Onto Waveland: A show about the Chicago Cubs

David Ross took on the disciplinarian side of his managerial role earlier this week, benching Javy Baez mid-game after the starting shortstop's mental lapse on the basepaths. Brett, Sahadev and Patrick kick off this episode of Onto Waveland discussing Javy's benching and why it was different from situations in which Ross did not bench other players.The guys then take a look at the farce that has been the first week of the new sticky substance rules, and consider what the Cubs will need to do to have a successful weekend in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It wasn't a great week for the Cubs, who dropped five of seven games to the Mets and Marlins. And yet, they wake up on Monday still in first place in the NL Central, and they may have discovered a silver lining during the 2-5 week. Could Alec Mills be part of the answer to their rotation woes? Brett, Sahadev and Patrick get into that on this episode of Onto Waveland.They also discuss the backup catcher situation, the dominance of the Tepera-Chafin-Kimbrel trio, the possibility of a small trade, and the team's uncanny ability to salvage the last game of a series.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs have dropped the first three games in their series with the Mets in Queens, exposing some of the issues they've been able to hide over the last few weeks. Namely, the starting pitching is a serious problem, and the offense has fallen back into some bad habits.To be fair, the Cubs remain in first place, and most teams, even the good ones, play worse against better competition. Still, with Pablo Lopez and Trevor Rogers of the Marlins on tap this weekend, and series with Cleveland and the Dodgers ahead, things aren't going to get any easier for the offense any time soon. Brett, Sahadev and Patrick dive into all that and more on this episode of Onto Waveland.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beautiful weather, first place in the NL Central, and a sweep of the hated Cardinals. Yup, the Cubs couldn't have drawn up a better weekend for Wrigley Field to be open to 100% capacity for the first time since 2019.Brett and Patrick discuss the series sweep by the first-place Cubs on this episode of Onto Waveland. The guys react to Zach Davies' best start in a Cubs uniform, and discuss how shocking it will be when the bullpen eventually falters. They also get into COVID-19 vaccination comments made by Anthony Rizzo and Jason Heyward, and answer some questions from the listeners that have been sitting in our mailbag.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs spent the last weekend in California, and after dropping the first three games of the trip in San Francisco, they return home having gone 3-4 against two of the best teams in the NL. With each passing week, the Cubs keep proving that they are legitimate playoff contenders, and they head into this weekend's series with the Cardinals atop the NL Central.Brett, Sahadev and Patrick break down the West Coast swing on this episode of Onto Waveland. The guys highlight the impressive turnaround, culminating in a win over the Padres and old friend Yu Darvish on Wednesday. They also discuss how the team has forced the front office's hand with respect to the trade deadline by playing better than could have realistically been expected to this point of the season.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs dropped three of four against the Giants, but at least they took the game on getaway day! Brett, Sahadev and Patrick discuss the weekend series by the Bay, with a focus on a rotation that is starting to put a real strain on an elite bullpen. Plus, more Patrick Wisdom Mania, and a plea for more time for Sergio Alcántara.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs have significantly exceeded expectations to this point of the season, and Jed Hoyer recently intimated that the team would have some flexibility to make in-season moves. Where they stand as the trade deadline draws nearer will depend on how they fare against a brutal schedule in June, but could this team possibly be buyers? Brett, Sahadev and Patrick consider that question on this episode of Onto Waveland.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs wrapped up an 18-9 month of May playing in front of 60% capacity crowds at Wrigley Field!Brett, Patrick and Sahadev discuss the positive vibes at the old ballpark. They also explain why it's not crazy to think that surprising performances from Patrick Wisdom and Kohl Stewart could continue.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs are now 15-6 in their last 21 games, heading into the weekend after a must-have sweep of the Pirates. The Cubs are getting the job done despite having as many players on the IL, this side of the Mets, of any team in the league.Brett and Sahadev discuss the Cubs racking up wins, despite all those injuries, in advance of a very tough stretch of their schedule that kicks off in earnest against the Padres next week. Plus, they also revel in the latest installment of Javy Being Javy: Will Craig's Stolen Soul.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs are 13-6 in May and coming off a series win against the first-place Cardinals in St. Louis. They have the best run differential in the NL Central, and fourth best mark in the entire senior circuit. It's safe to call the first two months of the season a success.With the Cubs approaching Memorial Day just two games out of first in the division, Brett, Sahadev and Patrick consider the way forward on this episode of Onto Waveland. The guys look at what both buying and selling versions of this team could look like, and dive into David Ross' first 100-plus games as a manager. They also discuss the team's surprisingly excellent bullpen.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It took two months for the Cubs and Cardinals to get together this season, but it was worth the wait. The Cubs took two out of three from the NL Central leaders and appear to be legitimate contenders in the division heading into Memorial Day weekend. Brett, Sahadev and Patrick break down the three-game series and what it means for the Cubs in the immediate and long-term future on this episode of Onto Waveland.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brett Taylor, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma touch on the Cubs series win over the Tigers and Matt Duffy's popularity and importance on the roster before turning their attention to the return of Jon Lester and Kyle Schwarber to Wrigley Field. They look back on the glory days and remember what it meant when Lester agreed to leave Boston for Chicago.The guys also take advantage of the Cubs off-day and revisit the extra innings runner on second rule. Despite some push back against the rule, the guys are all still loving it.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brett Taylor, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma react to three straight losses by the Cubs by asking fans not to overreact. All three games were winnable but the breaks went the other way.The guys also take advantage of the Cubs off-day and revisit the extra innings runner on second rule. Despite some push back against the rule, the guys are all still loving it.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs have won seven of ten after taking two of three from the Pirates. Young pitchers like Adbert Alzolay, Keegan Thompson and Justin Steele are contributing in 2021. Is this the start of a new wave of talented young pitching in the organization. Brett, Sahadev and Patrick discuss that and look ahead to this week's series with the Indians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brett Taylor, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma react to the Cubs surprising sweep of the Dodgers. They dive into the production of Jake Marisnick, Nico Hoerner and Matt Duffy and the challenges that David Ross faces going forward to keep his hot bats in the lineup. Also, this wouldn't be possible if Kris Bryant wasn't willing to move off of third base defensively.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brett, Sahadev and Patrick get you ready for the potentially disastrous series with the Dodgers. Kris Bryant is back performing at an MVP type level, but what does it mean for the Cubs long term with free agency looming. Minor League baseball returns this week so the guys check in on the next wave of Cubs prospects.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brett, Patrick and Sahadev debate whether Anthony Rizzo's pitching performance was all in good fun or a dark moment in a season going off the rails. The guys also take a closer look at what's wrong with Kyle Hendricks and the pitching staff.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After scoring 15-runs in a Friday win, the Cubs bats go cold in a pair of weekend losses. Brett, Sahadev, and Patrick take a closer look at the Brewers series and the call up of Nico Hoerner. The young second baseman impressed at Wrigley. Will he stick in the Majors and what should expectations be for him the rest of the seasonFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brett, Sahadev, and Patrick take a closer look at the Cubs offensive explosion on Wednesday against the Mets. 16 runs and only one homer is a lot of fun. Can MLB rule changes create more action like that? Then the guys analyze Zach Davies' latest performance and try to figure out if he's close to figuring it out.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brett, Sahadev, and Patrick examine the early struggles of the Cubs’ rotation and discuss how the script following 2016 has gone so wrong for the franchise. Did the success in 2018 hide some of the organization’s long-term flaws?Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] to The Athletic for just $3.99/mo to start at theathletic.com/waveland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs are off on Thursday, heading into the third weekend of the season at 5-7. Their next 19 games come against the Braves, Mets, Brewers, Reds and Dodgers, all teams that are expected to be firmly in the postseason hunt this season.Brett, Sahadev and Patrick take this opportunity to consider a couple of big questions for the Cubs. Namely, is it possible that the approach that made the 2015-17 Cubs so successful and seemed to set up the franchise for a run at a dynasty outdated? Plus, we get into some of your emails.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyEmail us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heading into play on April 12, the Cubs rank 27th in the majors in runs, 30th in batting average, 30th in OBP and 28th in slugging, all while carrying the third-highest strikeout rate. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Brett, Sahadev and Patrick have no choice but to get into the doom and gloom on this episode of Onto Waveland.