Bleed Cubbie Blue
A Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005
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Chicago Cubs history unpacked — October 23
The October 23 post from Bleed Cubbie Blue celebrates baseball milestones and Cubs‑centric moments. Highlights include Gabby Hartnett’s 1935 NL MVP, Rick Sutcliffe’s 1984 unanimous Cy Young, and a 1910 World Series win by the Philadelphia Athletics over Chicago. Key trades and game‑changing feats are noted, such as Billy Williams’ 1974 trade to Oakland, Joe Carter’s 1993 World Series walk‑off, and the 2019 hiring of former Cubs catcher David Ross as manager. Recent postseason highlights round out the list, from the Phillies’ 2022 NLCS win to the Astros’ ALCS sweep.
The Short Porch is thinking about a small market World Series
The 2026 World Series pits the Tampa Bay Rays against the Milwaukee Brewers, marking the first championship since 1980 where a franchise without a title is guaranteed to win. While the Rays play in the 11th‑largest media market, they operate with the 28th‑largest payroll, and the Brewers have the smallest market but a mid‑range payroll (19th). A detailed payroll‑and‑market table shows big‑market teams spending heavily and small‑market clubs managing with less, yet postseason outcomes vary widely. Analyst Lance Brozdowski highlights the inconsistent link between R&D/scouting size and playoff success, suggesting that smart resource use—not sheer spending—may be the real differentiator.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Kevin Gausman
The Cubs acquired former Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman hoping his 2025 postseason brilliance would translate to Chicago, but his nine starts this season prove disappointing. Gausman's 4.83 ERA and 1.232 WHIP are worse than his Toronto numbers (4.38 ERA, 1.288 WHIP), and he surrendered 11 homers in just 50.1 innings—a stark rise from 15 in 127.1 innings last year. He faltered in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, yielding three runs in 3.1 innings. Now a 36‑year‑old unrestricted free agent, Gausman may return to Toronto, while the Cubs likely move on.
Chicago Cubs news— Detmers, Kwan, Morejon
The post rounds up Chicago Cubs offseason chatter ahead of the World Series, highlighting trade and free‑agency targets. Analysts discuss the Cubs’ need for raw pitching talent, with speculation that a deal for Angels’ Reid Detmers nearly happened, and list three young players who could be trade bait. Pitching remains a priority, especially with Justin Steele and Cade Horton returning from injury, while hitting concerns focus on Nico Hoerner’s disappointing 2026 season. The article also notes prospects like 2025 third‑rounder Dominick Reid expanding his arsenal in the Fall League and prospects poised to impact the 2027 roster. Additional snippets cover Steven Kwan as a potential Happ replacement, Anthony Rizzo’s glove mishap story, and broader MLB free‑agency trends.
Cubs BCB After Dark: Who is more likely to bounce back?
The latest BCB After Dark post recaps a fan poll on three free‑agent starters, revealing 48% of readers favor Michael King, 35% back Freddy Peralta, while Tarik Skubal remains the top overall pick. The author then shifts to cultural sidebars, featuring a 1999 Patricia Barber piano cover of “Black Magic Woman” and three brief film reviews: the inspiring mountaineering drama *Tenzing* (Apple TV, starring Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe), the lackluster 1975 cult car‑chase *Race with the Devil*, and a mixed third film not fully detailed. The entry blends Cubs‑centric discussion with off‑beat entertainment recommendations.
The Cubs could be forced to reveal some proprietary financial information
A federal appeal could force the Chicago Cubs to disclose confidential financial details about their partnership with the Wrigley View Rooftop club. The rooftop, which operated under a 2004 deal giving the Cubs a 17% revenue share, was barred from selling game tickets on September 30 after the agreement expired. Owner Aidan Dunican argues the court should unseal the trial record, claiming a public‑interest need, while the Cubs resist, citing trade‑secret protection and competitive concerns. Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman’s decision may set a precedent for MLB financial transparency ahead of looming labor negotiations.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Shōta Imanaga
The post breaks down Shōta Imanaga’s tumultuous three‑year stint with Chicago, highlighting his five‑year, $53 million contract (with incentives up to $80 million) and his 2026 resurgence after a disappointing, injury‑ridden 2025. Imanaga posted a 2.32 ERA in his first nine starts, then a 10.80 ERA in the next four, illustrating extreme volatility—24 of his 32 starts were “Cy‑Young‑contender” quality while eight were disastrous. He maintained a low walk rate (5.2% in 2026) and solid strikeout percentages (24.6%) despite modest velocity, but gave up 35 homers in 2026. The author argues the Cubs should re‑sign him on a two‑year, $36 million deal, citing his durability, marketability in Japan, and potential to attract other NPB talent.
MLB News: World Series, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, Freddy Peralta, Chandler Simpson, Aaron Boone
The 2026 World Series pits the Tampa Bay Rays against the Milwaukee Brewers after the Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians in six games. The blog previews the matchup, highlighting the Rays' strong pitching rotation, Brewers' "Murph Ball" strategy, and key storylines like Freddy Peralta’s AL MVP honor and Chandler Simpson’s clutch runs. It also links to in‑depth analyses from The Athletic, MLB.com, and other experts on managerial moves, player impacts, and unique World Series facts.
Chicago Cubs history unpacked — October 21
The October 21 post from Bleed Cubbie Blue offers a whirlwind tour of baseball’s milestone moments, from Carlton Fisk’s iconic 12th‑inning home run that forced a Game 7 in the 1975 World Series to the Reds’ flawless 1976 sweep of the Yankees, featuring Johnny Bench’s MVP‑winning performance. It also recalls tragedies like Marv Goodwin’s 1925 fatal plane crash, franchise moves such as the Braves’ 1964 shift to Atlanta, and dramatic World Series highlights—including the Phillies’ first championship in 1980, the Marlins’ 14‑11 ninth‑inning rally in 1997, and the Yankees’ 1998 sweep of the Padres. The entry stitches together scores, key players, and historic firsts, making it a must‑read for any Cubs fan or baseball history enthusiast.
Cubs BCB After Dark: Which free agent pitcher is the best fit?
The Bleed Cubbie Blue post debates the Cubs' best free‑agent pitcher target after the 2026 season. While Tarik Skubal tops the poll, the author notes owner Tom Ricketts is unlikely to commit the high price. More realistic options are right‑handers Michael King and Freddy Peralta. King, eyeing an opt‑out, posted a 12‑10 record with a 3.21 ERA over 185 innings but saw his strikeout rate dip to 21%. Peralta, fresh off an ALCS MVP performance with the Rays and a 3.25 ERA in ten starts, recaptures his Milwaukee form and could fit Craig Counsell’s system. The article weighs each pitcher’s recent stats and contract implications to gauge the Cubs' chances.
A few thoughts about the Brewers vs. Rays World Series
The World Series kicks off Friday in Milwaukee between the first pair of clubs without a championship since 1980’s Royals‑Phillies clash. The Brewers, with only one prior pennant (1982), and the Rays, winners of two prior World Series appearances (2008, 2020), both boast strong recent postseason runs—eight and six trips respectively. Despite the Rays’ large TV market (ranked #11), they’re labeled “small market” due to low payroll (28th), while Milwaukee sits at the MLB’s smallest market (#38). A new Tampa stadium and a fresh ownership group could boost the Rays’ market status. The author predicts a competitive, likely seven‑game series and backs the Rays, noting the postseason’s blend of predictability and randomness.
2026 Cubs who will be free agents or who have options
Bleed Cubbie Blue breaks down the Chicago Cubs’ upcoming roster moves, listing every player with impending free‑agent status or team options after the 2026 season. The piece covers pitchers Kevin Gausman, Shōta Imanaga, Jacob Webb, David Peterson, and Clay Holmes, as well as position players Michael Conforto, Tyrone Taylor, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki, highlighting contract timelines and potential impacts on the Cubs’ plans.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Jacob Webb
The Cubs signed right‑hander Jacob Webb to a one‑year, $1.5 million deal with a $2.5 million 2027 option. Webb posted a 3.36 ERA and 1.254 WHIP over 68 games, but his season was a roller‑coaster: terrible early numbers (5.06 ERA), a hot stretch (0.51 ERA, 22 Ks in 17.2 IP), then five disastrous outings (15.75 ERA), followed by 24 straight scoreless appearances and a 0.932 WHIP. He finished with three scoreless games and 1.2 clean innings in the Wild Card loss to the Padres, despite eight blown saves that nearly cost Chicago a home‑field advantage. At 33, Webb can flip between elite relief and costly failures, prompting the author to recommend exercising the 2027 option if the Cubs shore up the setup corps.
Chicago Cubs news — Busch, Rolison, Horton
The post recaps recent Cubs commentary and off‑season rumors. It notes Steve Miller’s hiring as VP of International Scouting, warns about a red flag on Michael Soroka, and lists four trade targets the Cubs should watch. Pitching analysis questions Ryan Rolison’s 2026 bullpen role and the timeline for Cade Horton’s 2027 return, while Edward Cabrera’s debut raises concerns. Hitting notes a disappointing 2026 season for Michael Busch and highlights top prospect Josiah Hartshorn’s rise after a strong 2026 campaign. Additional pieces discuss the Brewers’ World Series chances, former manager David Ross’s outlook, and a quirky blues‑musician sidebar.
Cubs BCB After Dark: Which side are you on, Rays or Brewers?
The latest BCB After Dark post invites Cubs fans to a fire‑lit, free‑entry night in St. Petersburg, FL, featuring a live set by Philly Joe Jones and his sextet. The author revisits the recent poll on whether the Cubs should chase Japanese Triple‑Crown star Teruaki Sato—61% voted yes after the Hanshin Tigers announced his MLB posting. A photo from the ALCS Game 6 between the Rays and Guardians adds a baseball backdrop, while the writer also riffs on classic horror TV, highlighting the 1969 Night Gallery pilot starring Joan Crawford. The piece blends game updates, fan engagement, and pop‑culture chatter for night‑owls and Cubs supporters alike.
American League Championship Series Game 6: Guardians at Rays
Game 6 of the ALCS pits the Guardians at the Rays, with Tampa Bay leading the series 3‑2 and one win away from their first World Series since 2020. A rain‑shortened schedule forces a back‑to‑back day, meaning a Rays victory ends the series and sets up a World Series opener in Milwaukee on Friday. The matchup features right‑handers Shawn Armstrong (Guardians) versus Freddy Peralta (Rays), and the Guardians hope a bullpen win keeps Gavin Williams fresh for a decisive Game 7. The Rays, despite recent rainouts, remain the stronger side, but the Guardians have already survived two road elimination games.
AFL Mesa Solar Sox Update: Kade Snell breaks out
The Cubs' Mesa Solar Sox wrapped a chaotic AFL week 2‑2, improving to 4‑6 overall. Kade Snell emerged as the breakout prospect, posting a .286/.459/.321 line with four walks, a steal and four RBIs in eight games, highlighted by a 2‑for‑3 showing on Wednesday and a three‑walk night on Thursday. Fellow Cubs Juan Cabada struggles at .167, while Harrison Feinberg shines at .385. Pitching notes: Jhon Cabral remains spotless in 2.1 innings, whereas Anhuar Garcia’s ERA inflates to 6.75 after a rough outing. The week was marred by rain and a power‑failure postponement, leaving the Solar Sox to play only four games.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Michael Conforto
The author admits a misjudgment about Michael Conforto’s signing, noting how he quickly outlasted Dylan Carlson, who was released after a brief stint. Conforto seized a bench role, posting a .240/.331/.469 line with 15 homers in 271 at-bats and delivering a dramatic walk‑off homer on May 4. The piece highlights his solid defensive work, compares his production to Kyle Tucker’s despite fewer chances, and mentions his athletic lineage—father a Penn State football player and mother an Olympic gold‑medalist. At 34, Conforto earned $2 million in 2026, and the writer suggests a modest $5 million deal for 2027.
MLB News Outside The Confines: Roll out the barrel
The Milwaukee Brewers clinch the NLCS by beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 4‑2 in Game 4 at Dodger Stadium, with outfielder Sal Frelick celebrating in the locker room. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays take a 3‑2 edge over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the ALCS and aim to secure a World Series berth. If the Rays win Game 6, they will meet the Brewers, who have already swept the Dodgers. The piece round‑ups expert takeaways—from Mike Axisa’s game analyses and Jandy Díaz’s bold prediction to profiles of Brewers star William Contreras and discussions on Hall‑of‑Fame prospects—plus NBA Bucks scheduling tweaks, Dodgers’ offseason moves, and nostalgic Milwaukee ticket stories.
Chicago Cubs history — October 19
The post celebrates October 19 in baseball lore, kicking off with a birthday shout‑out to Mordecai Brown and highlighting the Cubs’ 2016 NLCS win over the Dodgers (10-2) where rookies Julio Urias and Ross Stripling started and Addison Russell and Anthony Rizzo broke long homer droughts. It then flashes back to historic moments: Allie Reynolds joining the Yankees in 1946, Nellie Fox’s 1949 White Sox trade, the Dodgers’ “Blue Monday” NLCS win in 1981, and key World Series games from 1991‑1999. Recent milestones include the Red Sox’s 2004 ALCS comeback, the Rays’ 2008 ALCS win, the Dodgers’ 2017 NLCS clincher, the Astros’ 2019 ALCS walk‑off, and the Yankees’ 2024 ALCS Game 5 victory on Juan Soto’s three‑run homer.
American League Championship Series Game 5: Rays at Guardians, 4 p.m. CT
The American League Championship Series is tied 2-2 as the Rays head to the Guardians for Game 5 at 4 p.m. CT on October 18, 2026. After the Rays' decisive win Saturday, the series shifts back to Florida for Game 6 tomorrow—no travel day thanks to Friday’s rainout. The matchup features right‑hander Drew Rasmussen (Rays) against left‑hander Parker Messick (Guardians) and will air on TBS with Brian Anderson, Jeff Francoeur, Ron Darling, and Lauren Shehadi calling the action.
Cubs historical sleuthing: The very first MLB game in Houston
With this photo, I resume my photo sleuthing series that I generally run in baseball offseasons. Before I get to this one, I’ll again put out a call: If you have any old Cubs or Wrigley Field (or even other baseball) photos you’d like me to sleuth, please send them along! The sleuthing project for […]
Chicago Cubs news— Suzuki, PCA, Bryant
Today’s Reflections Good morning. A rainout in Cleveland?!? What, did they NOT think of putting a dome on Progressive Field??? Well, if they did, those 17 magical moments wouldn’t have happened that November night. So, I guess it’s an even trade in the end. I appreciate your reading. *means autoplay on, (directions to remove for Firefox […]
American League Championship Series Game 4: Rays at Guardians, 7 p.m. CT
As you know, Game 4 got rained out Friday night in Cleveland. The weather forecast is much better for tonight, though it’ll be pretty chilly with temps in the 40s. 7 p.m. CT: Rays at Guardians (Guardians lead series 2-1) TV: TBS. Announcers: Brian Anderson, Jeff Francoeur, Ron Darling and Lauren Shehadi. Nick Martinez, RHP […]
A brief history of some recent postseason postponements
Friday’s postponement of Game 4 of the ALDS between the Rays and Guardians in Cleveland led to MLB handling tickets for the postponed game in an odd fashion. Here’s what they said in a press release about the postponement: Fans with tickets to the original ALCS Game Four on Friday, October 15th may use those […]
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