We take a look at our biggest disappointments and pleasant surprises of the season. The starting pitching has been bad. The bullpen has been good. The offense has not been good.There's a lot of negative stuff to cover but the guys valiantly try to focus on the positive.Can Theo Epstein keep the window of contention for this team extended for another few years? Ryan sure thinks so. But only time will tell...And Joel is back with his patented 60 seconds with a former Cub.

BP Wrigleycast - Chicago Cubs News

Episode 48: Winter is Coming - Cubs not good at the All Star break...or for 2018

The guys took a little time out on Memorial Day to bring you another episode of BP Wrigleycast. Ryan and Isaac welcome back Joel to the podcast, and they dive in head first with discussion about the Cubs' recent struggles in Los Angeles. They break down the poor hitting of Kyle Schwarber and Addison Russell, and later they talk about whether it would be appropriate to send Ian Happ back to Triple-A.Ryan decides to wrap the show with a "Five Questions" segment, with interesting results. Please follow us on Twitter @BPWrigleycast and feel free to email any questions or comments to bpwrigleycast@baseballprospectus.com. And don't forgot to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes.

Episode 47: Time to send Happ back down?

After a one month absence, Ryan and Isaac get together to chat about the recent HAPPenings with the Chicago Cubs. Jake Arrieta's strong start against Milwaukee is discussed, which leads into more trade discussions about starting pitching. The guys also discuss the hot bats of Ben Zobrist and rookie Ian Happ, and later go into some hypothetical scenarios where they both end up trading Kyle Schwarber off the roster.Please follow us on Twitter @BPWrigleycast, and feel free to email any questions if you'd like it read on the show at bpwrigleycast@baseballprospectus.com. If you like what you hear and want to hear more of it, subscribe and give us a rating and review on iTunes.

Episode 46: Cubs playing better thanks to Zobrist and Happ

Ryan and Isaac lead off discussing the recent struggles of John Lackey, including a few reasons why this could be who the 38-year-old pitcher is now. But are there any potential upgrades from within the organization or via trade?Later, the guys discuss Jason Heyward's progress and just how valuable he can be to the team if his new-found power stroke is the real deal. A few laughs about Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot ensue, as well as a battle royale on the topic of the DH in the National League. Please subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes!

Episode 45: Heyward gets hot, Lackey loses his cool

After an intro gone horribly wrong, the guys discuss the hot/cold offense and then move onto the pen, where a fantasy draft ensues. Who ends up with the more desirable pair of relievers? You'll have to tune in to find out.We also take a look at the Pirates to determine if they'll be a serious challenger in the NL Central before delving into the lower velocity readings from starters. Is that a strategy or just an April fluke?

Episode 44: As Cubs play eh baseball, we are all spoiled

Real baseball that actually counts is back! The guys discuss what (if anything) has changed now that a World Series titled has been accomplished.Then they discuss some quick hits from the early season. From Heyward's bat to Almora's glove, there are some early signs that everything is going to be OK.Tommy Birch joins to give his thoughts on several players in Triple-A Iowa and which ones might have an impact this season or could just be fun to watch.

Episode 43: Cubs raise banner at home, baseball feels different, week 1 thoughts

Ryan and Isaac talk about some vague changes in the future of the podcast before digging into what you've all come here for: Hardcore baseball talk! The guys chat about changes to the 2017 roster, Albert Almora Jr., Tommy La Stella, and a little bit on the St. Louis Cardinals and the Yadier Molina contract extension.Later, they give a full rundown of their projected division winners, the wild card teams, award winners, and playoff predictions. Since he wasn't able to join them for the episode, Ryan and Isaac were free to do a little over/under without the guilt of confusing Carlos. Follow us on Twitter @BPWrigleycast to stay caught up on any show related news and, as always, please subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes.

Episode 42: Previewing the 2017 baseball season

Spring Training is here and that means Dr. Pepper? Carlos starts things off with a bizarre comparison that includes a desert and Dr. Pepper.Then the guys discuss some quirky Maddon moves and whether he's overmanaging or not: Schwarber in the leadoff spot and a two-headed #5 starter.The question of the week compares Jorge Soler and Eloy Jimenez, while Joel digs up some old guy for 60 Seconds with a former Cub.Baseball is back!

