Quick Take: Cubs Offense Awakens to Take Game 4

The bats needed to come to life if the Cubs were going to have a shot at winning the series, and last night it finally happened.

Also, big moments from Willson Contreras and the bullpen as the Cubs guarantee a return to Wrigley Field.

Quick Take: Cubs look dead and shock us all, plus looking ahead

Still trying to put into words what happened the night before, Ryan and Isaac get together and discuss the events of Game 4 and Game 3. That includes questionable decisions by Joe Maddon, brilliant decisions by Joe Maddon, and how things were feeling in the Giants series heading into that fatefull ninth inning.

Later, the guys run down the tentative pitchers for the NLCS matchup that could feature either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Washington Nationals and give their pick for the best opponent for the Cubs.

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Quick Take: Wood homers, Cubs get Samardzija, 2-0 series lead

The Cubs take game two over the Giants, thanks in large part to a surprise contribution from Travis Wood. We look at what happened and give instant reaction, talking about Jeff Samardzija, Wood’s homer, Kyle Hendricks’ early exit, and looking ahead to the Bumgarner/Arrieta matchup in game three and the likelihood of the Cubs closing out the series.

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Quick Take: Giants Beat Mets, will face Cubs

Yeah, the Mets would’ve been better, but the Giants are still a team that played terrible baseball in the second half. And Madison Bummergarner isn’t going until Game 3. So there’s that…

The guys start off a bit somber after the Giants win becomes official, but then end on a high note thanks to something we call “The Joel Cornhole.” Tune in for the details.

 

Episode 33: Mets vs. Giants, Bumgarner’s success, and postseason anxiety

With the National League wild card teams set, Ryan, Isaac, and Joel discuss which one would be the ideal matchup for the Cubs. Then, they flip the script and talk about which team they think will win the one-game playoff and why.

Later, the trio muse about players they believe will be x-factors for the Cubs, players they are somewhat concerned about, and the recent struggles of Hector Rondon.

Joel recalls a former Cy Young winner in 60 Seconds with a Former Cub, Ryan fields a question from a listener about concerns with the starting staff, and Isaac gives us an at-bat of the week to remember. Don’t forget to follow us on @BPWrigleycast and leave a review on iTunes!

Episode 32: Arrieta Rests, Montero is Back, and Theo is a Bro

Isaac is MIA this week but the guys take a look at Jake Arrieta’s rest before the playoffs, Montero making a comeback, and the Epstein profile on ESPN.

60 Seconds with a Former Cub takes us to Shawon Dunston and the guys wonder if the era of coasting on your laurels is over.

The Question of the Week wonders about who has overperformed their projected WARP numbers from before the season, and it turns into a nice little game.

Episode 31: The gang talks to Mark Grote, NLDS matchups discussion, and more!

With another pinch-hitter needed for the transient Carlos, Mark Grote from 670 The Score and Chicago Cubs pre- and post-game joins the rest of the team. Among the topics discussed, the differences between this Cubs front office and those of the past, Miguel Montero’s spot on the postseason roster, and the playoff rotation. Mark even does his exceptional Pat Hughes impersonation!

Later, Ryan, Joel, and Isaac dive further into who they’d prefer to see the Cubs play in the NLDS. 60 Seconds with a Former Cub harkens us back to an experience Joel once had with Mark Grace, and the guys debate who might play members of the organization in a movie about the 2016 Cubs. Isaac finishes things off with his At-Bat of the Week and by declaring his love for Aaron Rodgers.

 

Episode 30: The Kyle Hendricks Episode, Cy Young, and Playoff Roster Questions

Kyle Hendricks was so close to throwing a no-hitter until he threw a meatball to Jebediah Hazelfrankenstein on an 0-2 count. It’s too bad, but what does this near brush with greatness do to his Cy Young chances? And also: where should the Cubs slot him in the playoff rotation?

The guys discuss some other playoff roster implications, like Montgomery vs. Hammel and Coghlan vs. LaStella.

Joel gets political with 60 Seconds with a Former Cub.

Ryan brings up a question from the fans dealing with…the playoff roster? I can’t remember, but it was a good conversation.

Then Isaac’s At Bat of the Week revels in the greatness that is Kris Bryant.