Behind the Yellow Line: A Baseball Podcast

Spring training continues on, and the injuries with it. Updates on which Cubs players are dealing with which issues, including a significant injury to prospect Caleb Kilian, as well as the first round of roster cuts, and fWAR over/under for the middle infield. Also, another delayed Boras client finds his way to a team, and MLB fans get to enjoy a new set of stadium renderings.

Cody Bellinger has returned to the Cubs in free agency, and the crew breaks down the contract, the money, the roster implications, and the vibes. Other notes from the first week of spring training, WAR over/under for Cubs outfielders Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Mike Tauchman, new insight on the issues with MLB's jerseys, and more.

The first Cubs spring training camp under the auspices of Craig Counsell has begun. The crew breaks down what to watch for this spring, including the addition of new reliever Héctor Neris. Notable players represented by one agent have yet to sign, including some pertinent to the Cubs. Is ownership solely to blame for their continued free agency? Also, the team on the South Side wants a boatload of public money for a new ballpark - should they get it?

All three hosts are present for the first time in 2024! After glowing reviews of the Shōta Imanaga signing in the previous edition, could there be greater causes for concern as well? Also, news to come out of Cubs Convention, as two franchise legends are announced as inductees to the team Hall of Fame, and one free agent name dominates the discussion throughout the weekend.

Randall and Jeremy break the holiday hiatus to discuss the soon-to-be newest member of the Cubs, Japanese left-handed pitcher Shōta Imanaga. We have you covered on the contract details, the scouting report, his fit in the rotation, and more. And with Imanaga in the fold, where does the front office go from here at this late date in the offseason?

Craig Counsell is introduced as the newest manager of the Cubs: what stood out from his introduction, and has it moved the needle at all for the pod's stalwart hater? Elsewhere, the Cubs add three minor league prospects to the 40-man roster, and make their moves at the non-tender deadline. Around the league, the MLB awards are announced, an All-Star Game is awarded, and the Oakland Athletics move one step closer to relocation.

Randall and Jeremy convene to discuss the day's shocking and unexpected news, as the Cubs hire Craig Counsell as their newest manager, and subsequently part ways with former manager David Ross. How did it come about? What does it imply for the offseason ahead? Will Randall get over it?

Cody Bellinger completes his comeback season, an old friend returns to the coaching staff, a front office member stays put, and other Cubs doings as the World Series concludes in favor of the Texas Rangers, and the pre-2024 offseason is set to begin in earnest. Also: whose problem is the decline in World Series television ratings, and is the postseason presentation in need of some fixes?

The offseason has yet to truly begin, but already rumors are afoot as to whom the Cubs might extend and whom the Cubs might target in free agency. Key front office member Craig Breslow has already departed, while another member of the front office might follow, and a member of the coaching staff may do the same. Elsewhere, the World Series matchup is set - who are you taking between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers?

The crew breaks down the Cubs news of the moment, including changes to the coaching staff, and a possible offseason pursuit of a slugging first baseman? Also, recapping MLB's Wild Card Round and League Division, with upsets, drama, surprises, and everything else you could need. The League Championship Series matchups are set and the predictions have been made, and looking back at Cubs postseason history from mid-Octobers of years past.

Randall and Jeremy attempt to pick up the pieces and eulogize the 2023 Cubs following a brutal September collapse, while looking ahead to the postseason and the imminent best-of-three Wild Card round.

The crew returns from gathering at a wedding as the Cubs win two more series, first in Pittsburgh, followed by a massive series win against the Brewers at Wrigley. Top pitching prospect Jordan Wicks impresses in his debut against the Pirates, while Justin Steele and Kyle Hendricks follow suit against the Brewers. Find out who is on their way up for expanded September rosters, who might yet still be on their way, and the aftermath of the waiver bomb dropped on MLB by the Los Angeles Angels earlier in the week.

