BP Wrigleycast - Chicago Cubs News

We take a look at our biggest disappointments and pleasant surprises of the season. The starting pitching has been bad. The bullpen has been good. The offense has not been good.There's a lot of negative stuff to cover but the guys valiantly try to focus on the positive.Can Theo Epstein keep the window of contention for this team extended for another few years? Ryan sure thinks so. But only time will tell...And Joel is back with his patented 60 seconds with a former Cub.

The guys took a little time out on Memorial Day to bring you another episode of BP Wrigleycast. Ryan and Isaac welcome back Joel to the podcast, and they dive in head first with discussion about the Cubs' recent struggles in Los Angeles. They break down the poor hitting of Kyle Schwarber and Addison Russell, and later they talk about whether it would be appropriate to send Ian Happ back to Triple-A.Ryan decides to wrap the show with a "Five Questions" segment, with interesting results. Please follow us on Twitter @BPWrigleycast and feel free to email any questions or comments to bpwrigleycast@baseballprospectus.com. And don't forgot to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes.

After a one month absence, Ryan and Isaac get together to chat about the recent HAPPenings with the Chicago Cubs. Jake Arrieta's strong start against Milwaukee is discussed, which leads into more trade discussions about starting pitching. The guys also discuss the hot bats of Ben Zobrist and rookie Ian Happ, and later go into some hypothetical scenarios where they both end up trading Kyle Schwarber off the roster.Please follow us on Twitter @BPWrigleycast, and feel free to email any questions if you'd like it read on the show at bpwrigleycast@baseballprospectus.com. If you like what you hear and want to hear more of it, subscribe and give us a rating and review on iTunes.

Ryan and Isaac lead off discussing the recent struggles of John Lackey, including a few reasons why this could be who the 38-year-old pitcher is now. But are there any potential upgrades from within the organization or via trade?Later, the guys discuss Jason Heyward's progress and just how valuable he can be to the team if his new-found power stroke is the real deal. A few laughs about Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot ensue, as well as a battle royale on the topic of the DH in the National League. Please subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes!

After an intro gone horribly wrong, the guys discuss the hot/cold offense and then move onto the pen, where a fantasy draft ensues. Who ends up with the more desirable pair of relievers? You'll have to tune in to find out.We also take a look at the Pirates to determine if they'll be a serious challenger in the NL Central before delving into the lower velocity readings from starters. Is that a strategy or just an April fluke?

Real baseball that actually counts is back! The guys discuss what (if anything) has changed now that a World Series titled has been accomplished.Then they discuss some quick hits from the early season. From Heyward's bat to Almora's glove, there are some early signs that everything is going to be OK.Tommy Birch joins to give his thoughts on several players in Triple-A Iowa and which ones might have an impact this season or could just be fun to watch.

Ryan and Isaac talk about some vague changes in the future of the podcast before digging into what you've all come here for: Hardcore baseball talk! The guys chat about changes to the 2017 roster, Albert Almora Jr., Tommy La Stella, and a little bit on the St. Louis Cardinals and the Yadier Molina contract extension.Later, they give a full rundown of their projected division winners, the wild card teams, award winners, and playoff predictions. Since he wasn't able to join them for the episode, Ryan and Isaac were free to do a little over/under without the guilt of confusing Carlos. Follow us on Twitter @BPWrigleycast to stay caught up on any show related news and, as always, please subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes.

Spring Training is here and that means Dr. Pepper? Carlos starts things off with a bizarre comparison that includes a desert and Dr. Pepper.Then the guys discuss some quirky Maddon moves and whether he's overmanaging or not: Schwarber in the leadoff spot and a two-headed #5 starter.The question of the week compares Jorge Soler and Eloy Jimenez, while Joel digs up some old guy for 60 Seconds with a former Cub.Baseball is back!

