Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Son Ranto #1020: Thick as a Brickhead Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

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.

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CubsPS+ #93: Can We Build It Better Than Jed? Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

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!

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CubsPS+ #92: Cubs History Rhymes? Don’t be Larry Himes Nov 10, 2024

Show notes

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!

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Son Ranto #1019-An Altman-ative Universe Nov 08, 2024

Show notes

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!

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Son Ranto #1018: A Santoween Visitation Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

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.

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CubsPS+ #91: Fact or Fiction - How to Win in the MLB Postseason Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Cubs Pod History #4-October 14th, 1908 Oct 27, 2024

Show notes

The Cubs win their second World Series in a row over the Tigers as the Model T rolls off assembly lines and Taft is elected president.

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Son Ranto #1017: Awkward Ending Oct 25, 2024

Show notes

Ranter Jose Orlando Mercado joins us in our meet a Ranter segment and then a freak out over the ABS system totally derails the show. That's entertainment baby!

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Baseball Rabbithole-Game 2 Inning 6-Record of Controversy Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

The single season home run record has been broken many times and each time it seems to bring controversy along with it. Join the Baseball Rabbithole as I look at the tarnished past of the home run record.

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Cubs Pod History #3: 8-24-1983 Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

Danny Rockett takes you through the first Cubs game he remembers attending at Wrigley Field where something special almost happened.

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