Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

The Cubs are back and tied for first place in the division with the Cardinals after taking two of three from the Milwaukee Brewers in their first series. Sara and Danny are recapping that series including an ideal start from Kyle Hendricks, a gem from Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson, the continuation of the bean bag wars between Milwaukee and Chicago, plus why none of this looks completely unsustainable. After the break we are looking at the action in South Bend where Danny caught a game and say Owen Caissie, Ed Howard and Alexander Canario showing off a bit. Then we are previewing a two-game series against the Pirates where the Cubs will face old friend Jose Quintana and JT Brubaker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Opening Day is just a few days away Sara and Danny are joined by Craig Calcaterra to discuss his new book "Rethinking Fandom: How to Beat the Sports-Industrial Complex at Its Own Game." There is a sportsbook mid-construction at Wrigley Field less than one year from trading the World Series core, so this is a timely conversation about the sports business and how fans interact with it. We talk about tanking, the CBA, why we all love Greg Maddux and more. In the second half of the show Craig joins us for our NL Central preview where we look at a Brewers team built to win and a Cardinals team that looks uniquely stacked for devil's magic. Finally, we try to figure out the Cubs Opening Day 28-man roster and share one thing we are each looking for on Opening Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Danny take a look at how the #NoToRicketts campaign may have thrown a wrench in the Ricketts' bid to buy the Chelsea Football Club and the latest Forbes team valuations that show the Cubs are currently worth $3.8 Billion. They are also pretty bummed that it doesn't look like any of that money is going to be used to extend Willson Contreras. Harold Ramirez (we hardly knew ye) has been traded to the Rays. After the break they take a closer look at the crowded outfield, Clint Frazier has discussed his recovery from concussion issues and there will be some fights for playing time. They are also looking at the Cubs starting rotation and worried there may be some depth issues there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Danny are back breaking down the flurry of deals that saw Carlos Correa go to the Twins and Trevor Story sign with Boston, plus the Cubs own mega deal -- signing Japenese superstar Seiya Suzuki to a five year deal with the Cubs. After the break Sara and Danny take a closer look at the Cubs roster and who they expect would make the team and who the Cubs might lose if Opening Day was tomorrow. Stick around until the end for Danny's incredible musical tribute to Seiya for the outro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Danny are back and the Cubs are signing shortstops, but maybe not the one you thought they were. Sara and Danny talk through the implications of the Andrelton Simmons signing, they are also looking at the dismantling of the Reds and owners who might be "forced to sell" their teams if players like Carlos Rodón keep getting fair contracts. After the break they are trying to figure out why Willson Contreras hasn't been extended and debating whether Opening Day or the start of March Madness is the best day in sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baseball is back and so are Sara and Danny with everything you need to know about the successful CBA negotiations. They are looking at all the new rules from the CBT thresholds to the new and improved league minimum, how new rules like a pitch clock could be implemented and why the international draft became such a big deal. If you're excited for the return of MLB you will not want to miss this special episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Danny are looking at the possible impacts of the rule changes MLB wants to institute with 45 games notice including larger bases, a pitch clock and potentially banning the shift. After the break they take a closer look at the four owners who wouldn't even agree to the CBT threshold going up at all, let alone meeting the players halfway. Closer to home, Sara and Danny take a closer look at the Ricketts Family's interest in investing in the Chelsea Football Club, despite the "Biblical Losses" they claimed came with owning the Cubs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Danny are discussing how baseball wound up in a spot where the MLB owners appear ready to miss their own Monday deadline and lose regular season games rather than take the team friendly deal the MLBPA is offering them. They are also looking at the expanded playoff options and why those likely hurt competitiveness in MLB. After the break they look at MLBs never ending campaign to gain more control of the game and why FanGraphs likes a lot of the Cubs young players -- who may be ready for MLB by 2024 or so. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Danny are back looking at some of MLB's more ludicrous conditions in the ongoing CBA negotiations with the MLBPA. They are also talking about the chaos that is likely coming when dozens of free agents get rapidly signed between a deal and the start of Spring Training. Finally, they take a look at why PECOTA hates the Cubs, and, frankly, it's probably not wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Danny are frustrated by the lack of movement in the CBA negotiations and to be clear this falls pretty squarely on the mantle of some delusional billionaires who think the only cost that shouldn't go up these days is their payroll. After the break they are talking about the most recent top 100 prospect lists from various outlets and how the Cubs much-improved farm system shapes up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Danny break down the latest from the CBA negotiations where MLB has gone from taking a six week Christmas break to requesting a federal mediator with very little in the way of offers or concessions. Meanwhile, the players have rejected the offer of mediation and have taken to social to request actual negotiations. After the break Sara and Danny are also looking at developments around Wrigley Field where the Cubs are building a sportsbook (thanks, we hate it) and a NY Post story that indicates the Cubs are set to be the first team to develop a streaming service (love the idea, hate the price tag). Be sure you stick around until the end as Danny closes us out with his song "Rob Manfred Hates Baseball." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Danny are looking at how exactly we wound up in a place where David Ortiz is a first ballot Hall of Famer while Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and others fall off the ballot for the final time due to steroids and/or character issues. Meanwhile, the commissioner who oversaw it all, Bud Selig, is already in the Hall. After the break they are also looking at the CBA negotiations that actually appear to be making some progress, maybe? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Danny are back and really bummed that they aren't at Cubs Convention for the second year in a row. They are also looking at the latest lockout and Hall of Fame news. After the break they take a closer look at the Yankees' historic decision to name Rachel Balkovec their first woman MiLB manager and what that could mean for the future of women in baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Danny are back looking at Sammy Sosa's career numbers in what is likely his tenth, and final, year on the BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot. They are also full on Carlos watch with rumors that the Cubs are in on both Rodón and Correa. Finally, they are looking at the MLB minimum salary and arbitration. Drawing on research from Travis Sawchik and Eno Sarris they discuss why changing MLB's minimum salary would impact the earnings for more than half the players in MLB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara is joined by Danny Rockett and they kick things off celebrating the long overdue elections of Buck O'Neil and Minnie Miñoso to the Hall of Fame. They are also talking Cubs minor league signings and rumors. After the break they discuss the news that MLB knowingly used two different baseballs in 2021 and how that could impact stalled CBA Negotiations as the MLB Lockout continues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara is joined by friend of the show and host of the Son Ranto podcast (might be a TV show now?) Danny Rockett to discuss the surprisingly optimistic Cubs offseason so far including the pickups of Wade Miley, Clint Frazier, Yan Gomes and Marcus Stroman. After the break they are also analyzing the MLB lockout, how we got here and a few of the key issues facing MLB and the MLBPA. You will absolutely want to stick around for the end where we talk about Cubs Caroling, which you can get a sample of in a special outro featuring Danny's new song "We Got Stro!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Stolnis, Kris Willis and Ashley MacLennon set the table for the World Series showdown between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros! Presented by T-Mobile Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talent from all around SB Nation come together to preview the MLB NL Playoffs as John Stolnis, Brady Klopfer and Kris Willis debate all the biggest topics and make their predictions! Presented by T-Mobile Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara is joined by Joe Kilgallon from Locked on Cubs to talk about the Cubs at the first half including a look at who might be on the trade block. They are also talking about the implications of Willson Contreras' comments about the team's work ethic, Brennen Davis' MVP performance at the Future's Game and a preview of the upcoming series with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MLB great John Kruk joins Sam Wilson, John Stolnis, Brady Klopfer and a host of community guests from around SB Nation to watch the 2021 MLB Home Run Derby! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SB Nation’s all-star cast (Sam Wilson, John Stolnis, Eric Stephen and guest Jeremy Brener) breaks down everything that happened in the 1st round of the 2021 MLB Draft! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SB Nation welcomes you to it’s coverage of the 2021 MLB All-Star Week, powered by T-Mobile! On today’s episode, Sam Wilson, John Stolnis, and Brady Klopfer break down the rosters, set the state of the league, discuss trade rumors PLUS Talking Chop's Demetrius Bell joins the show to talk about the move from Georgia to Colorado! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara is joined by special guests Shakeia Taylor and Jay Westbrook to look back on a not great June of Cubs baseball, after the break we are talking about the All Star Game, its terrible uniforms and our excitement for the home run derby, plus a very special collaboration Jay, Shakeia, Haymarket Brewing and The Lost Boyz, Inc are working on to benefit baseball in Chicago's neighborhoods. From 13:10 to 30:35 we take on the Trevor Bauer situation, MLB's delayed decision to place him on administrative leave and the Dodgers' response. We worked to avoid the most graphic descriptions of that assault, but take care of yourself and if you need to skip ahead, we won't mind. There is some explicit language in this section. Get your ticket: https://www.exploretock.com/haymarketbeer/event/287480/summer-of-54-tapping-event-for-the-lost-boyz/ Donate to Lost Boyz, Inc directly: https://www.lostboyzinc.org/ Learn more about Jay's beer: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeerbaron/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi look back at four games against the Giants that didn't go exactly the Cubs way but did highlight the emergence of rookie Patrick Wisdom who continues to rake. They are also talking about the Cubs lockdown bullpen and looking ahead to a three-game series against the Padres (didn't we just see you?) this time in San Diego. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andi lost her voice cheering for the Cubs in St. Louis last weekend, but Sara is joined by Ken Schultz to look back at how the Cubs took two of three in St. Louis. They are also previewing the Cubs next two matchups on the road against Pittsburgh and at home against the Reds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi look back at Jon Lester and Kyle Schwarber's homecoming as the Cubs managed to win 3 out of 4 games against the Washington Nationals. They are also talking about the recent spate of no-hitters and wondering why everyone seems to know Tony La Russa is wrong about the unwritten rules except Tony La Russa. Finally they have a Cubs v. Cardinals preview as the greatest rivalry in baseball kicks off it's 2021 iteration with the Cubs just three games back of the Cardinals and heading to St. Louis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are back and talking through the early part of the season the Cubs injury woes, players who've started out hot and exciting new pitcher developments. They are also looking ahead to a weekend series with the Detroit Tigers and the return of Jon Lester and Kyle Schwarber as the Nationals head to Wrigley Field early next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andi is off this week, but Sara is joined by Marquee Sports Network's Tony Andracki for a special Cubs season preview. We are breaking down the battle for the fifth spot in the rotation, how the infield shapes out, which players are hoping for bounce back years, the X-Factor of the Cubs coaching staff and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are thrilled to be joined by Beth Mowins who will be making a bit of history (herstory?) on Saturday when she becomes the first woman to call play-by-play for the Chicago Cubs who face off with the Rockies at 3 pm on Marquee Sports Network. Find out how she called games from her Big Wheel riding around the neighborhood growing up, why she just loves Day Playoff Baseball, who her favorite Cubs were growing up and more on this special episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are back and wondering why the Angels still haven't fired Mickey Callaway before taking a closer look at the Cubs red hot start to spring training. There are dingers, great hair and guys with great hair hitting dingers. They are also talking about Nico Hoerner's breakout, the possibility of watching a baseball game in person in 2021 and what needs to happen to make that a reality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are looking at the fallout from Kevin Mather's decision to say the quiet parts out loud at the Rotary Club. They are also looking at the latest Cubs moves that bring Cameron Maybin back in the minor league fold, Ian Happ's arbitration victory, the possibility of extending Bryzzo and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are back and so is Jake Arrieta, who signed a one-year deal with the Cubs last week. Sara and Andi are also looking at the monster extension Fernando Tatís Jr. signed with the Padres and wondering who (if anyone) the Cubs might be able to extend this spring. After the break they are looking at bullpen additions in Pedro Strop and Brandon Workman, talking about the historic decision to bring Beth Mowins in as one of the backup play-by-play announcers for the Cubs and reminiscing about the original Unconventional, which will always be hosted by our friends at Son Ranto and Ivy Envy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are stoked there is less than a week before pitchers and catchers report. They have you covered with all the big moves from the offseason, they are also talking about the Nolan Arenado trade that would have been rejected in most fantasy leagues, news MLB will deaden the baseball for 2021, why we want to name our projection system MALORT and more on the latest Bleed Cubbie Blue podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi open the show reflecting on Kim Ng being named General Manager of the Marlins and how it should have happened a decade ago, plus a look at both leagues' MVPs, and how one weird ballot got Ryan Tepera an MVP vote while another weird ballot decided Yu Darvish wasn't in the Cy Young conversation at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a much needed hiatus Sara and Andi are back with everything you need to know as offseason starts including what to expect in Theo's final season, which players they expect back, and which rule changes MLB should keep in 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are looking back on an awesome series on the South Side that featured lefty Javy, 2 Chains KB and a Willson Contreras bat flip that may still be in orbit as the Cubs took two of three from the White Sox. They are also previewing the