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
  • Bleacher Bunch: No Love for Japan

    Bleacher Bunch: No Love for Japan
    Feb 14 2025
    This Valentine's Day, listen to Sara Sanchez as she hosts this week's Bleacher Bunch with co-host, Michael Cotton. They discuss the Cubs player moves of the week, hate on Jed Hoyer, love on Christopher Morel, re-start their relationship with uniforms, and Cotton comes out of nowhere with Japan Games hot take that nobody agrees with. Thank you for being Patreon Supporters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 3 mins
  • CubsPS+ #103: A Bench Rising from the Ashes?

    CubsPS+ #103: A Bench Rising from the Ashes?
    Feb 12 2025
    Episode Summary: In this episode, I dive into a key aspect of the Cubs' roster—bench depth—and why improving it could make a huge impact in 2025. Last season, the Cubs’ bench was a major weakness, and I break down the numbers on just how bad it was. But with several offseason additions and some intriguing prospects, is the bench finally a strength? I also check in on the latest Alex Bregman rumors and discuss whether the Cubs should pursue a veteran bench bat like Justin Turner or Mark Canha. Key Topics Covered: 🔹 Bregman Watch: The Latest Updates Cubs' reported 4-year offer vs. Bregman’s 6-7 year demands Will Bregman sign soon, or is this another Scott Boras standoff? If the Cubs don’t land Bregman, what’s Plan B at third base? 🔹 Cubs’ Bench in 2024: How Bad Was It? The Cubs’ backup players combined for -1.1 WAR 🤯 Outside of Mike Tauchman (1.1 WAR, 111 WRC+), the bench was a disaster Patrick Wisdom (-2 WAR, 75 WRC+), Miles Mastroboni (-4 WAR, 36 WRC+), Nick Madrigal (-0.7 WAR, 57 WRC+) 🔹 How the Cubs Improved the Bench This Offseason Added Gage Workman (Rule 5 pick) – Cubs see big potential in him Signed Jon Berti – veteran utility guy with speed and versatility Picked up Vidal Brujan – but will he actually make the team? Signed backup catcher Carson Kelly – huge upgrade over last year's backups Outfielder Alexander Canario finally gets his shot 🔹 Projections: Can This Bench Be a Strength? Workman, Berti, and Canario all project better than last year’s options Carson Kelly (backup catcher) projects for 88-96 WRC+ vs. last year’s 58 for backup catchers Cubs might finally have reliable bench bats 🔹 Who Else Could the Cubs Add? Justin Turner: Veteran power bat, projects for 112 WRC+, could be a great pinch hitter Mark Canha: Another veteran option, good OBP, can back up first base Paul DeJong: Less exciting, but a versatile option 🔹 What’s Next? Bregman decision could shake up the roster – if he signs, does Matt Shaw move to the bench? Spring Training battles to watch – Workman, Birdie, and Canario will be fighting for their spots Cubs look deeper, healthier, and better prepared to handle a long season 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher If you enjoy the show, leave a 5-star review! 📲 Follow Me for More Cubs Talk: Twitter/X, TikTok, Instagram, BlueSky, Threads, YouTube: @CubsPSPlus What do you think of the Cubs' bench this year? DM me or leave a comment! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • CCB #225: Podcasters Reporting For Spring

    CCB #225: Podcasters Reporting For Spring
    Feb 11 2025
    Sara Sanchez and Danny Rockett chop it up at the start of Spring! For early and Ad-Free Cuppa Cubbie Blue and all the great shows on the Bleacher Bunch Network. http://www.patreon.com/bleacherbunch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • Bricks Behind the Ivy: Cubs Pitchers & Catchers Report + Should They Add Alex Bregman?

    Bricks Behind the Ivy: Cubs Pitchers & Catchers Report + Should They Add Alex Bregman?
    Feb 10 2025
    Spring Training is officially underway! In this episode of Bricks Behind the Ivy, we discuss: • Cubs pitchers and catchers reporting to camp • Jed Hoyer’s opening workout presser • The early start to Spring Training due to the Cubs’ Japan Series • Should the Cubs pursue Alex Bregman? How would he fit in the lineup? Join us for all things Cubs as we kick off another season! Subscribe for weekly updates from The Bleacher Bunch Network. 🏟️ Subscribe for more Cubs content from The Bleacher Bunch Network! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 🎥 Subscribe to your YouTube Channel -https://www.youtube.com/@bleacher_bunch_network 🏟️Looking for Bricks Behind the Ivy? ⚾️ Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/bbti_pod ⚾️Follow Us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bricks_behind_the_ivy ⚾️Follow Candidcubs on Twitter - https://twitter.com/candidcubs ⚾️Follow BBTI on Blue Sky! - https://bsky.app/profile/bbti-pod.bsky.social 🏟️Looking for Bleacher Bunch? ⚾️ Follow us on Twitter - https://x.com/Bleacher_Bunch ⚾️Follow Us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bleacher_bunch/ ⚾️Follow on Blue Sky! - https://bsky.app/profile/bleacherbunch.bsky.social ⚾️Join our ad-free Patreon! - https://patreon.com/bleacherbunch ⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎ Welcome to the BBTI Family, Yaggy Road Roasting Company! Started by three college friends at Valparaiso University, Yaggy Road Roasting Company is a specialty boutique coffee roaster centered on ethically sourcing and meticulously roasting some of the most special coffees in the world. A lot of life’s most special moments happen over coffee, which is why Yaggy Road ensures that the coffee in your mug is as special as the moment you are experiencing. Order your Coffee Here! - https://www.yaggyroad.com/?ref=BricksBehindTheIvy ⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎Buy all of your Cubs memorabilia from Wrigleyville Sports! Use code "IVY10" at checkout for 10% off! Shop here today! - https://www.wrigleyvillesports.com/ ⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎⚾︎#chicagocubspodcast #chicagocubspodcastyoutube #chicagocubs #BricksBehindTheIvy #bleacherbunch #CubsFanContent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • Bleacher Bunch #6: Organic Ueck Brew

    Bleacher Bunch #6: Organic Ueck Brew
    Feb 7 2025
    Hilarious comedian and Brewers enthusiast Eric Wielo joins the show to talk about Bob Uecker's impact on his life. Then, Sara and Danny discuss Bregman and Brasier. Finally, a taped portion of an interview with Cubs organist Josh Langhoff. For early and ad-free Bleacher Bunch. Subscribe to our Patreon campaign. Subscribe free at any of these fine podcasting establishments: Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Watch us record live on X, 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
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    1 hr and 41 mins