A week after a thrilling walk-off win against the White Sox, the Cubs continue their trek through the bottom of the AL Central. But a make-or-break week looms to close out August and begin September. Where will the Cubs stand when the dust settles? Discussing the starting rotation woes of Drew Smyly and Marcus Stroman, and the struggle to return to consistency for Jameson Taillon. Also: who will be added when rosters expand on September 1, and will there - should there - be any roster surprises before then?

Despite a terrible showing in Queens, the Cubs are in their best August position in years. The crew breaks down the addition of Jeimer Candelario, issues with Drew Smyly and the rest of the rotation, and praiseworthy performances from the bullpen, while looking ahead to the matchup in Toronto. A great showing for the Cubs on the updated MLB Pipeline prospect rankings, massive dysfunction on the South Side of town, and the @CubsWeather forecast for Toronto.

Ronan returns from his transatlantic jaunt and the whole crew reunites to break down a 5-game winning streak against the Cardinals and White Sox. The Cubs have played well enough (fingers crossed) to potentially add - who should they be targeting? Also, the final Cubs draft pick puts ink to paper, Marquee launches their DTC service, trade season is underway, including a White Sox fan favorite on his way out of town, and a hellacious @CubsWeather forecast for St. Louis.

Randall and Jeremy reconvene to discuss the All-Star break and the Cubs out of the gate into the second half. Do the Cubs have it in them to make a sustained run at the division, and if it all goes south one last time, who of ownership, the front office, and the manager are to blame the most? Also, a look at the Cubs' 2023 draft and 2024 schedule, and the @CubsWeather forecast for the four-game Cardinals series at Wrigley.

The Cubs hurtle towards the All-Star break with a wild series split in Milwaukee and a series-opening gem by Jameson Taillon in the Bronx. What can this team do to buy at the deadline instead of sell for the third straight year? Who of Stroman, Bellinger, or even Hendricks could be on the trade block if things go south? Also, the Cubs have three All-Stars chosen but only one participating, a draft preview ahead of Sunday's MLB Draft as the Cubs prepare to select at no. 13 overall, and @CubsWeather for the remainder of the series in New York, and All-Star Week.

Fresh off a split in the London Series, the Cubs come home to promptly be swept by the Phillies via a rough turn in the rotation as the march to the All-Star break looms large in a season-defining stretch. The Cubs are sending two representatives to the Futures Game and introducing a direct streaming service, MLB records its 24th ever perfect game, and the @CubsWeather forecast for the upcoming series vs. Cleveland and at Milwaukee.

The Cubs head across the Atlantic to London, fresh off another sweep of the Pirates, and the crew has you covered. A resurgent Kyle Hendricks is helping the Cubs and their rotation though a hot stretch ahead of the two-game London Series. As the Cubs gear up for the summer stretch, does Christopher Morel need a defensive home? Also, the Reds refuse to lose a game, stymying the Cubs' efforts to gain in the division, and the @CubsWeather forecast for London.

The Cubs are finally back from a 10-game west coast trip, just in time to take 2 out of 3 from the visiting first place Pirates - what now? Kyle Hendricks pitched a gem in San Francisco, Marcus Stroman wants a contract extension, Cody Bellinger is close to returning, and is Ben Brown nearing a call-up? Also, a look in hindsight at our desired offseason targets, and Athletics fans stage a protest in Oakland, plus the @CubsWeather forecast for the weekend Orioles series at Wrigley.

The crew returns to full strength, just in time to lament another ongoing difficult road trip for the Cubs, this time up the west coast. Injury updates on Justin Steele and Cody Bellinger, and even as the team struggles, who on the roster is worthy of All-Star consideration? Plus, the @CubsWeather forecast for the series by the Bay in San Francisco.

The show returns and Randall and Jeremy bring you up to date on the current state of the team. Is there any hope as the team sits 7 games below .500 to start June, or is it all over already? Kyle Hendricks returns from a nearly year-long absence, Justin Steele exits with dreaded forearm tightness, and the RSN collapse claims its first team's broadcasts out in San Diego.