Episode 41: Spring Training is here and why it matters

Projections are fun because fresh stats in the winter are like a warm hug from an old friend you haven't seen in a long time.But that's all they are: projections, and the guys highlight some interesting outliers.Then they discuss some recent SP signings and what they mean for 2018. Then Isaac drops out because he's so important and his computer hates him.At which point Ryan and Carlos heroically carry on for a few more minutes before signing off.Baseball will be here soon, folks, and all will be better. 

Episode 40: PECOTA Projections and Cubs add pitching depth

The BP Top Ten is out and the guys run through some overall thoughts on the list, as well as some strong opinions by Isaac on one particular player.Then we chat about some players to keep an eye on that didn't make the top ten and why we like them.We close it out with Ryan regaling us on his coverage of the Cubs Convention over the weekend.P.S. We're trying out a new piece of software, so please let us know if you like the sound on this one—it should be better than before.

Episode 39: BP Top Ten Prospects List and Cubs Convention

Ryan, Isaac, and Joel get together to discuss the events of the last two weeks. Included is debate about the merits of the Wade Davis for Jorge Soler deal, the bullpen overall, the Jon Jay signing, the split of playing time among the outfielders, and some chatter about the starting rotation.Later, the guys give their picks for who could be the leadoff man now that Dexter Fowler is wearing Cardinal red. If you like this episode, please follow us @BPWrigleycast on Twitter and send us your feedback! 

BP Wrigleycast Episode 38: Ryan goes rogue, and also Cubs talk

Things have changed now that the Cubs are World Series champions. But does that change the urgency in the front office and how badly fans want to win?The guys take a look at that and the most pressing offseason needs for a team that has only a few items on their to-do list this winter. From Dexter Fowler and Albert Almora to veteran leadership and the Charlie Blackmon/Chris Archer rumors, the guys cover it all.

Episode 37: Gauging the Urgency of the Offseason after Winning it All

The guys discuss their favorite moments of the 2016 postseason before closing the book on a magical season and discussing potential offseason moves.While they appear to have obvious candidates for Dexter Fowler, Jason Hammel, and Aroldis Chapman—things aren't as simple as they might appear.Epstein and the Cubs have another busy offseason ahead of them. Here are our top moments from the postseason:Joel: The Contreras pinch hit singlehttp://m.mlb.com/video/topic/94951848/v1205834583/chcsf-gm4-contreras-ties-it-baez-gives-cubs-lead/?query=willson+contrerasRyan: Montero's pinch-hit grand slamhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-3RCvdWaPQ&app=desktopCarlos: The Rajai Davis homerunhttp://m.mlb.com/video/topic/21753540/v1211132983/ws2016-gm7-hamilton-calls-davis-gametying-homerIsaac: Cubs Win!http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/21753540/v1211031383/hughes-calls-last-out-of-cubs-world-series-win   

Episode 36: Replacing the Departed and Subverting the Narrative

They did it! Joel and Carlos were on hand in Cleveland to witness the epic seventh game of the World Series, while Isaac and Ryan watched from home. They collaborate to give their recollection of the events, including how this changes things for the Cubs and their fans going forward.Plenty of time is spent waxing poetic about the dramatic weight of the event, but the guys find some time to dig into the nuts and bolts of the game as well--including some headscratching decisions by Joe Maddon and a late Rajai Davis home run that nearly ruined everything.Thanks for listening this season! It's been a pleasure to do this podcast, and we appreciate everyone from the bottom of our hearts. Please continue to reach out on Twitter @BPWrigleycast and via email at bpwrigleycast@baseballprospectus.com and send us your questions and comments.

Episode 35: The Cubs Win the World Series!

The Cubs had to win...and they did. Despite the offensive outburst from Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, and Anthony Rizzo, the talk will inevitably center around how Joe Maddon used Aroldis Chapman.But let's not forget: The Cubs will be playing in game 7 of the World Series tomorrow.As Isaac answered when asked how he felt about it, "I'm going to barf."It's a great time to be alive.

Quick Take: One More W

Brought to you by some of the writers behind BP Wrigleyville, this Chicago Cubs podcast combines analytics with a fun, fresh approach to make sure you're up to date on all things Cubs.

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BP Wrigleycast - Chicago Cubs News

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