Cubs Wild Card matchup against the Marlins with everything you need to know about who's hot and who's pitching as the teams face off at Wrigley Field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are joined by White Sox writer Janice Scurio to talk all things Crosstown Classic as both teams have clinched a spot in the postseason but failed to lockdown their respective divisions setting up a three-game series that counts for more than bragging rights during the final weekend of the regular season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are back and trying to figure out a Cubs offense that just goes on vacation every other series after a brutal series loss to the Twins where the Cubs only scored 2 runs over 27 innings. They are also looking ahead to a 4 game series in Pittsburgh that on paper favors the Cubs but really feels a lot more tenuous than that as the NL Central race tightens in a lightning fast pandemic baseball season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are looking at the Cubs two-game sweep of the Indians including cool Javy plays and what maybe (we hope wasn't) Jon Lester's last start at Wrigley. They are also looking at the division and possible playoff scenarios before previewing the Cubs three-game set against a hot Minnesota Twins team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are back and on cloud nine after the Cubs took two of three from the Brewers including a late inning rally against Josh Hader and an improbable no hitter by Alec Mills. They are also breaking down the state of the NL Central race as the Cubs head into the final two weeks of the regular season before looking ahead to a two-game series with Cleveland at Wrigley Field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are back after a Labor Day Weekend break looking at both the Cardinals and the Reds series, plus they are breaking down a ton of roster moves and what the Cubs need to do to finish the 2020 season strong as they head to Wrigley North for three games with the Brewers and only 15 games left on their regular season schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are back and looking back at the Cubs three game series against the Pirates in Pittsburgh. They are also thrilled Jason Heyward is the Cubs' Roberto Clemente nominee and looking ahead to a critical five game series against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field over Labor Day weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi break down everything from a four game series with the Reds including Rizzo v. Votto and why pitchers need to stop throwing fastballs at players heads, plus there were dingers. Historic amounts of dingers. They are also looking at how the Cubs did at the trade deadline, and looking ahead to three games in Pittsburgh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are back as most of baseball joins in historic sports strikes in solidarity with the protesters demanding the end of police violence against Black Lives and MLB commemorates Jackie Robinson Day. Rather than our traditonal news, notes and banter, we are opting for a deep dive on the events of the past week, the Cubs unfortunate place in them and what we hope to see from the MLB moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andi is off this series but Sara is joined by Tigers SRD co-hosts Rogelio Castillo and Chris Brown to look at the state of baseball in the Central divsions as the Cubs head to Detroit for three games against the Tigers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are back and pretty stoked the Cubs took three of five from the Cardinals at Wrigley Field where Adbert Alzolay stepped up big, Craig Kimbrel looked like his old self and Ian Happ continued to rake from the leadoff spot. They are also breaking down the unwritten rules and how Fernando Tatís Jr. seems to have unleashed Pandora's Box of grand slams in San Diego (spoiler alert, we're here for it) plus a preview of the Crosstown Classic, which kicks off at Wrigley Field on Friday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are back breaking down a rough four-game series against the Brewers that has the Cubs in their first three-game losing streak of the year. They're also looking at the NL Central standings, how a positive COVID test over the weekend shut down the Reds and the Pirates and what Cubs fans can expect as the Cardinals head to Wrigley Field for five games in three days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are back and beyond thrilled with the Cubs performance in Cleveland. They are talking about the incredible starting pitching and the emergence of Jeremy Jeffress plus a pandemic baseball update on the Cardinals before previewing a four-game series with the Brewers this weekend at Wrigley Field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are back and it seems like maybe, kinda the Cubs might be back and playing in Cleveland later today...or not, given two Indians players violating MLB protocols in Chicago. This episode has everything you need to know about the state of pandemic baseball plus a look at who is swinging a hot bat heading into this two game series, probable pitchers and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are joined by Cardinals writer and podcaster Tara Wellman to look at what is going on with the Cardinals COVID-19 outbreak and preview the series that we thought would happen over the weekend in St. Louis. They are also looking at the Cubs incredibly hot start powered by the bats and starting pitching while addressing the biggest weakness on the Cubs to date: the bullpen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices