Behind the Yellow Line: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

Spring training continues on, and the injuries with it. Updates on which Cubs players are dealing with which issues, including a significant injury to prospect Caleb Kilian, as well as the first round of roster cuts, and fWAR over/under for the middle infield. Also, another delayed Boras client finds his way to a team, and MLB fans get to enjoy a new set of stadium renderings.

Cody Bellinger has returned to the Cubs in free agency, and the crew breaks down the contract, the money, the roster implications, and the vibes. Other notes from the first week of spring training, WAR over/under for Cubs outfielders Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Mike Tauchman, new insight on the issues with MLB's jerseys, and more.

The first Cubs spring training camp under the auspices of Craig Counsell has begun. The crew breaks down what to watch for this spring, including the addition of new reliever Héctor Neris. Notable players represented by one agent have yet to sign, including some pertinent to the Cubs. Is ownership solely to blame for their continued free agency? Also, the team on the South Side wants a boatload of public money for a new ballpark - should they get it?

All three hosts are present for the first time in 2024! After glowing reviews of the Shōta Imanaga signing in the previous edition, could there be greater causes for concern as well? Also, news to come out of Cubs Convention, as two franchise legends are announced as inductees to the team Hall of Fame, and one free agent name dominates the discussion throughout the weekend.

Randall and Jeremy break the holiday hiatus to discuss the soon-to-be newest member of the Cubs, Japanese left-handed pitcher Shōta Imanaga. We have you covered on the contract details, the scouting report, his fit in the rotation, and more. And with Imanaga in the fold, where does the front office go from here at this late date in the offseason?

Craig Counsell is introduced as the newest manager of the Cubs: what stood out from his introduction, and has it moved the needle at all for the pod's stalwart hater? Elsewhere, the Cubs add three minor league prospects to the 40-man roster, and make their moves at the non-tender deadline. Around the league, the MLB awards are announced, an All-Star Game is awarded, and the Oakland Athletics move one step closer to relocation.

Randall and Jeremy convene to discuss the day's shocking and unexpected news, as the Cubs hire Craig Counsell as their newest manager, and subsequently part ways with former manager David Ross. How did it come about? What does it imply for the offseason ahead? Will Randall get over it?

Cody Bellinger completes his comeback season, an old friend returns to the coaching staff, a front office member stays put, and other Cubs doings as the World Series concludes in favor of the Texas Rangers, and the pre-2024 offseason is set to begin in earnest. Also: whose problem is the decline in World Series television ratings, and is the postseason presentation in need of some fixes?

The offseason has yet to truly begin, but already rumors are afoot as to whom the Cubs might extend and whom the Cubs might target in free agency. Key front office member Craig Breslow has already departed, while another member of the front office might follow, and a member of the coaching staff may do the same. Elsewhere, the World Series matchup is set - who are you taking between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers?

The crew breaks down the Cubs news of the moment, including changes to the coaching staff, and a possible offseason pursuit of a slugging first baseman? Also, recapping MLB's Wild Card Round and League Division, with upsets, drama, surprises, and everything else you could need. The League Championship Series matchups are set and the predictions have been made, and looking back at Cubs postseason history from mid-Octobers of years past.