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Blogs from our Community

Robert Conan Ryan

A critical look at the Cubs batting order: RE24 and other musings

Hello Cubs World,  Dr. Robert Conan Ryan here - your resident management/entrepreneurship professor and economist.  I've been having tons of fun playing with simulations of batting orders, including revisitations of classic ones like the 1927 Yankees; similarly, I've looked at modern roster patterns that don't resemble anything anyone would recognize 100 years ago.  My quest: to unlock counter-intuitive and superior results that hunt for a classical/modern synthesis.  Here's three
Banks—Williams

Assad Gives Exceptional WBC Performance

Javier Assad is picking up where he left off in the 2025 regular season.  He is pitching exceptionally well: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/baseball/world-classic-total-domination-javier-assad-delivers-a-masterful-start-in-mexico-vs-great-britain/ar-AA1XGoOu   Had Assad got to pitch in the 2025 NLDS, things could have turned out better for the Cubs.   Craig Counsell picked Mathew Boyd to pitch game 1 on only 3 days rest even though Assad was pitching better than Boyd at the en
Robert Conan Ryan

Speculations on the Cubs Bench

Hello Cubs World,  let's spend a bit of time analyzing the bench.  Before we get started, let's recall that the Cubs have had a below average hitting bench for years now. Jed Hoyer has spent most of the past five years collecting glove-only (not even glove-first) players for those roles. The exception was Patrick Wisdom- a completely reverse guy who had all the power we ever wanted, but never truly mastered any position. His supposed spot, third base, was actually his worst, by far. Le
Robert Conan Ryan

How's the Bullpen Swiss Army Knife Coming Along?

Hello Cubs World, in this blog entry I'll quickly review the "locked in" members of the 2026 13-man pitching roster, plus the top  minors/injury arms on standby. Taking a hybrid approach, we will look at both the role each pitcher will play and the "swiss army knife" value of the player - which, if you've been following my writing, is really all about having a maximally diverse set of nasty pitches and pitching styles.  TLDR Version: I project a #5 MLB Rotation, #10 Bullpen. Great Swis
Robert Conan Ryan

Re-doing the Cubs 2026 Pitching Staff: The Swiss Army Knife Approach

Hello Cubs World, My first news article will be dropping in a few days. Keep your eye out for it! In the meantime, I'm raising an issue here: What would be the BEST OF ALL POSSIBLE bullpens, if Hoyer focused solely on that issue this offseason? It is incorrect to only add WAR and chase strikeout kings. You need a Swiss army knife approach to a good bullpen and actually squeeze more WAR from team chemistry. You need to generate matchup outs, because no team - even the Dodgers or Mets -
Robert Conan Ryan

The Simplest off-Season Plan for Cubbies

Hello Cubs World,  we all know there's many unknowns in an early off-season - surprise trade block activity, market values, player attitudes about joining certain clubs, and various subtle factors that fans simply cannot access. That being said.... Let's take the simplest approach to revising the Cubs roster for 2026 and look for only the obvious additions necessary - and think like Jed Hoyer. don't even waste time on possibilities that He wouldn't embrace.   Cubs have a solid tea
Robert Conan Ryan

Been a long time but I am back

hey Cubs World, Its been a while but I am back. Woo! and I got a shoutout as runnerup for best community post. Nice.... Anyhoo/// let's check how we did in teh regular season predictions... Zips predicted 90.6 wins for the cubs. So basically 91.  I predicted 92.5 - it would have been 95 if Steele was an impact arm all year. I correctly surmised we'd lose one of our top 2 starters.  How about my predictions for the rest? Well, my biggest over-reach was Kyle Tucker. I tho
ryanrc

ryanrc in Management Topics

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Battle Your Tail Off

Check Out Franchise Ball, The FREE Baseball Simulator

The Cubs' season has concluded, but do you need your next baseball fix over the long winter? Fans that follow the Cubs know the thrill of building a team from the ground up — from scouting promising talent to developing all-stars. But what if you could experience that same excitement firsthand, managing every detail of your own franchise? That’s where Franchise Ball steps up to the plate. It’s a free online baseball simulation game that lets you become the general manager of your own team,
Brock Beauchamp

Brock Beauchamp in Promotions

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Suddenly the Cubs have wheels and are playing smallball

Manfred - MLB division re-alignment now a distinct possibility in the future (Cubs-Palehose in the same division?)

It looks interesting but no division structure even mentioned yet. ** Likely involves expansion to 32 teams ** Rob Manfred hints at geographic realignment in MLB — what would spur it on trib.al/V4RozHA From the article: https://nypost.com/2025/08/18/sports/rob-manfred-hints-at-geographic-realignment-in-mlb-what-would-spur-it-on/  “I think if we expand, it provides us with an opportunity to geographically realign,” Manfred said. “I think we could save a lot of wear a
Bricks Behind the Ivy

👉 Cubs Trade Deadline Reaction: Did Jed Hoyer Do Enough? | LIVE Cubs Breakdown | BBTI S2 EP 30

https://linktr.ee/BricksBehindTheIvy YT -    The 2025 MLB Trade Deadline has come and gone — and the Chicago Cubs made some moves… but was it enough? In this live reaction episode of Bricks Behind the Ivy, Jeff (@CandidCubs) breaks down what the Cubs did, what they didn’t do, and whether Jed Hoyer’s strategy puts this team in position to make a serious playoff push. 💬 Did the Cubs do enough at the deadline? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE T
Bricks Behind the Ivy

📈 The Secret to the Brewers’ Success | Bricks Behind the Ivy x ‪Brewer Fanatic‬

YouTube:  LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/BricksBehindTheIvy   Why do the Milwaukee Brewers keep winning—despite low payroll, few stars, and constant roster turnover? In this episode of Bricks Behind the Ivy, Cubs fan Jeff Ragauskis sits down with Jake McKibbin from Brewer Fanatic to uncover the real reasons Milwaukee remains a threat year after year. From elite pitching development to smart front office moves and clubhouse culture, this is a must-watch for Cubs fans tr
Bricks Behind the Ivy

Cubs Second Half Expectations with Alex Cohen | State of the Union from the Booth | BBTI S2 EP 27

Alex Cohen of Marquee Network and the Iowa Cubs joins Bricks Behind the Ivy for a “State of the Union” on the Chicago Cubs. From key storylines in Triple-A to what’s next for the big-league club, we cover it all — prospects, pitching depth, trade deadline outlook, and the importance of July baseball. We also go behind the mic with Alex to hear how broadcasting in Des Moines gives him a front-row seat to the Cubs’ future — and why he believes in what’s ahead at Wrigley Field. 🎙 A weekly
Bricks Behind the Ivy

MLB Needs to Improve the All-Star Game Experience | Why the Brewers Won't Go Away | BBTI S2, E28

https://linktr.ee/BricksBehindTheIvy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=d8838437-20de-4790-9b7b-e2a36a2b68f2 We’re back from the 2025 MLB All-Star break! Jeff shares his first-hand experience at the Home Run Derby and breaks down what’s working — and what isn’t — with MLB’s big event. Then, it’s time to face the music: why do the Brewers keep owning the Cubs? From roster construction to organizational strategy, we dig into what Milwaukee is doing right — and what the Cubs can
The Wrigley Post by Joe Boesch

On Top

Nothing seems to be slowing down the Cubs after they returned from the All-Star break. They currently have the best record in baseball at 59-39. They have a one-game lead over the Brewers in the NL Central but will look to gain more over the next few weeks, the way they have been playing. The Cubs look unstoppable and currently are the best team in the MLB. Hold on to your hats, as this is going to be an exciting ride for them. Until then, see you at Wrigley.  
Joe Boesch

Joe Boesch in Cubs Record

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The Wrigley Post by Joe Boesch

Continue to Shine

With one week left before the All-Star break, the Cubs still need to win games and continue to extend their lead in the NL Central. They have the second-best record (54-36) in the National League, with the Dodgers having the best record at 56-35.    In the ESPN Sunday Night Game of the Week, the Cubs beat up on the Cardinals, beating them 11-0. The whole team pitched in on offense, from Pete Crow-Armstrong to Michael Busch all paving the way for the victory. Also representing the Cubs i
Joe Boesch

Joe Boesch in All Star Game

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The Wrigley Post by Joe Boesch

Cubs Start the Fireworks Early

The Chicago Cubs set their own fireworks off on the Fourth of July with a record setting eight home runs. Michael Busch and Pete Crow-Armstrong led the way, with them hitting three and two home runs respectively. With them beating the Cardinals 11-3, hopefully this will set a momentum for them to pull ahead in the NL Central standings.    The Cubs also lost Jameson Taillon to the 15-Day IL with a calf strain, which he will miss for more than a month and puts a question mark on their pit
The Wrigley Post by Joe Boesch

Pitching Trade Rumors

With their three-game sweep of the Guardians complete, the Cubs continue to explore all options before the trade deadline. Four games ahead of the Brewers in the NL Central, the Cubs (52-35) want to continue to extend their lead as the season is at the midway point with the All Star Game in a week.    Looking to solidify their pitching rotation, through various media reports, the Cubs are interested in Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara. As the deadline approaches, it will be Jed Hoyer mak
Joe Boesch

Joe Boesch in Trade Rumors

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Bricks Behind the Ivy

The Cubs’ June Swoon: Can They Bounce Back Before the Break?

YT: https://youtu.be/2ItJsxTIMtI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bricks-behind-the-ivy/id1731951008   Spotify:    😬 The Cubs are in a June Swoon, but is it time to panic? Or are they still in the hunt? In this episode of Bricks Behind the Ivy, Jeff Ragauskis and Pat Eriksen break down Chicago’s tough month, reflect on Bobby Bonilla Day, and talk summer vibes heading into the 4th of July. Plus, hear from the Eriksen clan at Wrigley Fire Bar
Bricks Behind the Ivy

Cubs vs Astros Series Preview | ‪Ballpark Nation's Jim Christopher Joins Bricks Behind the Ivy

The Chicago Cubs head to Houston for a key series against the Astros, and we’ve got you covered with an in-depth preview! Jeff Ragauskis is joined by Jim Christopher from Ballpark Nation to break it all down — from the pitching matchups and hitters to watch, to why Minute Maid Park is one of the most unique stadiums in MLB. We talk: ⚾ Cubs hitters to watch vs Astros starters 📊 How the Cubs match up against Houston’s bullpen 🏟️ Ballpark atmosphere and Astros fan vibes 📈 What Cubs fans should expe
Bricks Behind the Ivy

Win a Custom Cubs Jersey from Wrigleyville Sports! - Here's How!

🎉 GIVEAWAY TIME, BRICK HEADS! To celebrate Bricks Behind the Ivy joining the Bleacher Bunch Network, we’ve teamed up with @wrigleyville_sports to give away some epic Cubs prizes: 🏆 Prizes: ⚾️ Cubs tickets (1 winner) 👕 Custom Cubs jersey (1 winner) 🧱 BBTI T-shirts (10 winners) Here’s how to enter: ✅ Apple Podcasts: Leave a 5⭐️ written review with #Brickhead + your email ✅ Spotify: Leave a 5⭐️ review, screenshot it, and tag @bbti_pod in your Story ✅ YouTube: Subscribe to Bleacher Bunc
CandidCubs

CandidCubs in Contest

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Bricks Behind the Ivy

Pitching Trade Deadline Targets for the Cubs | with Cody Delmendo of ‪CHGO Cubs

The MLB trade deadline is heating up, and the Cubs have big decisions to make — especially on the pitching side. Jeff Ragauskis is joined by Cody Delmendo of CHGO Cubs to break down the top pitching targets the front office should be watching. They cover: 🔥 Realistic trade targets for the Cubs bullpen and rotation 🧱 Who’s untouchable in the farm system? 💸 What kind of deals Jed Hoyer won’t make ⚾ Cody’s take on how aggressive the Cubs should be at the deadline 💥 A few bold predict
Bricks Behind the Ivy

Who’s the Odd Man Out in the Cubs Rotation? + Why Taillon’s Turning Heads

YouTube:    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bricks-behind-the-ivy/id1731951008 Spotify:      As Shota Imanaga gets closer to returning from the injured list, the Cubs are facing a tough decision — who loses their spot in the rotation? We break down the likely scenarios and make our picks.   Plus: 🔥 A full-blown rant on the Rafael Devers trade 🔍 What’s behind Jameson Taillon’s sneaky-good 2025 performance 🧱 And all
Bricks Behind the Ivy

Who’s on Our Cubs Quarter Century Team? | Best Cubs Since 2000 | Bricks Behind the Ivy | S2 E22

In this episode of Bricks Behind the Ivy, Pat and Jeff go head-to-head in selecting their Chicago Cubs Quarter Century Teams—building dream lineups from Cubs players over the past 25 years! Inspired by The Athletic’s article by Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma, the duo reveal their picks live on the show for genuine reactions, debate, and laughs. The episode also includes your favorite weekly segments: ⏱️ Timestamps: (2:08) Nico Got Tossed? (9:38) Hitter of the Week (11:5
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