Bricks and Bleachers Podcast

Coming into this season, I was most excited to see 2 Cubs prospects. Looks like they both get the call within a matter of days of each other. Cade Horton debuted over the weekend, Moises Ballesteros to be called up today. But, what's the corresponding roster move? No team needs 3 catchers, but the Cubs catching corps this year is unmatched. 3 things to watch: Ballesteros call-up, what's happening at third base and who exactly is Ryan Pressly? Plus, news and notes from around Major League Baseball.

Another MLB season is underway! The Chicago Cubs have now played on 2 Opening Days in 2025. A quick recap of the Japan series, plus last night's opener in Arizona. Lots of roster talk this spring, we'll get you up to speed with who made the cut. Share some news and notes from around Major League Baseball. Plus, a few Cubs predictions for the 2025 season.On X, connect and comment at bricksbleachers.Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and more.

After a long wait, it's time for the 2025 Chicago Cubs to hit the field! Pitcher and catchers are reporting today to the Cubs complex in Arizona. It's been a busy offseason for the Cubs front office. Cubs enter camp with way more bullpen arms than can be kept on the roster. Will talk about that and the starting rotation. Will the Cubs add anyone still (Bregman and Cease come to mind)? Only one is probably remotely close to happening. Pecota projections are already pretty favorable for the Cubs.

The Chicago Cubs pull off a big trade with the Astros. Kyle Tucker is now a Chicago Cub. Even though he has yet to play for the Cubs, I'm saying he's the best player on a Cubs roster in many years. A really solid all-around player. Under contract for just one year. Team's willingness to re-sign him will shape the club's future for several years. Also, other Cubs roster moves you may or may not have seen this offseason. A few moves worth mentioning from elsewhere in MLB. Plus, what's ahead for the Cubs. Is Bellinger here in 2025? Either way, what needs remain for this team to be competitive in 2025.

The season is over for the Chicago Cubs. Back-to-back years of 83 wins, but the 2024 Cubs team was better. I'll explain why. Also, I float a trade idea to boost the 2025 roster. Lots of year-end observations. Plus, a look around Major League Baseball with our News and Notes segment. A preview of the 2025 Cubs schedule. Predications for the MLB Postseason.

We're coming down the homestretch -- 16 games left for the Chicago Cubs. A brief recap of a successful series in Los Angeles. How the Cubs are outperforming on the road. Injury updates, the tiny (1.1%) chance of the postseason, plus news and notes from around Major League Baseball in our This and That segment.

The 4th no-hitter in MLB in 2024 belongs to the Chicago Cubs! A combined no-hitter, led by Shota Imanaga on Wednesday. A nice close to a disappointing series with the Pirates. Cubs remain 4 back in the NL Wild Card standings with just over 3 weeks to go. Props to Swanson, PCA and Amaya for continuing to deliver. There's no better 7-8-9 in baseball. A look ahead to what is likely the Cubs' most difficult week of the year (Yankees and Dodgers). Plus, news and notes from around Major League Baseball.

It's been a good week for the Chicago Cubs. The offense exploded on Wednesday, helping secure a 14-10 comeback win in Pittsburgh. The Cubs trailed 10-3 after 6 innings. 11 runs in the final 3 frames is quite the feat. It helped secure a sweep of the Pirates. Next up, Nationals! There's a Taylor Swift connection to the stretch of games seeing the Cubs win 9 of 12. News and notes from around Major League Baseball and more.

Here we go! It's late August, Cubs need a lot to go their way to still be playing in October. The schdule is favorable. I've crunched the numbers, I'll lay out what needs to happen for the Cubs to claim a wild-card spot. Plus, a reshuffling of the Cubs bullpen is underway. Javy Baez returns and more in a look at news and notes from around Major League Baseball.

The greatest game ever played took place in Cleveland a few years ago. The Chicago Cubs are back in Cleveland this week. A recap of the series opener. The Cubs offense is back! News and notes from around Major League Baseball. Plus, a preview of the rest of the Cubs/Guardians series (good timing for the Cubs). It's been an exciting couple weeks of Cubs baseball. Keep it up and we're in for a great finish to the 2024 season.

The Chicago Cubs are in a lengthy offensive slump. 3 moves ahead of the Trade Deadline. What's left for the 2024 Cubs? I have a suggestion of one move to make to bolster the Cubs chances the rest of this year. Also, a look ahead to 2025. Early projections on what is needed. Plus, news and notes from around Major League Baseball.

3 weeks into the 2024 campaign and the Cubs look pretty sharp. Far from perfect, but have to be happy with an 11-7 record. Injuries are piling up all across the league, including for the Cubs. Latest on that. Plus, a recap of the just-completed West Coast road trip. Preview of this afternoon's game with the Marlins, a look ahead at the weekend series. Finally, news and notes from around Major League Baseball with our This And That segment.

Here we go! The Chicago Cubs begin the 2024 season in a few hours. We'll get you caught up with who's made the cut, make some Cubs predictions for the year ahead, share news from around Major League Baseball and more.

Here we go! Another Chicago Cubs season is upon us. Spring Training is underway with the first ST game just 3 days away. We'll recap Cubs offseason signings, the standoff with Cody Bellinger, early Spring Training observations, first look at NL Central predictions and news and notes from around Major League Baseball.

The Chicago Cubs dropped some news yesterday: a new leader in the clubhouse. Craig Counsell joins the Cubs as manager, a huge upgrade. Starting to see early offseason player moves. Let's review the priority list for this offseason. Plus, This and That -- a look at news from around Major League Baseball.

Here we go! The long season is entering its homestretch. 33 games remain and the Cubs are currently a postseason team. But, the road to the finish is a tough one. More than half of the remaining schedule is against teams also vying for the postseason. An impressive debut for Jordan Wicks. Latest on the Cubs rotation and outfield struggles. Plus, news and notes from around Major League Baseball with our This and That segment.

Two months ago, the Chicago Cubs were the worst team in the National League. Now, they're red-hot and have climbed into position for the third and final wild-card position in the National League. We examine the one major turning point, review the Trade Deadline, News and Notes from around Major League Baseball and more.

The Chicago Cubs are trying to get back to .500...but is it too little, too late? Trade Deadline is only a few days away....Cody Bellinger continues to prove his worth, so why not keep him? What was great about Saturday's batting order, a look at news and notes from around MLB and more.

The All-Star break is complete and the second half of the season started last night. We'll recap last night and feature some first half highlights. Trade Deadline is quickly approaching, who's on the move? The Cubs have a favorable portion of the schedule when they need it most. Plus, news and notes from around Major League Baseball with our News and Notes segment.

Just over 3 weeks into the 2023 season and the Chicago Cubs are looking pretty good. 12-7 heading into Saturday, but could realistically be 14-5. Two blown saves highlight the glaring need for a solid closer. Drew Smyly almost pulled off a perfect game yesterday at Wrigley Field. Cubs offense is as hot and consistent as it has been in many years. News and notes from around Major League Baseball. A look at what's next for the Cubs.

The 2023 Major League Baseball season is underway. The Chicago Cubs have a lot of new names on the roster. We'll recap the additions. Also, talk about new rules intended to make the game better. How good will Marcus Stroman be for the Cubs in 2023, that's one of the predictions. Plus, news and notes from around the league.

It's homestretch time. 6 games and the Cincinnati Reds are all that stand between the Chicago Cubs and the offseason. Even with nothing to play for, the Cubs are ending the season a high note. Rare praise for David Ross. Spoiler for the Phillies? Postseason recap. And more.

We're just past the midpoint of the 2022 season. A recap of Dodgers and Orioles series, update on the injury front, news and notes from the majors, and more.

How good are the Chicago Cubs? Most say "not very", I'm saying "not bad, but probably just .500". That said, the Cubs are offense is near the top of several offensive categories in recent weeks. Plus, the excitement of the recent callup of Christopher Morel and today's debut of Caleb Killian.

The Cubs still have one of the worst records in the league, but they have been playing better in recent days. A recap of a successful west coast road trip, starting rotation notes, a possible demotion, another Cubs minor league no-hitter and a great collection of MLB news and notes in our This and That segment.

3 off days this week for the Cubs as they take on the Dodgers this weekend at Wrigley Field. After starting 6-4, Cubs have the 5th worst record in the majors. Offense struggles aren't the only issue. A quick look back at the rivalry series with the White Sox. News and notes from across Major League Baseball. And more.

The Chicago Cubs have been around nearly 150 years, but they did something this weekend for the first time in franchise history. Plus, recap of the weekend series with Pittsburgh, highs and lows so far, This and That, plus a look ahead.

The 2022 Chicago Cubs season is underway! Here's a recap of the opening weekend, a look at the week ahead, a review of the active roster, plus an overview of what's new this season.

Yes...the 2022 Major League Baseball season is on! A full 162-game season is good to go. The 99-day lockout is over. What's next for the Chicago Cubs? And the league overall? We make sense of things as best we can hours after the agreement is announced. Opening Day is less than one month away!

Jed Hoyer has added to his front office team, cherry-picking from 2 successful organizations. 2022 ticket pricing, news and notes from around the league and a preview of the World Series.

Cubs finish the season taking 2 of 3 in St Louis. A look back at surprises, a quick early preview, best guesses on roster for 2022, This and That with news from around the league, plus a preview of the MLB Postseason.

All good things come to an end. 12-game losing streaks do, too. Frank Schwindel is the latest to join the Cubs in a resounding way. A Cubs Hall of Fame is in the works, who'd you put in the inaugural class? Cubs are playing in the 2022 Field of Dreams game, plus news and notes from around Major League Baseball in our This and That segment.

A look at the Chicago Cubs moves ahead of the Trade Deadline on Friday. What's in store for the team over the final 55 games? What move(s) excite me? Recap of the weekend series in DC, plus a look at the week ahead.

Here we go. We may have just one more game with the 2016 World Series Cubs core intact. The Major League Baseball trade deadline is Friday afternoon. Some predictions on who's staying and who's going. Plus, in a season where much has gone wrong, we'll highlight some positives. This and That will include some news and notes from around Major League Baseball. A look ahead to Thursday and Friday games.

The Chicago Cubs are .500 team. It's hard to believe on July 5, we're talking about a team that is 42-42. Yet, here we are. But, looking at recent Cubs history, there's reason to be hopeful. Plus, Nico Hoerner has returned, a cool moment for Trevor Williams, Kris Bryant in July has almost surpassed Kris Bryant of June, plus much more.

The Chicago Cubs began the month of June atop the National League Central. They are quickly falling back from the division lead as the month comes to a close. An update on All Star Game voting, injuries (healthy reinforcements coming soon) and more.

Approaching the halfway point of the season, the Cubs remain atop the National League Central. An All Star Game vote update is just out, plus a look at Cubs returning to the lineup. Major League Baseball begins cracking down on substances, plus more.

If you went to bed early last evening, you may have missed it.The Chicago Cubs are leaders of the National League Central as begin the month of June!A quick recap of the weekend series with Cincinnati, plus the Memorial Day game with San Diego. An injury update as the Cubs have more injuries right now than at any moment in recent memory. A look ahead to rest of the series with San Diego and a tough June. Plus, news and notes from Major League Baseball. It's a good time to be a baseball fan in Chicago!

What a weekend series with the Cubs and Cardinals! If you missed it, no worries. We'll recap it for you. Plus, look at the resurging Cubs offense. We go on record with the 'biggest surprise' of the first quarter of the 2021 season. Do you agree with the call? This and That is our news and notes from around the league segment. A preview of the Pittsburgh series, plus the most difficult stretch of the 2021 schedule.

The Chicago Cubs are coming off a 3-game sweep against the defending champion Dodgers. Who saw that coming? No one, that's who. Still trying to get a handle on this team. We'll recap the playoff-like series. Also, update you on Cubs injuries, Kris Bryant's impressive start, a preview of this weekend's series with the Pirates plus This & That with news and notes from around Major League Baseball

15 games in to the 2021 Major League Baseball season and the Chicago Cubs are 6-9. It's pretty amazing when you consider how weak the offense has been. We talk about that, a recap of the weekend series with the Braves and make a couple predictions related to expiring Cubs contracts. Who's coming back for 2022? The This and That segment highlights news from around the league. Plus, a look at the week ahead for the Cubs.

Chicago Cubs continue to sit atop the NL Central. After dropping 2 of 3 in Cincinnati, they've split the first 2 in DC. 9th inning drama last night. Why Joe Maddon was saying the Cubs are protesting the game. Plus, a lot of news and notes in our "This and That" segment.

Chicago Cubs continue to sit atop the NL Central. After dropping 2 of 3 in Cincinnati, they've split the first 2 in DC. 9th inning drama last night. Why Joe Maddon was saying the Cubs are protesting the game. Plus, a lot of news and notes in our "This and That" segment.

After the disastrous week and a half to begin the year, the Chicago Cubs have become the hottest team in Major League Baseball. Addison Russell has rejoined the Cubs, Ben Zobrist is on leave, a resurging Willson Contreras, and more.

After the disastrous week and a half to begin the year, the Chicago Cubs have become the hottest team in Major League Baseball. Addison Russell has rejoined the Cubs, Ben Zobrist is on leave, a resurging Willson Contreras, and more.

No predicted a 1-6 start for the Chicago Cubs. A recap of how we got here, roster moves just announced, and what's new this season at Wrigley Field.

No predicted a 1-6 start for the Chicago Cubs. A recap of how we got here, roster moves just announced, and what's new this season at Wrigley Field.

It's Opening Day and there is plenty to talk about. Recap of the Opening Day roster (really, only 2 spots were in question), 2019 season predictions, NL Central moves, and early season scheduling.

It's Opening Day and there is plenty to talk about. Recap of the Opening Day roster (really, only 2 spots were in question), 2019 season predictions, NL Central moves, and early season scheduling.

It's Spring Training time! The Chicago Cubs return to the field in hopes of building upon a 95-win season that ended in disappointment. More moves made this offseason to the coaching staff than to the player roster. I share a couple stories worth following this spring (an epic comeback attempt and rules changes talk). A review of an early 2019 season prediction, notable moves in the division, and a couple Cubs players who will be out-of-service at the beginning of the season.Music: "Bad Example" by 600 hz fq. Used with Creative Commons license by-nc-sa.

It's Spring Training time! The Chicago Cubs return to the field in hopes of building upon a 95-win season that ended in disappointment. More moves made this offseason to the coaching staff than to the player roster. I share a couple stories worth following this spring (an epic comeback attempt and rules changes talk). A review of an early 2019 season prediction, notable moves in the division, and a couple Cubs players who will be out-of-service at the beginning of the season.Music: "Bad Example" by 600 hz fq. Used with Creative Commons license by-nc-sa.