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ð Host: Mike Waller, Guests: Evan Altman & Sara Sanchez
ð Â Date:Â February 20, 2025
âūÂ Podcast Network:Â Fans First Sports Network
Episode Summary:In this live-hosted episode of Bleacher Bunch, I take the mic for the first time in a live settingâso go easy on me (or donât, I know you wonât). Iâm joined by Evan Altman of Cubs Insider, and later by Sarah Sanchez, to talk all things Cubs Spring Training, Justin Turnerâs signing, bullpen depth, and the DFA of Alexander Canarioâa move that sparked some heated reactions.
With the Cactus League underway, we break down the Cubsâ first spring game, early player impressions, and the impact of rule changes like the ABS challenge system.
Key Topics Covered: ðđ Cubs Spring Training Opener: Who Stood Out?- Gage Workmanâs impressive debut: Is he the real deal or just a flash?
- Kevin Alcantara, Moises Ballesteros, and James Triantos â promising performances from young Cubs
- Cody Poteet makes history â first-ever ABS challenge winner in MLB history
- How the Cubsâ bullpen pieces looked in game action
- Cubs sign Justin Turner (1-year, $6M with a mutual option)
- How will Turner be used? Platoon bat? DH? Backup first baseman?
- What Turner brings to the clubhouse: Veteran leadership & grit
- Could this signing actually benefit the Cubsâ bench depth?
- Jed Hoyerâs handling of young talent:Â Why does this keep happening?
- Canarioâs strong 2023 debut (45 PA, .286/.333/.524, 2 HR) â why not give him a chance?
- The Cubs keep Vidal Brujan (career 50 WRC+, 550 PA) over Canario â does that make sense?
- Are the Cubs bad at selling high on prospects?
- Cubsâ track record of trading/dumping power-hitting Latinos (Morel, VelÃĄzquez, Contreras, now Canario)
- Bullpen breakdown:Â Why this yearâs group might be better
- The importance of depth & flexibility
- Craig Counsellâs bullpen philosophy â expect early-season instability
- Does Turner + Workman + Birdie make the Cubsâ bench finally competent?
- ABS challenge system debuts â will it help patient hitters like Seiya Suzuki?
- Cubs pitchers & the challenge system:Â Will it affect pitch selection?
- Are the Cubs building a contender, or just filling gaps?
- Can Jed Hoyer survive this season if the Cubs underperform?
- The fanbase reacts to Spring Training moves
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Cubs still working on clinching a playoff spot.
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As Ferris Bueller once said "The Cubs are so tight that if you stuck a lump of coal up his ass, in two weeks you'd have a diamond." As we limp towards the postseason tourny, and a Boston noreaster, things are looking positively bleak even though we just clinched and PCA went 40-40.
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Cubs lose both games of a Double Header as a Noreaster slams into Boston.
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Danny Rockett drives back from Cincy with thoughts.
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The Cubs just can't do it in a loss to the Marlins.
Brought to you by â Penguin Imprintsâ , â â Fanarchyâ â and our â â Patreonâ â supporters.
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