Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

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

Sara and Andi are back with everything you need to know from a wild weekend in baseball that saw the Cardinals shutdown with rumors of even more positive COVID cases. We'll also be looking back at the Cubs sweep of the Pirates, how that sets them up in the division, what if anything can be done with the bullpen and what to expect as the Cubs play four games against the Royals - two at Wrigley and two in Kansas City. 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 news breaks that the Cardinals are the first team in the NL Central with positive coronavirus cases plus some of the rule changes MLB is considering as the Marlins outbreak worsens. They are also looking back at the first official week of Cubs baseball! The Cubs are 4-2 atop the NL Central and the bats and starting pitching look great, but the bullpen is still a problem. Plus they are looking ahead to a 3-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates, talking about Joe Kelly's antics with the Astros, and more on the latest Cuppa Cubbie Blue. 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 Shakeia Taylor for a must listen pandemic baseball season preview. They have everything you need to know about the most recent Cubs exhibition games, Comcast and Marquee negotiations, and historic baseball moments. 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 fired up about the start of the 2020 season. They are telling you everything you need to know about COVID-19 testing for teams, the Cubs practice games, what to expect in a 60 game season and who's hot on the Cubs right now. 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 the Cubs have one week of summer camp in the books. MLB's COVID-19 testing protocol didn't handle the 4th of July holiday well and a handful of more players have opted out. Meanwhile, Willson Contreras is hitting bombs, Anthony Rizzo is the best bleacher bum and it turns out you can watch a game at Wrigley Field from the rooftops in 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are cautiously optimistic for the start of baseball as (masked!) Cubs arrive back at Wrigley Field, they are also talking about players who opted out of 2020 and why, their plans to have cardboard cutouts in the Coliseum and more on the latest Cuppa Cubbie Blue. 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 maybe sort of kind of seems like baseball is too? They've got you covered breaking down everything you need to know about the 60 game season, the new rules (thanks we hate them), how the Cubs shape up in the Central division and more on the latest Cuppa Cubbie Blue. 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 reviewing a busy week that included more MLB negotiations over when and if there will be a 2020 season, the Cubs draft picks and the sloppily edited, Cardinals-centric 30 for 30: Long Gone Summer 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 taking a closer look at the statements and actions teams and MLB made (or didn't make) in response to the protests in the aftermath of George Floyd's death at the hands of police in Minneapolis. They are also talking about the offers to potentially restart the 2020 MLB season as the summer ticks away and owners just keep proposing the same offer players already rejected in slightly different ways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andi and Sara are joined by Cubs fan and musical artist Katie Day to discuss her love of baseball and her latest song "Just a Game" which captures the special place baseball holds for her and for all of us, even in trying times. They're also talking about the salary dispute between players and owners, Jetergate and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andi is back and her and Sara are celebrating the one year podcastiversary of Cuppa Cubbie Blue! They are looking ahead to the biggest challenges baseball faces as it tries to make a comeback in 2020, talking about their favorite podcast moments from the first year, and just checking in with each other in these crazy times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andi had a non-pandemic related family emergency but Sara is joined by the Cubs spring PA announcer Tim Sheridan who shares his favorite stories from over 30 years of Cubs spring training seasons. You can catch some of those stories on his "Cubs Talk" documentary series at boysofspring.com. Tim and Sara are also talking about the possible implications of a five round draft, the owners proposal to get baseball back in 2020 and the MLB COVID-19 antibody test results. 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 reviewing yet another plan to potentially bring MLB to fans during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are also talking about the Red Sox sign stealing scandal and why MLB apparently doesn't want anyone to talk about that. 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 welcome the legendary voice of Chicago Cubs radio Pat Hughes to the podcast! They are talking his favorite baseball moments, favorite calls and more as the COVID-19 pandemic delays the start of the MLB 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 looking at the possible plans to bring baseball back in 2020. Hear what they have to say on no fans, "baseball biodome," the designated hitter, realignment plans 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