The crew examines the ongoing woeful road trip. What to do with the soon-healthy Kyle Hendricks, what to think of the suddenly-slugging Seiya Suzuki, and what to do with the struggling Keegan Thompson and Matt Mervis. Also, a look around MLB

The crew salvages an episode as the Cubs salvage a game against the Cardinals and conclude a homestand that felt disappointing. How much is David Ross to blame for what issues the Cubs do have, and should he be managing this team as they look to take the next step? Better news: Matt Mervis is here and Christopher Morel is back! Injury updates on Nico Hoerner and Yan Gomes, and the @CubsWeather forecast for the first legs of a trip through Minneapolis and Houston.

The crew laments a continuing difficult road trip, including a sweep in the house of horrors that is Miami. Questions abound - when should Matt Mervis and Christopher Morel be promoted? What's up with Seiya Suzuki? Should the Cubs extend Cody Bellinger? And what does @CubsWeather tell us the conditions will be for the upcoming weekend series at Wrigley against the Marlins? Listen and find out!

The full crew reunites to wish Ronan a happy birthday and discuss a trying homestand for the Cubs. Where can this roster be upgraded, and does that begin with promoting Christopher Morel? Also, injury updates, Ronan's first trip to Wrigley this season, and the @CubsWeather forecast for the upcoming series in Miami and Washington.

Randall and Jeremy break down a productive 5-1 road trip down and up the length of California. Torrid series by Patrick Wisdom and Cody Bellinger, great pitching by Hayden Wesneski, Marcus Stroman, and Justin Steele, and fine work all around, plus the @CubsWeather forecast for the weekend series at Wrigley against the Dodgers.

Another extension! The Cubs keep Ian Happ in the fold for an additional three years, and the crew breaks it down for you, set against the backdrop of a dramatic series against Seattle as part of a good homestand at Wrigley. Also, a check on the minor leagues, and who on the major league roster is on the bubble?

Baseball season's underway! The crew checks in after a rollercoaster first week of the 2023 season, including two visits to Wrigley. What's good? What's bad? Listen and find out! Also, the minor league season begins, with names to watch at each level, and the @CubsWeather forecast for the upcoming series against Texas and Seattle.

Opening Day awaits! On the eve of the kickoff to the 2023 season, the crew discusses the Opening Day roster for the Cubs. Who made it? Who didn't? Also, predictions for Cubs stat leaders in 2023, @CubsWeather forecast for Opening Week vs, Milwaukee and at Cincinnati, and minor leaguers take another step towards fair monetary compensation.

Opening Day draws near and the crew is feeling ranty! The roster is starting to take shape, and how about that stunning finish to the World Baseball Classic? Also, more games coming to paywalled streaming, MLB tweaks the pitch clock rules at the margins, and the crew's MLB predictions for division winners, award winners, and the World Series in 2023.

Opening Day approaches slowly, and the gang breaks down another week of Cubs spring training, and the conclusion of pool play in the World Baseball Classic. What are your favorite moments from the tournament so far? Also, over half of MLB's RSN partners have filed for bankruptcy, and FanGraphs over/under projections for the Cubs bullpen.

The crew recaps another week of spring training: standouts, disappointments, roster moves, and more. An extensive discussion of the beginning of pool play in the World Baseball Classic, over/under predictions for the starting rotation, and MLB jersey news.

Spring training has begun, and the crew has you covered with everything to know, one week in. The pitch clock has arrived - have you noticed? Also, the injury bug has begun biting Cubs, and could they be a fit in a trade with teams to have already lost infielders to season-ending injuries?

The crew arrives at a landmark episode, number 100! The final episode before (preseason) baseball returns for 2023, discussing the recent signing of infielder Edwin Ríos, updates on the pitching staff, over/under on Fangraphs projections for the infield core of Trey Mancini, Eric Hosmer, Matt Mervis, Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Patrick Wisdom, and special edition trivia to cap off the show.

