looking for high upside players.

Day Three Highlights


Eli Lovich: A promising high school over-slot pick.


Ben Johnson: Intriguing arm with impressive Stuff+ model readings despite college stats.

Player Development and Minor League System

Challenges posed by the 165-player limit in the minors.

Importance of player development and the impact of minor league reductions.

Prospects' Future

Discussion on how new draftees fit into the Cubs' system.

Potential rankings and expectations for Cam Smith, Cole Mathis, and others.

Cubs' Major League Strategy

Balancing prospect development with major league needs.

Jed Hoyer's approach to the trade deadline and the future outlook.

Comparisons between Ivan Brethauer and Jonathan Long.

Cubs' farm system depth and potential trades.

Closing Thoughts:
Mike and Greg wrap up the discussion, hinting at potential offseason talks about trades and future drafts.
Follow Us:

Find Greg Zumach:

@IvyFutures on Twitter/X

@Ivy_Futures on Instagram

NorthSideBound.com

Cubs On Deck Podcast (co-host with Greg Huss & Bryan Smith)

Find Mike Waller

@CubsPSPlus on Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube, Threads, BlueSky


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Podcast Show Notes: CubsPS+ The Signs Episode 1
Episode Title: The Signs: Blown Saves
Host: Mike Waller
Description: Welcome to the debut episode of "CubsPS+ The Signs," my new podcast where I take a deep dive into interesting numbers, trends, and plays related to the Chicago Cubs. This short-form podcast aims to land in your feed one or two times a week, offering quick hits on specific topics that may not fit into my larger episodes.
Episode Summary: In this first episode, I discuss the concept of "blown saves" in baseball, a statistic that often causes confusion and frustration among fans. I delve into the nuances of this stat, explaining why it can be misleading and how it should be properly contextualized. Key points I cover include:

The definition of a blown save and how it differs from a traditional save.

Why not all saves (and blown saves) are created equal.

The performance of the Cubs bullpen this season, highlighting the team's struggles with blown saves.

The importance of the save plus hold percentage as a more comprehensive measure of bullpen performance.

Examples of games where the Cubs bullpen struggled and how these instances impacted the team's overall performance.

The potential impact of improving the bullpen, especially at the trade deadline.

Key Stats and Insights:

The Cubs bullpen has blown 23 leads this season, ranking among the worst in baseball.

The team is 14-20 in one-run games and has 18 blown saves.

The importance of looking beyond just the closer when analyzing blown saves.

Cubs' current bullpen situation and potential trade deadline moves to bolster the relief pitching staff.

League average save percentage vs. Cubs save percentage and its impact on the team's standings.

Takeaway: Understanding the blown save stat requires context. It doesn't always indicate poor performance by the closer alone, but rather reflects overall bullpen management and performance. Despite the Cubs' struggles, there are signs of improvement, and strategic moves could enhance their chances as the season progresses.
Call to Action: Support Cubs PS Plus on Patreon for ad-free episodes and exclusive content: patreon.com/CubsPSPlus.
Follow Me:

Twitter: @CubsPSPlus


Instagram: @CubsPSPlus


TikTok: @CubsPSPlus

Threads: @CubsPSPlus

Blue Sky: @CubsPSPlus

YouTube: Cubs PS Plus


Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Your feedback helps me improve and reach more Cubs fans.
Go Cubs!
Produced by: Bleacher Bunch Productions on the Fans First Sports Network
Related Shows:

The Son Ranto Show

Cuppa Cubbie Blue

Baseball Rabbit Hole


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All the stars came out to play during All-Star Break! The best minds in the baseball business: Bleacher Nation, Cubs Insider, Bricks Behind the Ivy, Bums in the Bleachers, Bleed Cubbie Blue, CHGO, Wrigleyville Nation, Cubs PS Plus, Fly the W, The Set Up Man, and Comedian Eric Wielo.
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
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Buy your shirts here http://www.intheclutch.com/sonranto
CODE "SONRANTO" for 10% Off!
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Episode Title: Shōta Scoreless in ASG, Can Cubs Rally?
Show Notes:
Hey everyone, welcome to episode 82 of the podcast! Today, we're honoring Shota Imanaga for his stellar performance in the All-Star Game and his impressive stats. Imanaga's scoreless fourth inning and his 82 FIP- are just some highlights of his skills that we're celebrating.
New Segment Announcement:

I'm excited to announce a new segment debuting this week called "Cubs PS Plus The Signs."

Inspired by NPR's "The Indicator"

Shorter, quick-hitter podcast episodes (5-15 minutes)

The first episode will be released on Friday, focusing on blown saves and their varying impacts

Cubs Mid-Season Analysis: Despite a disappointing first half, there have been bright spots, especially in the pitching staff:

Justin Steele

Shota Imanaga

Jamison Taillon

Bullpen and Injuries:

Early injuries and overuse have plagued the bullpen

Promising developments from young arms:

Porter Hodge

Luke Little

Daniel Palencia

Offensive Struggles and Injuries:

The team started strong but faced challenges with injuries to key players:

Seiya Suzuki

Ian Happ

Dansby Swanson

Trade Deadline Strategy: Looking ahead, the trade deadline is looming. The Cubs need to balance between buying and selling:

Potential to make a playoff push

Strategic moves and possible additions to bolster the lineup and bullpen

Player Updates:

Christopher Morel's performance

Return of Cody Bellinger and Mike Tauchman

Handling roster changes and impact on young prospects:

Pete Crow-Armstrong

As always, your feedback is crucial. Let me know what you think of the new segment and any thoughts you have on the team's strategy moving forward. Enjoy the rest of your summer, stay safe, and get ready for more Cubs action starting Friday!
Stay tuned for the debut of "Cubs PS Plus The Signs" and more exciting content coming your way. Thanks for listening!
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It's not well known, but women have played and been a part of the major leagues for years. This Baseball Rabbithole introduces us to some of them.
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