Peanuts & Popcorn: Recent Episodes
Tom Hockney and Leo Fontana
Peanuts & Popcorn (P&P) is a podcast between two old friends on Chicago Cubs Baseball and Motion Pictures.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we start with this week’s bag of popcorn and Tom’s choice, Missing (1982),with Jack Lemmon and Sissy Spacek. We then review Leo’s selection, Get Shorty (1995), with John Travolta, Rene Russo and Gene Hackman. In Peanuts, we say our farewells to umpireAngel Hernandez, the most hated umpire since Joe West. Negro League statistics have finally beenintegrated into the Major League database, and there are some new leaders in several categories. And Mets reliever, Jorge Lopez will lose his roster spotafter he blows up on the mound and then later off of it. Next Show:Leo's Pick: The Outfit (1973)Tom's Pick: Breaking Away (1979)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we beginwith the Popcorn and Tom’s selection from 1973, The Last of Sheila. Leo’s selection comes to us from Romania, the crime thriller, The Whistlers (2019).
In Peanuts, there are some very interestingrookies in MLB this season. Who has the inside track on winning ROY? The politics of a number change and the AL Central is no longer the worst division in baseball.
Next Show:Leo's Pick: Get Shorty (1995)Tom's Pick: Missing (1982)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we open the popcorn bag to break down the Pedro Almodovar sex comedy, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988). We then discuss a request from a listener, Swingers (1996) with John Favreau and Vince Vaughn.
In Peanuts, we mourn the passing of Whitey Herzog.We analyze some recent MLB umpire miscues. Max Fried, of the Atlanta Braves, pitches a Maddux. The Chicago Cubs have a successful homestand despite a rash of injuries, while the Detroit Tigers fight for respectability in the American League.
Next Show:Leo's Pick: The Whistlers (2019)Tom's Pick: The Last of Sheila (1973)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we open the bag of popcorn with an underappreciated gem by Akira Kurosawa, Tom’s choice, High and Low (1963). Steve Soderbergh directed the star-studded project Leo suggested. Based on a novel by Elmore Leonard, Out of Sight (1998).
In Peanuts, we react to the recent developments regarding Shohei Otani. One of them has nothing to do with gambling. The Cubs can hit, but their pitching is thin. The Tigers are the opposite, great pitching, they can’t hit.
Next Show:Leo's Pick: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)Tom's Pick: Swingers (1996)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we open the Popcorn with Tom’s selection for today’s episode, the Wes Anderson film, Rushmore (1998). For Leo, we go back to 1974 for the Lords of Flatbush.
In Peanuts, the 2024 season is underway. We’ll predict the teams who will qualify for the playoffs as well as the fortunes for the Cubs and Tigers. We’ll react to a guest column in the New York Times by Rafi Kohan. Shohei Otani is in the news, but for all the wrong reasons, and it looks like the Cubs and Dodgers will open the 2025 season in Japan.
Next Show:Leo's Pick: Out of Sight (1998)Tom's Pick: High and Low (1963)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the 2024 Oscars have come and gone, we will examine Tommy’s uncanny ability to select the winners in nearly every category. We then review our respective selections. Leo's choice, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, and Tom’s, The Zone of Interest. In Peanuts, as we near Opening Day, we make our predictions as to how the Cubs and Tigers will fare. Mazel Tov to Shohei Otani and his new bride and Yoshi Yamamoto and his black bag are changing the ways the Dodgers train their players.
Next Show:Leo's Pick: The Lords of Flatbush (1974)Tom's Pick: Rushmore (1998)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we start with an extra-long Popcorn. First up, two more reviews of the nominees for Best Picture of 2023: Anatomy of a Fall, and American Fiction. We will also reveal our favorites for the major Oscar categories---as well as predict the winners. In an abbreviated version of peanuts, we’ll talk about another Black Ace, former Twin and Guardian, Mudcat Grant. Cody Bellinger returns to the North Side, we pose the question: are the Cubs at least as good as they were last season? Finally, the Philadelphia Phillies have done away with their $1 hot-dog promotion. We are left to wonder why.
Next Show:Leo's Pick: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)Tom's Pick: The Zone of Interest (2023)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn,we start with the popcorn with our reviews of two more Best Picture nominees, Leo's pick, Bradley Cooper’s Maestro, and Tom’s pick, Poor Things with Emma Stone.
In Peanuts, we open the bag with great hope and anticipation as Spring Training has begun in Arizona andFlorida. Players in both sites are having difficulties with the Nike’s special Spring Training uniforms. An arrest is made in the vandalization of a Jackie Robinson statue, and we will talk about “The Black Aces”, a handful ofAfrican-American pitchers who have each won 20 games in the Majors.
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Leo's Pick: American Fiction (2023)
Tom's Pick: Anatomy of a Fall(2023)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we kick off our 8th season with our Popcorn discussion on the 2023 nominees for Best Picture. We’ll start with Tom’s choice, The Holdovers, then move to Leo’s pick, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon.
In Peanuts, we react to the 2024 Baseball Hall of Fameinductees, the Dodgers signing of Shohei Otani and the Cubs firing of David Ross and subsequent hiring of Craig Counsell.
Next Show:
Leo's Pick: Maestro (2023)
Tom's Pick: Poor Things (2023)
This week on the final episode of the2023 season, we open the bag of Popcorn by going back to 1975 for my movie, Rocky, before we break down Tommy’s final pick of the season, Zodiac. Then we will announce the winners our annual Poppy Awards for this year’s best P&P Movies.
In Peanuts, the World Series has come and gone, the TexasRangers won in 5 games over the Arizona Diamondbacks and despite some dramatic storylines, hardly anyone watched. We’ll talk about why.
Leo’s 2023 Poppy Award winner: Argentina- 1985
Tom’s 2023 Poppy Award winner: Prince of the City
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… we begin with RobertAltman’s, The Long Goodbye (1973) and end with Norman Jewison’s, Other People’s Money (1991).
In Peanuts, we react to recent events in playoff baseball asthe Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks face off in the World Series. Dusty Baker announces his retirement after 28 years as a big-league manager. The playoff format has been a source of controversy, we’ll add our two cents to the discussion. Kim Ng and the Miami Marlins part company while the Cubs arerumored to be interested in acquiring Juan Soto.
Next Show:
Leo's Pick: Rocky (1976)
Tom's Pick: Zodiac (2007)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn…we open the bag of popcorn with Tommy’s selection from 2010, Tony Scott’s, Unstoppable. Next, we break down Leo’s choice for this week, John Huston’s, Prizzi’s Honor (1985).
In Peanuts, the League Championship Series are set, and some unlikely teams have made their way to Baseball’s Final Four. We’ll answer the question, is the current playoff format fair to the higher-seeded teams? Attendance was up in 2023, did the new rule changes have anything to do with it? It’s been 20 years since the Bartman game, what have we learned.
Next Show:
Leo's Pick: Other People’s Money (1991)
Tom's Pick: The Long Goodbye (1973)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn…We open a steaming bag of hot-buttered popcorn with a double-feature of excellent features, Ang Lee’s, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. We then break down Tommy’s choice, Martin Scorcese’s After Hours. In Peanuts, with a clear(er) picture of the playoff matchups, we make our picksfor the first round. Finally, the Cubs just miss out on the playoffs, was the season a failure and what can they do to improve for next season?
Next Show:
Leo's Pick: Prizzi’s Honor (1985)
Tom's Pick: Unstoppable (2010)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… we startwith the popcorn as we begin with Leo’s selection, the 1996 Barry Levinson effort, Sleepers. Then we discuss the final film of Tom’s pet project of Best Picture winners that he has not seen on the big screen, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator.
Then we chew down the peanuts as the AtlantaBraves win their sixth straight NL East title. The Boston Red Sox fire Chaim Bloom and the LA Dodgers move on from Jose Urias. Blake Snell or Justin Steele? Who deserves to win the NL Cy Young Award. Finally, the Chicago Cubs come back to earth, but are still in line for a playoff berth.
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Leo's Pick: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000)
Tom's Pick: After Hours (1985)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… we start with a fresh batch of popcorn with Leo’s selection, JJ Abrams’ Super 8. Tom’s choice for this episode is the third of four Best Picture winners that he has not seen on the big screen: Terms of Endearment.
In Peanuts, Shohei Otani tore a ligament, but there are questions as to how serious it is. After shots are fired from within, or from outside their home ballpark, the Chicago White Sox fire their President of Baseball Operations AND their General Manager, and their owner is left to explain why he did not even look outside the organization to replace them. Meanwhile, the Cubs are in the playoff hunt and all is rainbows and unicorns on the North Side.
Next Show:
Leo's Pick: Sleepers (1996)
Tom's Pick: Gladiator (2000)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… we begin witha big bag of Popcorn with Tom’s choice for this week, Robert Redford’s Ordinary People. Leo’s choice is a favorite from 23 years ago, Billy Elliot.
In Peanuts, we lead off with a discussion on why so many plays that would normally be called errors are ruled as hits. We catch up on Kevin Brown’s return to the airwaves as well as the latest news on Wander Franco. The Dodgers retire Fernando Valenzuela’s number and we’ll react to the final two games of Cubs/Sox Crosstown Classic.
Next Show:
Leo's Pick: Super 8 (2011)
Tom's Pick:Terms of Endearment (1983)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… we open up the bag of popcorn as we review Tom’s choice, The Greatest Show on Earth. Up next is Leo's choice, Oppenheimer. In Peanuts, we begin with a reaction to MLB Commissioner, Rob Manfred, earning a four-year extension. Does he deserve it? We will tell a tale of two no-hitters, one in the best of times, the other in the worst. We also examine the state of Chicago baseball after the trading deadline.
Leo's Pick: Billy Elliott (2000)
Tom's Pick:Ordinary People (1980)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… we begin with Tommy’s choice in honor of the passing of Treat Williams with Prince of the City. Our second feature is the Jim Jarmusch effort, starring Forrest Whitaker, Ghost Dog. In “Peanuts”, we discuss the awful All-Star uniforms. We also find that the Baltimore Orioles have overtaken Tampa Bay for first place in the best division in baseball. Will they trade for Otani to put them over the top? Jen Pawol becomes the first woman to umpire a AAA game. Can the Major Leagues be far away?
Next Show's Films:
Leo's Pick: Oppenheimer (2023)
Tom's Pick:The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… The double-feature film discussion begins with Tom's selection, Le Samourai. We then move to Leo's choice, The Full Monty. In “Peanuts”, the Reds, Diamondbacks and Orioles are at or near the top of their respective divisions. We’ll discuss how they have all taken advantage of the new rule changes. Commissioner, Rob Manfred, reveals he is having second thoughts on granting immunity for players involved in the sign-stealing scandal. The Cardinals and Giants will play a game as a tribute to the Negro Leagues next season, while the Cubs and Cardinals finally face off in London. Next Show's Films:
Leo's Pick: Ghost Dog (1999)
Tom's Pick:Prince of the City (1981)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… we kick off our double feature with Bogart and Bacall in To Have and Have Not, while our second film is the 1955 Burt Lancaster directorial debut, The Kentuckian. In Peanuts, we discuss the retirement of friend of the show, Bartolo Colon. We’ll also react to a recent Jayson Stark column in The Athletic. Stephen Strasburg has another setback. Finally, we mourn the passing of Ed Stack, the former president of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Next Show's Films:
Leo's Pick: The Full Monty (1997)
Tom's Pick:Le Samouraï (1967)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… We open up the bag of“Popcorn” with Tom’s choice, the W. C. Fields 1934 film,It’s a Gift. Leo’s choice is a slightly more modern selection, the re-imaginingof the Cyrano de Bergerac classic, Roxanne.