Pitchers, catchers, and most of the rest of the team have reported, and so too is the crew reporting on the start of spring training. Non-roster players to watch, new jersey number assignments, a look back at spring training 2003, and are you taking the over or the under on the projections for Cubs outfielders Seiya Suzuki, Christopher Morel, Cody Bellinger, and Ian Happ?

BTYL opens the doors once again and welcomes Sean Holland, Cubs Insider contributor and host of Holy Cow! A Cubs Podcast. The crew asks Sean about being a Cubs fan in a pro sports desert and his expectations for the season ahead. Sean makes the case for Christopher Morel getting the majority of the starts at third base and what to expect from Seiya Suzuki in right field.

A Chicago Cubs World Series hero announces his retirement and comes home to Chicago, plus more Cubs prospects placing on Top 100 lists, favorite minor league logos and team names, and is baseball long for the city of Oakland?

Jeremy returns from his travels and the whole crew reunites to get Jeremy's thoughts on Trey Mancini, Cubs players Nico Hoerner, Cody Bellinger, and Nick Madrigal already working out in Mesa, Nick Madrigal's role and future with the Cubs, minor league signings Jordan Holloway and Luis Torrens, Chip Caray's move to St. Louis, and trivia from the family member of a host!

Ronan and Randall bring opposing viewpoints on the signing of Trey Mancini, while the Cubs use the team convention to announce a number of honors for former Cubs players. Also, a look at which Cubs might be suiting up during the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The crew celebrates the birthday of one of their own (can you guess who?). In a bit of an offseason lull, who does the crew believe is the best player currently on the roster? And what under-the-radar player are they placing high expectations on? Also, electronic umpiring coming to Triple-A, and the first of many looks back at the famed 2003 Chicago Cubs.

The crew rings in the new year by discussing... Eric Hosmer? That can't be right. Can this much-maligned addition offer the 2023 Cubs ANY value? Plus, ground level impressions from Winterland at Wrigley Field. And the 2023 Hall of Fame ballot: are ten players worthy of the call from Cooperstown?

Randall and Jeremy break down the Cubs' big signing of All-Star shortstop Dansby Swanson. Also: Tucker Barnhart arrives, Drew Smyly returns, and Carlos Correa chaos elsewhere in the National League.

A number of Cubs free agent targets are off the board and the crew is not happy. Can Jed still salvage this offseason? Is he the guy TO salvage the offseason? Plus, the Cubs DO sign a reliever, and more.

Fresh off a break, the crew reconvenes in the aftermath of the winter meetings. Cody Bellinger and Jameson Taillon are Cubs, while Xander Bogaerts, Trea Turner, Willson Contreras, José Abreu and many others are not Cubs, and Dansby Swanson and Carlos Correa still loom in the ether. How do this offseason's moves thus far grade out, and what's still yet to come? And a Cubs broadcaster finally receives the highest of honors.

The crew breaks down the recent Cubs roster moves, including the addition of Miles Mastrobuoni. Which free agent shortstop are the Cubs targeting? Which free agent shortstop SHOULD the Cubs target? Also: how did we do in our preseason award predictions? Listen and find out!

The season has officially concluded and the offseason party is underway. The crew breaks down expectations, potential Cubs targets, their would-be first moves of the offseason, Cubs procedural roster moves, the recently-concluded World Series, and more.

Amidst the ongoing World Series, the crew reminisces about the 2016 World Series championship, the sights, the sounds, and the emotions. Another talented player is set to make the leap from Japan - should the Cubs be pursuing Kodai Senga? Also, another hitting coach, catching up on some devastating minor league injuries, and more.

Healthy and reunited, the whole crew discusses non-tender candidates, Gold Gloves, offseason hopes, the World Series, and more.

With Jeremy under the weather, Ronan and Randall hold it down, check in on a few Cubs notes, and break down the Wild Card round and the Division Series around baseball.

Ronan and Randall offer a short reflection on the often-tumultuous 2022 season, ahead of a much longer future debrief with the full crew. What are the crew's favorite storylines from this season? Most improved player? Biggest disappointment? Listen to this latest bite-sized episode and find out.