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you tuned in to watch any of the Cubs first six games of the season, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was still 2020. Or 2019. Or the second half of 2018. The offensive issues that have plagued this team for years seem ever-present, and that's already causing heartburn in 2021. But hey, the pitching and defense have been excellent!Brett and Sahadev get into all that, plus read some of your emails, on this episode of Onto Waveland.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs took two of three from the Pirates in their first series of the season, with Kris Bryant and the bullpen standing out as the stars of the series. Brett, Sahadev and Patrick discuss that season-opening series on this episode of Onto Waveland. They also get into the return of fans to Wrigley Field, Ian Happ looking comfortable atop the lineup, and our listener mailbag.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Opening Day brings another season of hope for the Cubs, who should be able to compete in an NL Central that doesn't have any World Series favorites. Yet, that hope has been dampened among much of the fanbase by the lack of an extension for Anthony Rizzo.Brett, Sahadev on Patrick discuss Rizzo's contract situation on this episode of Onto Waveland. The guys also get into their expectations for the Cubs this season, and a couple of items they want to put on the record before the season begins.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the least surprising bit of news to come from Cubs camp this spring, David Ross named Kyle Hendricks the Opening Day starter. Meanwhile, at the other end of the Cubs rotation, Sahadev Sharma dove into Trevor Williams' arsenal, with help from the pitcher himself.Brett, Sahadev and Patrick get into both ends of the rotation on this episode of Onto Waveland. Plus, the guys discuss the report that Major League Baseball is finally serious about cracking down on the use of substances to doctor baseballs.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Opening Day is less than two weeks away, and three of the players most identifiable with this era of Cubs baseball remain in the final year of their current contracts. Will the Cubs extend Anthony Rizzo, Javier Báez and/or Kris Bryant sign extensions? Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss on this episode of Onto Waveland.Plus, the guys get into what has been a very nice spring for Jake Arrieta.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot gave the green light for Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field to open back up at the start of the season, a great sign for what's to come this spring and summer on both sides of Chicago.On this episode of Onto Waveland, Brett, Sahadev and Patrick discuss the return of fans in 2021, with an ode to one particular Wrigley fixture. Then, the guys get into the back end of the rotation, focusing on Adbert Alzolay, Trevor Williams and Shelby Miller.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The day Cubs fans have been anticipating for years has finally arrived: The team has reportedly agreed to a deal with Eric Sogard. Kidding aside, the Sogard signing gives us an excuse to talk about the one seemingly unsettled starting position going into the spring, second base.Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get into the second base position, with a focus on Nico Hoerner and David Bote, the value of an average player, and more on this episode of Onto Waveland.Get a subscription to The Athletic for $3.99 a month: https://theathletic.com/ontowaveland/Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs rotation may have the least strikeout upside of any in the league. But guess what? The group's pitch-to-contact ways line up awfully well with an infield that features at least two elite defenders in Javy Báez and Anthony Rizzo, and potentially a third if Nico Hoerner becomes the regular second baseman.On this episode of Onto Waveland, Brett Taylor and Sahadev Sharma dive into the relationship between the rotation and the infield. The guys also embrace their baseball nerd within, talking about seam-shifted wake and seam mirroring, making both accessible for any listener. Plus, Patrick Mooney checks in with a dispatch from Sloan Park.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyPlease fill out our listener survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/athleticaudiosurvey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cubs pitchers and catchers reported to Mesa on February 17, making it the perfect day to bring back the regular production of Onto Waveland. Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney will be with you every week through the end of the season, getting things started by taking a look at where the roster stands heading into spring training.A lot has happened since the last episode of Onto Waveland. Kris Bryant will be with the Cubs on Opening Day, and is just one of a number of key hitters in walk years. Jed Hoyer had a long press conference. And hey, Jake Arrieta is back. The guys get into all that, and more, as the 2021 season gets underway.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It isn't often that we publish two episodes of Onto Waveland in one week in January, but all the Cubs-related news that materialized this week called for it.First, the Mets fired GM Jared Porter after an ESPN story detailed that he harassed a female reporter with unwanted, unsolicited, explicit text messages while he was employed by the Cubs in 2016. Then, the Jon Lester era came to an end when the Cubs legend signed a one-year deal with the Nationals, followed in quick succession by Tyler Chatwood joining the Blue Jays and José Quintana teaming back up with Joe Maddon in Los Angeles.Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney start this episode of Onto Waveland by discussing the Porter situation. Then, they get to end of the Lester era, and what the fact that the Cubs couldn't meet his incredibly reasonable asking price says about the team this year.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spring Training is just about one month away, and with the arbitration filing deadline now in the past, there are no more signposts between where we are now and the reporting date for pitchers and catchers. That means there's no more putting off an offseason where the Cubs will have to be relatively active, given the holes that still exist on the roster.Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney take a look at what the next month could bring for a Cubs team that is very much in competitive limbo for the 2021 season.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain how Sahadev and Patrick broke the story that Yu Darvish was being traded to the Padres. Then the guys explain why the deal makes sense even if it has upset many fans. Finally a look at the rest of the offseason and what types of moves the Cubs could still make to remain competitive in the NL Central.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The seismic changes for the Cubs keep coming, and the latest one was completely unforeseen. Len Kasper is the latest mainstay to leave the Cubs, opting for the White Sox' radio booth instead of remaining the TV voice of the Cubs.Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma—who broke the Kasper news—and Patrick Mooney focus on Kasper's departure on this episode of Onto Waveland. They dive into Len's decision, the discussion around his replacement, and the seeming unending stream of major changes hitting the Cubs this offseason.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Theo Epstein Era has come to an end on the North Side of Chicago, with the team's most successful executive stepping down on November 17. Jed Hoyer is now in the big chair, taking over as the team's president of baseball operations.Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the massive change in the Cubs' front office on this episode of Onto Waveland. They consider the differences between Epstein and Hoyer, and the realities facing the latter as he begins his tenure in control of the baseball side of the organization.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We close the book on our offseason preview for the Cubs on this episode of Onto Waveland with a look at the rotation.Yu Darvish, Kyle Hendricks, Alec Mills and Adbert Alzolay will be back, but Jon Lester, José Quintana and Tyler Chatwood are impending free agents. Could the Cubs bring back any of them? Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the Cubs are going to make a big splash in the offseason, it will more likely be via trade than free agency. Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney consider the trade value of key Cubs, including Willson Contreras, Craig Kimbrel and Kris Bryant, on this episode of Onto Waveland.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From D.J. LeMahieu and Michael Brantley, to Justin Turner and Shin-soo Choo, there is no shortage of impending free agents who could address some of the Cubs' greatest needs on offense. And yet, the Cubs may not have the funds available to even think about signing any of them. Michael Beller, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss that unfortunate reality on this episode of Onto Waveland.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Theo Epstein's introspective end-of-season press conferences are becoming an all-too-common occurrence for Cubs fans, even though the transparency and insight is appreciated. Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss the 2020 version and what it means for the Cubs, including Epstein's future with the team, on this episode of Onto Waveland.Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs' season ended with a whimper this week, with the team scoring one run across two games in a Wild Card Series sweep at the hands of the Miami Marlins. Michael Beller, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss the all-too-predictable end to the Cubs' season on this episode of Onto Waveland.Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2020 MLB postseason is underway, and the Cubs kick off their Wild Card Round series with the Marlins on Wednesday. Brett Taylor and Sahadev Sharma break down the strangeness of this particular postseason, the state of the Cubs heading into the series with the Marlins, the pitching matchups, and more on this episode of Onto Waveland.Rundown0:40 The uniqueness of the 2020 MLB postseason7:47 Breaking down the matchup with the Marlins14:43 The state of the bullpen21:39 José Quintana's role in the pen23:11 Does Brailyn Marquez have a postseason role?30:48 Cubs' right-handed hitters vs. Marlins' starting pitchersFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The good news is that the Cubs are headed to the postseason. The bad news is that they're falling apart once again over the last week of September. Michael Beller, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss the Cubs' continued offensive struggles, and look ahead to the postseason, on this episode of Onto Waveland.Rundown2:28 The anatomy of another September collapse9:14 Looking back at the Pirates series and ahead to the White Sox15:55 Considering potential first-round opponentsFollow Michael on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kris Bryant left Monday's win over the Pirates with an oblique issue, and it could be some time before he's able to return to the field. José Quintana, however, will make his return to the mound on Tuesday, six days before the postseason begins. Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss how the latest on Bryant and Quintana affects the Cubs as they start to turn their eyes toward the postseason on this episode of Onto Waveland.Rundown1:36 Kris Bryant Dealing with an Oblique Injury7:33 What Are the Cubs Losing if Bryant is Out?16:01 José Quintana's Return and His Role for the Rest of the Season24:16 Obligatory Brailyn Marquez TalkFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyGet a subscription to The Athletic for $1/month by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs have yet to clinch a postseason berth, but it's almost certainly just a matter of time. So what will the team do with its remaining games in the regular season? How will it prepare for a first-round series that could very well come against a team they haven't played all year? And what sort of 2020 realties will drag into the offseason? Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney dive into all those questions, and more, on this episode of Onto Waveland.0:38 Hats off to the Cubs in this Unique 2020 Season5:38 The Cubs Clinching Scenarios11:15 The Final Week of the Regular Season15:54 A Strange Offseason to Come23:25 Looking Ahead to the PostseasonFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyGet a subscription to The Athletic for $1/month by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Entering the ninth inning against the Brewers on Saturday, the Cubs had scored eight runs in their previous 41 innings, and all eight of those came in the same game. One big swing from Jason Heyward against Josh Hader changed all that, and then Alec Mills put an exclamation point on the weekend with the 16th no-hitter in franchise history. Brett Taylor and Sahadev Sharma dive into the most dramatic weekend of the Cubs' season to date on this episode of Onto Waveland.Rundown1:00 The Turning Point of the Weekend Series in Milwaukee7:05 Alec Mills Throws the 16th No-Hitter in Cubs History18:37 Sahadev Dives Deep on the Cubs' Bullpen24:51 The Most Tantalizing Arms in the Pen28:21 A Top-Five Bullpen over the Last MonthFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaGet a subscription to The Athletic for $1/month by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Believe it or not, the Cubs' 8-5 win over the Reds on Thursday was one of the team's only true comeback victories of the season. On this episode of Onto Waveland, Michael Beller, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss that fact through the lens of the Cubs' offense. They also dive into the bullpen's recent success, the team's performance against aces, and the expected look of the rotation over the final two-plus weeks of the regular season.Rundown2:54 The Cubs Come Back on Thursday6:58 Performance vs. Aces13:15 Is the Bullpen...Good?18:52 The Latest on José Quintana and Tyler ChatwoodFollow Michael on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyGet a subscription to The Athletic for $1/month by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yu Darvish is likely the NL Cy Young frontrunner, while Kyle Hendricks is as reliable a No. 2 starter as there is in the league. Behind them, however, the Cubs' rotation has nothing but questions. Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney try to answer some of those on this episode of Onto Waveland.Rundown3:00 The Five-Game Series with the Cardinals4:16 What Happens Behind Darvish and Hendricks?10:52 The Unknowns Related to José Quintana and Tyler Chatwood14:19 Same Old Offensive Frustrations16:16 Javy Báez Sounds Off on Lack of In-Game Video24:33 The Possible Turning Point27:52 A Shifting ToneFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyGet a free 7-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs are looking at filling the rotation without José Quintana and Tyler Chatwood for the second time this season. Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney broke down how they'll do that (hint: It won't just be by slotting Adbert Alzolay into the rotation) on this episode of Onto Waveland. The guys also discuss the Cubs embracing their chirpy reputation.Rundown3:13 José Quintana and Tyler Chatwood on the IL9:47 Time for Adbert Alzolay13:26 A Strain on the Bullpen?17:49 Navigating Trips to the IL20:36 The Cubs Embrace Their Chirpy ReputationFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyGet a free 7-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cubs brought in four new players in trades leading up to the deadline, acquiring left-handed relievers Josh Osich and Andrew Chafin, designated hitter José Martinez, and outfielder Cameron Maybin. Michael Beller, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down those moves, plus the return of Kris Bryant, on this episode of Onto Waveland.Rundown1:38 Cubs Get Active During a Busy Trade Deadline4:32 The Acquisitions of José Martinez and Cameron Maybin11:20 New Lefties in the Bullpen19:33 Kris Bryant is Back26:15 Steven Souza's Role Going ForwardFollow Michael on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyGet a free 7-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.