Baseball is still on hiatus but Sara and Andi were thrilled to chat with Cubs minor league hitting coach Rachel Folden for this special episode of Cuppa Cubbie Blue. She's a big believer in process and tells us a bit about how her career as a top tier softball player and coach led to her being the first female coach in the Cubs organization. She's also talking about her time at Spring Training and what's keeping her busy during the COVID-19 shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are adjusting to pandemic life without sports. Both are under stay at home orders but keeping close tabs on Cubs news including Jason Heyward and Anthony Rizzo doing awesome community work, keeping up with Willson Contreras and Steven Souza Jr. on Tik Tok and Instagram, what a shortened season might look like and where die hard fans can find Cubs sim games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baseball might be paused but Cuppa Cubbie Blue is not. Sara and Andi were absolutely thrilled to be joined by Marquee Network Studio Host Craig Wright for this episode. He tells us about growing up playing baseball and waiting tables in Chicago, taking his daughter (she's a catcher!) to see the UCLA softball team before sports were shutdown, and why he made the jump from the NFL Network to Marquee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Less than 24 hours since our last episode all major sports, including baseball, have been shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sara and Andi are breaking it all down in an emergency podcast edition of Cuppa Cubbie Blue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are talking about the impact of COVID-19 on sports, travel and the start of the MLB season. They are also looking at Cubs opening day starter options, the fifth spot in the rotation and a possible extension for Javy Báez. *Note, this episode was recorded about 2 hours before the NBA suspended it's season, if anything similar happens with MLB there will be an emergency episode of CCB. 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 Marquee Network's Taylor McGregor who is the Cubs' new field reporter. Taylor's talking about how she fell in love with baseball, why she's had a Cubs hat in her room since middle school, her favorite Cubs interview (so far) and more on this special episode of Cuppa Cubbie Blue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cubs are back and so are Sara and Andi! They are talking all things Marquee Network debut, David Ross, and your favorite Cubs plus looking at news from around the league including how the Astros are being greeted by rival fans in Spring Training and solving the mystery of Mason Saunders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andi is back and she and Sara are breaking down all the news out of Cubs spring training camp from Kris Bryant: Leadoff Hitter to who will get the fifth spot in the rotation. They are also loving David Ross' management style and looking ahead to the launch of the Cubs Marquee Network on Saturday and who will actually be able to watch it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andi is out this week, but special guest and friend of the show Michael Cerami joins Sara to talk about the 2020 projections for the Cubs as pitchers and catchers report in Arizona. They are looking at which players they expect to exceed expectations, the Cubs opening day press conference, the Jason Kipnis trade, the sign stealing scandal 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 there is a ton of Cubs news! The episode kicks off with farewells to Nicholas Castellanos and Pedro Strop who have both signed with the Cincinnati Reds, so road trip plans are definitely in order. They are also talking about Kris Bryant's service time grievance, which finally was settled just before it had to sign up for kindergarten. After the break they discuss the Bryant for Nolan Arenado trade rumors and the Cubs signing not one, but two, players to real life major league contracts for 2020. 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 Michael Bolling to talk all things Cubs Convention. They are also chatting about Cubs rumors, the fall out from the baseball sign stealing scandal, and two new stats that appreciate the brilliance of Javier Báez and Willson Contreras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi talk about the moves, or lack thereof, the Cubs have made and how fans should evaluate that. They are also looking at some of the latest Marquee developments - will your cable carrier have Cubs games next year and who will be on the air for them? Finally they finish up the show with a brief conversation with Danny Rockett about Cubs Convention and Unconventional. If you're in Chicago the 17-18 you're definitely going to want to check this out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are closing out 2019 with a special guest - Cubs play-by-play broadcaster Len Kasper! They are talking about how Len got started announcing, personnel changes for the Cubs so far, trade rumors, rule changes for 2020 and more on this special episode of CCB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi talk about the state of free agency and trades as the holidays approach and it really just looks like the Cubs are staying pat. There are budget and other reasons for this and they explore all of it. They are also talking about the increasingly heated war of words between MLB and MiLB and are looking forward to Cubs Caroling with Son Ranto and our 2019 wrap up episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode Sara and Andi welcome Rob Neyer to the show to talk about all things winter meetings, the hot stove, the baseball, extended netting and more - if you want to know Rob's favorite park you're going to have to listen to the end. 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 awesome Thanksgiving breaks. They kick off the 53rd episode with a massive sigh of relief as the Cubs non-tendered Addison Russell. They are also looking at other free agent signings, the Cubs intriguing new coaching hires and a preview of Winter Meetings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi do a rundown of a pretty terrible, no good, very bad month for MLB including a bunch of rules changes for the sake of rules changes, their plan to eliminate 42 minor league teams, and the latest in the sign stealing scandal. They are also talking Rizzo's puppy, KB's baby announcement, taking your trade questions and a possible extension for Javy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a busy first week without baseball and Sara and Andi have you covered. First up they are taking some questions from listeners and looking at possible starting rotation options for the Cubs in 2020, whether the Cubs will sign Nicholas Castellanos, and what the coaching staff might look like. They are also talking about the Giants decision to hire Gabe Kapler, who also interviewed for the Cubs opening. Finally they look at the hottest Cubs' trade rumors involving Willson Contreras, whether or not they'll re-sign Brandon Morrow and an elaborate sign stealing system the Astros deployed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi are counting down the days until pitchers and catchers report, talking all things opt outs, options, free agents and the luxury tax before looking back at a historic World Series run by the Nationals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi recap the Cubs press conference where former Cubs catcher David Ross was introduced as the 55th manager of the Chicago Cubs. There is a clear theme here: win. They are also super excited about Cubs Convention and tell you how to get passes! After the break they are talking all things World Series including cancelling the #UmpShow, beer guy and how to get banned at every MLB park indefinitely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As promised Sara and Andi are here with all of their thoughts and reactions to the news that former Cubs backup catcher David Ross will be the 55th (or is it 61st?) Cubs manager. They are also looking at how not to handle a PR crisis in Houston and an absolutely stunning showing by the Nationals who find themselves up 2-0 in their first ever World Series. 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 Away Games podcaster Kevin McCaffrey to talk about all of the craziness in the ALCS and look ahead to the World Series. They are also checking in on the Cubs managerial hunt and reacting to the news that Joe Espada had a second interview in Chicago this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi have a lot to say about the National League Championship Series where the Nationals dominated the Cardinals in a four-game sweep. They are also looking ahead to the rest of the American League Championship Series which has been temporarily delayed by a bomb cyclone, wishing Joe Maddon the best of luck with the Angels and discussing the last two Cubs manager interviews with Joe Espada and Gabe Kapler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara and Andi look at the Cubs managerial candidates, both confirmed and rumored. They are also talking about Cole Hamels and Nicholas Castellanos as the Cubs have some decisions to make about their free agents. After the break they are talking all things 2019 playoffs including Sotober (they're here for it) and a wild Braves/Cardinals series 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 the last three games of the Cubs regular season where they finally won a road series against the Cardinals. They are also talking about Theo Epstein's press conference, the Cubs future without Joe Maddon and what they expect in the Wild Card games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cubs season is basically over, but they have three games in St. Louis left to play spoiler. Sara and Andi are talking about what went wrong, possible changes and the end of an era as WGN broadcasts its final Cubs game. 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 a heartbreaking series against the Cardinals that was filled with emotional goodbyes. They are also talking about more injuries, three games with the Pirates and what to expect from Cuppa Cubbie Blue in the offseason. 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 on a disappointing series with the Reds that saw the Cubs drop two out of three at home. They also do a quick check in on Cubs injuries (there are a lot of them) and then look ahead to the most important series of the season: four games at Wrigley against the Cardinals, which will include WGN's final televised game at Wrigley Field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices