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...