Windy City Breakdown

The Chicago Cubs have less than a dozen games before the postseason -- so what should give fans optimism and what should cause them concern? The Windy City Breakdown analyzes the stretch run for the Cubs, then they discuss a big Week 1 win for the Bears.Tony Andracki, Kyle Millinowisch and Andy Martínez share why the Cubs should give you optimism for a deep run, then they discuss why you should be concern. The trio recap another incredible performance by Pete Crow-Armstrong in the series-opening win over the Braves, then offer some historical nuggets after the center fielder hit his 42nd home run of the season. Later in the pod, they recap the Bears historic, 59-37 win over the Panthers and why they're excited by the start of the season. The panel then discusses a controversial ranking for Caleb Williams after his incredible Week 1 performance.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Cubs were just swept by the Milwaukee Brewers, leading to another 10-game gap in the NL Central -- just like two years ago. So what is the Panic Meter at for the Cubs, both in terms of making the playoffs and putting together a deep run in October? Zooming out, the Cubs rank No. 1 in team defense and offense but have the 30th-ranked pitching staff based on FanGraphs' WAR. How did this happen? Who deserves the blame for this? Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch provide answers to these questions, including looking for solutions to the bullpen woes and how the Cubs can right the ship before the postseason. Plus, the panel gives a Week 1 Bears-Panthers preview, making score predictions and guesses for who will be the top receiver, tackler and have the most fantasy points on the Bears. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Cubs bullpen -- which looked like a strength earlier in the year -- scuffled in a tough loss to the Brewers at Wrigley Field. Tony Andracki, Kyle Millinowisch and Andy Martínez break down the reliever issues for the Cubs and how concerned they are for the team as a whole with the playoffs nearing.  The trio breaks down what's going on with the Cubs, whether they could have done more and who or what may be the answer for their bullpen woes. Later in the pod, the group discusses who will be the X-Factor down the stretch, and their concern for the team: the Philadelphia Phillies.  The Windy City Breakdown then dives into the Bears, as the NFL season nears. They discuss what their biggest concern for the team is and who the No. 1 Bears player they're targeting in fantasy football this year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Cubs suffered a pair of difficult walk-off losses to the Mariners and Diamondbacks, then received some concerning news on right-hander Ben Brown. Tony Andracki, Kyle Millinowisch and Andy Martínez discuss the state of the Cubs after their West Coast trip. The trio also discuss whether or not you should be concerned about the Cubs bullpen situation.  Later in the pod, they discuss Merrill Kelly and the Diamondbacks' claims about pitch tipping and sign stealing and share whether Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya should get a bump in their WAR because of their ABS prowess. The panel wraps up the pod discussing how far back the Cubs need to be from the Brewers to believe they have a shot at winning the division, and discusses the Cubs' 150th anniversary team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pete Crow-Armstrong had an emphatic moment in his 2026 MVP-caliber campaign as he launched a pair of home runs, including a walk-off blast, against the White Sox in the Cubs win in the Crosstown Classic. Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch recap the incredible night from PCA and assess what this means for his MVP campaign, especially going up against the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani.  The crew then breaks down what Dansby Swanson's oblique injury means to the team, and why they're concerned about, even though he hasn't been hitting as well as he has in the past. Then, they discuss Edward Cabrera's blister that has landed him on the injured list for the second time this season (and his third IL stint overall) and what role, if any, he'll play in 2026. The trio wrap up by discussing whether or not they'd like to see a Crosstown Classic World Series and what that would mean for the the city.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.