Projections are fun because fresh stats in the winter are like a warm hug from an old friend you haven't seen in a long time.But that's all they are: projections, and the guys highlight some interesting outliers.Then they discuss some recent SP signings and what they mean for 2018. Then Isaac drops out because he's so important and his computer hates him.At which point Ryan and Carlos heroically carry on for a few more minutes before signing off.Baseball will be here soon, folks, and all will be better. 

The BP Top Ten is out and the guys run through some overall thoughts on the list, as well as some strong opinions by Isaac on one particular player.Then we chat about some players to keep an eye on that didn't make the top ten and why we like them.We close it out with Ryan regaling us on his coverage of the Cubs Convention over the weekend.P.S. We're trying out a new piece of software, so please let us know if you like the sound on this one—it should be better than before.

Ryan, Isaac, and Joel get together to discuss the events of the last two weeks. Included is debate about the merits of the Wade Davis for Jorge Soler deal, the bullpen overall, the Jon Jay signing, the split of playing time among the outfielders, and some chatter about the starting rotation.Later, the guys give their picks for who could be the leadoff man now that Dexter Fowler is wearing Cardinal red. If you like this episode, please follow us @BPWrigleycast on Twitter and send us your feedback! 

Things have changed now that the Cubs are World Series champions. But does that change the urgency in the front office and how badly fans want to win?The guys take a look at that and the most pressing offseason needs for a team that has only a few items on their to-do list this winter. From Dexter Fowler and Albert Almora to veteran leadership and the Charlie Blackmon/Chris Archer rumors, the guys cover it all.

The guys discuss their favorite moments of the 2016 postseason before closing the book on a magical season and discussing potential offseason moves.While they appear to have obvious candidates for Dexter Fowler, Jason Hammel, and Aroldis Chapman—things aren't as simple as they might appear.Epstein and the Cubs have another busy offseason ahead of them. Here are our top moments from the postseason:Joel: The Contreras pinch hit singlehttp://m.mlb.com/video/topic/94951848/v1205834583/chcsf-gm4-contreras-ties-it-baez-gives-cubs-lead/?query=willson+contrerasRyan: Montero's pinch-hit grand slamhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-3RCvdWaPQ&app=desktopCarlos: The Rajai Davis homerunhttp://m.mlb.com/video/topic/21753540/v1211132983/ws2016-gm7-hamilton-calls-davis-gametying-homerIsaac: Cubs Win!http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/21753540/v1211031383/hughes-calls-last-out-of-cubs-world-series-win   

They did it! Joel and Carlos were on hand in Cleveland to witness the epic seventh game of the World Series, while Isaac and Ryan watched from home. They collaborate to give their recollection of the events, including how this changes things for the Cubs and their fans going forward.Plenty of time is spent waxing poetic about the dramatic weight of the event, but the guys find some time to dig into the nuts and bolts of the game as well--including some headscratching decisions by Joe Maddon and a late Rajai Davis home run that nearly ruined everything.Thanks for listening this season! It's been a pleasure to do this podcast, and we appreciate everyone from the bottom of our hearts. Please continue to reach out on Twitter @BPWrigleycast and via email at bpwrigleycast@baseballprospectus.com and send us your questions and comments.

The Cubs had to win...and they did. Despite the offensive outburst from Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, and Anthony Rizzo, the talk will inevitably center around how Joe Maddon used Aroldis Chapman.But let's not forget: The Cubs will be playing in game 7 of the World Series tomorrow.As Isaac answered when asked how he felt about it, "I'm going to barf."It's a great time to be alive.

Joe Maddon made some questionable decisions, including bringing closer Aroldis Chapman in to pitch in the 7th inning (and never warming anyone up after that). But in the end the Cubs won the game and lived to play another day.The guys discuss defensive plays, Javy Baez, and David Ross. Then they focus on game 6 and their best case and worst case scenarios, which include a perfect setup for the Cubs if they were to reach a game 7.

The Cubs made history by winning a World Series game for the first time in a LONG time. It's historic, it's special, it's amazing. But the guys seem to forget about it and jump right into analyzing the game until Isaac steers the ship in the right direction.Jake Arrieta wasn't great, but he was good enough. Kyle Schwarber continues his amazing comeback by steering the offense to a 5-1 game over Cleveland. Mike Montgomery came in and did his best Andrew Miller impression and Aroldis Chapman got four outs to even out the series.But the biggest question remains: will Kyle Schwarber play the outfield at Wrigley Field if he gets cleared? The guys speculate...wildly.

With the Cubs playing in the World Series for the first time in 71 years, the guys come away unimpressed with the overall performance. Discussion includes positive and negative takeaways from the game, Corey Kluber's utter dominance, and the triumphant return of Kyle Schwarber.If you like what you hear, please be sure to rate and review on iTunes and follow the podcast on Twitter @BPWrigleycast to interact and ask questions for our usual Question of the Week segment.

With Game 6 of the NLCS in the books, the Chicago Cubs are going to the World Series for the first time since 1945! Ryan, Isaac, and Joel get together and recall a magical evening from their individual perspectives.Later, they look ahead to Kyle Schwarber potentially playing a role on the team and a little bit about the matchup with Cleveland in the Fall Classic. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @BPWrigleycast and subscribe/review on iTunes.

In an episode we've dubbed "Don't Touch the Cupcake" in honor of Ryan and The Simpsons, we cover the aftermath of game 5, which includes some positives and some negatives.From Javy Baez and Jon Lester to Aroldis Chapman, we break it all down and set the stage for game 6 between Kyle Hendricks and Clayton Kershaw.Why was this episode posted so late? I'll go ahead and blame all the DDOS attacks...

The bats needed to come to life if the Cubs were going to have a shot at winning the series, and last night it finally happened.Also, big moments from Willson Contreras and the bullpen as the Cubs guarantee a return to Wrigley Field.

Nothing good happened last night as the Cubs lost game 3. Oh wait, Kris Bryant had a few singles.Is it time to panic or is this just #baseball? The guys discuss.

Still trying to put into words what happened the night before, Ryan and Isaac get together and discuss the events of Game 4 and Game 3. That includes questionable decisions by Joe Maddon, brilliant decisions by Joe Maddon, and how things were feeling in the Giants series heading into that fatefull ninth inning.Later, the guys run down the tentative pitchers for the NLCS matchup that could feature either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Washington Nationals and give their pick for the best opponent for the Cubs.If you like that we put out these Quick Take's and appreciate the podcast, or even if you have a critique and want to hear something different, please leave a rating and review on iTunes.

The Cubs take game two over the Giants, thanks in large part to a surprise contribution from Travis Wood. We look at what happened and give instant reaction, talking about Jeff Samardzija, Wood's homer, Kyle Hendricks' early exit, and looking ahead to the Bumgarner/Arrieta matchup in game three and the likelihood of the Cubs closing out the series.If you like these quick takes, please leave us a rating and review! You can also follow on Twitter @BPWrigleycast.

Cubs beat the Giants in a pitcher's duel at Wrigley thanks to Jon Lester and Javy Baez.

Yeah, the Mets would've been better, but the Giants are still a team that played terrible baseball in the second half. And Madison Bummergarner isn't going until Game 3. So there's that...The guys start off a bit somber after the Giants win becomes official, but then end on a high note thanks to something we call "The Joel Cornhole." Tune in for the details. 

With the National League wild card teams set, Ryan, Isaac, and Joel discuss which one would be the ideal matchup for the Cubs. Then, they flip the script and talk about which team they think will win the one-game playoff and why.Later, the trio muse about players they believe will be x-factors for the Cubs, players they are somewhat concerned about, and the recent struggles of Hector Rondon.Joel recalls a former Cy Young winner in 60 Seconds with a Former Cub, Ryan fields a question from a listener about concerns with the starting staff, and Isaac gives us an at-bat of the week to remember. Don't forget to follow us on @BPWrigleycast and leave a review on iTunes!

