Spring hits different when your pitching plan actually matches your October goals. We kick off a loaded Monday Morning Cubs Show by setting a clear blueprint: use the catcher tandem smartly, spread early innings across a deep rotation, and lean on a bullpen with defined tiers while keeping the door open for a midseason upgrade. We walk through why Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly make a high-floor backstop duo and how Moises Ballesteros adds rare DH insurance. Then we map the rotation with intent: Cade Horton is electric but protected, Justin Steele remains the staff’s soul, and Eddie Cabrera—now Eddie in Chicago—gets room to acclimate before the weather and rhythm turn in his favor.

From there, we highlight the ballast that wins long seasons: Matthew Boyd in a contract push, Shota Imanaga with a chip on his shoulder, and Jameson Taillon as the day-game stabilizer who enables a six-man look in April. We explain why Colin Rea and Javier Assad are elite insurance and flag Jackson Wiggins’ triple-digit upside and Jordan Wicks’ must-click changeup as pivotal spring storylines. In the pen, Daniel Palencia holds the ninth for now, while Caleb Thielbar and Phil Maton bring late-inning courage and command. Hunter Harvey is the value swing who could break the season wide open, with Jacob Webb and Hobie Milner poised to thrive in better-shaped roles—and big-velo lottery tickets Porter Hodge and Luke Little waiting to pop.

We keep it honest, too: a raw moment on gambling’s costs and why integrity matters, plus measured WBC excitement with a watchful eye on health. The big takeaway? Don’t panic when April pitch counts feel conservative. This roster is built to peak when it counts, and the path to a top-five MLB staff is right in front of us.

If you’re riding with us into 90-plus wins, hit follow, drop a five-star review on Apple or Spotify, and share this with a Cubs friend who’s counting down to Opening Day. Who’s your Game 1 starter? We want to hear it.

Thanks for tuning in!

- Carl & Mahoney

A groundhog rivalry, a cough, and a countdown to what actually matters. We open with Woodstock pride and Groundhog Day lore, then cut through the annual noise around “pitchers and catchers report” to ask a tougher question: how do the Cubs set themselves up for a season that feels built for right now? We get honest about Nico Horner’s value, why trading him would be a mistake, and how an extension only makes sense at the right number. We also make the case that Michael Busch isn’t a sleeper waiting for a leap—he’s already one of the most productive first basemen in baseball, with room to sharpen the glove and manage lefty exposure.

From there, we look at the prospect pipeline with a clear lens. Losing a blue-chipper hurts, but Moises Ballesteros and Jackson Wiggins headline a next wave that keeps the system useful without stealing focus from a win-now window. We talk timing, roles, and why a couple of rookies filling everyday jobs can work for a big-market club when the veterans carry the peak months. Then comes the World Baseball Classic: a blast to watch, a knot in the stomach for coaches. PCA’s energy could benefit from high-leverage reps, but the risk is real in early March intensity; we draw the line between fun and what the regular season demands.

Finally, we map the rotation market with patience. Big names remain, but a late spring signing only makes sense after a real look at in-house arms. If health or performance dips, a short-term stabilizer becomes logical; if not, save the ammo. Through it all, we keep our eyes on the only countdown that counts: the home opener at Clark and Addison. Cold April air, short lines, loud innings—those days set the tone. If you’re ready for a season built on clarity, smart risk, and a little Midwest superstition, you’re in the right place.

If you enjoyed this, follow the show, leave a five-star review, and share it with a Cubs fan who needs something real to hold onto before first pitch.

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- Carl & Mahoney

The North Side turns 150 with a roster built for a modern pennant race, and we’re fired up to explain why. So much that we're joined by our close friend and very special guest JAKE.

We dig into the national buzz that slots the Dodgers first, then make the case for Chicago at No. 2 because of something flashier teams can’t fake: true depth. From an elite infield to a rotation that changes shapes night to night, this group stacks series wins, handles cold starts, and shortens losing streaks before they begin.

We spotlight the pitching identity that travels. Edward Cabrera’s bowling-ball sinker, Cade Horton’s dog-in-the-arena tempo, and the anchor presence of Justin Steele create a mix that’s tough to game-plan for over a weekend—let alone a playoff series. Steele’s return isn’t just about health; it’s about headspace. The family reset, the fierce want for wins, and the Lester-like expectation to dominate the sixth and beyond give this staff its soul. We also talk lineup resilience and why Seiya Suzuki’s right-handed thunder makes him the toughest loss to absorb.

Then it’s anticipation season. We size up a brutal, cold-heavy April that could forge an early edge, call for more national broadcasts against strong AL opponents, and explore the league’s marquee contrast: star-chasing Mets vs cohesion-first Cubs. Along the way, we celebrate the 150th anniversary with a push for tasteful on-field nods, revisit Jake Arrieta’s all-time Wild Card masterpiece, and debate which 2015 Cub would best lift this roster right now—Dexter Fowler’s top-of-order presence makes a compelling case.

If you’re ready for a season built on layered pitching, smart depth, and a city-wide buzz that feels earned, hit play. Subscribe, drop a quick 5-star review on Apple and Spotify, and share this episode with the Cubs fan who’s already counting down to Steele’s first start back.

Thanks for tuning in!

- Carl & Mahoney