In “Peanuts”, we’ll react to Jayson Stark’s list of activeplayers who may be headed to the Hall of Fame. We’ll askthe question, “What has happened to the no-hitter? Christopher Morel isshowing Cubs fans that he is certainly worth the price of admission. We’ll lookat some not so famous “one-hit wonders”.Next Show's Films:
Leo's Pick: The Kentuckian (1955)
Tom's Pick:To Have and Have Not (1944)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… our first Popcorn selectionis Tommy’s choice, the 1970’s film-noir classic, Night Moves. Our second film,chosen by Leo, is the more recent film about theprosecution of the military dictatorship in Santiago Mitre’s, Argentina 1985. InPeanuts, it has been two and half years since MLB announced they wouldintegrate Negro League stats into the historical database. Why is it taking solong? The Tampa Bay Rays keep rolling, but the AL East is far from won as theOrioles fight to keep pace. Meanwhile, for the first time since… ever? TheYankees and the Cardinals find themselves in sole possession of last place intheir divisions. Jose Abreu receives a warm welcome from the White Sox fans.
Next Show's Films:
Leo's Pick: Roxanne (1987)
Tom's Pick: It’s a Gift (1934)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… we begin with Tom’s"Popcorn" selection, the Akira Kurosawa film, Ikiru and we pivot to Leo's choice, thecross-dressing classic, Tootsie. In “Peanuts”, we examine the issue of robotumpires. We take a look at the YouTube documentary, Last Comiskey. TheOakland A’s will soon have the dubious distinction of having changed addressesfour times. Cubs’ lefty, Drew Smiley, loses a chance at a perfect game in themost agonizing way. All this and more on Peanuts and Popcorn.
Next Show's Films:
Tom's Pick: Night Moves (1975)
Leo's Pick: Argentina, 1985 (2022)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… We begin with Tom’s choice, Robert Mitchum in a film noir classic, Out of the Past,next up in this week’s double feature will be Excalibur, by John Boorman. In “Peanuts”, the Tampa Bay Rays are off andrunning. Shades of the ’84 Tigers? AJ Hinch benches Javy Baez after a baserunning blunder. How bad have things gotten in Detroit? The Cubs areselling beer bats, all the way through the 8th inning now.
This week on P&P, our Popcorn talk highlights the strong supporting work of Harvey Keitel. First, we discuss Leo’s choice, Smoke. We then conclude with Tom’s selection, the Martin Scorsese classic, Taxi Driver. Next up: Tom’s pick: Out of the Past (1947) and Leo’s pick: Excalibur (1981).
In “Peanuts”, we go through the highs and lows of the World Baseball Classic as MLB makes somesmall changes to the pitch clock rule. Tom and I make our predictions for 2023.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… We open the bag of Popcorn as the 2023 Oscars have come and gone. We’ll react to the winners and losers as well asdiscuss two films, Martin Scorcese’s, The King of Comedy (1982) and Lion (2016), starring Dev Patel. Next up: Tom’s pick: Taxi Driver (1976) and Leo’s pick: Smoke (1995).
In Peanuts, the World Baseball Classic is rolling along. The US defeats Venezuela 9-7 on a grand slam by Trea Turner and advances to the semifinals. The new rule changes seem to be having the desired effect on pace of play in Spring Training. Can it be sustained? What are some of the other unintended consequences? Finally, Trevor Bauer joins a disgraced Addison Russell in Japan.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… We dish out the Popcorn first---as we review Best Picture nominees, The Fabelmans and Everything Everywhere All at Once. We’ll also announce our choices for next week’s Oscar winners. Next up: Tom’s pick: Lion and Leo’s pick: The King of Comedy.
Our peanuts are salty this week as the Sox are having issues with local media. We cover off on the new rule changes and our early impressions.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… the Best Picture nominees are the focus of this week’s discussion as we review the merits of The Banshees of Inisherin and Tar. Up Next: The Fabelman's and Everything Everywhere All at Once. In the Peanuts bag, pitchers and catchers have reported to their respective training grounds in Florida and Arizona as players prepare for the upcoming season. We’ll discuss the World Baseball Classic, the efforts underway to increase African American participation in MLB as well as some of the new rule changes implemented this year.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we kick off our brand-new format, appropriately with Stanley Kubrick’s classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Our 2nd film is Robert Mandel’s F/X from 1986. Next up are Tar and The Banshees of Inisherin. We also have much to discuss on the pending MLB season, offseason grades and more on the season premiere of Peanuts and Popcorn.
This week on the final episode of the season on Peanuts and Popcorn, Dusty Baker gets his ring as the Astros win the World Series. It was one for the ages. Pete Rose will make the first bet at the new Sportsbook at Great American Ballpark and we look at the Athletics' list of the 25 top free agents. Coming to a Major League Baseball stadium near you: pitchers, catchers and hitters challenging balls and strikes. The Diabillas of Hondzonot will not be stopped as the White Sox announce their choice to manage in 2023. Ian Happ wins the Gold Glove, but where will Willson Contreras sign? Finally, in the last popcorn discussion of 2022, at the 40:35 mar--we’ll look at the Gurinder Chadra film, What’s Cooking.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the World Series has begun. We will discuss what has happened, what we think will happen and what we want to happen. For the first time since 1950, not a single American born black player is on either roster. The White Sox still have yet to name a manager, will the World Series result affect their options? Frank Thomas is portrayed as a bit of a jerk in a new book. Christopher Morel gives the Cubs flexibility this winter and finally, in our Popcorn discussion, Martin Scorsese's, Hugo. Next week: What's Cooking
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we wear our black armbands for Angela Lansbury and Bruce Sutter. The Divisional Series matchups have provided plenty of exciting surprises. The new rule changes for 2023 will have a significant impact on Nico Hoerner and the Cubs; while the White Sox begin their search for Tony La Russa’s replacement. Finally, in our popcorn discussion (at the 40:06 mark), we break down the Humphry Bogart Classic, In a Lonely Place. Next Week: John Carpenter's The Thing
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the Wild Card round has begun and there were some stunning surprises. Axios claims that Aaron Judge would have hit 81 homers under different circumstances. Eight teams have tough decisions to make to who will be filling out their lineup cards next season. We’ll perform the post-mortem on the Chicago baseball scene and our popcorn discussion is at 34:50 on the baseball-related documentary, Facing Nolan. Next week: In a Lonely Place
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, Aaron Judge ties the AL single-season home run record while Roger Maris Jr. proclaims he will be the “clean” record holder. The playoff picture is nearly set. The new pitch clock may cut the average length of an MLB game by as much as 20 minutes. We’ll also analyze why the Astros’ starting pitching is so good. Tony La Russa will not be back next season on the South Side, while Seiya Suzuki rejoins the Cubs with a shock of blonde hair. Oh, and Jayson Heyward explores an ownership role on the North Side. Finally, in our popcorn chat, we break down Tom’s choice for this week at the 44:01 mark, Cool Hand Luke. Next Week: Facing Nolan
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, black armbands are on after the death of Maury Wills; Albert Pujols joins an exclusive club. We’ll react to what some of the players and managers are saying about the proposed rule changes. Garrett Cole takes an early shower, while the Mets and the Reds make history. The Cubs have been thinking about the 2023 season, while the White Sox can now join them. This week in popcorn, at the 36:02 mark, we go all the way back to 1960 for the Stanley Kramer directed, Inherit the Wind. Next Week: Cool Hand Luke
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros clinch their respective divisions. We get the inside dirt, on the infield dirt. We talk about the evolving art of informing a young player he’s made it to the Bigs. Big Albert is gunning for #700, will we ever see his like again? We’ll react to an open letter by Ken Rosenthal to Tony La Russa as well as three players the Cubs can build around for next season. In our Popcorn discussion at the 47:07 mark, we’ll review Tom’s choice of the Barry Levinson directed, Diner. Next Week: Inherit the Wind
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, new rule changes are in store for 2023, we’ll break down their possible impact. Joe Maddon goes public on the problem with analytics. A union for minor league players is recognized and Jerry Seinfeld blames Timmy the Trumpet for the Mets collapse. Tony La Russa may be back in the manager’s chair sooner rather than later and Pat Hughes and Jose Cardenal are inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame. Finally, in our popcorn discussion at the 42:56 mark, we talk about the Luc Besson film, Leon the Professional. Next Week: Diner
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the MLB season has less than a month to go. Which teams will find themselves vying for the World Series? Austin Meadows of the Tigers takes some time off to improve his mental health, while the Cincinnati Reds debut a promising star as well as an unlikely one. John Morosi sends Cubs Nation into hysterics, while the White Sox show signs of life. Finally, our Popcorn discussion is at the 36:46 mark, we talk about one of Tom’s favorite movies, the Richard Benjamin directed, My Favorite Year. Next Week: Leon the Professional
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, Rod Carew corners the Commissioner at the Hall of Fame banquet and lets him know what he thinks. We react to the 2023 MLB schedule. A group of Texas Ranger relievers decides to leave the bullpen. Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols make their final career appearances at Wrigley Field while the White Sox can’t seem to get out of their own way. Finally, in our Popcorn discussion is at the 33:28 mark as we talk about the 1989 film, The Big Picture. Next Week: My Favorite Year
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the Texas Rangers make a change in their front office as Mark DeRosa is named manager of Team USA. It’s apparently become too dangerous to allow Alex Bregman to occupy second base as Albert Pujols is approaching some rarified air. The Cubs acquire a big stick while the White Sox get a reliable infield glove. Finally, in our Popcorn discussion, at the 35:25 mark, we discuss the 1974 Oscar nominee for Best Picture, The Conversation. Next week: Girl Fight
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, Baseball says goodbye to Vin Scully as Tom goes to Comerica Park to see the Tigers honor Lou Whitaker. Pete Rose visits Philadelphia and it does not go well. Shohei Otani passes Ichiro and ties Babe Ruth. Verlander continues to shine. The Chicago White Sox are hanging on by their fingernails while the Cubs play the Reds in the corn in Iowa. Finally, in our “Popcorn” discussion begins at the 49:02 mark as we break down Amy Heckerling's, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Next Week: The Conversation
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the MLB trade deadline is Tuesday, we’ll talk about the trades that have happened while speculating on those yet to come. How many of you know about the magic mud from the Delaware River that helps pitchers get a grip? We’ll reminisce about Will Clark and Greg Maddux and a time where pitchers didn’t try to conceal their mound discussions and Pete Rose will make an appearance in Philadelphia to commemorate the 1980 World Series team. We have the latest from the Cubs and Sox and finally, our popcorn discussion is at the 34:32 mark on the WC Fields classic: The Bank Dick. Next Week: Fast Times at Ridgemont High
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the Toronto Blue Jays part ways with their manager, while MLB ponders a possible way to combat shifting. As the trade deadline approaches, some big names are being thrown around. We compare two recent inside the park home runs, while the lion’s share of the Kansas City roster waves goodbye to their teammates on the tarmac as they play a road trip in Toronto...without them. We’ll talk about the Sox and the Cubs and finally, our popcorn discussion is at the 45:57 mark on the Emma Stone comedy, Easy A. Next Week: The Bank Dick
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, We find popcorn in our peanuts as A League of Their Own turns thirty. Mark Appel makes his Major League debut at the age of thirty; some nine years after he was drafted as a can’t miss prospect. Josh Naylor nails down another thriller for the Guardians and we react to an ugly brawl between the Angels and the Mariners. Finally, our popcorn discussion is at the 43:11 mark on the John Huston, Humphrey Bogart classic, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Next week: Easy A
