Ivy Envy - Chicago Cubs Fan Podcast (UNOFFICIAL)

The Ivy Envy Podcast closes up shop with this final episode.  Listen as Andy, Kurt, and Corey comment on the Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez trades, which officially closes the window on this era of Cubs baseball.  

On this episode, Andy and Corey discuss the first game of the Wild Card Series vs. the Marlins.  

As the Cubs head into the last 10 games of the season, they sit comfortably in 1st place in the NL Central.  On this episode, we talk about this strange season and how it impacts what we do and don't pay attention to when it comes to individual player performances.  

Nearly halfway through the 2020 season, the Cubs sit in first place in the division, up by four games.  On this episode, we talk about the last few weeks in Cubs baseball. 

Baseball survives another week (kind of), and the Cubs start their series with the Royals with a 7-2 record.  On this episode, we talk about the first week and a half of the 2020 season.  We talk about what looks good (the starting pitching and offense) and what looks not good (the bullpen).  

On this episode, we share our thoughts on the return of baseball and the first Cubs series of the season.

Baseball is (kind of...maybe) back, and we're here to talk about it.  This episode is a big-picture look at MLB and Ivy Envy in 2020.  We also talk about some of the rules and changes coming to the league this season and share some thoughts on those. 

Katie Day joins us to discuss her most recent music release, a song called, "Just a Game."   To purchase this song, visit http://katiedaymusic.bandcamp.com Watch the video for "Just a Game" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCI0LGHbB48

It's our third episode of the Coronavirus era.  This episode contains SOME baseball talk.  We discuss some MLB plans to return, how this season could impact the Cubs in 2021, and we talk a little about CPBL.  

Welcome to the second Coronavirus episode.  If you're here for only the baseball talk, you'll probably want to skip it.  

If you're here for the Cubs baseball, skip this episode. 

This episode was recorded at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo.  In this episode, you will hear a discussion on the Cubs starting rotation.  We want to thank listener, Chase, for joining us on this episode.  We are also joined by another guest at the end of the episode.   

The Marquee Network (kind of) rolled out this weekend with some Marquee programming and the first Cubs game broadcast on the network.   On this episode, I am joined by Evan Altman from Cubs Insider.  Listen in as we discuss the positives and negatives from the first day of the network's existence.  We also discuss the battles for 2nd base and the 5th starter spot.   CubsInsider.com @realCubsInsider @DEvanAltman

On this episode, we talk about the Marquee Network, Kris Bryant's lengthy press conference in Mesa, and we share the reasons we are optimistic and feel good about the Cubs in 2020.  

It has been a slow-offseason for the Cubs, and so it's been a slow-offseason for us.  However, enough minor moves and news have piled up that an episode of the podcast is warranted.   On this episode, we talk about the moves the Cubs have and have not made, which inevitably leads us into a discussion about the state of the Chicago Cubs, as well as Major League Baseball.  

We kick off our 12th season of the podcast with an episode that contains no discussion on the Chicago Cubs.  

The 2019 MLB Winter Meetings are over.  The Cubs showed up with 25 people and walked out with Trevor Megill.   In this episode, we talk about the Cubs going overbudget on Wrigley Field renovations, news that the Cubs and Rizzo are not engaged in extension talks, the Cubs are being federally investigated for ADA violations, some unexciting free agency rumors, and more!  Sounds like fun, huh? Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

It's the episode we've looked forward to doing for quite a while...the episode where we bid farewell to Addison Russell.  We talk about the Cubs' decision to move on and reflect back on Russell's on-the-field career with the Cubs.  We catch up on a couple of other roster moves the Cubs recently made.  Then, we share our thoughts on some trade rumors and what the Cubs may do this off-season.  Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

Typically, this time of November is pretty slow when it comes to the MLB hot-stove.  On this episode, we check in with a couple of Cubs topics and briefly discuss the Astros sign-stealing situation.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

On this episode, Andy and Corey discuss the press conference where the Cubs introduced David Ross as the next manager of the team.  

The Cubs have reportedly found a replacement for Joe Maddon in David Ross.  In this episode, we share our thoughts on this hiring and discuss a couple of the issues people may have with Ross filling the position. 

Well, for the first time since 2014, we don't have meaningful Cubs baseball to discuss in October.  Instead, we talk about the departure of perhaps the best manager in Cubs history and how the front office and ownership can put the pieces of a broken team back together.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

On this episode, we look past the 1% chance the Cubs will make the playoffs and have a stream of consciousness conversation about the Cardinals sweeping the Cubs in a 4-game series at Wrigley, the 2019 season as a whole, and the future of the team. Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

This episode was recorded before Wednesday's Cubs/Reds game.  We talk about the first few games of the series.  Then, we preview the HUGE upcoming four-game Cardinals/Cubs series at Wrigley.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs DESTROY the Pirates over the weekend while the Brewers took two of three from the Cardinals.  The Cubs now sit 2 games behind the Cardinals as they prepare to host the Reds while the Cardinals play the current wild card leading Nationals.   On this episode, we talk about the Pirates series, the Cubs' playoff hopes, and our recent event, The 2019 Ivy Envy Weekend at the Lake. 

This was not a good week for the Chicago Cubs and there is not a lot of optimism in this episode.  The Cubs ended the week further behind the Cardinals than they were at the beginning of the week.  Oh yeah, and Javy has a hairline fracture, Kimbrel went to the IL, and now Bryant is missing games because of his knee.  At a time when the Cubs needed everything to fall in place, things are heading the opposite direction.  Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

Labor Day unofficially marks the beginning of the home-stretch for the MLB season.  The Cubs start that race behind the Cardinals, and in this episode, Andy and Corey discuss what needs to happen for the Cubs to win the NL Central in 2019. Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs won a road series!  Corey shares his (perhaps misguided) optimism about the 2019 Cubs.  We then discuss some of the latest happenings.  There have been some good pitching performances, some really shakey bullpen appearances, and an offense that has not been enough.  But did the Little League Classic turn around this Cubs season? Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

On this episode, we spend some time talking about the Cubs' bizarre inability to win on the road in 2019.  With our John Baker Day panel discussion episode last week, we talk about some of the negatives and positives over the last two weeks.  This really feels like a team that you can read however you'd like, doesn't it?   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

This panel discussion was recorded at the John Baker Day 2019 event.  Corey and Andy moderate a discussion with panelists: Corey Freedman from Cubs Related and Cubs Insider Michael Cerami from Bleacher Nation  and Outside the Ivy Alex Patt from Cubbies Crib and Climbing the Ivy  Sara Sanchez from Bleed Cubbie Blue and Cuppa Cubbie Blue Luis Medina from Bleacher Nation and Outside the Ivy  Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs started this important 9-game stretch by losing 2 out of 3 to the Brewers.  The Cubs could have swept the series, but the offense and pitching struggled.  Kurt's scary stat is terrifying, and you're going to get some long-term and shot-term talk on this episode.  Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs wrapped up a strong post-ASG homestand by taking 2 of 3 from a competitive San Diego Padres team.  On this episode, we talk about that series, the upcoming trade deadline, and the Cubs players making their way back from injury.  Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs make a move and trade Mike Montgomery for Martín Maldonado.  We discuss the trade and how it makes the Cubs stronger.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

On this episode of the podcast, Andy and Corey look back on the first half of the 2019 season and assign letter grades to the team.  

On this shared Ivy Envy/Son Ranto episode, we share details on John Baker Day 2019.  In the second half of the episode, John Baker himself joins the conversation.  John is currently working as a Mental Skills Coordinator for the Chicago Cubs.  He talks about the John Baker Game and he gives us some insight into the work he does for the Cubs. 

