Onto Waveland: A show about the Chicago Cubs

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @MBeller Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @MBeller Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Rundown 0:40 The uniqueness of the 2020 MLB postseason 7:47 Breaking down the matchup with the Marlins 14:43 The state of the bullpen 21:39 José Quintana's role in the pen 23:11 Does Brailyn Marquez have a postseason role? 30:48 Cubs' right-handed hitters vs. Marlins' starting pitchers Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Rundown 2:28 The anatomy of another September collapse 9:14 Looking back at the Pirates series and ahead to the White Sox 15:55 Considering potential first-round opponents Follow Michael on Twitter: @MBeller Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Rundown 1:36 Kris Bryant Dealing with an Oblique Injury 7:33 What Are the Cubs Losing if Bryant is Out? 16:01 José Quintana's Return and His Role for the Rest of the Season 24:16 Obligatory Brailyn Marquez Talk Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNation Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a subscription to The Athletic for $1/month by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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_Mooney Get a subscription to The Athletic for $1/month by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: @sahadevsharma Get a subscription to The Athletic for $1/month by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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_Mooney Get a subscription to The Athletic for $1/month by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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_Mooney Get a free 7-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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_Mooney Get a free 7-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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_Mooney Get a free 7-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Javy Báez's two-homer game on Monday was a much-needed performance from a player who will go a long way toward determining what kind of season the Cubs end up having. Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney pronounce him back, with tongue only somewhat in cheek, on this episode of Onto Waveland. The guys also discuss the Cubs' woes with the bases loaded, the team's sudden rotation depth, and more.Rundown0:41 Javy is Back!5:55 Why Can't the Cubs Hit with the Bases Loaded?12:38 A Season Where Things Can't Even Out17:41 The Rotation is Suddenly Deep21:38 José Quintana's RoleFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 7-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cubs are in the midst of a rivalry week, taking three of five from the Cardinals before hosting the White Sox for the first of two series between the two teams this season. Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss the Cardinals series, the team's ability to win despite uneven offensive performances, Craig Kimbrel's resurgence, the need for a lefty in the bullpen, the White Sox series, and more on this episode of Onto Waveland.Rundown3:31 The Cubs Won the Cardinals Series...But Did It Feel Like It?7:30 Is Craig Kimbrel Back?10:15 The Need for a Lefty Reliever15:48 White Sox Offense the Best the Cubs Have Faced to Date?18:16 The Uniqueness of THIS Series with the Sox25:43 The White Sox' TurnaroundFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 7-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It had to happen eventually, right? The Cubs finally suffered their first setback of the season, dropping four straight games to the Brewers and Cardinals. They still have a comfortable lead in the NL Central, however, and got back on track in Monday's nightcap against the Cardinals, thanks to some pinch-hit heroics from David Bote (who else?). Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss slow starts for Jaiver Báez and Kris Bryant, a small hiccup for the pitching staff, issues with the offense, the dominance of Central Division relievers, the bright outlook for the Cubs, and more on this episode of Onto Waveland.Rundown0:50 David Bote Does it Again3:47 Balancing 21 Games Representing More than One-Third of the Season5:26 How Does a Player Get Comfortable With a Slow Start in a 60-Game Season?8:10 Slow Starts for Kris Bryant and Javier Báez10:20 Possible Extensions for Bryant and Báez13:01 The Cubs' Offensive Numbers20:20 A Hiccup for the Rotation23:43 Handling Losing and High-Leverage Moments30:04 A Tangent on Spin RateFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Get a free 7-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After an unexpected four-day layoff caused by the Cardinals' ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Cubs returned to the field on Tuesday, facing a step up in competition against the Indians. They swept the two-gamer in Cleveland, then kicked off this weekend's four-game set with the Brewers with another win. At 13-3, the Cubs have the best record in the majors, and they already have a stranglehold of the NL Central. On this episode of Onto Waveland, Brett Taylor and Sahadev Sharma discuss Kyle Hendricks, Yu Darvish, Ian Happ, José Quintana, the upcoming series with the Cardinals, the Cubs already being near-locks for the postseason, and