Beers and Beat Guys

Matthew Trueblood of Baseball Prospectus joins Tom to wade through some questions the abbreviated MLB season poses. -Will the payoff of an uncertain season be worth the risks?-Will it resemble the game we love?-How will a trade market work?-World Series Championship with an asterisk?-Inconsistent behavior from players regarding safety?-Some teams benefit from the adjusted set up?

Ben Finfer, formerly of 670 The Score and ESPN am 1000. -Which team in town most frustrating?-Will Bulls make a bold Sam Presti like move?-Which QB do Bears bring in this offseason?-Cubs have different vibe under Ross.-White Sox steal some headlines this summer?

Herb Lawrence of 670 The Score talks White Sox and more.-Chicago Sports fan anxiety.-Why aren't the Sox on TV more this spring?-Tim Anderson the fun face of the Sox?-Big expectations for Eloy.-Pressure on Renteria?-Ozzie waiting in wings if he falters?

Ryan Davis of Forbes and BET Chicago talks Marquee Network Debut and Cubs camp.-Social media reaction to Marquee’s issues.-Broadcast presentation and talent an early hit.-Battle for 5th starter.-Is pressure off Cubs now?-Who will be camp surprise?

Cubs spring training talk with Bruce Miles of The Athletic Chicago.-Kris Bryant, Kris Bryant, Kris Bryant.-His presser, rumors, hitting lead off.-Meeting with Theo rekindle the love?-Joe Maddon still looming large.-Can they really keep both KB and Javy?-Level of concern on Baseball's issues?

Ricky O' Donnell, Basketball Editor of SB Nation and the “Cash Considerations” podcast talks Bulls prior to NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago. -Regime change after the season?-Bulls look foolish for not building around Jimmy Butler.-Does Lauri Markkanen wants out?-What do the Bulls have in Zach Lavine?-Does it make sense to fire Jim Boylen during season?-What is worth watching for?

Bryan Smith of Bleacher Nation talks about his recently released Cubs top 10 prospects list. - Top prospect Brennan Davis outlook and relevant comp.-Miguel Amaya the catcher of the near future?-Nico Hoerner breaking camp at 2B?-Brailyn Marquez a homegrown closer?-How will Cubs draft under Dan Kantrovitz?

James Fox of Future Sox joins Tom to talk White Sox offseason and prospects. -2020 expectations/plan for Michael Kopech.-Next wave of prospects.-Trade currency.-Defensive concerns?-Is Hahn done adding?

Danny Rockett of NBC Sports Chicago's "Outside the Ivy" and The Son Ranto Podcast joins Tom to discuss the vibe at Cubs Con.-Bulls Outsiders/Giangreco-Booing Tom Ricketts.-Marquee Network thoughts. -Cubs money problems.-Any hope for 2020?

Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago talks NFL playoffs and Chicago Bears big picture with Tom. -Nagy tweaking his offensive vision with new voices?-Fallout from the "Son of a Mitch Bowl". -Trust Pace to be objective on QB plan?-Who will compete with Mitch Trubisky?-Concern over Khalil Mack?Buzzsprout podcast host offer: $20 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up here.

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic joins Tom for a beer and gives his Cubs takes leading into the Cubs convention. - Biggest reason Kris Bryant is on the block.- Is Wilson Contreras off the block? - Why can't Theo Epstein make any moves until he moves money?-Why are White Sox doing a superior job of locking up young talent?-Javy extension still likely?Buzzsprout podcast host offer: $20 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up here.

Jason Patt, Bulls podcaster and blogger gives Tom his takes on the state of the team after some positive signs this past week.- Are we seeing real growth in Zach LaVine?- Is Lauri Markkanen back? - Can LaVine/Markkanen be complimentary pieces on a contender?- Would John Paxson make a change at GM? - Will eking into the playoffs save Jim Boylen's job?- Will they trade vets at the deadline?- Can the Bulls land a star?Buzzsprout podcast host offer: $20 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up here.

Matthew Trueblood of Baseball Prospectus joins Tom for a beer and to put a wrap on the Winter Meetings. -Why are more teams peddling their stars?-What does a Kris Bryant return look like?-Does MLB need an actual cap with a floor?-Should White Sox fans be disappointed?-Winter meeting winners/losersBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Jon Greenberg, editor-in-chief of The Athletic Chicago joins Tom to talk expired beer issues in the burbs, the Mitch Trubisky game effect, Cubs winter bargain shopping, White Sox strategy, local sports media moves, and the fall guy for the Bulls mess. Following the link below lets Buzzsprout know we sent you, gets you a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and helps support our show.https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=464773Thank you!Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Mike Ferrin of MLB Network Radio joins Tom for a beer and MLB Hot Stove talk. -Someone keeps taking Mike's good beer-White Sox jumping the market, will they still be big players?-Kris Bryant extension?-How much do we ding Astros success for "Bang The Can Slowly" scandal?-Why are big market teams trimming payroll?-Blockbuster trades coming?-Cubs FO changes, David RossPLEASE SUBSCRIBE AND RATE! Following the link below lets Buzzsprout know we sent you, gets you a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and helps support our show.https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=464773Thank you!

Jared Wyllys of The Sporting News, Forbes Sports, and Chicago Magazine talks hoppy beers, Yu Darvish/Christian Yelich Twitter beef, Astros competitive edge, Cubs and White Sox offseason plans. Following the link below lets Buzzsprout know we sent you, gets you a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and helps support our show.https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=464773Thank you!

Patrick Mooney of The Athletic joins Tom for a beer and Cubs talk. They dig into the recent Tom Ricketts radio appearances. They also discuss luxury tax issues, offseason expectations, Kris Bryant's value, and the what the Marquee network might look like. Buzzsprout podcast host offer: $20 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up here.

Matt Spiegel host and columnist for WSCR 670 The Score joins Tom for some beer and Cubs offseason talk. Tom Ricketts putting it on the front office, Kris Bryant not open to suggestions. Matt Nagy's stubbornness, Jim Boylen's goofiness and more.

Tony Andracki joins Tom for a beer and talks about the real push Joe Espada is making for the Cubs manager job. Tony also gives his takes on the upcoming offseason and which core player he thinks will sign an extension.

Ross Read of the Mac and Read Podcast talks Chicago Bears with Tom. Ross tells us why not to give up on Mitch Trubisky just yet, why Kyle Long needs to step aside, and what Matt Nagy needs to give up to help his offense compliment his defense. Ross also talks about Roquan Smith not looking right and his favorite Netflix shows and Joker.

Luis Medina of Bleacher Nation and NBC Sports Chicago's "Outside the Ivy" (Cubs postgame) joins Tom for a beer and some Cubs talk. They discuss the background of "Outside the Ivy" and how doing the show after many losses was cathartic for fans. They also tackle Theo Epstein's end of the year presser and how this offseason might be different. Luis gives Tom his offseason wishlist, his opinion on dealing Kris Bryant and his pick for the Cubs next manager.

Dan Pompei of The Athletic and WSCR 670 AM the Score joins Tom to discuss his views on the Chicago Bears. Dan speaks to the continuing development of QB Mitch Trubisky and whether he thinks he can provide enough at the position for the Bears to make a deep playoff run. They discuss Michael Lombardi's harsh takes on Trubisky and what concerns Dan most about the young QB. Dan also gives his takes on whether the Bears defense is truly special, Ryan Pace's roster construction and if Khalil Mack is the most dominant defender he has seen in a Bears uniform.

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times joins Tom to discuss how the Chicago Cubs FO views this 2019 collapse. They talk about how ownership stopped funding a team with needs in a narrowing competitive window. They also discuss how long Theo Epstein might stay, and if Kris Bryant and Nick Castellanos are expected to return. They look at whether Joe Maddon should have returned for the '19 season and if he still could come back in '20. Gordon also talks about his new found favorite, yet illegal in some states beverage.

Johnathan Wood of DaBearsBlog.com talks Chicago Bears with Tom. Johnathan talks about the limitations of Mitch Trubisky and what his current ceiling might be. Johnathan also gives his takes on some of Matt Nagy's offensive schemes thus far, and how they can use the running game more effectively. They also discuss if Leonard Floyd is becoming another defensive star.

Michael Ernst of Cubs Den talks with Tom about the Jason McLeod news and how it affects the Cubs organization moving forward. Michael also addresses the Cubs philosophical shift on drafting and developing pitching. They also discuss the arrival of Nico Hoerner, his potential role next season, and which other prospects might make a major impact on the Cubs soon. Other topics include Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer's future, and what type of manager the Cubs might hire next.

Tom talks Cubs with Andy Dolan of The Athletic and Desipio.com. They get into some big picture Cubs thoughts, Theo Epstein’s hands being tied when it comes to fixing the holes on the roster. The perceived lack of the fire and the passion, Joe Maddon’s future, rumors surrounding the future of the Cubs broadcasting team, and bracing for a whole lot of Ryan Dempster on the Marquee network.

Tom is joined by Brendan Miller of Cubsinsider.com and Cubs Related Podcast. They discuss the effects that Tommy Hottovy and the pitching infrastructure has had with Jose Quintana and Yu Darvish. The possible bullpen role upgrades for Rowan Wick and Tyler Chatwood, Anthony Rizzo bringing his power back, and the surprising Iowa shuttle.

Tom is joined by ESPN Chicago's Jesse Rogers to discuss the Cubs road woes, the much needed energy Nick Castellanos has brought to the team, which core player the Cubs might move in the offseason, and the resurgences of Ian Happ, Yu Darvish, and Jason Heyward and if they are sustainable.

Tom talks with Evan Altman of Cubs Insider and WSCR 670 AM's Cubs podcast "Into the Basket". They talk about Evan's beer subscription, the Cubs financial constraints at the deadline and the angst at Cubs Twitter.

Tom has beers with local broadcaster Jordan Bernfield. They discuss New Glarus beer, Cubs news including the Addison Russel demotion, Ian Happ promotion, and possible budget issues facing the FO at the trading deadline.

In this first episode, Tom has beers with Marc Silverman of ESPN AM 1000 Chicago. They get into the state of the Chicago Cubs, the future of the Chicago Bulls and discuss Marc's interactions and takes on the front office types in town.