Isaac is MIA this week but the guys take a look at Jake Arrieta's rest before the playoffs, Montero making a comeback, and the Epstein profile on ESPN.60 Seconds with a Former Cub takes us to Shawon Dunston and the guys wonder if the era of coasting on your laurels is over.The Question of the Week wonders about who has overperformed their projected WARP numbers from before the season, and it turns into a nice little game.

With another pinch-hitter needed for the transient Carlos, Mark Grote from 670 The Score and Chicago Cubs pre- and post-game joins the rest of the team. Among the topics discussed, the differences between this Cubs front office and those of the past, Miguel Montero's spot on the postseason roster, and the playoff rotation. Mark even does his exceptional Pat Hughes impersonation!Later, Ryan, Joel, and Isaac dive further into who they'd prefer to see the Cubs play in the NLDS. 60 Seconds with a Former Cub harkens us back to an experience Joel once had with Mark Grace, and the guys debate who might play members of the organization in a movie about the 2016 Cubs. Isaac finishes things off with his At-Bat of the Week and by declaring his love for Aaron Rodgers. 

Kyle Hendricks was so close to throwing a no-hitter until he threw a meatball to Jebediah Hazelfrankenstein on an 0-2 count. It's too bad, but what does this near brush with greatness do to his Cy Young chances? And also: where should the Cubs slot him in the playoff rotation?The guys discuss some other playoff roster implications, like Montgomery vs. Hammel and Coghlan vs. LaStella.Joel gets political with 60 Seconds with a Former Cub.Ryan brings up a question from the fans dealing with...the playoff roster? I can't remember, but it was a good conversation.Then Isaac's At Bat of the Week revels in the greatness that is Kris Bryant.

It's not easy coming up with negatives when you're the best team in baseball, but the guys decide to take a look at Heyward's offense, Hammel's post-season role, and potential playoff matchups.For 60 seconds with a former Cub, Joel picks a player that wasn't anything special but almost did something very special. And for the question of the week, Ryan tackles a potential Dexter Fowler long-term deal. Isaac, unfortunately, was purposefully muted throughout the entire episode as punishment. Let that be a lesson to you, young man.

With Carlos missing in action yet again, the gang turns to a veteran radio voice to pick up the slack: Matt Spiegel, of The Spiegel & Goff Show on 670 The Score. Isaac, Joel, and Ryan talk to Matt about Joe Maddon, the clubhouse vibes, Theo Epstein, and Matt's prediction for how this season will end.Then, the guys beat the 'pitch usage' horse to death, they talk about what Jorge Soler can show down the stretch, and how the playoff roster might shake out. Joel harkens us back to the days of Ryan Theriot and Isaac gives us the At-Bat(s) of the week.

Pedro Strop should be back for the playoffs, so how big a deal is his injury? Would his injury have the Cubs give Papelbon a chance to come aboard and see some familiar faces? Isaac's head might explode if they do. And how about Kyle Hendricks? Should he trump Jon Lester in a game two start in the playoffs? And more follow up on the Tommy La Stella story.Joel is back with 60 Seconds, and he takes us back to Scott Sanderson and his...good looks?The question of the week is all about giving Jason Heyward a "Starlin Castro benching" to try to ignite his bat.The at bat of the week is David Ross...but it's not a sac fly this time around.

Jorge Soler is back! But how will Joe Maddon use him without a DH spot in the lineup?Tommy LaStella was sent down to Triple-A...a while ago, but still hasn't reported. What's that all about?Trevor Cahill is being stretched out at Triple-A to start, so what does that mean for the rest of the rotation.All those questions and more, along with our Question of the Week, which Ryan tackles. It's about Chris Coghlan vs. Tommy LaStella.Isaac's At Bat of the Week is a heads-up sac fly by Dexter Fowler, along with great baserunning from Matt Szczur himself.

