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.