Kurt and Andy discuss the state of Cubs baseball.  Along with the team’s performance this past week, they cover the personnel changes due to injury, the mediocre play of the team in June, and the upcoming All-Star game. Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

On this episode, we talk about Adbert Alzolay's debut, Craig Kimbrel's timeline, and more help for the bullpen.  Then we answer some listener questions.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn  

The Cubs go 2-5 in a 7-game road trip out west.  On this episode, we talk about the series in Colorado and Los Angeles.  While the Cubs lost 3 of 4 in LA, there were some positives to take away from the series. Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs signed Craig Kimbrel! On this episode, we talk about this acquisition and share our thoughts on the strengthened bullpen. We also talk about the addition of CarGo. This is the time of year people start thinking about ways to strengthen a team before the trade deadline. We discuss what we think the Cubs need to do at the deadline.

This episode was recorded during Sunday's Cubs/Cardinals game.  In the episode, you'll hear us discuss the possibility of the Cubs signing Craig Kimbrel, umpiring, Yu Darvish, an exciting starting pitcher in Iowa, the Cubs' struggles with RISP, and much more.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs have been experiencing a bit of a rough stretch and on this episode, we discuss some of the causes for the results in the second half of the month of May.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

On this episode, Kurt and Andy go Corey-free and talk about the Cubs first series loss since the beginning of April.  They also look forward to the upcoming home stand which features a Darvish-Arrieta matchup. Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs continue their winning ways and we discuss some of the highlights of the last week.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

A red-hot Cardinals team came to Wrigley for the weekend and the Cubs swept them away.  I guess you could say the Cubs spanked and buried the Cardinals.  We share some thoughts on the series and where the Cubs stand, which is atop the division.  We also contemplate the validity of our early-season bullpen concerns.  The Marlins come to Wrigley for a four-game series, and we see this as a good opportunity to continue their winning ways. Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs went to Seattle and took the two-game set, and now return to Chicago to face the Cardinals for the first time this season.  On this episode, we talk about a few things we saw in the Mariners series and then preview this weekend's series.  Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

This episode was recording during the Cubs' extra-inning win over the Diamondbacks.  We share a few thoughts on the D-backs series, preview the upcoming Mariners series, and answer about a dozen listener questions.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The biggest test of the season came to Wrigley this week, and the Cubs beat the Dodgers two games to one.  On this episode, we talk about the series, and how the starting pitching held up.  Now that the season is four weeks old, we also look at some the players in the lineup who aren't producing as we'd expect.  We also talk about the players that have stepped up to help the offense produce at a near-record clip.   Addison Russell will likely join the Cubs soon.  We share some thoughts on his return.  We also preview the upcoming Diamondbacks series. Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs took two of three from the Diamondbacks, and the series was once again anchored by a pitching staff that has been unbelievably reliable since Jon Lester was injured.  We focus on the three starters in the Diamondbacks series, and also discuss some offensive performances.  We also preview the upcoming Dodgers series and give you some injury updates.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

Anchored by great starting pitching and some key offensive players, the Cubs went down to Miami and swept the Marlins.  On this episode, we talk about some of the individual performances and share how much stock we put into this sweep of a weaker team.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

On this, the 610th episode of The Ivy Envy Podcast, we talk about the two games the Cubs played against the Angels this weekend.  In these two games, we saw some great pitching (Cole Hamels), some bad pitching (the bullpen on Saturday), and some in-between pitching (Kyle Hendricks).  We also talk about the catching situation now that Victor Caratini is out for a month or two.  This allows us the opportunity to fret over the lack of quality pitch-framing. We also preview the upcoming Marlins series.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

This episode was recorded during Thursday night's rubber-match between the Cubs and Pirates.  On this episode, we start things off by talking about starting pitching.  Between the Scary Stat segment, Jon Lester's injury, and Yu Darvish's outing, we have quite a bit of starting pitching to talk about.  We are thoroughly enjoying Jason Heyward's production, though there are a few signs that the power he's displaying may not be "The New Heyward."  We also preview the upcoming Angels series.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn