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Podcast Show Notes: CubsPS+ The Signs Episode 1
Episode Title: The Signs: Blown Saves
Host: Mike Waller
Description: Welcome to the debut episode of "CubsPS+ The Signs," my new podcast where I take a deep dive into interesting numbers, trends, and plays related to the Chicago Cubs. This short-form podcast aims to land in your feed one or two times a week, offering quick hits on specific topics that may not fit into my larger episodes.
Episode Summary: In this first episode, I discuss the concept of "blown saves" in baseball, a statistic that often causes confusion and frustration among fans. I delve into the nuances of this stat, explaining why it can be misleading and how it should be properly contextualized. Key points I cover include:
The definition of a blown save and how it differs from a traditional save.
Why not all saves (and blown saves) are created equal.
The performance of the Cubs bullpen this season, highlighting the team's struggles with blown saves.
The importance of the save plus hold percentage as a more comprehensive measure of bullpen performance.
Examples of games where the Cubs bullpen struggled and how these instances impacted the team's overall performance.
The potential impact of improving the bullpen, especially at the trade deadline.
Key Stats and Insights:
The Cubs bullpen has blown 23 leads this season, ranking among the worst in baseball.
The team is 14-20 in one-run games and has 18 blown saves.
The importance of looking beyond just the closer when analyzing blown saves.
Cubs' current bullpen situation and potential trade deadline moves to bolster the relief pitching staff.
League average save percentage vs. Cubs save percentage and its impact on the team's standings.
Takeaway: Understanding the blown save stat requires context. It doesn't always indicate poor performance by the closer alone, but rather reflects overall bullpen management and performance. Despite the Cubs' struggles, there are signs of improvement, and strategic moves could enhance their chances as the season progresses.
Call to Action: Support Cubs PS Plus on Patreon for ad-free episodes and exclusive content: patreon.com/CubsPSPlus.
Follow Me:
Twitter: @CubsPSPlus
Instagram: @CubsPSPlus
TikTok: @CubsPSPlus
Threads: @CubsPSPlus
Blue Sky: @CubsPSPlus
YouTube: Cubs PS Plus
Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Your feedback helps me improve and reach more Cubs fans.
Go Cubs!
Produced by: Bleacher Bunch Productions on the Fans First Sports Network
Related Shows:
The Son Ranto Show
Cuppa Cubbie Blue
Baseball Rabbit Hole
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All the stars came out to play during All-Star Break! The best minds in the baseball business: Bleacher Nation, Cubs Insider, Bricks Behind the Ivy, Bums in the Bleachers, Bleed Cubbie Blue, CHGO, Wrigleyville Nation, Cubs PS Plus, Fly the W, The Set Up Man, and Comedian Eric Wielo.
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Episode Title: Shōta Scoreless in ASG, Can Cubs Rally?
Show Notes:
Hey everyone, welcome to episode 82 of the podcast! Today, we're honoring Shota Imanaga for his stellar performance in the All-Star Game and his impressive stats. Imanaga's scoreless fourth inning and his 82 FIP- are just some highlights of his skills that we're celebrating.
New Segment Announcement:
I'm excited to announce a new segment debuting this week called "Cubs PS Plus The Signs."
Inspired by NPR's "The Indicator"
Shorter, quick-hitter podcast episodes (5-15 minutes)
The first episode will be released on Friday, focusing on blown saves and their varying impacts
Cubs Mid-Season Analysis: Despite a disappointing first half, there have been bright spots, especially in the pitching staff:
Justin Steele
Shota Imanaga
Jamison Taillon
Bullpen and Injuries:
Early injuries and overuse have plagued the bullpen
Promising developments from young arms:
Porter Hodge
Luke Little
Daniel Palencia
Offensive Struggles and Injuries:
The team started strong but faced challenges with injuries to key players:
Seiya Suzuki
Ian Happ
Dansby Swanson
Trade Deadline Strategy: Looking ahead, the trade deadline is looming. The Cubs need to balance between buying and selling:
Potential to make a playoff push
Strategic moves and possible additions to bolster the lineup and bullpen
Player Updates:
Christopher Morel's performance
Return of Cody Bellinger and Mike Tauchman
Handling roster changes and impact on young prospects:
Pete Crow-Armstrong
As always, your feedback is crucial. Let me know what you think of the new segment and any thoughts you have on the team's strategy moving forward. Enjoy the rest of your summer, stay safe, and get ready for more Cubs action starting Friday!
Stay tuned for the debut of "Cubs PS Plus The Signs" and more exciting content coming your way. Thanks for listening!
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It's not well known, but women have played and been a part of the major leagues for years. This Baseball Rabbithole introduces us to some of them.
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Did the Cubs Sweeping of the Orioles give you any more hope?
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Episode Title: Reflecting on the Cubs & A Podcast Journey
Hosts: Mike Waller
Release Date: July 9, 2024
Summary: In this special episode of Cubs PS Plus, I reflect on the two-year anniversary of my podcast and the mid performance of the Cubs over this period. I delve into the team's journey, highlighting key moments and players, and intertwine personal anecdotes about my own life changes and how they influenced my passion for podcasting and baseball.
Key Topics:
Anniversary Milestone:
Celebrating two years of Cubs PS Plus.
The Cubs’ record of 165-167, equating to an 81-win pace.
Cubs Journey:
Recap of the Cubs’ performance starting from July 2022.
Major trades and player movements .
Analysis of the 2022 season strategy of experimenting with players.
Player Highlights:
Performance reviews of key players like Frank Schwindel, Nico Horner, Ian Happ, and Christopher Morel.
The development and impact of new players like Seiya Suzuki and Marcus Stroman.
Reflections on Justin Steele’s emergence as a key pitcher.
Personal Reflections:
Mike’s journey through personal loss and career changes.
The role of podcasting as a creative and therapeutic outlet.
The evolution of his relationship with the Cubs and baseball.
Podcasting Experience:
Mike’s love for podcasts and how it influenced the creation of Cubs PS Plus.
Learning the technical aspects of podcasting and content creation.
The balance between structured content and freeform discussions.
Fan Interaction:
The importance of listener feedback and engagement.
Sharing experiences from interacting with Cubs fans and fellow podcasters.
Future of the Cubs:
Looking ahead to the potential moves and strategies for the Cubs.
The need for bold decisions to transition from mid-level performance to a division-winning team.
Listener Interaction:
Mike encourages listeners to share their thoughts and feedback on the episode.
Call for questions and topics for future episodes.
Follow Us:
Available as part of the Bleacher Bunch podcast feed
Twitter/X, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky & YouTube: @CubsPSPlus
Sponsor:
Thank you to the CubsPS+ Patreon supporters!
Music:
“Prospect Park West” by Jerry McHoy
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any baseball organization.
Make sure to tune in to the next episode for more insights and analysis on the Cubs and their journey. Thank you for listening and supporting Cubs PS Plus!
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The Cubs keep losing, but at least this time it's against good teams. Danny and Michael have a good time going through it anyway, with some Rakes, Flakes, Throws and Blows to for June!
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This episode dives deep into the current state of the Chicago Cubs, reflecting on their recent performance and answering listener questions in a special mailbag edition. From dissecting the team's recent losses to discussing the potential of young prospects and exploring trade deadline strategies, this episode covers it all. Whether you're curious about the Cubs' chances this season or looking to understand the future of the team's roster, this episode provides a thorough analysis.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction and Cubs Trivia:
I kick off the episode with some interesting Cubs trivia about former players Delino DeShields Sr. and Darren Jackson, who both had stints with the Cubs and hit exactly 80 home runs in their careers.
Cubs' Recent Performance:
A detailed recap of the Cubs' recent series against Milwaukee, highlighting the struggles in their offense and pitching, including a disastrous fourth inning and a tough loss with a grand slam by Bryce Turang.
An analysis of the Cubs' standings and performance trends, comparing this season's expectations to the current reality.
Mailbag Questions:
Season Expectations and Player Performance:
I revisit my preseason predictions and reflect on how the Cubs have measured up, discussing the impact of injuries and the overall performance of key players.
Young Players' Progress:
An in-depth look at young talents like Christopher Morel and Michael Busch, evaluating their progress, potential, and what to expect from them in the future.
Discussion on PCA (Pete Crow-Armstrong) and his offensive struggles at the major league level, including comparisons to players like Kevin Kiermaier and Michael A. Taylor.
Bullpen and Relievers:
Analysis of the Cubs' bullpen struggles and the development of young relievers, mentioning players like Luke Little, Porter Hodge, and Ethan Roberts.
Trade Deadline Strategies:
Mike addresses the crucial question of whether the Cubs should buy or sell at the trade deadline, considering their current position and potential moves.
Speculations on possible trades, including the idea of trading Nico Horner and how that could impact the team’s dynamics and future prospects.
Roster Construction and Future Planning:
Insights into building a successful roster, balancing between nurturing a strong farm system and making strategic acquisitions.
A comparison of different team-building strategies, referencing examples from other MLB teams and how the Cubs can learn from them.
Fan Engagement and Final Thoughts:
I wrap up by appreciating the listeners’ questions and encouraging continued engagement, providing a hopeful outlook for the remainder of the season and beyond.
Call to Action: Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform. Follow Mike Waller on Twitter/X, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky & YouTube @CubsPSPlus for more updates and to submit your questions for future mailbag episodes. Enjoy the game and have a fantastic Fourth of July!
Links and Resources:
Follow Mike Waller on Twitter/X, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky & YouTube: @CubsPSPlus
Support the podcast on Patreon: CubsPSPlus Patreon
Enjoy the episode and stay tuned for more in-depth Cubs coverage!
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This Rabbithole goes looking for all the times the MLB stopped playing baseball.
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Ryno gets a statue while the Cubs stand like statues and watch strike 3 go by.
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Michael Cotton (Son Ranto Show, Baseball Rabbit Hole) joins me for this episode. We reminisce about Ryne Sandberg and talk about his statue, we discuss Christopher Morel as a third baseman and we get into old school “feel” vs advanced analytics.
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For almost 50 years we had the best of both worlds, but there are all sorts of misconceptions about the Designated Hitter, and that's where this Baseball Rabbithole is going.
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The Cubs split the week with teams just like them and will now play another team that's even more expensive and mediocre than they are...the Mets!
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The Cubs finish a terrible road trip and come home to face the Cardinals.
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Wally Pipp, one of the most notorious names in baseball history takes us down this Baseball Rabbithole.
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The Cubs are struggling to hang around .500 and the injuries continue to pile up. This week I talk about where the Cubs are struggling, talk about some early trade deadline potential and dig into Christopher Morel’s hitting profile this year and what to expect going forward.
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It's been rough behind the dish since Willson wasn't resigned as the Cubs lose to the Reds on the road.
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RanterFest 2024 is in the books! Hear all about it from the folks who lived it!
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It's RanterFest Eve! And the Cubs are giving us quite a bit to Rant About!
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It's time for the seventh inning stretch here at The Baseball Rabbithole, so let's take some time to see what this is all about.
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