more.Rundown0:28 Bulls Fire Jim Boylen2:04 Zach Plesac, What Are You Doing?4:26 No Rust after the Four-Day Layoff6:20 The Rotation Remains Lights-Out11:28 What Happens When José Quintana Returns?13:22 How Will the Cubs Handle the Expected Five Games in Three Days Against the Cardinals?17:57 A Team Effort from the Offense, Led by Ian Happ21:28 The Luxury of Being 13-3 in a 60-Game Season27:00 Upcoming Starts for Tyler Chatwood and Alec MillsFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharma Get 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cubs return to the field Tuesday after four days off because of COVID-related postponements in St. Louis. The Indians, too, have had their issues, with pitchers Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac in quarantine after breaking protocol and going out on the town in Chicago over the weekend. Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss that on this episode of Onto Waveland. They also muse about the possibility of last weekend's Cardinals series not getting made up, and the possibility that 7-inning doubleheaders benefit the Cubs.Rundown3:18 Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac Complicate This Week for the Cubs10:09 Cubs-Indians Two-Game Series in Cleveland15:18 Cubs Avoiding the Pitfalls20:44 Will MLB Reschedule the Postponed Cubs-Cardinals Series?29:04 Do 7-Inning Doubleheaders Benefit the Cubs?Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All you can do is beat the team in front of you, which the Cubs have done 10 of 13 times this season. It must be said, however, that they haven't played the toughest competition in those 13 games. Michael Beller, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney consider the Cubs record against the company they've kept on this episode of Onto Waveland. They also talk about David Ross' role in the team's hot start, and the challenging turn in the schedule over the next two weeks.NOTE: This episode was recorded before news broke that another Cardinals player tested positive for COVID-19, postponing Friday's game. We present the podcast in its entirety and are staying on top of this fluid situation.Rundown1:28 Judging the Cubs' 10-3 Start4:20 Have the Cubs Re-Found Themselves?6:18 David Ross Has Earned the Praise15:01 Ball Bouncing in the Cubs' Favor17:13 What to Watch for Over the Next Two Weeks20:32 The Weekend Ahead in St. Louis (We Hope)24:42 Cubs' Creation of a Clubhouse Outside the ClubhouseFollow Michael on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 7-day trial at The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cubs enter play on Tuesday with the second-best record in the majors at 8-2 (the Yankees are 8-1). They've won eight of their first 10 thanks largely to the starters and offense covering up what has been an abysmal bullpen. On this episode of Onto Waveland, Brett Taylor, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get into that bullpen—again—this time highlighting the emergence of Rowan Wick. They also discuss Kris Bryant's return, the possibility of José Quintana rejoining the team as a reliever when he comes off the IL, this weekend's series with the Cardinals possibly being in peril, and more.Rundown0:52 Bracing for a Possible COVID-Related Postponement This Weekend8:29 Alec Mills Deals, but the Bullpen Remains an Issue11:36 Would David Ross Have Pulled the Plug on Craig Kimbrel This Quickly in a 162-Game Season?12:37 The Relievers Emerging as Part of Ross' Circle of Trust16:14 Could José Quintana Return as a Reliever?22:45 Kris Bryant's Return to the Lineup27:31 Onto Waveland is Happy for Jorge SolerFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown0:36 Anthony Rizzo Airs His Grievances4:00 How Trustworthy are the Protocols?8:02 Seven-Inning Doubleheaders and an Extension for Expanded Rosters15:35 Does it Matter How Many Relievers the Cubs Have?20:27 "No Good Answers"22:59 Long-Term Considerations Related to 2020 Roster Decisions29:19 Reinforcements from South Bend32:05 An Opportunity over the Next Seven GamesFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown0:55 The Latest on the Marlins' and MLB's COVID-19 crisis6:00 Craig Kimbrel's Issues11:30 The Strangeness of the First Week13:17 A Deep Dive Into the Bullpen19:17 Could the Hitters Peak as the Bullpen Crashes?21:12 How Great Was Tyler Chatwood?24:29 Willson Contreras' Defensive Turnaround26:53 A Look at the Offense Beyond Rizzo and ContrerasFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown1:24 Celebrating Opening Day...and the Comcast/Marquee Deal!3:52 Baseball Faces its First In-Season Positive COVID-19 Test with Juan Soto7:05 Optimism Surrounding How the Cubs Have Handled Things9:59 Expanded Playoffs for 202018:47 This Weekend's Series with the Brewers25:37 Final Preseason Thoughts about the CubsFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get 40% off your first-year subscription to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown1:30 Reactions to Exhibition Games with the White Sox5:18 Offense is the Key to the Season6:51 The Core (Rizzo, Bryant, Báez, Contreras), and the Supporting Cast10:04 Does the Offense Have to Carry the Team?13:01 Jason Heyward's Role18:56 Desire for a Set Lineup20:39 A Sense of UrgencyFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown1:19 Good News in the Latest Batch of Testing Statistics5:44 Kyle Hendricks Deservingly Gets the Opening Day Start15:15 Can the Rotation Make or Break the Cubs?22:21 Where's the Love for Jose Quintana?24:28 The Upside of Opportunities for Unproven Relievers28:06 Managing the Staff, Top to BottomFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown0:47 Willson Contreras on the Environment at Wrigley2:56 Patrick Weighs in on the Cubs' Latest Testing Delay6:58 What Happens in the Regular Season?9:26 Concerns with the Decision-Making Process17:14 Yu Darvish's CommentsFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown2:10 Feeling OK about Talking Just Baseball5:25 Contreras' Intrasquad Homer off Kimbrel, Rizzo's Back Tightness, Press Box Normalcy9:27 Diving into the Cubs' 2020 Schedule10:46 The Idea of Homefield Advantage15:38 The Reds' Interleague Advantage19:17 Cubs at White Sox Season-Ending Series22:03 Considering the Cubs' First 60 Games in 201924:30 Managing a Different Type of Grind27:44 The Challenge for David RossFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown0:30 Opening Week Problems at Training Camp2:47 Is This Even Possible?4:55 David Ross' Statements on the Situation8:04 The Supposed Easy Part10:00 What Are the Signals That This Isn't Working?12:09 Freddie Freeman's Positive Test15:11 It All Depends on Trust18:09 The Ubiquity of ChangeFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown2:14 The Cardinals' Pitching Depth3:38 Do the Reds Have the Division's Best Offense?6:01 The Pirates' New-Look Front Office7:00 Cubs Still Striving to Reach the Offense's Full Potential8:55 Keston Hiura's Key Role for the Brewers11:39 The DH Situations in St. Louis and Cincinnati15:28 The Effects of José Quintana's Injury20:28 How Can the Pirates Be a Thorn in Some Team's Side?24:19 An Elite Bullpen in Milwaukee Looms Large27:25 The One Player You Cover You're Most Excited to Watch32:43 Prediction Time!Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Michael on Twitter: @MBellerFollow Mark (Cardinals) on Twitter: @markasaxonFollow Trent (Reds) on Twitter: @ctrentFollow Will (Brewers) on Twitter: @WillSammonFollow Rob (Pirates) on Twitter: @RobBiertempfel Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic at theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown2:17 Ryan Dempster Joins Onto Waveland3:51 The Landscape of the 2020 Season6:36 David Ross' Handling of the Team This Year8:58 Reinforces Messages of Accountability12:09 It's Already Trade Deadline Time14:35 Wrigleyville in the COVID-19 Era16:20 'Off the Mound' with Ryan Dempster23:30 Takeaways from the David Ross/Jed Hoyer Zoom Conference30:29 First Look at the Cubs' 2020 Roster35:50 Juan Gámez's Potential for 2020Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyFollow Michael on Twitter: @MBeller Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic at theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown2:30 Burl Carraway Joins the Show2:45 The Whirlwind of the Last Three Months4:00 Onboarding with the Cubs5:20 Early Experience with Cubs Coaches and Staffers6:25 Getting to Know Craig Breslow7:19 Making the Taxi Squad?8:14 Embracing Being a Reliever9:24 First Zoom Meeting with the Cubs10:44 Reaction on Social Media12:28 The Wrigley Experience and Thank You, Burl15:11 The Decisions at Either End of the Taxi Squad21:27 The Shape of 2020's New-Look Schedule24:50 Alec Mills' and Adbert Alzolay's Roles This SeasonFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_MooneyFollow Michael on Twitter: @MBeller Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic at theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown0:25 Baseball is Back3:10 Changes for 20205:07 The Ever-Present Challenges of COVID-198:14 End of the Transaction Freeze and Cubs Taxi Squad Musings11:42 The August 31 Trade Deadline14:47 The Possibility of Players Opting Out16:53 How Do Front Offices Recalibrate Trade Value?21:44 An Interesting Season for Cubs FansFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown0:27 Movement Toward a 2020 MLB Season4:07 Why Was So Much Time Wasted?9:07 Getting Excited for, and Being Realistic about, the Future13:07 'When and 'Where' and the Owners' Response19:36 The Ramping-Up Period for PitchersFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown0:24 Rob Manfred's Latest Comments6:58 The Players' Understanding of MLB's Labor History9:43 Is It Good for the Overall Business of Baseball to Treat Every Decision as a Bottom-Line Business Decision?13:00 How Manfred's Background Has Influenced the Negotiations16:04 The Owners' Overwhelmingly Large Role19:35 Recent Comments by Tom Ricketts and Bill DeWitt Jr.Follow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown1:47 What Stood out about Ed Howard?3:21 Brian Watching Ed in the LLWS...While at Wrigley Field5:18 An Extremely Strong Work Ethic8:04 Handling the Hometown Pressure9:58 A Potentially Elite Glove at Shortstop11:21 Offense Taking Off with Physical Growth12:03 The Draft Background Process15:24 Brian's Last Word on Ed HowardFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown2:34 The Cubs' Approach to the Draft Under Dan Kantrovitz5:46 Player Development App in the Minor League System8:52 Recruiting Experience14:38 Putting Money into Player Development19:46 Specific Challenges of the 2020 DraftFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown1:16 Thank You, Adam2:51 Re-Immersing Yourself in Where the Cubs Were Before the Shutdown4:59 Good News on the Horizon?8:58 The Latest on the MLB/MLBPA Tug of War23:25 The Issue with Soft Deadlines27:32 Is the Draft a Signpost Event for the 2020 Season?Follow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter: @PJ_Mooney Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic by visiting theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With protests emerging all across the country, even next to Wrigley Field, difficult and uncomfortable conversations are being had, from the discussions of Black athletes holding back their true feelings to avoid conflict to the delayed public response from MLB in speaking out against systemic racial injustice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cubs are releasing players, making month-to-month plans and hoping for some clarity soon. Details on return-to-play ideas and what’s at stake for the entire baseball industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network explains the vibe in Wrigleyville, how the Cubs would be positioned in a shortened season and the challenges of covering a team in lockdown mode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A look at how fans feel about possibly attending games without a COVID-19 vaccine, optimism for the Cubs over the next five years and just how much people would appreciate the 2020 World Series champions should a season be completed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Verducci, the author of a definitive book on the Wrigley Field rebuild, offers his insights into the future of pitching, what a shortened season could mean for the Cubs and Theo Epstein’s next move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ken Rosenthal joins the podcast and tells us how the Cubs future plans may be altered by COVID-19, how a cancelled season could severely impact front offices and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First impressions of Major League Baseball’s return-to-play proposal and the enormous obstacles facing the owners and the players’ union. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rundown2:04 How Did Sahadev and Patrick Select the Key 'What if...' Questions?4:15 Trading for Jose Quintana, Passing on Justin Verlander15:06 The Team's Inability to Develop Pitching Prospects18:32 A New Approach for the 2017 Amateur Draft23:07 Did We Mention the Lack of Pitching in the System? What if the Cubs traded for Justin Verlander in 2017? by Patrick Mooney and Sahadev SharmaFollow Brett on Twitter: @BleacherNationFollow Sahadev on Twitter: @sahadevsharmaFollow Patrick on Twitter @PJ_Mooney Get a free 30-day trial to The Athletic at: theathletic.com/ontowaveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With more and more talk of baseball returning this summer, ideas on how to make broadcasting games in empty ballparks more unique and compelling are bandied about. Is this an opportunity for MLB to bring in more fans by being willing to experiment with how games are broadcast? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What the Cubs and Wrigley Field will look like on Opening Day two years from now. Let’s play some fantasy baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While optimism grows that the game will return in 2020, a world with baseball being played in empty ballparks gets closer to being a reality. Former big-leaguer Doug Glanville joins the podcast to share how fans positively impacted his career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking back at the Cubs who didn’t pan out and wondering what this shutdown will mean for the next generation of players and a farm system that once viewed 2020 as a pivotal year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From hiring Theo Epstein to signing Jon Lester, a look back at the deals, ideas and personalities that shaped the 2016 World Series champs and a golden age of baseball in Wrigleyville. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cubs came into this season with two years of control over many of their most important players. But what happens now when the first of those two years is so dramatically impacted? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discussing the economic impact on a unique neighborhood without Cubs baseball, and the importance of supporting your small, local businesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Digging into all the Arizona contingency plans, hoping for the Cubs and White Sox to be in the same Cactus League division and wondering what the baseball product might look like after a long shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senior Baseball Writer Keith Law joins Brett and Sahadev to discuss the state of the Cubs’ multi-year process of rebuilding the farm system, the impact of baseball’s shutdown on the draft, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A word of thanks to subscribers, shout-outs to some talented radio folks, doomsday scenarios and general nonsense as we adjust to life without Cubs baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With what should’ve been the 2020 home opener behind us, a discussion of what would’ve been and what actually was in Wrigleyville. News that Toronto has banned all public events through June gives us a sobering reality of what baseball faces in its attempt to return this summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First impressions of the deal taking shape between Major League Baseball and the players’ union and what it could mean for the 2020 Cubs if there is a baseball season this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nobody wants to see baseball’s regular season reduced significantly, but with that possibility looming, what can MLB do with the extra time it has and a season that will necessarily be unusual? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking back on some first impressions from Arizona and what it will mean for the front office, manager David Ross and Cubs players moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone is finding their footing a bit right now, and what that means for “enjoying sports” is still something of an open question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The guys talk about the dizzying week that saw baseball and other sports essentially shut down for an unknown period of time, and what the near-term is going to look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brett and Patrick discuss MLB’s decision to limit media access in the wake of the spreading coronavirus, and how the concerns could seriously impact baseball and related industries. Also, thoughts on Craig Kimbrel’s first Spring Training with the Cubs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A legendary manager returns to Mesa and continues to cast a long shadow over Cubs camp, so let’s play the blame game. Plus a trip inside the top-secret Pitch Lab where the Cubs are trying to reprogram their pitchers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Ross is back running the show, Tyler Chatwood is the X-factor for a wide-open pitching staff and the Cubs are finally focused on the 2020 campaign after a long winter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brett and Sahadev talk about Kris Bryant’s impressive arrival at Spring Training and new job atop the lineup. David Ross, Joe Maddon, preparation, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick and Sahadev are out in Arizona picking up the vibe at a slightly different Cubs camp as pitchers and catchers report, and players kick off their spring. A new manager, old trade rumors, and the story lines to watch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With most of the offseason in the rearview, the guys get back together to discuss Cubs Convention, the many risks that lay ahead, and fans sitting angrily in the corner, pounding their fists in a futile effort to discern just whom to blame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brett, Patrick and Sahadev sit down for a very special podcast as the guys talk about who they put on their Chicago Cubs All-Decade Team. Do you agree with their picks? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Onto Waveland returns after a brief hiatus as the guys discuss which changes behind the scenes that have already been made could be most impactful for the Cubs. Of course, what matters most is the team on the field and with free agency not expected to be their route of choice, who gets traded and what needs those potential trades would have to fill will be a topic to follow for much of the winter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cubs are hiring — who else? — David Ross to be their next manager. What it means in the clubhouse, the front office and the interview room at Wrigley Field. Plus World Series thoughts on the classless way the Houston Astros run their operation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Decoding what Theo Epstein really means when he talks about change and how the Cubs have too often looked back at the 2016 World Series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brett, Patrick and Sahadev look back on the Joe Maddon era. They describe the scene in St. Louis for Maddon’s final game (2:20). Should this team have been better the last two years (10:10). Was this a firing (12:30)? Where will Maddon land and who’s next for Cubs (21:55)? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cardinals knocked the Cubs out of the National Central race and into their winter of reckoning. How the 2019 team and maybe this entire era at Wrigley Field will be remembered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Anthony Rizzo’s injury another sign that this simply isn’t the Cubs’ year? Or have these issues around the team been building to the point where it can no longer be written off? Subscribe now to hear new episodes of The Lead each weekday morning: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lead/id1478448344 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The desperate Cubs are promoting a top prospect to San Diego and heading in the direction of Boston with huge decisions looming. Making sense of the Nico Hoerner move and the Dave Dombrowski firing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Mooney, Brett Taylor and Sahadev Sharma talk Cubs twice a week filling you in on everything you need to know about the team and what's going on at Wrigley. Every Monday, you can listen to Onto Waveland for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, while you can catch Thursday's episode exclusively on The Athletic. You can start your 40% off subscription today by joining through theathletic.com/waveland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices