Archives: Podcasts

Is it time to panic as the Cubs struggle to win games, or could there be a silver lining to confronting some adversity at this point in the season? Then the guys discuss Willson Contreras and whether he’s your starting catcher come playoff time. The BP Midseason Top 50 is out and three Cubs made the list…the guys talk about them and the state of the system. Every team faces injuries, but how have the Cubs fared so far this year in coping with theirs?

Joel’s 60 Seconds with a Former Cub features Andre Dawson.

The Question of the Week is about the spike in homeruns allowed and what, if anything, can be done about it.

Then Isaac takes us to the At Bat of the Week with a guy who very well might be an MVP candidate.

Carlos and Isaac are out, so the guys welcome Cat Garcia to pick up their slack. The Cubs have had a tough few weeks, but should fans be concerned or merely frustrated with the drought? Later, the trio discuss how the team can best improve heading into the second half of the season and a few intriguing names that have been rumored as trade targets for the Cubs. 

Joel gives us a ’60 Seconds with a Former Cub’, recalling back to the days of a certain beefed up outfielder from the late 90s. Ryan’s ‘Question of the Week’ relates to Addison Russell and Javier Baez. Be sure to give us a rating and a review on iTunes!

With Carlos and Joel away at ANTHROCON 2016, Ryan and Isaac take the reigns in discussing the Cubs recent slump. Later, they tackle the topic of relievers on the trade market, the Cubs needs, which of the All-Stars are truly deserving of their spot, and how awesome is Willson Contreras? 

Isaac has a short but sweet at-bat of the week and Ryan brings an interesting question of the week from the fans. Be sure to rate and review on iTunes and follow the podcast on Twitter @BPWrigleycast. 

The Cubs surprise everyone and trade for Chris Coghlan. With him and Almora now on the roster, how does playing time look moving forward? The guys touch a little bit on the draft (and the Cardinals’ draft) as well as the whole “how long can they carry three catchers?” ordeal. What’s up with that?

Joel’s 60 Seconds with a former Cub goes for some prose with Bryan LaHair. Ryan’s Question of the week pitts Javy Baez against Addison Russell. Isaac’s At Bat of the Week hopes Jason Heyward has finally reached a turning point.

Carlos makes his triumphant return as Ryan Davis slinks away to Summer Camp. Willson Contreras seems ready for the Big Leagues, but what about his defense? It’s easy to say Joe Maddon is doing a great job when the team is winning games, but what is he missing? Isaac profiles some lefty relievers the Cubs might go after before the trade deadline.

Joel keeps it in the current century with 60 Seconds with a Former Cub, tackling Carlos Zambrano. 

Isaac’s At Bat of the Week should give you a better appreciation for Kris Bryant and this team in general. Enjoy it, fans!

The guys move on without Carlos this week, and lead off discussing the Cubs complete 180 degree turn. They’ve played well, but has it been a combination of better performance and poor competition? Next, a discussion about Javier Baez and what the Cubs might be trying to do with him. That leads into yet another talk about playing time, and the Jorge Soler and Tommy La Stella “problems”. 

Joel harkens us back to the days of Larry Biittner, Ryan fields a hypothetical trade question, and Isaac finally has an at-bat of the week that’s truly an at-bat! 

Julie DiCaro is our special guest, and she brings her view on the current Cubs slump to the table. We also talk Jason Heyward and whether players should be a little more careful early in the season to avoid injury. The Cubs are losing games but is that reason to panic or is this just baseball? The Cubs called up Matt Szczur and designated Neil Ramirez, essentially losing Ramirez so they could keep three catchers on the roster. Is that OK or was this a bad move?

Isaac jumps into the podcast with some observations from Sunday night’s game after writing the recap for it. Our Question of the Week is about Heyward moving down in the order. Joel goes all Corey Patterson on us in 60 Seconds with a Former Cub. And Isaac’s AB of the Week is another PA of the Week. We may have to rename the segment…

The Cubs continue to play good baseball, but the guys zero in on Addison Russell and what could be a breakout season for the young shortstop. Jake Arrieta is great, but should the Cubs extend him while they have him? There are pros and there are cons. Heyward is still struggling, but is there reason to worry…yet? 

Joel debuts a new segment that ponders “What if?” And today they talk about what the biggest injury would be to this team.

Isaac throws a curveball by doing a plate appearance of the week…sneaky guy.

The question of the week comes from such a ridiculous person that it may actually be true.

In 60 Seconds with a Former Cub, we revisit the tenure of one Mike Harkey.

The Cubs are absolutely dominating right now, and the guys remind listeners to enjoy it while they can—it’s something special that you don’t see every day. Ben Zobrist has been heating up lately, and the guys take a closer look at his recent run. A week ago Isaac complained that the bullpen wasn’t being used per the plan, and over the past week Maddon flipped the switch and began following the plan, so, you’re welcome. Also, some AAA players you may not be familiar with.

60 Seconds with a Former Cub: Joel drops another instant classic with Pete LaCock. Get your giggle machine ready…

Question of the Week: Ryan takes a question on Jason Heyward. Is there reason to panic yet?

At Bat of the Week: It isn’t Addison Russell, but Ryan Kalish with a well-deserved mention here. 

The guys close with some baseball memories in honor of Mother’s Day. 

The Cubs keep winning despite some of the team’s big offensive names coming up short. But Tommy LaStella and Matt Szczur had a nice week. We touch on Jorge Soler again and the perpetual mystery of whether or not he’ll be a big leaguer. Miguel Montero gets hurt and Willson Contreras doesn’t come up, which makes sense. 

We also talk about Adam Warren, John Lackey, and the plan to pull pitchers early. Whatever happened with that? Oh and was Dusty Baker really that bad? Judging from the analogies we all draw…yes. But we still like him.

Isaac talked to Albert Almora about confidence and the role it plays in the game, which was fascinating.

Then Joel goes into 60 Seconds with a Former Cub and breaks out his thesaurus to describe the zaftig Hector Villanueva. 

Ryan’s got the Question of the Week on who the Cubs’s best player has been so far.

Isaac breaks down a great at bat by his idol Addison Russell in At Bat of the Week.