Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

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  • Summary

  • For fans of the Chicago Cubs.
    Bleacher Bunch Network:; 2023
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Baseball & Softball Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • CubsPS+ #104: Grading the Offseason

    CubsPS+ #104: Grading the Offseason
    Feb 27 2025
    Episode Summary: I’m back after a short break—work, life, and some oral surgery kept me away for a bit, but I’m finally able to talk clearly again (well, mostly). In this episode, I break down the Cubs’ offseason moves, roster construction, and my grades for each unit heading into 2024. The Cubs made some big changes, from acquiring Kyle Tucker to adding Justin Turner, but did they do enough to contend? I dive into the rotation, bullpen, bench depth, and lineup construction and grade each aspect of the team heading into Opening Day in Japan against the Dodgers. Oh, and PCA is officially wearing #4 now, so let’s hope he makes that number mean something for the Cubs! Key Topics Covered: 🔹 The Justin Turner Signing & Roster Impact Why I liked Turner as a bench upgrade and how he fits the Cubs’ roster Can he be an everyday DH or just a platoon bat? How Matt Shaw’s oblique injury might change his early role The veteran presence Turner brings and why that matters 🔹 Alexander Canario DFA – What Was the Cubs’ Plan? The decision to DFA Canario for “cash considerations” Missed development opportunities – Velázquez, Morel, Canario, Contreras, etc. Why Vidal Brujan is still on the roster while Canario isn’t 🔹 Grading the Cubs' Offseason Moves Rotation: B- Cubs added depth but lacked a high-end ace addition Kyle Hendricks is gone, replaced by Matthew Boyd Colin Rea as a depth arm – necessary, but uninspiring Why I would have loved Corbin Burnes or Walker Buehler Bullpen: B Ryan Presley & Caleb Thielbar additions – solid but not elite Porter Hodge & Tyson Miller look promising Did the Cubs do enough at closer? Keegan Thompson’s role – does he make the roster? Lineup: A- Kyle Tucker is a massive upgrade over Cody Bellinger Seiya Suzuki moving to DH strengthens depth Matt Shaw’s injury & how it affects 3B plans Ian Happ leading off – how does that change the dynamic? Bench: A- Much improved over 2023 – Justin Turner, John Birdie, Carson Kelly, Gage Workman Why Kevin Alcantara could sneak onto the Opening Day roster The impact of Nico Horner’s potential IL stint 🔹 What to Expect for Cubs Opening Day in Japan 31-man roster rule for the Japan trip – how that affects lineup choices Cubs likely to be without Horner & Shaw – who fills in? How Seiya Suzuki, Imanaga, & Yamamoto make this series special 🔹 Final Thoughts & Fan Questions Where do the Cubs sit in the NL Central race? Did Jed Hoyer do enough? My final offseason grade for the Cubs: B Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Son Ranto #1026-Live From Poland!

    Son Ranto #1026-Live From Poland!
    Feb 24 2025
    Rockett is in Poland. Cotton is in Iowa. The Cubs are in Arizona. Here's a podcast! 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/bleacherbunch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • Bleacher Bunch #8: Cubs Baseball is BACK!

    Bleacher Bunch #8: Cubs Baseball is BACK!
    Feb 21 2025
    🎙 Host: Mike Waller, Guests: Evan Altman & Sara Sanchez 📅 Date: February 20, 2025 ⚾ Podcast Network: Fans First Sports Network Episode Summary: In this live-hosted episode of Bleacher Bunch, I take the mic for the first time in a live setting—so go easy on me (or don’t, I know you won’t). I’m joined by Evan Altman of Cubs Insider, and later by Sarah Sanchez, to talk all things Cubs Spring Training, Justin Turner’s signing, bullpen depth, and the DFA of Alexander Canario—a move that sparked some heated reactions. With the Cactus League underway, we break down the Cubs’ first spring game, early player impressions, and the impact of rule changes like the ABS challenge system. Key Topics Covered: 🔹 Cubs Spring Training Opener: Who Stood Out? Gage Workman’s impressive debut: Is he the real deal or just a flash? Kevin Alcantara, Moises Ballesteros, and James Triantos – promising performances from young Cubs Cody Poteet makes history – first-ever ABS challenge winner in MLB history How the Cubs’ bullpen pieces looked in game action 🔹 The Justin Turner Signing & Roster Implications Cubs sign Justin Turner (1-year, $6M with a mutual option) How will Turner be used? Platoon bat? DH? Backup first baseman? What Turner brings to the clubhouse: Veteran leadership & grit Could this signing actually benefit the Cubs’ bench depth? 🔹 Alexander Canario DFA Fallout: Why? Jed Hoyer’s handling of young talent: Why does this keep happening? Canario’s strong 2023 debut (45 PA, .286/.333/.524, 2 HR) – why not give him a chance? The Cubs keep Vidal Brujan (career 50 WRC+, 550 PA) over Canario – does that make sense? Are the Cubs bad at selling high on prospects? Cubs’ track record of trading/dumping power-hitting Latinos (Morel, Velázquez, Contreras, now Canario) 🔹 Cubs’ Bench & Bullpen Upgrades – Have They Raised the Floor? Bullpen breakdown: Why this year’s group might be better The importance of depth & flexibility Craig Counsell’s bullpen philosophy – expect early-season instability Does Turner + Workman + Birdie make the Cubs’ bench finally competent? 🔹 Rule Changes & What They Mean for the Cubs ABS challenge system debuts – will it help patient hitters like Seiya Suzuki? Cubs pitchers & the challenge system: Will it affect pitch selection? 🔹 Final Thoughts & Fan Reactions Are the Cubs building a contender, or just filling gaps? Can Jed Hoyer survive this season if the Cubs underperform? The fanbase reacts to Spring Training moves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 24 mins

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