Joel is out today, but we've channeled our inner Joels to see what we're all freaking out about these days. Should CJ Edwards give it a shot out of the rotation next year? We take a look at the possibility. More on the trade deadline and the value the Cubs could've gotten for Gleyber Torres.The Question of the Week is about how Cub greats Mark Grace and Ron Santo compare to current players Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant.Isaac takes us through his At Bat of the Week...which doesn't involve David Ross.

It finally happened: the Cubs traded away their top prospect (and more) for a top pitcher. Did they get enough? Was this a good move? The guys weigh in, with Isaac and Ryan taking a pretty clear stance on the whole thing.This move also comes with a ton of baggage, and the guys talk about the domestic violence issues surrounding Chapman and the role that plays in assessing this trade.Joel's 60 Seconds with a Former Cub revisits with another closer: Joe Borowski.Ryan's Question of the Week is a poll about the Chapman trade that shows a pretty split fan base.Isaac takes on the At Bat of the Week and Anthony Rizzo locks that down...again.

The Cubs pull off a trade well in advance of the deadline and acquire a lefthander to work out of the pen. In exchange, they traded away long-time trade-rumor fodder Dan Vogelbach. 

As the second half of the season kicks off, the guys chat about what they think will happen, what they’d like to see happen, and what they’re afraid will happen (Joel’s idea, of course). Then we take a different look at improving at the deadline by examining some internal options rather than focusing on trading for another team’s player. Then we chat with Isaac about his visit to the Iowa Cubs, including conversations with Joe Nathan and Brian Matusz. No 60 Seconds with a former Cub today as Joel is “busy.”Our question of the week comes from a loyal listener and tackles the issue of who gets bumped from the rotation come playoff time and how to best use that arm out of the pen down the stretch.The at bat of the week is an ovbious one, even if Carlos thinks it should be a David Ross sac fly.

Is it time to panic as the Cubs struggle to win games, or could there be a silver lining to confronting some adversity at this point in the season? Then the guys discuss Willson Contreras and whether he's your starting catcher come playoff time. The BP Midseason Top 50 is out and three Cubs made the list...the guys talk about them and the state of the system. Every team faces injuries, but how have the Cubs fared so far this year in coping with theirs?Joel's 60 Seconds with a Former Cub features Andre Dawson.The Question of the Week is about the spike in homeruns allowed and what, if anything, can be done about it.Then Isaac takes us to the At Bat of the Week with a guy who very well might be an MVP candidate.

Carlos and Isaac are out, so the guys welcome Cat Garcia to pick up their slack. The Cubs have had a tough few weeks, but should fans be concerned or merely frustrated with the drought? Later, the trio discuss how the team can best improve heading into the second half of the season and a few intriguing names that have been rumored as trade targets for the Cubs. Joel gives us a '60 Seconds with a Former Cub', recalling back to the days of a certain beefed up outfielder from the late 90s. Ryan's 'Question of the Week' relates to Addison Russell and Javier Baez. Be sure to give us a rating and a review on iTunes!

With Carlos and Joel away at ANTHROCON 2016, Ryan and Isaac take the reigns in discussing the Cubs recent slump. Later, they tackle the topic of relievers on the trade market, the Cubs needs, which of the All-Stars are truly deserving of their spot, and how awesome is Willson Contreras? Isaac has a short but sweet at-bat of the week and Ryan brings an interesting question of the week from the fans. Be sure to rate and review on iTunes and follow the podcast on Twitter @BPWrigleycast. 

The Cubs surprise everyone and trade for Chris Coghlan. With him and Almora now on the roster, how does playing time look moving forward? The guys touch a little bit on the draft (and the Cardinals' draft) as well as the whole "how long can they carry three catchers?" ordeal. What's up with that?Joel's 60 Seconds with a former Cub goes for some prose with Bryan LaHair. Ryan's Question of the week pitts Javy Baez against Addison Russell. Isaac's At Bat of the Week hopes Jason Heyward has finally reached a turning point.