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we submit our picks for the Midsummer Classic. The new playoff format was supposed to encourage competition top to bottom, yet 6 teams are on a pace to lose 100 games. Shohei Otani makes history---while former Cub, Kyle Farnsworth is on a body building binge. Finally, our Popcorn discussion is at the 35:15 mark on the Clint Eastwood film, Grand Torino. Next Week: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we look at the players who are most likely to be traded at the deadline. Stephen Strasburg has pitched a grand total of 8 starts for the Nationals since he signed a $245 million dollar contract in 2019. Mike Trout talks about baseball’s most interesting Fantasy Football league and we re-visit our preseason predictions. Finally, our Popcorn discussion is at the 36:28 mark on the Akira Kurosawa masterpiece, Rashomon. Next Week: Gran Torino
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, an unemployed Joe Maddon says he wants to manage again, we ask where he might end up. Angel Hernandez sues MLB for denying minorities opportunities as crew chiefs, does he have a case? Dusty Baker is suspended while Madison Bumgartner gets surly after a Joey Votto milestone double. We’ll talk Cubs and Tony LaRussa's problems on the Southside; while our Popcorn discussion is at 38:43 and we discuss Kirk Jone's Waking Ned Devine. Next Week: Rashomon
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the Philadelphia Phillies fire Joe Girardi while the Los Angeles Dodgers use Pride Month as a platform to right an ancient wrong. Jim Kaat puts his foot in his mouth, again. We’ll talk about the Cubs and the Sox and in the wake of the passing of Ray Liotta---our popcorn begins at the 32:17 mark, as we discuss the Martin Scorsese classic, Goodfellas. Next week: Mediterraneo
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, tragic events in Uvalde, Texas move Gabe Kapler to stay in the dugout during the National Anthem. Fantasy Football leads to Tommy Pham bitch-slapping Joc Peterson. The 3-0 fastball has been replaced by the 3-0 slider and Josh Donaldson apologizes to the Robinson family while he languishes on the 15-day IL. The Cubs take the Red Line to the South Side to play the Sox and our Popcorn discussion begins at the 36:18 mark as we discuss the film, The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain. Next Week: Goodfellas
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we mourn the passing of baseball literary giant, Roger Angell. The Red's Hunter Green and Andrew Warren of the Reds combine to no-hit the Pirates, and Cincinnati still loses. Matt 'Batman' Harvey pleads guilty to distribution of drugs, and we look at Tim Anderson's allegations against Josh Donaldson. We'll run the bases on Chicago baseball and our popcorn discussion starts at the 41:20 mark as we review Terrence Malik’s, The Thin Red Line. Next Week's Movie: The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the Mets and the Guardians come back from 6-run deficits to stun the Phillies and the White Sox. Reid Detmer of the Angels throws an unlikely no-hitter. We discuss the King of Throws: Tom House. We’ll talk about the Cubs and the White Sox and the weight of expectations. Our Popcorn segment at the 36:42 mark, our Movie of the Week is David Lean's Doctor Zhivago. Next week: The Thin Red Line
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, after six games were postponed due to rain on Friday night, can MLB do anything about the weather? The Cincinnati Reds are currently 4-23. Will they go down in history as one of the worst teams of all time? Dusty Baker gets his 2,000th win as the Cubs and White Sox face off in the first leg of the Crosstown Classic. Our Popcorn segment at the 41:44 mark, our Movie of the Week is The Outfit. Next week: Doctor Zhivago
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, home runs are way down. We ask why. Umpire, Angel Hernandez, has another bad day behind the plate and Kyle Schwarber lets him know about it. Trevor Bauer will be sitting for the next two years and Miguel Cabrera joins an elite club. We will talk Chicago baseball and In our Popcorn segment at the 32:54 mark, our Movie of the Week is Bullets Over Broadway Next week: The Outfit
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we give a crunch of the nut to Rachel Balkovik, the first female manager of a professional baseball team. We run down some of the more dramatic highlights around the league including the Cubs and White Sox. In our Popcorn segment at the 38:02 mark, our Movie of the Week is Under the Volcano, directed by John Huston. Next week: Bullets Over Broadway
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, all these years and it’s only just now that we find out second base was in the wrong place the whole time! The 2022 season will see umpires mic'd up and announcing their decisions and reversals, while Nippon Baseball finds creative ways to present their product. Albert Pujols is back with the Cardinals and Jacob deGrom’s injury may sink the Mets chances this season. We make our predictions for the 2022 season and we will talk Cubs and Sox. Our Popcorn discussion begins at the 36:12 mark as we muse on the fallout from the latest Oscars fiasco. Our movie of the week: Under the Same Moon. Next Week: Under the Volcano-
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, with MLB camps open for business, most free agents have been spoken for, but we’ll take a look at some of the players who “ahem”, still might be able to help a club. Seiyu Suzuki makes his Spring debut for the Cubs, while the White Sox force their best starting pitcher to endure an arbitration hearing for less than $500,000.
And finally, on the morning of the day of the Academy Awards, at the 26:30 mark we make our predictions for Best Picture and perhaps one or two other categories. Next Week: Under the Same Moon
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, Carlos Correa shocks the world and signs with the Twins for $35 million a year. In other news of the 1%, Chicago Cubs owner teams up with an Illinois billionaire to attempt to purchase the Chelsea football club. Our popcorn talk begins at 28:00 and it's on the Academy Award nominated, Coda. Next week is Oscar night and we'll discuss all of the Best Picture nominees.
This week on the Spring Training edition of Peanuts and Popcorn, the lockout is over. The owners and the player’s association have FINALLY agreed to a deal that will allow for the 2022 season to begin. With the new labor deal comes new free-agent signings. Tom and I will break down what you can expect this season including some of the new rule changes. The Baseball Writers Association elects David Ortiz to the Hall of Fame, but Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens fail to win induction. We’ll talk about the Cubs and the Sox . Our Popcorn discussion begins at 46:17 with our discussion on the Academy Award nominated: West Side Story. Next Week: CODA
This week on a special Hot Stove edition of Peanuts and Popcorn, Major League Baseball make slow progress on their collective bargaining. We react to the recent transactions that happened BEFORE the lockout began and we give our votes for the Baseball Hall of Fame, if someone would ever give us a ballot. Our Popcorn discussion begins at the 50:12 mark with our review of what looks to be a surefire Oscar nominee, Belfast. Next show will be in March and our film discussed will be Steven Spielberg's West Side Story
This week on on the 2021’s final installment of Peanuts and Popcorn, the World Series is over and the Atlanta Braves are the last team standing. We’ll discuss the contributions of Jorge Soler and Brian Snitker. The Astros have committed to Dusty Baker for 2022. Buster Posey hangs up his catchers mask, we ask if he is a Hall of Famer? The players offer a proposal to the owners; what will happen next this offseason? We’ll talk about free agents the Cubs and Sox should be targeting and in our Popcorn discussion begins at the 54:17 mark with our final movie of 2021: John Sayles' Lone Star. Next Film to start 2022: Belfast.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the World Series moves to Atlanta where the discussion turns to collective bargaining, the Tomahawk Chop and the legacy of Hank Aaron. Meanwhile, the Braves lead 3 games to 1. Mr. October is helping Jose Altuve and the MLBPA recognizes the efforts of two Baltimore Orioles. We'll also catch up on what the Cubs and Sox need to do to get closer to the brass ring. Finally, our popcorn discussion begins at the 50:42 mark and it is on the Frank Capra classic, It Happened One Night. Next Week: Lone Star.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, after a week-long sabbatical, Tom and Leo are back to break down the playoffs. We’ll discuss the demise of the Brewers, Giants, Rays, Red Sox and the Dodgers. We lament the passing of Ray Fosse and the Cardinals fire Mike Schildt. We’ll talk about the Cubs and the Sox and our Popcorn discussion is at the 50:25 mark, on Robert Redford's The Milagro Beanfield War. Next Week: It Happened One Night
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we give our reactions to the playoffs so far. Freddy Freeman likes to treat first base as his own front porch while Luis Rojas and Jayce Tingler pay the price for their teams failures. Two players from the permanently ineligible list are in the news this week, one dead, one alive. We’ll talk about the Cubs and the Sox and our Popcorn discussion is at the 54:28 mark, and we talk about the movie that made Albert Finney a star, Tom Jones. Next Week: The Milagro Beanfield War
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, post-season chaos is the rule as four teams vie for two playoff spots. We’ll talk about who deserves post-season hardware and we’ll answer burning questions for playoff contending teams. Marcus Semien is setting records while Devin Williams finds himself sitting out of the playoffs. We’ll talk abouthow the Cubs might try to improve for next season and how the Sox are getting ready to play the Astr(*cks). Our Popcorn discussion is at the 52:49 mark, as we discuss the Paul Mazursky film, Enemies a Love Story. Next Week: Tom Jones.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, with only a week remaining in the 2021 regular season---two games separate the Giants and Dodgers. The Cardinals flutter their way into the post-season with 14 straight wins. The Home Run leaderboard is unlike any we’ve ever seen. We’ll talk about what it’s like to work with Bob Uecker. We’ll discuss whether baseball should retire Roberto Clemente’s #21 across MLB. The Braves, Max Fried, throws a second Maddux and baseball has a new pick-off king. We’ll talk about the Cubs as well as the AL Central Division champion, Chicago White Sox and our Popcorn discussion is at the 50:57 mark as we review the Bill Forsyth 1983 classic, Local Hero. Next week: Enemies, A Love Story
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, MLB now requires all non-playing personnel to get the COVID-19 vaccine for the playoffs. We’ll talk about a whether or not a 15-second pitch clock can work at the Major League level. Leo has not taken his family to a game this season, part of the reason is that it costs too much money. The St. Louis Cardinals are in the hunt for a wild card berth and Vladimir Guerrero has a chance to win the triple crown. Ryan Braun retires. We’ll have the Cubs and the Sox and our Popcorn discussion is at the 49:37 mark as we discuss the Burt Lancaster classic, The Swimmer. Next Week: Local Hero
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, we discuss how baseball helped bring us back to a sense of normalcy. The Hall of Fame class of 2020 finally gets their induction, a year later. The New York Yankees are circling the drain and Yadier Molina will get a farewell tour in 2022. Johnny Bench caught COVID, but is recovering, while Trevor Bauer will not be back this season. We have the Cubs and White Sox, and our Popcorn discussion at the 53:45 mark is on Francois Truffaut's film, The 400 Blows. Next Week: The Swimmer.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, Jayson Stark gets weird and wild with Shohei Ohtani and we discuss remaining 2021 goals for Major League teams. MLB’s collective bargaining proposal could be a lot better and Javy Baez is condemned and redeemed in the same week. Anti-vaxxers are making it tough for their teams and in the broadcast booth. We’ll have the week that was for the Cubs and the Sox and our “Popcorn” is at the 54:11 mark on the Alan Rudolph film, Choose Me. Next Week: The 400 Blows
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the Padres lose a 16-inning affair to the Dodgers and then fire their pitching coach. The Baltimore Orioles are one of the worst teams of all time while the Giants refuse to be knocked down. Christian Yelich is heating up and the Brewers look unstoppable. We’ll talk about girls playing catcher and no-hitters in the Little League World Series. Miguel Cabrera finally hit his 500th. We’ll talk Cubs and Sox in the Crosstown Classic and at the 44:45 mark, our Popcorn discussion is on the Martin Scorsese film, Mean Streets. Next Week: Choose Me
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, Tiger Nation mourns the loss of Bill Freehan and we look back on the sacrifices made by Curt Flood. Joe Pepitone wants his bat back, and Atlanta’s, Max Fried, pitches a “Maddux”. Trevor Bauer’s lawyer has tough questions for his accuser, while MLB extends his leave of absence. Jack Morris gets a time out and Felipe Vazquez is sentenced to prison. We’ll talk Cubs and Sox and at the 58:50 mark, our Popcorn discussion is on Lawrence Kasdan’s Body Heat. Next week: Mean Streets.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, baseball comes to Iowa as the Yankees and the White Sox face off in a corn field. We discuss the relevance of “Field of Dreams” in 2021. The Orioles’ Chris Davis, finally retires, and Miguel Cabrera should not be too far behind. Trevor Bauer has issues and a former batboy alleges Omar Vizquel sexually harassed him. We’ll talk about Sod Poodles, Yard Goats and Trash Pandas, the Cubs and White Sox and at the 47:25 mark, our Popcorn discussion is on the Alfred Hitchcock classic, Vertigo. Next week: Body Heat.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we break down the individual divisional races and we'll examine the NY Times prediction of a World Series preview. Jayson Stark brought to light some oddities about the recent trade activity. JR Richard passes away and we’ll talk about baseball on the radio. Ramon Laureano is suspended for steroid use and minor league ballplayers are still living in squalor. In Tokyo, Eddie Alvarez is going to do something no American Olympic athlete has ever done. The White Sox go to Wrigley Field to face a diminished version of the Northside Nine and at the 54:01 mark, our Popcorn segment, we are discussing the Argentine crime thriller: Nine Queens. Next week: Vertigo
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the MLB trade deadline has come and gone, we’ll look at the winners and the losers. Terry Francona vacates the manager’s chair in Cleveland citing health reasons and Joey Votto is getting hot. Anthony Rizzo pays immediate dividends for the Yankees, and Santiago Espinal reminds of us Kevin Mitchell. We’ll break down Olympic Baseball and their use of a ball that could solve a lot of headaches on this side of the Pacific Ocean. The Cubs and Sox play pattycake our Popcorn discussion begins at the 50:16 mark on La Vie en Rose. Next week: Nine Queens.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the Cleveland Indians are now the Guardians…of second place in the AL Central. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic maps out some possible trades; we’ll predict which ones are the most likely. A shooting takes place outside of Nationals Park forcing fans and players to take cover. Taijuan Walker makes one of the worst on-field blunders in over thirty years. Broadcaster, Thom Brennaman, attempts to resurrect his career starting at the Prep level. Monessan, Pennsylvania honors the great Josh Gibson and we learn more lurid details from the Zobrist divorce. We’ll get local with the Cubs and Sox and our Popcorn discussion begins at the 52:50 mark on Whit Stillman's, Metropolitan Next Week: La Vie En Rose
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the All-Star Break has come and gone, we’ll break down the highlights. Ichiro Suzuki is remembered by the men who played with him. Commissioner, Rob Manfred, says the league will do away with some of the COVID rule changes in 2022 and he keeping mum on the possible new voting laws in Texas. Trevor Bauer and Starlin Castro are placed on administrative leave, Tom and I will talk about why. Ronald Acuña Jr. blows out his knee forcing the Braves to trade for Joc Pederson and the Baltimore Orioles will be the first team to have an all-woman broadcast team. We’ll get local with the Cubs and Sox and our Popcorn discussion begins at the 52:20 mark on the first summer blockbuster of all time, Jaws. Next Week: Metropolitan
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the Commissioner thinks the foreign substances ban is succeeding, while MLB games look more like a TSA checkpoint. Kyle Schwarber is doing well after leaving the Cubs. Is he a player that may be traded before the deadline? The Negro League Baseball Museum is 101 years old and is celebrating with a fact, per day. The Orioles debut an old rookie and an Atlanta musician has a crush on Ronald Acuña Jr. The entire Cubs pitching staff combines to no hit the Dodgers and the Sox are reeling. Our our Popcorn discussion begins at the 46:28 mark as we discuss the Francis Ford Coppola classic, Godfather II Next: Jaws
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the foreign substances purge begins. At what point will MLB appear they know what they are doing? Garret Cole wants the baseball to “Talk to us”, while Joe Posnanski takes the long-term view. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. can do something that no one else has ever done and Shohei Othani will anchor the only home run derby that we may actually watch. We’ll talk about the Cubs and Sox. Our Popcorn discussion begins at the 55:40 mark as we discuss the John Ford/John Wayne classic, The Searchers. Next Week: Godfather II
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, USA Today's Bob Nightengale identifies the players most likely to be traded and the teams most likely to trade for them at the deadline. Foreign substances. Who are using them and what are they using? Jacob deGrom has three different ERA titles to shoot for. Derek Jeter will have to wait to be inducted into the HOF, and we’ll ask the tough questions: Do bigger bases beget better baseball? The Cubs and Sox are on top of their respective divisions and no once can quite understand why. Our Popcorn discussion begins at the 52:14 mark, as we break down the Spike Lee joint, Get on the Bus Next Week: The Searchers
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, is your favorite player on the IL? You can take comfort in the fact that injuries are up around the league. Bob Brenly will be joining Thom Brennerman on the broadcaster bench while the SF Giants recognize Gay Pride. The Astros are good again and it’s creating a problem and Montana Fouts does something that hasn’t been done since 1912. The All-Star ballot has been released, so where does Kris Bryant play? The Cleveland Baseball team is close to picking a name and we will look back on the career of Mike Marshall. We’ll talk about the Cubs and Sox and our Popcorn discussion begins at the 51:10 mark, as we discuss the Sidney Lumet classic, 12 Angry Men. Next Week: Get on the Bus
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, veteran umpire, Joe West sets the record for most games arbitrated on the South Side of Chicago. Javy Baéz runs wild on the bases in Pittsburgh while Germain Marquez needs only 62 pitches to complete a game. A Cuban Olympian defects to the USA while the Mickey Calloway era ends in Anaheim before it gets started. The Cubs and Sox are hot and our Popcorn discussion begins at the 54:50 mark as we review the classic, Roadhouse. Next Week: 12 Angry Men
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, two more no-hitters, but MLB still won’t stop pitchers from applying foreign substances to the ball. Felipe Vazquez is found guilty of sexual assault and we'll examine the most disappointing teams in baseball this season. We’ll go rapid fire on the Kevin Pillar beaning, CC Sabbathia playing softball and Fernando Tatis doing yoga. The Cubs and Sox have a successful midweek series, but Tony La Russa seems to think it is all about him. And finally our Popcorn discussion begins at the 48:33 mark as we review the Orson Welles classic, "Touch of Evil". Next Week: "Roadhouse".
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, infection rates fall and teams are allowing more fans in the door. We’ll examine some of the larger, existential issues related to the game we love. The Athletic’s Jayson Stark is weird and wild, and we love it. What is the right way to show a Hall of Fame ballplayer the door? The Oakland Athletics have been allowed to consider relocation and Rob Manfred is just sooo hard to like. We’ll have the week that was for the Cubs and Sox and our Popcorn discussion begins at the 50:18 mark as we review Mel Brooks, "The Producers". Next Week: "Touch of Evil".
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the immortal Willie Mays turns 90. The Year of the Pitcher continues as John Means and Wade Miley toss no-hitters in the same week while Yankee fans express their anger to the Houston Trashtos. The World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers are struggling mightily while King Albert is designated for assignment. We’ll talk about a wild week for the Cubs and the Sox and our Popcorn discussion begins at the 50:08 mark as we review Peter Bogdanovich’s The Last Picture Show. Next Week: The Producers.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, how did the San Francisco Giants manage to get into first place? We’ll look back on the career of Brian Jordan and the Colorado Rockies make a change in the frontoffice.Roberto Alomar is placed on the ineligible list for sexual misconduct and Shohei Othani reminds us all of Babe Ruth. We’ll talk Cubs and White Sox and our Popcorn discussion begins at the 50:15 mark as we discuss Eugene Brady's, The Nephew. Next Week: The Last Picture Show
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the Oakland A’s are hot. So are pitchers, Corbin Burns and Jacob deGrom. The Duneiden Blue Jays are 9-11, are they baseball’s next great team? The Dodgers and the Padres show just how interesting the NL West can be. A National’s fan gets a shot at redemption and we look back on a big day in the Tatis family. We will break down and eventful week in Chicago baseball and our Popcorn discussion begins at the 51:25 mark and we discuss our picks for the Oscars. Next Week: The Nephew.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, MLB is using the Southern League for some experimental rule changes, and Leo suggests a reform that may merit testing. An Atlanta-area public school honors the late Hank Aaron and a former Negro-League stadium will undergo a restoration. We look back on the phenomenon that was “Fernandomania”. We talk about how Bernie Madoff with a lot of Mets Money that they may need for upcoming sexual harassment lawsuits. We'll have the latest on a rather dull week in Chicago baseball apart from one amazing Sox story. Our Popcorn discussion begins at the 49:31 mark we review the last in our series of 2021 Oscar nominees, The Trial of the Chicago 7. Next Week: Our picks for the Oscars
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we predict the 2021 post-season award winners. The San Diego Padres get some bad news and some good news. We talk about unknown players setting the world on fire and Nolan Arenado has his first big Busch Stadium moment. Shohei Otani has a historic day against the White Sox and Ichiro Suzuki crashes the Dodgers ring ceremony. David Wells gives us some insight into his character. We’ll break down the week that was for the Cubs and the Sox, and our Popcorn discussion begins at the 52:38 mark with the Best Picture nominee, Promising Young Woman. Next Week: The Trial of the Chicago 7.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, MLB takes a stand on an important political issue. We react to a very strange Opening Day along with the rest of the action from around the league. The Mets make Frankie Lindor a very rich man. Eno Harris from the Athletic makes some bold predictions for the season that sound a lot like some of ours, only better researched. We’ll talk about how the Cubs and the Sox did in their opening series, we discuss the maturation of the Marquee Network. Our Popcorn discussion begins at the 51:30 mark with the Best Picture nominee, Nomadland. Next Week: Promising Young Woman
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we make our predictions for the new season, and we look back to when Randy Johnson killed a bird. MLB hitters will be allowed to use video again this season while pitchers will be banned from using foreign substances. Batman is back in baseball with the Orioles, and Gio Gonzalez decides to call it a career. There’s lots to talk about with the Cubs and the Sox. Our Popcorn discussion begins at the 48:30 mark with the Best Picture nominee, Minari. Next Week: Best Picture nominee, Nomadland.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, as this may be the last year ever where pitchers hit, Jayson Stark tells us some things to watch out for. An article in 538.com breaks down the impact of Negro League stats to the official MLB statistical record. Joe Maddon says that deadening the baseball would be better than banning the shift. The Mets and Yankees will have fans in the stands for the home opener and apparently someone had been living at the old Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia for years. We’ll have the latest news for the Sox and the Cubs drug bust and Our Popcorn discussion begins at the 42:26 mark and we review the John Ford classic, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Next Week: Best Picture nominee, Minari.
This week on Peanuts & Popcorn, we kickoff the 5th season of the podcast with Ernie Harwell reciting the Voice of the Turtle. The Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2021 will be…the Class of 2020, as the writers failed to elect a single player. Curt Schilling, in his penultimate year of eligibility, asks to be removed from the ballot. The New York Mets need to make changes in HR while rule changes will be tested throughout the minor leagues. Johnny Damon catches a DUI, in spite of his political leanings. We’ll have all that plus the latest developments in the White Sox and Cubs camps. Our Popcorn discussion begins at the 50:46 mark and we review the Tom Hanks movie,News of the World.Next Week: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.
This week on our special mid-season hot-stove edition of Peanuts and Popcorn, Henry Aaron passes… as well as Don Sutton and Tommy LaSorda. Que descansen en paz. The Miami Marlins choose their new GM and the Cleveland Indians announce their intention to change their offensive nickname. Are pitchers cheating to gain a competitive edge? We look at the remaining big free agents. All that plus the hot stove is fired up for the White Sox and the Cubs. This week our Popcorn segment begins at the 58:53 mark and our discussion is on the Charlie Brooker film: Death to 2020.
This week on the final Peanuts and Popcorn episode of the season, the World Series is over; the Dodgers are World Champions as Dave Roberts joins a very exclusive club and Justin Turner behaves very irresponsibly. The White Sox hire Tony LaRussa and the Tigers bring in AJ Hinch. Will the Red Sox bring back Alex Cora? Does new owner, Steve Cohen, make the Mets a better team? We marvel at the lack of shifts against DJ LaMahieu and we talk scoreboard watching in San Diego. We’ll bring you up to speed with the Cubs and this week our Popcorn segment begins at the 55:10 mark and our discussion is on the Fellini classic: La Dolce Vita.
This week on this season’s penultimate episode of Peanuts and Popcorn, the World Series is underway and its turning into a doozy. The Rays and Dodgers are knotted at 2 games each. We’ll break down the action from Globe Life Park, including last night's World Series classic walk-off by the Rays. Is Mookie Betts better than Mike Trout? Former Astros GM, Jeff Luhnow, wonders if he should be treated more fairly. The Players Choice awards and Gold Glove finalists are announced, and the sale of the Mets to Steve Cohen is still not a done deal. The Reds promote from within while the Chicago Cubs make massive personnel changes. This week our Popcorn segment begins at the 100:47 mark, and we talk about the Robert Altman underrated classic film: Cookie’s Fortune. Next week: La Dolce Vita.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we keep our black armbands on as we react to the passing of Joe Morgan. The Rays are going to the World Series and they'll be playing either the Dodgers or the Braves. We break down both League Championship Series. The Rick Renteria era ends on the South Side; who will be filling out the lineups in 2021? In our Cubs segment, we examine what the Cubs might look like without Anthony Rizzo. This week our Popcorn segment begins at the 101:32 mark, we take a look at the Indian classic: Panther Panchali. Next Week: Cookie's Fortune.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, another Hall of Famer passes away. We discuss the career of Whitey Ford. The divisional round has come and gone as each league is distilled down to two. We’ll talk about some great catches in post season history. We cover Alexis Blackburn’s harrowing story of domestic abuse. We also discuss the changes in MLB management around the league. We'll react to an interview with Mike Schmidt. This week our Popcorn segment begins at the 49:25 mark and we discuss the 2002 Gurinder Chadha classic: Bend it Like Beckham. Next Week: Pather Panchali
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we mourn the passing of our hero, Bob Gibson. The first round of the MLB playoffs is over, what did we learn? White Sox fans are mad at ESPN, and we will look at the best 60-game stretch by an individual player. The Tigers and Red Sox are looking for new managers and an old name is taken off the MVP trophy. We’ll talk about the Chicago Cubs’ final week of the 2020 season, and this week on Popcorn, our movie discussion begins at 43:55 and we tackle the 1954 Elia Kazan classic: On the Waterfront. Next Week: Bend It Like Beckham.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, today is the last day of the 2020 Baseball season. We’ll look at the division winners, possible playoff pairings and our choices for postseason awards. The Reds and Marlins qualify for the playoffs while broadcaster, Thom Brennaman, ends his association with the former. The Cubs and White Sox play the most consequential Cross-town Classic ever This week on Popcorn, our movie discussion begins at 54:49 and we tackle the 1977 movie, A Bridge Too Far. Next Week: On The Waterfront
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the 2020 Major League Baseball playoffs will be played in the bubbles of LA, San Diego, Dallas and Houston. Dan McNeil is sent packing, has Chicago radio heard the last of him? We’ll react to Joe Posnanski’s choice for #3 of his 60 greatest moments in baseball series. The Wilpons have agreed to sell the Mets to Steve Cohen, but JROD is waiting in the wings. Albert Pujols has passed Willie Mays on the career home run list, but can he reach 700 dingers? The Cubs had an interesting week full of drone delays and no-hitters. This week on Popcorn, our movie discussion begins at 57:38 and we tackle the 1949 classic: The Third Man. Next Week: A Bridge Too Far.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we’ll discuss the legacy of Lou Brock. The last president of the American League, Gene Budig passes away and we will honor the memory of Roberto Clemente. Oliver Perez is still pitching in the majors and lifting his teammates all the while. Joe West tosses the National’s GM and JLO and AROD still may yet buy the Mets. We’ll have the week that was with the Chicago Cubs and this week on Popcorn, our movie discussion begins at 50:29 and it's the Quentin Tarantino film: Jackie Brown. Next Week: The Third Man.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, an unexpected flurry of trades took place before Monday’s deadline. We’ll name the winner and the losers. Tom Seaver passes away and America remembers one of the all-time greats. Erk Kratz sheds tears during a Zoom interview, and Mike Trout becomes the Angels franchise leader in home runs. The Cubs are still in first place, did they improve themselves enough to make a playoff run? This week on Popcorn, our movie discussion begins at 54:17 and we’ll be discussing Guillermo Del Toro’s, Pan's Labyrinth. Next Week: Jackie Brown.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, Jackie Robinson Day was Friday amidst terrible violence in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The Chicago White Sox are rising to the top of the AL Central, Mets GM, Brodie Van Wagenen is in hot water. The Chicago Cubs are struggling. This week on Popcorn, our movie discussion begins at 50:10. It's Fernando Trueba’s Belle Époque. Next Week: El Laberinto Del Fauno (Pan’s Labryrinth)
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, Fernando Tatis violates an unwritten rule; C.C. Sabathia and Tony Clark discuss their efforts to increase African American representation in MLB. Reds announcer Thom Brennaman is in hot, hot water. The Cubs have lost 2 in a row to the Sox. Has the tide finally changed in the Sox favor? The Cubs claim that they are destitute. This week on Popcorn our movie discussion begins at 54:39. It's Philip Kaufman's early 60's gang film, the Wanderers. Next Week: La Belle Époque.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… We are back on the air after two weeks of reflection and meditation. The Houston Astros clearly have issues when working and playing with others. We’ll discuss some of the surprises and disappointments of the first three weeks of the season as well as whether or not the St. Louis Cardinals will be able to play the full sixty games. A playoff bubble has been proposed for the post-season and we will examine as whether or not the Chicago White Sox have lived up to the hype. We’ll talk about three wonderful weeks for the Chicago Cubs and the movie of the week in our Popcorn segment (at the 55:53 mark), is The Twelve Chairs by Mel Brooks. Next Week: The Wanderers
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn…Major League Baseball announces a new playoff format for 2020 where 16 of the 30 teams qualify for the postseason. The 2020 season begins and Black Lives Matter is a central focus of the pre-game ceremonies. The Dodgers make Mookie Betts a very rich man and the Toronto Blue Jays will be playing their home games in Buffalo. This week, Lucas Smith joins us to talk about the St. Louis Cardinals. We react to the Cubs first two games of the season and at the 50:40 mark our “Popcorn” segment is on the 1961 classic, West Side Story. Next Week: The 12 Chairs by Mel Brooks.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, it looks like the Washington Redskins will not be the only sports team changing it's name. It was 10 years ago that Benjy Molena improbably hit for the cycle. The Blue Jays can't play in Canada as more players are testing positive for Covid. We cover the curious case of Yasiel Puig. We also ask the question: Is every small baseball town racist? The Cubs and Sox square off at Wrigley tonight. Our film discussion begins at 51:40 and it's the Woody Allen 2013 film: Blue Jasmine. Next Week: West SIde Story-
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, not content to just practice, MLB teams are now playing actual inter-squad games. We’ll react to what has been seen to this point. MLB announces the official schedule for… 2021. We ask the question, why? Joe Posnanski looks back on the career of David Freese. We examine if the Chicago White Sox are ready to compete. Buster Posey opts out, Joe West opts in and Emma Humplink puts out… an amazing batting practice display. We’ll have the latest on the Chicago Cubs and at 53:25 our “Popcorn” segment begins with our movie of the week: Tombstone. Next Week: Blue Jasmine.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, don’t call it Spring Training 2.0, call it Summer Camp, and it's underway as some players are ready play while other opt out, while others still are injured. Rob Manfred walks back an embarrassing admission; while the White Sox will be playing a different opponent in Iowa. The 2020 Koshien Tournament in Japan has been cancelled and Bobby Bonilla Day came and went this week. We’ll have the latest on the Chicago Cubs. For the movie buffs, the Popcorn discussion begins at 42:25 and our feature is the second of a Billy Wilder double-bill, The Apartment. Next Week: Tombstone
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, a second Spring Training begins and a 60 game regular season should begin later next month. We’ll talk about how this whole thing is supposed to happen. There are unsigned free agents out there who might still help a team. Jayson Stark writes about the impending universal DH. We'll try to predict the impact of the new extra-inning rule and we review the MLB Network’s documentary on Ken Griffey Jr. David Ortiz and Curt Schilling are in the news again. We’ll have the latest info on the Chicago Cubs. For the movie buffs, the Popcorn discussion begins at 46:10 with the Billy Wilder classic: Sunset Boulevard. Next Week: The Apartment
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, either a deal is in place to start the season, or we are looking at waiting until 2021, but as five Phillies test for COVID-19, is this all a waste of time? Pitchers hitting may soon be a thing of the past,. The Minnesota Twins are in the news of late, we’ll tell you why and we'll give our thoughts on the ESPN documentary on the 1998 Home Run Chase; in the “Popcorn” segment of the show, our movie of the week is The Motorcycle Diaries Next Next Week: Sunset Boulevard.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, there is still no final word as to whether we will see baseball in 2020, and yet MLB pushed ahead with a five-round amateur draft. We’ll examine the picks made by the Tigers, Cubs and White Sox as well as recall players who went straight from the draft to the Majors. 50 years ago this week, Dock Ellis pitched a no-hitter on LSD. In our Cubs discussion, we prepare for the new ESPN documentary on the 1998 home run chase between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire. Our classic movie of the week : Amelie. Next Week : The Motorcycle Diaries
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn as protests sweep the nation, we learn what it's like to be a black man in the Major Leagues. The Bears and Cubs each release statements in the wake of the George Floyd murder. The owners and the players are still unable to come to an agreement as over 1,000 minor league players are given their release. The Governor of Nebraska brings shame to the Chicago Cubs and this week’s movie discussion is The Color of Money.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, protests and riots visit America’s metro areas while baseball’s millionaires and billionaires fight it out over how much everyone will get paid. David Price will give a portion of his sizable earnings to Dodger minor leaguers. We’ll talk about the legacy of Eddie Collins. Estaban Loaiza takes a wrong turn. We’ll get into Trevor Bauer, Kyle Lohse, Jaden Agassi, Roy Halliday. Our film discusssion this week is the Coen Brothers classic, Fargo.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, Major League Baseball and the Players Union try to figure out how to begin the 2020 season. Joe Posnanski reminds us of when Buck O’Neil “heard the sound again”. Alex Bregman fires his agent, Big Sexy wants to make a comeback. Joe Maddon is set to discuss the 2016 World Series with Bob Costas and our movie chat this week is on Michael Mann's Heat. Next Week: Fargo
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, Blake Snell refuses to play baseball in 2020 which begs the question: What happens to players who opt out this year? We talk about how Michael Jordan helped a young man from the Dominican Republic learn English. Bob Watson passes away, and ESPN tells America Trevor Bauer’s phone number. We’ll remember Jackie Robinson stealing home in the '55 World Series and the oddities of playing ball at the Polo Grounds. This week’s movie discussion is Martin Scorcese’s Raging Bull. Next Week: Michael Mann's Heat.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn… Will there be Major League Baseball in 2020? Leagues in Taiwan and Korea may show us the way. Many changes are being considered, will the universal DH be one of them. Joe Posnanki teaches us about Walter Johnson and Minnie Miñoso. We’ll talk about the day Ichiro Suzuki met Michael Jordan, and whether or not Pete Rose corked his bats. I also have a trivia question for Tom. We’ll talk about the latest with the Chicago Cubs and our classic movie discussion is on The Big Lebowski. Next week: Raging Bull
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we announce the creation of the annual Peanuts and Popcorn PAR Excellence award in Baseball Writing. Jayson Stark reminds us of why we watch baseball. Bartolo Colon homers and Manny Ramirez is attempting a comeback at the age of 48. This week's Top 100 is the legendary Lou Gehrig. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is postponed and the Little League World Series is canceled. It’s the anniversary of Cub's manager Lee Elia 1983 rant and we also discuss how the COVID pandemic is affecting Andre Dawson’s funeral home business. Our movie this week is the Alfred Hitchcock classic: Rear Window. Next Week: The Big Lebowski.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, we react to the first episodes of The Last Dance on ESPN. The results of the investigation into the Boston Red Sox sign-stealing activities has been released. There will be pro baseball played in 2020… in Taiwan and South Korea. We look at the career of Steve Carlton . The Tigers and the Rockies show that it isn’t always about the bottom line, JLO and AROD are trying to buy the New York Mets. We each share a Wrigley Field memory and our classic movie discussion in on Mel Brooks, Blazing Saddles. Next Week: Rear Window.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn will begin with a prelude to the airing of The Last Dance, Doug Glanville outlines how baseball players will have to come together to police cheating in baseball; Barry Bonds checks in a #3 on Joe Posnanski’s Baseball 100; 73 years ago this week Jackie Robinson made his debut and we will talk about the man who scouted him; Damaso Garcia, Glenn Beckert, Jim Frey and Brian Dennehy all passed away this week; we’ll look back on the careers of John Tudor and Mario Mendoza and we examine how missing time for strikes and pandemics may impact a player’s chances for enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. We’ll touch on the Cubs and our classic movie discussion is on The Good the Bad and the Ugly. Next Week: Blazing Saddles.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, MLB tries to find creative ways to get the season started. We talk about Hammerin’ Hank and we remember Fernandomania. We mourn the loss of Tiger great Al Kaline., a former St. Louis Cardinal is stepping up to the plate to fight the Coronavirus. We reveal our favorite Chicago food joints and we find out where the Cubs rank in terms of overall value. Our movie discussion this week is on the Robert Altman classic film, Gosford Park. Next week: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
This week on Peanuts and Popcorn, the two peas in a podcast will talk about Evan Gattis, the first Houston Asterisk to come clean about stealing signs. Meanwhile, his former manager and general manager wonder if they will ever work in baseball again. We’ll delve into Tom’s memory banks as we look back on the career of former Detroit Tiger, Dave Rozema. White Sox broadcaster and former reliever, Ed Farmer passes. Tom will review some of the video baseball games he used to play and Jim Edmonds tests positive for COVID-19. We’ll cover the latest on the Chicago Cubs and our movie discussion is on the Redford and Newman classic, The Sting.
This week on Peanuts & Popcorn, the two peas in the podcast watches Opening Day come and go without real baseball. We discuss Satchel Paige, maybe baseball's greatest pitcher as covered by Joe Posnanski's great Athletic series. The Red Sox will soon learn their fate as Manfred wraps up his sign-stealing investigation. Does Ken Boyer belong in the HOF? We discuss the Cubs pitchers 2020 outlook. All this and our Classic Movie is the Great Race.
This week on Peanuts & Popcorn, the two peas in the podcast talk about life in Illinois as we hold in place. As we always do, we remain dutifully socially distant as we talk about Chris Sale’s upcoming Tommy John surgery as well as some of the other problems the Red Sox face. You too can steal the opposition’s signs and The Athletic shows you how. Would you have Rogers Hornsby on your baseball team? We talk about the Cubs and the White Sox, and our classic movie discussion is on Sidney Lumet’s Dog Day Afternoon.
This week on Peanuts & Popcorn, we talk about the COVID-19 outbreak and very little else at this point. We ask what happened to the digital strike zone? Barry Bonds says he’s in baseball limbo and it looks like Trevor Bauer is learning to be a good teammate. All this and our classic movie discussion is on John Huston's Key Largo.
This week on Peanuts & Popcorn, we discuss the Christian Yelich extension as well as dish on an excellent series in The Athletic by Jo Posnanski on the top 100 players of all time. We recall Luke Apling’s home run in an old-timers game, at the ripe age of 75. Chris Sale is hurt and Trevor Bauer is intentionally tipping his pitches. The White Sox lock up their third baseman for the next seven years and they make Dallas Keuchel trim his beard. Then Keuchel takes everyone to dinner. We chat about the latest at the Chicago Cubs camp and our great movie discussion is on The Shawshank Redemption.
This week on Peanuts & Popcorn, we discuss baseball’s moral compass while the Houston Astros are STILL stealing signs; Madison Bumgarner has an unusual side gig. The New York Yankees lose Luis Severino for the year; the Mets have a new manager, and at least one of us will be rooting for them. We congratulate Kerwin Danely on being named the first African-American crew chief…in 2020. We talk about the Chicago Cubs and the White Sox, and warming up in the bullpen is our classic movie discussion on the movie, 12 Years a Slave.
This week on Peanuts & Popcorn, the self-righteous tour continues as the Houston Asterisks aren’t getting a whole lot of sympathy. Rob Manfred sticks a hunk of metal in his mouth, as David Ortiz finds a way to ruin his credibility. Still no punishments announced for the Boston Red Sox, can we please get on with our lives? A Rod Serling revival in Cincinnati has a connection to the Cincinnati Reds. We’ll have a chat about the Chicago Cubs and our great movie discussion is on another Kubrick classic, Dr. Strangelove.
This week on Peanuts &Popcorn, the Houston Astros meet the press and the results are less than satisfactory. A former Major League pitcher files a lawsuit against the Astros, we can expect more of the same. A new playoff format has been proposed and Trevor Bauer hates it. Friend of the show, Bartolo Colón is back in the news and a Tigers minor league invitee has some odd housing this spring. The Cubs open their camp and they talk about… the Houston Astros! We’ll have all that and our film discussion is on the Stanley Kubrick classic, Paths of Glory.
This week on Peanuts & Popcorn (P&P), disgraced former Astros manager, AJ Hinch gives a one-on-one interview with MLB Network, the Red Sox may have arrived on a replacement for Alex Cora, we’ll also have the latest on the Mookie Betts trade. Jessica Mendoza resigns from the New York Mets, and Pete Rose applies for reinstatement. We’ll discuss the passing of Roger Kahn as well as speculate as to the impact of the three-hitter minimum rule for relievers. The Cubs add yet another reliever and our movie discussion will be on our favorite and least favorite Best-Picture winners.
This week on Peanuts & Popcorn (P&P), the two P’s in a podcast will talk about the Houston Astros choice to replace AJ Hinch, Jayson Stark and Eno Harris explain to what extent the Astros improved due to sign-stealing. The Reds keep getting better, but are they a playoff team? The New York Mets replace Carlos Beltran with Luis Rojas. Aubrey Huff shoots his mouth off again. One of baseball's nicest guys, Curtis Granderson retires. We discuss the Cubs offseason progress and we cover off on the Best Picture Nominees for next week's Oscars.
This week on the inaugural edition of Peanuts & Popcorn, we do a deep dive in the Major League Baseball sign-stealing scandal. We’ll talk about the Astros, Jeff Luhnow, AJ Hinch, the Red Sox, Alex Cora, the Mets and Carlos Beltran and Tony La Russa. Also, the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds look like they may be interested in winning their respective divisions while the Cubs have been eerily quiet throughout the off season. Hawk Harrelson was named to the broadcast wing of the Hall of Fame. We will also take a look at the 2020 Hall of Fame ballot and sort out our own choices for induction. Our movie discussion this week will be on the Sam Mendes movie, 1917.
This week on a special edition of In The Wheelhouse, we examine the sign-stealing scandal that may go far deeper than any of us realized. The Modern Era Baseball Committee will vote later today on overlooked veterans from 1970-1987. The Sox sign Yasmiani Grandal to a big contract. The Cubs round off their coaching staff for 2020 and we take a look at the William Friedkin classic To Live and Die in L.A.
This week on the final episode of ITW for the 2019 season, the Washington Nationals are the 2019 World Champions. We’ll take a look at was a wonderful edition of the Fall Classic. A wealthy Astros fan compliments his DC counterparts, and we’ll take a look at the last two times a Washington DC team won a baseball championship. The Mets hire Carlos Beltran to steer their ship, but is there a problem in hiring these young guys with no experience? The Cubs look to refit and retool as they wait for the big money to pour in from their new network and our classic movie discussion this week is Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange.
This week on the penultimate edition of ITW: The Astros and Nationals are giving us a memorable World Series, a Chicago-area bartender gets the job of his dreams, Bill James retires, Brandon Taubman is fired and Joe Girardi and David Ross are hired. We’ll also discuss the Alan Parker film, The Commitments.
This week on ITW, the ALCS ended with a walk off homer by Jose Altuve propelling the Astros to their 2nd World Series appearance in 3 years. What is it that makes the Astros so good? We’ll take a look back on the last team from Washington to play in the World Series. Is Tommy Kahnle insane? We’ll have the latest on the Cubs front office shake up as well as their search for a new manager and our classic movie discussion this week is on David Lean’s Bridge on the River Kwai.
This week on ITW, the Tyler Skaggs saga takes a dramatic turn. The Braves fall to the Cardinals amid renewed charges of racism. Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers wilt out of the playoffs…again. Gerrit Cole saves the Astros and the Yankees charge into the ALCS. Anibal Sanchez pitches a near no-no. All that and the Cubs hot stove heats up and our evaluation of the classic movie, “Chinatown”.
This week on ITW, a clearer picture emerges in the Big Papi shooting. We say goodbye to 3 MLB managers. It’s the playoffs and we have up to the minute analysis. Tom and Leo role play Joe Maddon’s next move, while MLB attendance slips. All this and all the Cubs news and the Milos Forman classic film Amadeus.
This week on ITW, Pete Alonso sets a record that has stood for nigh all of two years. Clint Hurdle will be back to manage the Pirates, and we ask the question, “why?”. Royals manager Ned Yost hangs it up, and Felipe Vazquez is held without bond. Failure to make the playoffs on the North Side will set in motion a flurry of activity. We will also discuss the economic implications of a year without Cubs playoff baseball. All that and our evaluation of the classic movie, “Rocky”
This week on ITW, The Yankees, Braves (and Astros) join the Dodgers as division winners, Marty Brennaman makes his last trip to Wrigley Field, Pete Alonso hits his 50th and two MLB pitchers find themselves in serious trouble. King Felix may have to abdicate and we tell the tale of a pitcher who actually rooted against his own team in the World Series. The Cubs are pretty much done for 2019, we’ll tackle the post-mortem. All that and this week’s classic movie, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
This week on ITW, we examine who has the inside track on MLB’s post-season awards. The Red Sox sack Dombrowski. A space-time continuum game, manager meltdowns and will the Cubs’ make the playoffs? All this and we discuss the classic film, The Freshman.
This week on ITW, we discuss the petulant Justin Verlander and his Hall of Fame chances after he hurls his 3rd no-hitter. We look at this season’s wacky stats. Just as the Cubs get healthy---they lose more players to injuries. All this and a discussion on the legendary film, Casablanca.
This week on ITW, with a month to go in the regular season, most of the division races are decided, but there are still a few things that hold our interest. A judge in the Dominican Republic releases Octavio Dotel and Luis Castillo. Also, the cause of death for Tyler Skaggs has been revealed. The Cubs have new life after last weekend’s disastrous sweep at the hands of the Nationals. All that and a discussion on the David Lean film, Lawrence of Arabia. Next Week: Casablanca
This week on ITW, former big leaguers, Luis Castillo and Octavio Dotel are in hot water, the last-place Orioles set a rather dubious record as their time in Baltimore may be coming to an end. It’s Players Weekend, we’ll look at the good and the bad. The Chicago Cubs put together a thrilling 5-game win streak until John Lester lays an egg. We’ll have all that including a discussion on our favorite foreign film.
This week Bill Walton, helps out on a White Sox Broadcast, Reds rookie Aristedes Aquino becomes the fastest player ever to double-digit homers. We review the new Quentin Tarantino film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. All that and the week that was with the Cubs.
This week on In the Wheelhouse: the MLB trade deadline has come and gone. We examine the winners and the losers. It seems as if the Pittsburgh Pirates are having trouble working and playing with others; Wade Davis loses his closer job in Colorado. We discuss our favorite war films. All that and the week that was with the Chicago Cubs.
This week on In the WheelHouse, we talk to Leo's father, Ernest Fontana and his love of the Cleveland Indians. Leo takes a trip to see the Cubs in San Francisco. Our favorite movie topic is musicals. We’ll have all that and the Chicago Cubs.
This week on In the Wheelhouse, the Hall of Fame welcomes 6 new members, soon there will be advertising on uniforms, Gabe Kapler isn’t Dallas Green and Chance the Snapper was caught. All that and the week that was for the Chicago Cubs.
This week on In the Wheel House, the US Women’s Soccer Team rolls to their second straight World Cup, Rip Torn and Jim Bouton pass away. Tom and I will react to the events surrounding the Major League All-Star Game. Are we hearing the death knell of the intentional walk? All that and the week that was for the Chicago Cubs.
This week on In the Wheelhouse, we preview today’s Women’s World Cup Final. We react to the death of Tyler Skaggs and the 2019 All-Star roster. We talk about a tight National League Central Division as well as the Dodgers and Padres playing during the recent earthquake. All that and this week with the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, we discuss the 2019 All-Star lineups, the Mets are having issues on the field and in the front office. The Red Sox and Yankees go to London in an effort to grow the sport abroad. There’s new evidence that the baseballs are indeed juiced, and Adam Eaton once again embarrasses himself while commenting to a reporter. All that and this week with the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, Max Scherzer shows how tough he is, while Manny Machado shows how angry he can be. The NL Central is the tightest division in baseball and Tampa Bay is considering sharing the Rays with Montreal. All that and this week with the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, David Ortiz nearly dies in the Dominican Republic, Tom and Leo fill out All-Star ballots, and Babe Ruth's jersey sells for $5.6M. All that and this week with the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel find homes. Pete Rose refuses to go quietly into the night. White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito is in rarified company. Tom eats crow. All that and the week that was for the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, we discuss the passing of Bill Buckner. A lot of odd injuries are plaguing the major leagues. We learn that not everyone loves Derek Dietrich. Home Runs and strike outs are the big story, as we wrap up the first 3rd of the season. All this and the week that was for the Chicago Cubs.
This Week on ITW, Jeff Weiss is back as our special guest to talk about what’s happening with the New York Yankees. Adam Eaton and Todd Frazier can’t seem to get along, Eugenio Suarez is nearly taken out by a herd of sausages in Milwaukee. All this and the week that was for the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, Baltimore’s Chris Davis is in the running for Comeback Player of the Year, the Sunday Night ESPN crew is awful and we discuss the offensive juggernaut that is the Houston Astros. All this and the week that was for the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, Paul Lo Duca has a great Joe West story. The AL East is shaping up to be an exciting race. We take a look back on Busch Stadium II. All that and the week that was for the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, CC Sabathia hits a major milestone, more players are heading to Illinois (IL). The Cubs are accused of pressuring sportswriters to lay off Addison Russell, who heads to Triple A. Kyle Hendricks tosses a Greg Maddux. All that and this week in the Chicago Cubs.
Today on ITW, Albert Pujols is mowing through the All-time RBI list. Vlad Guerrero Jr. finally makes his MLB debut and it's worth the wait. Cody Bellinger is off to a torrid start and Javier Baez does a deke for the ages. All that and this week in the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, we remember a sports talk pioneer. Joey Votto finally does something for the first time after 6829 at bats. Carlos Zambrano tries another comeback. All that and this week in the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW: Trevor Rosenthal finally gets an out, and Chris Davis finally gets a hit. The Whit Merrifield hitting streak ends, Managers vs. Middle Managers, we’ll react to an article in The Athletic, and talk about all that as well as this week in the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW: The 2019 Championship Season is underway and we talk about what happened in the games that count. We will react to The Athletic’s poll of MLB players. Leo goes looking for Henry Aaron. All that and this week with the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, we make our predictions as to who will win their respective divisions, we’ll also talk about this recent rash of contract extensions that has afflicted teams of late. Ichiro Suzuki has his final at bats in a Major League uniform. The Toronto Blue Jays do something teams should have done a long time ago and as always we’ll react to the latest news about the Chicago Cubs.
Today on ITW we talk about how MLB managers will have to submit their lineups to odds makers before the public sees them, the slowest base runner in baseball is about to join some very exclusive company, MLB announces rule changes for this year and the next, AJ Hinch and Angel Hernandez have “issues” all that and the latest with the Chicago Cubs.
Today on ITW, we talk about testing labs in the Atlantic League and in the Cubs’ Spring Training facility. Dodgers pitcher, Joe Kelly gets a strange injury, we’ll talk about Spring Training stories from seasons past and give you the latest this week from the Chicago Cubs.
This week on the ITW, we will dive into some of the proposed rule changes for the upcoming MLB season; we cover off on the real reason the games are taking so long; Manny Machado and Bryce Harper finally sign; we’ll discuss some articles we read on 538.com and in The Athletic and we will pay our respects to the great Frank Robinson.
· Travis Sawchuk from 538.com points out that an increase in foul balls is slowing baseball down. https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/foul-balls-are-the-pace-of-play-problem-nobodys-talking-about/?fbclid=IwAR0wddpBXSh1QyQwPABaT5b99KoHBVk1EDKyxmvwHKT1mmO074_OW7a0aQw
· Kris Bryant speaks out on service time manipulation, Sahadev Sharma writes in the Athletic https://theathletic.com/837222/2019/02/25/its-awful-kris-bryant-on-how-baseballs-service-time-rule-needs-to-change/?fbclid=IwAR0f3AciexeEHh-MWsyTT5y9BvwuRcadt2Gv8Hpsbk6JhhfZboI_yIiUck4
This week on this special Hot Stove League edition of “In the Wheelhouse” we’ll catch up on what’s been going on during the long Chicago winter in our respective lives, in Major League Baseball and with the Chicago Cubs.
This week on the final episode of In the Wheelhouse for the 2018 season, the Boston Red Sox are the deserving World Champions, the Hot Stove League is really heating up, 7 free agents were tendered qualifying offers. Hall of Famer, Willie McCovey passes, we’ll talk about his career, and the Chicago Cubs make some moves.
This week In this season's penultimate episode of In the Wheelhouse, the Red Sox and the Dodgers are still battling it out in the World Series. Jayson Stark explains why the Red Sox are so good. https://theathletic.com/611933/2018/10/25/stark-the-red-sox-are-two-out-wonders/ The Twins, Reds and Angels all get new managers and Leo has a proposal to help stem the tide of the True Outcome impacting offense in MLB.
This week on In the Wheelhouse, each League Championship Series has ended and we will preview the upcoming World Series. Teams are getting too good at sign stealing. It’s slowing the game down according to Jayson Stark of the Athletic. https://theathletic.com/595389/2018/10/17/stark-welcome-to-baseballs-age-of-ultra-paranoia/ We’ll talk about whether or not Free Agents Bryce Harper or Manny Machado would be a good fit for the Cubs and we also address the idea that Joe Maddon will be managing in 2019 without an extension.
This week on In the Wheelhouse, four teams are out and four teams are still in as the Red Sox, Astros, Brewers and Dodgers take the field this weekend. The Hot Stove League is starting early, and Dodgers are under investigation by the FBI according to Sheryl Ring of Fangraphs. https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-dodgers-might-be-in-actual-legal-trouble/ All this and the Chicago Cubs.
This week on In the Wheelhouse, the Major League Baseball playoffs are under way and for the first time in four years, the Cubs are watching them from their couches. Jason Stark shared some very scary statistics for the 2018 season. https://theathletic.com/562668/2018/10/02/stark-the-numbers-that-define-baseball-in-2018-revisited/ We perform the post-mortem on the Cubs vapid offensive output.
Today on In The Wheelhouse we predict MLB’s end-of-year awards. We’ll talk about a recent Peter Gammons piece in The Athletic on the decline of pitching development. https://theathletic.com/539450/2018/09/24/gammons-baseballs-system-for-developing-pitchers-is-broken-and-its-hurting-the-game/ We give our playoff predictions to the extent we know who those playoff teams are, we tackle the questions on everyone’s minds: “Will anyone strike out Willens Astudillo again?” https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/willians-astudillo-hasnt-struck-out-in-55-plate-appearances/ and as always, this week with the Chicago Cubs.
Today on In The Wheelhouse, we react to John Smoltz’ take on needed changes to Baseball. We will cover the Red Sox winning the AL East in the stadium of their ancient rival. We will talk about Adrian Beltre’s Hall of Fame prospects. And as always, we talk about this week with the Chicago Cubs. John Smoltz’ brilliant take on needed changes to Baseball written by Bob Nightengale: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2018/09/20/john-smoltz-mlb-changes-split-season/1357842002/ What has using an “opener” really done for the Rays? According to Jeff Sullivan of Fangraphs, not even the Rays front office and tell you: https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-gradual-spread-of-the-opener/#more-295625
Today on In The Wheelhouse, Stephen Strasburg plays pinball with the home plate personnel. The “Tortuga” shows off his wheels, David Wright and Joe Mauer are calling it a career. Juan Soto is the 3rd teenager to record at least 20 homers. Also, all the latest from the Chicago Cubs.
This week on In The Wheelhouse, the Orioles try something new. The Hawk hangs ‘em up and the Cubs are 18 games through a brutal 23-games in 23-days schedule. Cheryl Ring from Fangraphs writes why Joe West may be the worst umpire of all time. https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/joe-west-austin-davis-and-the-theater-of-the-absurd/ Jayson Stark’s column in The Athletic is one of the best pieces this season. https://theathletic.com/510279/2018/09/07/stark-useless-info-dept-hidden-ball-trick-edition/
This week on In The Wheelhouse, we talk about the Miami Marlins actually lowering ticket prices, and we take the USA Today to task. Mike Schildt is given a vote of confidence by the Cardinals’ front office, Andrew McCutcheon has to get a shave, the Brewers and Indians make last-minute deals, we discuss the ludicrous proposal to speed up the game called "The Catch Up Rule" and as always, we talk about the week that was for the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW Tom goes to Wrigley Field to see Pearl Jam, White Sox rookie, Michael Kopech, makes his Major League debut. Players weekend is here. There are some interesting names appearing on the back of the Little League-style uniforms. https://www.mlb.com/news/2018-players-weekend-details/c-289570882 • Fangraphs’, Cheryl Ring, suggests the Orioles might as well sign Rafael Palmeiro. https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/would-the-orioles-be-better-with-rafael-palmeiro/ and the Cubs make a major waiver trade while the Brewers fail to do so.
This week on ITW, conflicts abound between the Marlins and the Braves on the East Coast and the Giants and the Dodgers in the West. The St. Louis Cardinals are relevant again. Great article from Benjamin Hodgeman from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. https://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/benjamin-hochman/hochman-the-st-louis-cardinals-what-if-i-told-you/article_87e4569e-933c-5aaf-a22b-e79f9ce5e872.html#5 Dusty Baker sits down with Ken Rosenthal. Is Dusty Delusional? https://theathletic.com/477001/2018/08/17/rosenthal-dusty-baker-opens-up-on-the-nats-his-career-racism-the-state-of-the-game-and-the-smell-of-collusion/ Ramon Laureano make an amazing play, and we talk about David Bote’s magical moment along with all the other news from Chicago’s North Side…
This week on ITW, Leo reviews the St. Louis Cardinals Museum, a very interesting minor leaguer pulls off the hidden ball trick, Bartolo Colón make the headlines, $21M man Chris Davis is terrible, and always, we talk about this week with our favorite team, the Chicago Cubs. https://www.milb.com/milb/news/abracadabra-astudillo-pulls-off-hidden-ball-trick-for-rochester-red-wings/c-289520148 Article by Josh Horton https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2789903-record-low-161-average-for-21m-gives-chris-davis-worst-season-in-mlb-history Article by Jacob Shafer
This week on ITW we dive into the Nationals massacre of the Mets, we do a post mortem on the Hall of Fame inductions and we look at the week that was for our Chicago Cubs… Washington beat writer Jamal Collier's writes Nationals reliever Shawn Kelly has a tantrum and it costs him his spot on the team. https://www.mlb.com/news/shawn-kelley-designated-after-outburst/c-288358910 The Oakland A’s are getting really good and Matt Chapman is leading the way. Jeff Sullivan from Fangraphs had a great article about it. https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/matt-chapman-is-amazing/
This week on ITW, we discuss recent MLB trade activity, including the Cubs’ acquisition of Cole Hamels. Josh Hader gets a warm welcome from the Brewers fans and as always, we talk about how the Cubs have fared this past week.
This week on ITW, we react to the All-Star Game and the Home run Derby. We examine the impact of the Manny Machado trade to the Dodgers and we take a look at the Cubs five-game series with the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
This week on ITW, we cover the firing of Mike Matheny in St. Louis. We discuss Sweet Lou Whitaker's strong case for the Hall of Fame. We provide our reactions to the All-Star team selections and finally, we break down the week that was for the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, we talk about the teams we love to hate. We speculate on the developing trade market, Jose Bautista takes us down memory lane and as always, we talk about the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, we reveal our choices for the National League All-Star squad. We apologize to Hanley Ramirez, and we give our takes on this week in Major League Baseball in general and the Chicago Cubs in the specific.
This week on ITW we reveal our votes for the American League All-Stars, we ask what it is Bartolo Colon has that Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa don’t have? We’ll talk about Mike Trout, Hunter Strickland and Ichiro Suzuki, and as always, the Chicago Cubs…
This week on ITW we talk about the fairness of second-guessing the manager. We bounce around the Majors and give our take on what the Cubs did in Milwaukee and in St. Louis. We’ll have “This Week in Baseball History” and ask a Tigers fan what the deal is with Willie Horton.
This week on ITW we talk about the future for the National Anthem as a regular practice to open professional sports contests, we do a lap around the league and as always we will visit with Chicago’s North side team, the Cubs.
This week on ITW, we look at the NL Centrals’ dominance over the AL Central in interleague play. We go around the horn with the latest MLB news and finally we cover off on the Cubs week that was.
It’s Memorial Day Weekend and this week on ITW we honor America’s servicemen and women. We will be adding our two cents to the discussion on the National Anthem and the NFL. We go Around the Horn in Major League Baseball and as always, we take a look back on how the Cubs did this past week.
This week on ITW, we will take a look at the US Supreme Court ruling that allows sports betting at the state level. We will discuss the impact of Mariners 2nd baseman, Robinson Cano’s suspension for using PEDs and finally, we look at the rainy Cubs week that was.
This week on ITW, we will do a lap around the Majors, catch up on the Chicago Cubs and we will take an early look at the new movie about the life of catcher/spy, Moe Berg.
This week on ITW, we look at some unprecedented strikeout totals in MLB this season. We will identify the team in the worst situation, and as always, we take a long look at this week in Cubs Nation.
This week on ITW, we will talk about all the big stories around the Majors including the Chicago Cubs. Also, we may have a solution for the bad-weather woes that have plagued teams early in the year.
This week on ITW we talk about the week that was in the Majors and we will see if we can figure out how to get the Cubs back on track. Also, we will cover my first Cubs’ home game this season and finally, we will explore the problem of attendance around the league.
This week on ITW, we welcome our first guest of the season. Yankee fan and New York resident, Jeff Weiss! We’ll be asking Jeff what he thinks about the 2018 version of the Yankees as well as pick his brain about his favorite moments in Yankee history. We will also cover, as always, the Chicago Cubs.
This week on ITW, the MLB 2018 season opens with a Happ rap in Miami. We follow the Cubs progress through the first 3 games. We discuss the enigma that is Kyle Schwarber and finally the magical run by Loyola comes to end as the evil empire, University of Michigan advances to the title game to face Villanova.
This week on ITW, we will touch on Fangraph’s 2018 Positional Ratings, examine new legislation pertaining to wages for minor league players and Leo and I will be making our predictions for the upcoming season. Finally, we discuss the improbable run by the Loyola Ramblers in the NCAA basketball tournament .
This Week on ITW we will preview the chances for both of our childhood teams, the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers. We will also talk about what the Cubs have been doing in Arizona.
This week on ITW, we’ll examine the Cubs’ options for lead-off hitter. The regular-season is slated to start in less than three weeks and there are several unsigned free-agents who would help any number of teams. We’ll also do a lap around the league to see what’s what. Finally, we’ll be talking about the career of Ichiro Suzuki.