Away Games: A Chicago Cubs Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kevin McCaffrey & Adam Mamawala
Comedians Kevin McCaffrey and Adam Mamawala talk in depth about the Chicago Cubs on this weekly podcast. Real interviews, real analysis, and real talk about everything around their favorite baseball team.
6 years and almost 300 episodes later, it’s time to joyfully call it a ballgame — and in our bottom of the 9th, we put together a hell of a rally. Our final episode looks back with our favorite guests including: Joe Maddon, Justin Steele, Roy Wood Jr., Bob Newhart, Alec Mills, Rob Zastryzny, and more. Seriously, we talked to all of them about the Cubs, and you’ll hear it here. We also talk about these Cubs and the first week of 2024, because we’re still watching and loving this team. Otherwise, we talk about our favorite Chicago Cubs moments, players and games of the Away Games era (2018-2024), how the podcast began, why it’s ending, and we thank our many great guests, and all our kind listeners. This is a really fun episode, folks. We hope you dig it.
Thanks for listening, everybody! Keep following @awaygamespod on Twitter, @kevinmccaff @adammamawala
Since 2018, our podcast has been previewing Chicago Cubs seasons, making a ton of predictions, doing a bunch of roster and league analysis, and having a lot of fun doing it. And in 2024, we’re doing that for the last time. Away Games Podcast is coming to an end after next week’s episode (which will be a look back), but we wanted to go deep one more time on the upcoming Cubs season. Ken Schultz (OutSports) joins us again to break down our Cubs for the upcoming year, and even leaves us with 32 great reasons to be excited about this team in 2024. Kevin, Adam and Ken talk breakouts, bold predictions, concerns, key dates and series, and more.
Thanks for listening, everybody, and tweet us any thoughts, questions or favorite moments @awaygamespod — and follow @adammamawala & @kevinmccaff, who will continue existing.
And with the return of Cody Bellinger, the season can finally begin! The Cubs finally found a solution for the Cody Bellinger-sized hole in their lineup, and he returns on the Jed Hoyer Special contract (short term, opt outs galore). We talk about that, the Cubs plethora of non-roster invites, PECOTA projections that have the Cubs right around .500, and feelings about the team coming together as Spring baseball begins.
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It’s a BIG episode! So big, we have guest Ken Schultz (OutSports) on to help talk us through it. Shota Imanaga joins the Cubs rotation from Japan, the Cubs dealt two prospects for one top-50 prospect in baseball (1B/DH Michael Busch) and a MLB reliever (Yency Almonte). We analyze the moves the Cubs have made, talk about the big ones they haven’t, what Jed Hoyer has said about all of it, and Ken tells us about all the fun of the Cubs Convention: the new Cubs Hall of Famers, player panels, and an impressive showing by Craig Counsell.
This is our biggest, deepest Cubs talk in a while, so sit back and enjoy!
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Steele became an ace, we got the Tauch Off & Morel’s walk off grand slam that made him literally lose his shirt. The Ross Era also wrapped up in a weird way, as the team was both better and worse than we thought they could be at different times, leading to a result that was…literally exactly what we predicted in our annual season preview. We take this episode to check in on our pre-season predictions, hold ourselves accountable, look at highlights and lowlights and take stock of what, undeniably, was one year of Cubs baseball.
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Happy holidays to all, but especially Jorge Alfaro, the Cubs biggest signing of the offseason so far. Adam and Kevin thought it was a good time to check in on where things stand for the Cubs as Ohtani chose a new, more local, consistently competitive home with the Deferrin’ Dodgers, Soto landed in New York, and the Cubs are in the news for NOT meeting with Yamamoto. Will Cody be back? Are we trading with Cleveland? Is Rhys Hoskins gonna happen? Is it okay to be frustrated at the moment or does that mean we just don’t possess the galaxy brain needed to see the true plan? Let’s get into it. And, seriously, Happy Holidays!
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The Cubs have a new manager: Craig Counsell is leaving Milwaukee to come complain about weather delays more locally after signing a record 5-year, $40 million dollar deal. David Ross went from “our guy” to “anyone else’s guy” in a snap, and he’s not the only one out the door: Marcus Stroman has declined his option, freeing up more than $20 million of payroll for the Cubs to go shop with. Those are the goodbyes, but we have a couple “hello agains” too: Kyle Hendricks’s option was picked up for 2024, and Yan Gomes and Drew Smyly will also remain with the club next year. Haven’t had a big news day like this in Cubland for a while, folks!
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From one strike away to all the way there, the Rangers finally got rid of the the title of “oldest team to never win a World Series.” Game 1 was an all-timer, with Corey Seager’s 9th inning, game tying homer that reminded us of Kirk Gibson ’88, and Adolis Garcia’s extra inning walk off. And then…there were also other games. We recap the series, give D’backs fans their due, talk about the greatness of Bochy, and how the Rangers could provide the blueprint for what the Cubs should (and could) be as soon as next year.
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The Astros have been dispatched in what their fans surely think is a grand, unfair conspiracy that goes all the way to the top, and the Rangers will look for that elusive first World Series title against either the Phillies or Diamondbacks. We look at the possible matchups and how the Rangers got here, and look at Dusty’s career with news that he might step away. We also talk a little bit of good Cubs news and rumor, with the reports that Kyle Hendricks is working on an extension with the team.
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Not a big week for currrent Cubs news, but a big week for former Cubs that weren’t offered a contract by our team. Schwarber and Castellanos are bombing the Phillies into a 2-0 lead in the NLCS, while the Rangers take two in Houston. We also talk a little about the playoff format and how it does or doesn’t favor the best teams, and peruse the letter Tom Ricketts sent to Cubs fans this week.
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Without much Cubs news and with Kevin out of town in Vegas to presumably bet on the Cubbies, friend of the pod Evan Hernandez (Amazon Prime) pinch hits for a playoff recap. We talk about the four Wild Card sweeps, the electric Philly/Atlanta series, whether or not Clayton Kershaw is a certified October choke artist, and the Texas Rangers reaping the rewards of big offseason spending. Get the hint, Ricketts? Will the Dodgers complete an epic comeback? Will the Twins force a game 5? Will Philly recover from a devastating game 2 loss? All that and more on this edition of Away Games.
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Welp, our big postseason episode turned out to be a "post-season" episode. A brutal final week finished an excruciating final month that found the Cubs on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. Despite a 90+% chance to make the playoffs in early September, the team ran out of gas at a critical time. We talk about the final week and how we'll remember this season before doing a live breakdown of Jed's press conference. What we like: Hendricks staying a Cub. What we don't like: a lack of committing to make this team a true World Series contender. It's gonna be a long offseason.
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What a week: Ross smack-talking the Pirates after a bad loss, the Cubs sweeping the Rockies, and then maybe the worst loss of the year as the Cubs blow a 6-0 lead at the Braves, after a shockingly misplayed fly ball. We reset where the Cubs and the other Wild Card contenders are with five games to go, talk about Suzuki’s misplayed ball in right after carrying this offense for more than a month, some nearly equally shocking managing by David Ross, and really take a look at where we are emotionally with the Cubs, which ends up being two different places.
One more week of this regular season, folks. Let’s catch up, and enjoy it…and see if we can really give the Marlins something to whine about.
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Here’s two things that are true: this week sucked, and this season is as good as it could have ever reasonably been. We go over the awful trip to Colorado and Arizona where the Cubs gave away their entire Wild Card cusion and another tie-breaker to the Diamondbacks, but also find ourselves on a bit of an island because, with the Cubs still .5 games up in the final Wild Card spot…we still have hope? Let’s talk David Ross, the magic of “resting players,” Canario’s big first start, Bullpen Stroman, Steele maybe being allowed to have his first bad game since friggin’ MAY, and what the schedule looks like for these last 11 games. And for old times sake, let’s sh*t on Zach Davies a bit.
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New episode is up and Adam & Kevin have a lot to talk about! After a terrific sweep of the Giants the Cubs lost the first three to the suddenly hot Arizona Diamondbacks, wasting stellar starts from Taillon and Cy Steele in the process. The Cubbies managed to salvage the final game of the series Sunday and won a nail biter in Colorado last night. With only 17 games left to play in the regular season, the Cubs trail the Brewers by 3 games for the division lead, the Phillies by 1.5 games for the WC lead, and are currently listed with an 87.4% chance to make the playoffs. Let's get it done!
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Justin Steele’s gem against the Giants has finally made the national media start to wake up to our ace and legitimate Cy Young candidate, and Seiya Suzuki is finding the gear that made him a superstar in Japan. Add that to the fact that Assad has basically turned into early season Stroman, and this is really, truly feeling like a playoff team. We also talk about the Cubs call-up of Luke Little, DFA of Shane Greene, and why Alexander Canario was called up to go straight onto a missing poster.
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Jordan Wicks made one of the more dominating debuts we’ve ever seen from a Cubs pitcher, and has joined a next-man-up rotation that has been solidified by some amazing Javier Assad performances that have kept the Cubs within striking distance of the Brewers. The Cubs start the most impactful series of the year (so far) Monday night against those very Brewers, who they just can’t seem to gain ground on no matter how well they play. Thanks for nothing, Padres! We look ahead to what other Cubs might make the jump to the big leagues when rosters expand in September, and welcome Keegan Thompson back to the constantly shuffling bullpen.
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Last episode, the Cubs had finally crept into playoff position. Now, as they remain in wild card position, 3.5 games back of Milwaukee, we’ve decided we have reached the point where we should expect this team to grab one of those six spots. We talk about how Morel’s one swing against the Sox could have swung the season, and certainly swung the vibes this week, the resurgence of Suzuki, the emergence of Alzolay from closer to CLOSER, and how exactly the Cubs are going to patch together enough starting pitching to get to the finish line.
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Well, the Cubs had themselves a confusing week. After losing the rubber game on a frustrating fake rally in the 9th inning vs the Mets, the Cubs won two of three against a strong Blue Jays team with Adam in attendance on Friday. Naturally they lost on Sunday because that's kinda their thing, and last night saw them drop the opener of a quick two game set against the dysfunctional crosstown White Sox.
With one more left against the Sox followed by 10 games against struggling opponents in the Royals, Tigers and Pirates, can the Cubs get the job done? They better because the Brewers remain 3.5 up in the Central and the Wild Card race is packed to the brim. We also talk about Stroman's lingering injury, Assad breaking out, and who we might see get a September call-up!
For the first time since the season got serious, the Cubs are (by .001% points) in a playoff spot, at the time of recording. We talk about the great week of series wins against Reds and Braves, the Summer of Tauchman, Taillon’s return to form, the one lineup swap we would make, and more.
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New episode is up and Adam & Kevin have a lot to talk about! After an impressive 8 game winning streak that featured multiple HR robberies, Miles Mikolas acting like an absolute dink, and the bats coming alive, the Cubs played themselves into being buyers at the deadline. Two Monday deals added former Cub Jeimer Candelario and KC right reliever Jose "je ne sais" Cuas. At one game over .500 and right back in the mix for the division/WC, can the Cubs string together another run of solid baseball?
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Kevin is out this week so our number one pinch hitter Ken Schultz (Outsports) joins Adam to talk about all things Cubs! Belli has been white hot, Swanson is back and looking sharp, and a 6-1 stretch has the Cubs two games under .500 as we approach the trade deadline. We talk about whether the Cubs should be buyers or sellers, what a potential selloff might look like and who it might include, and whether the Cubs have done enough lately to justify adding. Can we make a push for the NL Central? Are there too many teams to leapfrog for a wild card spot? Either way, we appear to be in for one hell of a week.
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We’re stuck in the middle with this team, and this podcast is a lot of big picture talk about what to think about how we got here and where we’re going. Already in a hole, the Cubs stumbled against an OK Boston team before recovering (mostly) against the hapless Nats, and now we’re in a spot where we need the hottest run of the year from our Cubs to avoid another sell-off. We talk about the games coming up, how good the top of the rotation has been, just how bad Taillon has been, come up with an idea for a new stat (the "Jeff Suppan line"?), and finally, give a shout to the great Pat Hughes as he approaches his Hall of Fame induction weekend.
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You know what, this was a good Cubs week! Justin Steele represented the Cubs at the All Star Game, and pitched shutout inning on his birthday. The NL broke a nearly decade-long losing streak, and the Home Run Derby was a fun time. The Cubs went into the break with a series win over the Yankees that included Jameson Taillon’s best appearance as a Cub, and we talk a little about the Cubs draft picks this week, mainly 1st rounder Matt Shaw, an infielder from Maryland who can really hit. We also look at the Cubs schedule between now and the 8/1 trade deadline, and folks, it’s soft. Is it soft enough to make up enough ground to be buyers instead of sellers? TBD.
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Kevin is out of town this week so Sara Sanchez pinch hit (her wRC+ is outstanding).
Anyway, a 1-5 homestand after a tough loss in London was certainly not what the doctor ordered. Nor was blowing a 6-0 lead in Milwaukee on Monday in a series the Cubs really, really need to win. The good news? Ian Happ made two phenomenal throws yesterday, one to keep the game going in the bottom of the 10th and one to end it in the bottom of the 11th. With only 5 games remaining before the All-Star break, can the Cubs make a push to narrow the lead in the Central? Adam will be there in person to watch it go down at Yankee Stadium this weekend. God save him.
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A great first 10 innings in London ended with a bobble and a thud, as the Cubs missed a chance to get back to .500 (for now). After another Taillon blowup back at Wrigley, we talk about where this rotation is as the Cubs look at a two week run-in to the All-Star break that could very well define what this season is: compete, sell, somewhere in between? Other news we cover: the Cubs two Futures Game representatives (one obvious, one a fun surprise), Jared Young getting called up to help with the two years running mess at 1B, injury updates on Stroman, Brennen Davis, Brandon Hughes and Codi Heuer, and the truly stupid and awful MLB broadcasts from London.
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Last week on the pod, Adam manifested a Cubs' three game winning streak. As of this recording over a week later, the Cubs have only lost one game during that stretch. After sweeping the former first place Pirates and taking two of three from the upstart Orioles at Wrigley, the Cubs got right back to their winning ways in Pittsburgh this week. After a three game sweep of Pittsburgh that now puts the Cubs at 6-0 against them this season, the Cubs head to London two games under .500, 3.5 games back of the first place red hot Reds in the Central, and winners of 10 of their last 12! Let's sweep this mini series and come back a .500 club, INNIT?!
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In part 1, Adam flies solo to discuss the Cubs' disappointing west coast swing. The good? Stroman continues to shove, Kyle Hendricks almost made history, and Mash Mervis hit a ball into McCovey Cove. The bad? Pretty much all the other stuff, including the Cubs apparently not being interested in extending Marcus Stroman...yet. THEN (at 13:00 minute mark), Greg Huss joins Kevin to talk about the state of the Cubs prospects, and what the farm system has beed doing in 2023. Find Greg’s great work over at North Side Bound, and on his “Cubs On Deck” podcast.
After a satisfying rain-delayed victory over the Pirates last night on Pride Night at Wrigley, can the Cubs keep it going against the checks notes FIRST PLACE PIRATES?? We shall see.
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After a frustrating end to the Tampa Bay series that saw the Cubs squander a late chance to walk off the Rays for a series sweep, the Cubs have taken 2 of 3 from San Diego with Kyle Hendricks on the bump later tonight. Positives: Amaya is back up and raking, Stro continues his dominant ways and Taillon is starting to look like the guy we were hoping he was. Friday night brought an encouraging night from the Cubs' pen, specifically Adbert Alzolay working his way out of trouble and Mark Leiter Jr. striking out Soto, Machado and Cronenworth in an incredibly impressive bottom of the 9th. Steele hit the IL but hopefully not for long and Bellinger continues working his way back, though the Cubs don't expect him back on this west coast road trip. Let's climb our way back to .500 and not look back, shall we?
Follow us at @awaygamespod on all the things and leave us a five star rating, would you? Happy Pride!
Well, it's been a real sh*t sandwich of a homestand that began with two wins over the Mets, followed by a 4 game losing streak, followed by an absolute gem from Marcus Stroman yesterday. With two games remaining against the owners of MLB's best record, who knows what to expect at this point. We talk about Kyle Hendricks' return, Miles Mastrobuoni inexplicably hitting in the 1 and 2 hole, Justin Steele's first rough home start in a year, and of course, North Shore Adult Diapers.
Then (at 19:00 in) we interview the author of Aisle 228, Sandra Marchetti (FanGraphs, Baseball Prospectus)! Sandra shares some of her poetry, Adam chimes in with one of our own, and we all pine for Zach McKinstry. Aisle 228 is about the Chicago Cubs, listening to baseball on the radio, and going to games with my father. The book highlights milestones across Major League Baseball of the past 50 years and culminates in the Cubs 2016 World Series win. Baseball fans of any team will enjoy this title, along with amateur historians and readers of literary nonfiction—it also makes an excellent gift, especially for Father’s Day!
The book can be found on Amazon, barnesandnoble.com, and directly from the publisher, Texas A&M University Press, here: https://www.tamupress.com/book/9781622889556/aisle-228/. Leave us a 5 star rating on iTunes after you buy Sandra's book!
Well, it was another up and down week punctuated by a brutal walkoff loss in Houston, some frustrating games in Philly, and a nice win over the New York Metropolitans last night. Christopher Morel AKA Christopher Meowrel AKA Christ Morel has homered in 5 straight games and has 9 in his first 12 games since his callup and Stroman, Steele and Smyly continue to shove. Beyond that, Taillon has struggled mightily, the bullpen woes have lingered, the offense is leaving a lot to be desired, and the Cubs are five games under .500. Nonetheless, they find themselves still in the mix in an exceedingly mediocre (according to Ross, "sh***y) and winnable NL Central so let's stay optimistic?
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So, on May 17, 2023, the Cubs are closer to the bottom of the National League than they are to the division-leading Brewers. Not ideal…BUT! Steele showed real guts this week, Mervis hit his first homer, Seiya is heating up/normalizing, and Hendricks is on his way back. We also talk about some of the upcoming, triple digit throwing bullpen options on the brink of coming up. It hasn’t been the best run, but if you’ve been listening (or reading, watching, etc.) this probably isn’t the biggest surprise.
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Matt Mervis and Christopher Morel have joined the party, and we hope it's a permanent move. We talk about the Cubs having a significantly better roster today than they had on opening day, a very difficult past couple weeks and another difficult stretch coming up. Oh, and the Cardinals took 2 of 3 at Wrigley and Willson Contreras made his return and we get that out of the way, too. Finally we talk about Michael Cerami's piece at Bleacher Nation about the Marquee Cubs coverage and what needs to change to make it feel like a Cubs broadcast, and not a generic national game on ESPN.
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New episode is up and Kevin is back from his travels! We talk about the Cubs being essentially where we thought they'd be (around .500), a tough sweep in Miami and the case for bringing up Morel and Mervis ASAP. We also talk about Taillon and Hendricks working their way back from injuries and look ahead at a difficult May schedule for the Cubs.
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New episode is up and our old pal Ken Schultz is pinch hitting for Kevin! After a disappointing weekend in which the Cubs dropped 3 of 4 to the Dodgers at Wrigley, they got off the schneid in a big way last night with an impressive shutout W against the Padres. Justin Steele continues to show that he has ace stuff, Yan Gomes had a big day at the plate (much to Ken's chagrin), and the Cubbies are 13-9 and on pace for a 95 win season. Who'd have thought? We also talk Michael Fulmer's struggles, the offensive dead zone of 1B/DH, and Ken's Wrigley experience thus far this season. Follow Ken at @kenschultz_ on Twitter and @kenthinguy on IG and follow us at @awaygamespod on all the things! Leave us a five star rating, would you?
Ian Happ — an all-star caliber player who always wanted to stay a Cub — got an extension of PLURAL years! We celebrate that, and talk about how his extension and the contracts of several other key players (Nico, Seiya, Wisdom) gives us an outline of a mini-era that now runs through 2026. We look back on the series wins against the Dodgers and A’s, talk about the sustainability of Wisdom’s breakout, the weirdness of already knowing the resurgent Bellinger and dominant Stroman are in their final year as Cubs, and some other weirdness around the league. PICK UP YOUR OWN DANG POPCORN!
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After Nico Hoerner’s first career walk off hit, the Cubs are playing a geniunely division-winning pace (ahem, 5-4…but It’s a bad division, so we’re not wrong). We talk falling for Dansby and his gorgeous backhand, Nico’s path to + offense, Seiya’s return date and how mystifiying the roster management has been to this point in his absence, particularly in the outfield. Alzolay is dealing, Hendricks is healing, and two weeks in, it’s mostly Smyly on the North Side…relatively speaking.
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Kevin and Adam cover week one of the Cubs, their 2-3 start, what’s looked good, what’s bad, and what’s exactly how we expected it to be so far (most of it). We also make all our picks for the season! Division winners, World Series, MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and we each make at least one insane prediction for the year that we think might ACTUALLY happen…and we’d love to hear yours. Tweet at us with your BATSH*T predicts, @awaygamespod, and hit us with a rating and a review, if ya don’t mind.
In our annual tradition, Kevin & Adam are joined by Ken Schultz for our jumbo-sized season preview podcast. We predict team MVPs, breakout/regression candidates, and a lot of sillier things. We also get into a little “state of the Cubs fan” talk, and we end with something really great: Ken’s 29 Things To Be Excited For This Season.
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There’s a little Cubs talk here (full season preview coming next episode!), but today it’s mostly all WBC talk. The tournament that the best players in the world universally loved playing in ended with Japan defeating the USA in a one-run game that came down to a full count, between the world’s two best baseball players: Ohtani & Trout. If you don’t like this, unfortunately, you don’t like baseball. It ruled. And because it was a game that mattered, Kyle Schwarber also homered.
With the WBC done, now it’s time for the big show: CACTUS LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!! Then, opening day.
Season Preview coming next week!
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5th starter talk — can you feel the excitement?! There actually IS some excitement among the three candidates for the role: Javier Assad is ripping 97 mph heaters in the WBC for Team Mexico, looking better than ever, Hayden Wesneski has been almost literally perfect (and seems to have a stranglehold on that #5 spot) and Adrian Sampson has been giving up just a St. Patrick’s Day appropriate amount of taters. We also talk a little bit about the winners and losers in the WBC so far, and go into the insane tie-breaker language for the tournament.
Season Preview coming…soon!
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Cubs Twitter favorite @InfieldFlyGrl joins Kevin to talk about the World Baseball Classic! We talk about the tournament format, what teams to look out for for both quality and fun, introduce some great players you might not know about (yet), and highlight some truly 80-grade, top-tier nicknames. IFG follows international baseball more closely than anyone we know and gives us a great primer on some March baseball that ACTUALLY matters to fans and players alike, especially the substitute teachers out there getting their moment in the spotlight.
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The (fake) games have begun, and Seiya Suzuki’s oblique has shut down. We talk about the impact of Seiya’s injury, the timetable for his return, and who might fill in in right field while he’s out. We also talk about the first week of spring games, the automatic ball and strike fiasco, and the Cubs who have been most fun to watch in the early going.
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The Cubs have signed a new reliever, bringing the Spring roster almost to completion with Michael Fulmer joining on a 1-year, $4 million deal. Baseball has announced a series of new rules that will begin with Spring Training game #1, including bigger bases, limited pickoffs, the (almost) elimination of the shift, and a pitch clock. And, we talk about the upcoming World Baseball Classic, and where you can find Cubs on each team.
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Our friend Ken Schultz (Outsports) joins us to give us a rundown of all the news and fun from this week’s Cubs convention: Ryno’s statue, Ian Happ’s live podcast, Tom Ricketts’ attempt at crowdwork, and Nico’s rugged look. Also, analyzing the Cubs new signing, 1B/OF Trey Mancini.
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On our first episode of the new year, we go in depth about new Cubs signings Tucker Barnhart (official) and Eric Hosmer (not quite yet, but, pretty surely a Cub). And because it might be a little more fun, instead of a “Happy New Year 2023,” we skip ahead to 2024, look in the crystal ball, and analyze where the Cubs are at in January of NEXT year.
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For the first time since Yu Darvish, the Cubs have signed a $100 million dollar player. Dansby Swanson signed a 7 year, $177 million dollar deal to presumably take over shortstop and join with Nico Hoerner in the league’s best defensive middle infield. Drew Smyly also reportedly has agreed to return, filling out the Cubs rotation and giving it truly solid depth. The offense? Well…it’s not there yet. We talk a little bit about rumored targets Michael Conforto and Trey Mancini, and we only talk about the remaining catching options as much as we legally have to. Welcome to Chicago, Dansby!
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With the top three shortstops off the board, it’s time to talk about how we got here, where we go from here, and we welcome the rest of Cubs world to the emotional state we’ve been occupying for about two years. Ricketts & Kenney say the money is there, Jed Hoyer seemingly can’t find it, and now we wait to see what combination of free agents left we can cobble together, and talk about how this year is shaping up to be one where we might — again — be flipping expiring contracts like Happ, Hendricks, and Stroman (who could opt out at the end of this year, and why wouldn’t he?). Oh, and the Cubs signed Brad Boxberger. That’s good.
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The Winter Meetings have been crazy: shortstops are all signing for 11 years, Willson Contreras is officially a Cardinal, and Cody Bellinger and Jameson Taillon are new Cubs. We talk through all of that, and ask where do we go from here? We’ve opened the checkbook…now It’s time to keep signing those checks.
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Unlike almost everyone in baseball media, we keep receipts on ourselves and hold ourselves accountable at the end of the year. Kevin and Adam look back at their picks for 2022 Cubs breakout stars, regression candidates, record predictions, and more. And it might shock you how much this season…did not shock us. We also talk a little about recent Cubs rumors and expectations for free agency.
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The Astros did indeed defeat the Phillies in 6 games, and now we can finally throw the 2022 MLB season in a trash can and move on. We talk about the series, how the Phillies will be remembered, Willson Contreras turning down the Qualifying Offer, Hoyer’s absolute refusal to use an exclusive negotiating window with any player, ever, early Contreras contract predictions by Fangraphs and ESPN, and a few other Cubs notes.
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A Happy Anniversary, A Gold Glove Winner, A Homer Party in Philly & Some Real Bad Tweets
Happy Cubs win the 2016 World Series Anniversary Day to all who celebrate! We open up with some happy memories before moving on to talk about Ian Happ winning his first gold glove (yay!), a bad injury for Cubs prospect Alexander Canario (boo), the Phillies 2-1 lead and the World Series so far (mostly yay, we guess?) and some really bad faith tweets from Marcus Stroman (boo). Big ups and big downs on this episode, folks! Enjoy the last week of real Major League Baseball in 2022.
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A Happy Anniversary, A Gold Glove Winner, A Homer Party in Philly & Some Real Bad Tweets
Happy Cubs win the 2016 World Series Anniversary Day to all who celebrate! We open up with some happy memories before moving on to talk about Ian Happ winning his first gold glove (yay!), a bad injury for Cubs prospect Alexander Canario (boo), the Phillies 2-1 lead and the World Series so far (mostly yay, we guess?) and some really bad faith tweets from Marcus Stroman (boo). Big ups and big downs on this episode, folks! Enjoy the last week of real Major League Baseball in 2022.
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The Astros and Phillies are matching up the 2022 World Series, and as we write this, Kyle Schwarber is probably just now waking up after singing Robyn songs and riding mechanical bulls. We analyze the two league champions, place our bets (hypothetical and actual), and talk about watching so many former Cubs, still in their prime, helping teams all through this year’s playoffs. We also talk about how while Cubs discourse has wishing we were watching Schwarber/Castellanos/Harper on the north side, it’s actually the Astros mix of extensions to their core and additions from the outside that show a model for what this franchise should have done (and should still do). Oh, and a Jose Abreu rumor…because that’s what 2022 Cubs October has given us. Fun!
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The Astros and Phillies are matching up the 2022 World Series, and as we write this, Kyle Schwarber is probably just now waking up after singing Robyn songs and riding mechanical bulls. We analyze the two league champions, place our bets (hypothetical and actual), and talk about watching so many former Cubs, still in their prime, helping teams all through this year’s playoffs. We also talk about how while Cubs discourse has wishing we were watching Schwarber/Castellanos/Harper on the north side, it’s actually the Astros mix of extensions to their core and additions from the outside that show a model for what this franchise should have done (and should still do). Oh, and a Jose Abreu rumor…because that’s what 2022 Cubs October has given us. Fun!
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We’re down to the final four, and we analyze our feelings on the remaining group of Padres, Phillies, Yankees and Astros. We also say goodbye to the teams who have left us, from the extremely quiet group of Cardinal “legends” who slept through two games, to the Mets who pulled a real 2018 Cubs to end their great season, to the Guardians who were fun even if they couldn’t stop annoyingly bragging about bloops. A little Cubs talk too, but this one is mostly a playoff pod — remember when the Cubs were involved in those? Ah, good times.
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Our guest today is Joe Maddon. You may know him from winning the World Series as the manager of the Chicago Cubs. What else do we need to say? Joe teamed with Tom Verducci for a new book out TODAY (October 11), titled “The Book of Joe: Trying Not To Suck At Baseball and Life.” We talk about what non-2016 Cubs team Joe thought was closest to winning it, what 2016 game was most important to that championship run, the unexpected 2015 run, and the story of how Joe said goodbye to the team in one final all-night party in St. Louis. We also get our own Joe Maddon nicknames, and a wine recommendation. We had a blast talking with Joe, and hope you have fun listening to it.
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Every year Kevin and Adam predict how the season will go, and this year…they actually got a whole lot right? Weird. We preview the wild card round, make our new predictions for the weekend, and look back on how we said things would go. We also talk about 2022’s final week of Cubs baseball, and takeaways from the end of a weird but pretty darn predictable year.
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This episode starts with a standard recap of the past week of Cubs baseball, one that actually saw the streaking Cubs win 5 of their last 6 games (as of this recording). Adam and Kevin talk about the continued development of Sampson and Wesneski, Esteban Quiroz making the most of his opportunity, and a cool opportunity for some of the Cubs' top minor leaguers.
In the second half of the episode (starting at 25:22), Adam and Ken discuss their once in a lifetime experience at the Cubs' Season Ticket Holder Friends and Family event. They played catch on the field, ran the bases, visiting the Cubs dugout and clubhouse, AND MET ANDRE FRIGGIN DAWSON!!! It was a magical day, all made possible by Adam's friend and Cubs season ticket holder Amy.
We end this episode by playing part of a Pat Hughes Cameo that Adam and Ken bought Amy to thank her. Download and share and rate us on iTunes, would ya?
Adbert Alzolay finally returned to action this week, and he looks pretty good, even if we might be looking at a full-time reliever now. Wesneski dominates again, Sampson just keeps pitching well, and we talk about what this all means for how next year’s pitching staff shapes up. We also talk free agency rumors, the draft lottery, Canario’s 3-homer day for Iowa, and Adam’s biggest baseball regret of the year. Don’t leave the podcast early! Follow us everywhere @awaygamespod!
The Cubs are trying to flip the script from 2004 and ruin the Mets season, and folks, we’re enjoying it! The Cubs defeated the division-leading Mets in the first two games of their series, including a win over Jacob deGrom. We talk about what holding onto the division would mean for the Mets in a year with an even more expanded playoff, and Adam previews his upcoming VIP Wrigley Field experience. We also talk about the MLB’s newl rules for 2023 that were just announced, including banning the shift, adding a pitch clock, and more. Follow us everywhere @awaygamespod!
Forget the St. Louis sweep, we’ve moved on to bigger things like Hayden Wesneski’s dominating debut against the Reds. The man traded for Scott Effross made his MLB debut and dominated, possibly putting himself in line for the next long relief —> starter progression that previously worked so well for Steele and Thompson. We also talk about Jeremiah Estrada’s debut and how exciting he looks as a late inning reliever, and Seiya Suzuki’s offensive adjustments (good!) and defense (less good than we thought!). Follow us everywhere @awaygamespod!
Kevin is out of town and unavailable this week so Adam is flying solo today to recap the past week of Cubs baseball. The good: Happ's big game on Friday, Steele continuing to show off unprecedented dad strength, and random fans having sex at a Blue Jays game. The bad: atrocious baserunning, bullpen struggles, Willson's injury, and random fans having sex at a Blue Jays game. (Public sex is nuanced.) Adam also talks about the case for shutting down Willson- at least temporarily- and breaks down the coming week of Cubs games as well as some of the spicier elements of the 2023 schedule. Thanks for listening as always and leave us a nice 5 star review on iTunes, would ya?
Kevin is out of town and unavailable this week so Adam is flying solo today to recap the past week of Cubs baseball. The good: Happ's big game on Friday, Steele continuing to show off unprecedented dad strength, and random fans having sex at a Blue Jays game. The bad: atrocious baserunning, bullpen struggles, Willson's injury, and random fans having sex at a Blue Jays game. (Public sex is nuanced.) Adam also talks about the case for shutting down Willson- at least temporarily- and breaks down the coming week of Cubs games as well as some of the spicier elements of the 2023 schedule. Thanks for listening as always and leave us a nice 5 star review on iTunes, would ya?
Kevin and Adam talk about the Cubs recent run of winning ways, Nico’s talk about winning to attract free agents and motivate this team to be a winner next year, the realness of Justin Steele (and #DaddySteele is accidentally created), what a winning rotation for 2023 would reasonably look like, and a check-in on the farm. We also talk about drinking early and how people shouldn’t eat while podcasting. Follow us everywhere @awaygamespod!
Adam is back from Great American Ballpark and has some strong opinions on Skyline Chili. We talk about the Field of Dreams game, the Cubs amazingly going for a fourth straight series win today, Justin Steele's continued development, and Nico's breakout season. We also discuss players who we've seen enough of (sorry, Rafael Ortega) and dream on Franmil Reyes actually being a part of this team's future. Thanks as always for listening and leave us a 5 star review on iTunes, would ya?!
After a chaotic trade deadline episode last week, the boys are back with a slightly less stressful episode this week. We talk about Willson's go-ahead HR and walk-off caught stealing and what it might take for the Cubs to re-sign him this offseason. Then, with news breaking this week that Jason Heyward won't be returning to the Cubs next season, we discuss the legacy of his Chicago tenure. We also discuss the waiver signing of big boy/big bat Franmil Reyes, how things are going down on the farm, and an interesting piece of fan mail we received last week. Thanks as always for listening and leave us a 5 star review on iTunes, would ya?!
In a chaotic podcast, Adam and Kevin went YouTube Live to talk about and experience the countdown to the trade deadline, and boy, were there surprises. Mainly, of course: Willson Contreras and Ian Happ remain Cubs. We talk about the return for Scott Effross, David Robertson and Mychal Givens, and the big Soto deal as well as Toronto taking their shot at Whit Merrifield in a surprise-filled hour. But mainly: Willson and Ian staying? WHAT DOES IT MEAN?! Also, now, and forever: EXTEND WILLSON.
With Kevin out of town this week, longtime friend of the pod Ken Schultz (Outsports, Bleacher Nation) joins Adam to absolutely fume about Jed Hoyer and the Ricketts. Honestly, indignant Ken is our favorite Ken.
We discuss the emotions of what very well may have been the last homestand for Ian Happ and Willson Contreras, Ken's experience at Wrigley on Monday night, and the inexplicable sequence of events that brought us to this moment. Feels like we should be happier after a 6 game winning streak but here we are.
With Kevin out of town this week, longtime friend of the pod Ken Schultz (Outsports, Bleacher Nation) joins Adam to absolutely fume about Jed Hoyer and the Ricketts. Honestly, indignant Ken is our favorite Ken.
We discuss the emotions of what very well may have been the last homestand for Ian Happ and Willson Contreras, Ken's experience at Wrigley on Monday night, and the inexplicable sequence of events that brought us to this moment. Feels like we should be happier after a 6 game winning streak but here we are.
Kevin and Adam are in sweltering NYC, where the weather is as hot as the Cubs are cold. We recap the Home Run Derby (Schwarbs got robbed AGAIN), the All-Star Game (more mic'd up and less John Smoltz, please) and the MLB Draft. We also talk about the looming trade deadline on August 2nd and how the Field of Dreams game may very well end up feeling like a minor league game. Best of all, we barely talked about the Cubs/Mets series from last weekend. You're welcome.
This week we start with a lot of positive stuff, which means we don’t talk about the Dodgers series until about halfway through. Willson Contreras is now a THREE-time All-Star starter, and Ian Happ made his first all-star team as well. Isn’t it nice to have all-stars? We think so, and hope the Cubs organization agrees. We also run down the home run derby lineup (which looks great), talk about Justin Steele’s birthday/becoming a dad/pitching great week, and then do a little bit of a mid-season vibe check…that’s a little less positive than the first half, but hey, we contain multitudes. Happy All-Star week to everyone (but especially Willson & Ian)!
After a two week hiatus the only way we could make it up to you was by starting this week's episode with a 3 minute Cameo from Pat Hughes to Kevin "The Face" McCaffrey for his 40th birthday. And to Kevin's wife Jaimie who ordered said Cameo, let us just say, "YOU THE REAL MVP." After listening to the dulcet tones of Mr. Hughes (sadly there was no mention of Benjamin Moore or Willson CONEtreras), we get into some Cubbie talk. Our beloved team has shockingly rattled off four straight series wins, three of which came against likely playoff-bound teams. We discuss the continued development of Steele/Thompson, the case to be made for three All-Star Cubs, and our sense of impending doom with the trade deadline just a month away. Oh, and pre-order Adam's comedy album would ya??!!
The Cubs beat the Braves two out of three behind strong performances from young starters Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson. Kevin is in Vegas for the week and put a bet on…a different Cubs game. Whoops. Willson Contreras leads the NL in All Star votes at catcher (vote Willson online, folks!) and Ian Happ continues a truly strong year at the plate, and that’s about all we have in the good news column to report. All our other good thoughts were bobbled and thrown away by Jonathan Villar.
Adam and Kevin each went to two Cubs/Yankees games this weekend, and it was a close race as to who got the worst of it. We talk about that three game series against the best team in baseball that went just about how you’d expect, the DFA of Clint Frazier, Justin Steele’s promising turn against the Padres, and the value of actual Major League Baseball players, and how bizarrely that is overlooked by a surprising subset of fans online who seem to celebrate anything bad happening with former Cubs, while being delusional about the present. Let’s have some fun!
With the Cubs heading to Yankee Stadium this weekend for three games in Adam and Kevin's territory, we break down the Cardinals series, last night's stinker against the lowly Orioles, and Willson Contreras continuing to be an 80 grade teammate (deep breaths). We also discuss Caleb Killian's highly anticipated debut, Matt Swarmer and Christopher Morel continuing to impress, and the importance of giving Steele/Thompson time to settle in as starters. Lastly, we discuss MadBum being, you guessed it, a mad bum and our old wine-drinkin pal Joe Maddon getting the boot in Anaheim.
It took until almost June but one of the Away Games boys finally made it to Wrigley! Kevin talks about his experience at game one of Monday's Memorial Day double header and the fact that beer prices haven't gotten any cheaper at the old ballpark despite, you know…(gestures at everything at the ballpark). We talk about recent Cub callups Morel, Higgins, Swarmer and Velazquez, starting pitching concerns both in terms of health and performance, and discuss Tommy Pham's Slap Heard Round The World (baseball Twitter).
Justin Steele followed a 10K performance, with a possibly even more dominant 9K performance, and he’s now the rotation’s leader in ERA. Patrick Wisdom homered in 4 consecutive games while showing off his bat’s big knob (all of that is literal, not dirty, no matter what it sounds like), and Christopher Morel has impressed at multiple positions while combining the most iconic home runs of Willson Contreras and Dexter Fowler’s careers. That’s all the good news, folks! We also talk about the pile of garbage that occasionally plays 3rd base for the Yankees, social media news of the week, and how the inexcusable second consecutive year of selling off is due to begin any moment.
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Willson Contreras. What else do you want? His 100th homer was a grand slam, appropriately at what should be his forever home of Wrigley Field, and his intensity for a 14-20 team is still World Series-worthy. We talk about him, and how there is no reasonable way forward but an extension. We also talk about the two newest Cubs called to the bigs: Christopher Morel and Brandon Hughes, both unusual players in fun ways. The Cubs have won 3 in a row and 5 of 7, led by -- you guessed it — Willson Contreras. We also talk about the fast-working Wade Miley and the swagger of an improving Justin Steele after his 10 K start in Arizona.
Ian Happ and Justin Steele both had big weeks: within 24 hours, they each got engaged…and that’s the best news we’ve got! Marcus Stroman also dominated in Milwaukee (Cubs beat Corbin Burnes AGAIN), Alfonso Rivas looks like he is inching toward “regular 1B status,” and we consider Ian Happ as a sensible extension candidate (lol, we know the Cubs don’t do that, but we can dream!). We also talk about a few of the Cubs rising prospects: Caleb Kilian, PCA, and the very fun and under-the-radar Cam Sanders. On the disappointing side, we talk about the Cubs actual game results and Frank Schwindel’s borderline shocking peripherals. Follow us over @awaygamespod and tweet us literally anything except any talk about the “Pitch Lab”!
What we know: there was one good Cubs game last week. A 21-0 win over the Pirates. And then, close loss at home copy/paste over and over. In the beginning of season #3, we talk about where we stand on David Ross’s managerial style, and talk about the good (Seiya & his insanely selective plate approach), the bad (consistently playing 1/3 of this team out of position, defensively) and the curious (Justin Steele’s stamina/velocity drop) as we find our team 7-9, which is more in line with what most people expected.
Two podcasts, two weeks of the Cubs being over .500. We talk about the new look, high contact bats the Cubs offense is relying on (and the downside of all those double plays), NL Player of the Week Seiya Suzuki and his perfect plate approach, a weird series in Colorado, and the exciting young bullpen arms and two fun veterans doing the job at the back end. If the podcast is every struggling, we’re just going to bring Keegan Thompson in to fix everything.
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The season is underway, the Cubs are series winners, and the Brewers could not accidentally bean enough Cubs to keep from being series losers. Hendricks looked vintage, Steele outdueled a wild Woodruff, Stroman brought the energy and a great five innings that the Cubs had slip away by the length of a fingernail — and Seiya Suzuki looked gooooood. Fun first weekend — let’s talk about it.
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As tradition has it, Ken Schultz (Outsports) joins Adam and Kevin for the 2022 Chicago Cubs season preview. We answer some viewer questions, pick breakout players, predict team MVPs and regression candidates, and set our expected Cubs win totals for the year. It’s a different vibe this year, but we promise, we end with the things we’re most excited about as we go into this 2022 Cubs season.
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Kevin and Adam go division-by-division to preview what we expect from this year. We pick the playoff teams, the final four, our expected champions, as well as throw some picks down for MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year. Next week? The 2022 Chicago Cubs season preview.
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It's a solo, Kevin-only episode as Adam is off modeling somewhere, and he talks about some MLB news (“Ohtani” rule, ghost runner returns), Willson Contreras news and rumors around his arbitration hearing, and he takes a good long look at what it means to be a Cubs fan with this leadership that has seemingly once again built a roster to flip at the deadline. We look into the Ricketts bid for Chelsea FC, what kind of a market the Cubs operate in, and look back at the turning point of the 2018-19 offseason.
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Holy Cow, do we have a LOT to talk about for once on this Cubs podcast. Japanese star Seiya Suzuki is now a Cub, Jesse Chavez returns, Chris Martin joins the bullpen, we have a new singing pitcher, and truly much, much more. Where do the Cubs go from here? It’s confusing, but things are happening!
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Well, we fell for it again. Recorded after a late night of will they/won't they MLB/MLBPA sexual tension that ultimately ended in disappointment, friend of the pod Ken Schultz (Baseball Prospectus, Outsports) pinch hits for Kevin to join Adam this week. We talk all things lockout, whether or not the sides are significantly closer, MLB's piss poor marketing, playoff formats, and banning the shift.
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The One Where Owners Cancel Opening Day…and minimum two more series. After initiating a lockout, waiting weeks to even come to a negotiation table, and refusing to raise the CBT threshold by LITERALLY a dollar, owners have led the charge into the killing of a season, and maybe more! We’re not happy on this one, and we bet neither are you. You’ll hear some live coverage of Manfred’s pathetic speech, and a lot of reaction to the latest awful baseball news from Adam and Kevin.
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Ladies and gentlemen, it’s Justin Steele! He joins us after a workout to talk about his MLB debut, going from reliever to starter, getting his first hit off of Corbin friggin’ Burnes, his favorite spots in Chicago, and more. Justin’s one of the good guys, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and be careful if you get matched up with him on PS5, he’s a killer.
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Oh, its a crossover Cubcast! Corey Freedman (@CFCubsRelated) from the Cubs Related Podcast joins us to talk about his time interning in the front offices of the Yankees and the Dodgers, how he got there, what he got to do, and why he ended up watching tons of Japanese baseball for work. We also talk about how he and Brendan Miller started their podcast, and those magical 2015-16 years. Rate, review, subscribe, and go listen to his podcast, too!
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Jon Lester racked up 200 wins, 3 World Series titles, and (arguably) the title for best free agent signing in Cubs history. We remember the man whose signing kicked off the greatest era in Cubs history, talk about his best moments, and generally wish we could hit rewind on the whole thing. See you in Cooperstown for a big old reunion, Jon.
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So there have been some credible rumors linking the Cubs to arguably the top SS on the market, after signing the top SP on the market. How would you feel about a Correa arrival? We also talk about the embarrassing commissioner of the sport and his latest move, and run down Sahadev Sharma’s five predictions for the Cubs in 2022.
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It’s lockout baseball podcast time, which means we begin by talking about Adam’s album recording at Zanies Chicago last week, and another stand-up clip of Kevin’s going massively viral. Then: we talk about what the Cubs have left to do to fill out the roster, specifically their options at shortstop, and we talk a little about Fangraphs list of top Cubs prospects.
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Right at the buzzer before the lockout, the Cubs landed Marcus Stroman, and boy are we psyched. The team got their top of the rotation starter in the biggest move since signing Yu Darvish. We also talk about the Cubs acquiring Yan Gomes and Clint Frazier, why this has to be only the beginning of big moves this offseason, and the frustration that has built up for Cubs fans for years leading up to this point. And now: the lockout.
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Cubs news starts at the 10:26 mark of this podcast: we talk about Wade Miley’s signing, what that means for this year, and how a sudden run of free agent signings affects the Cubs. Before that? Adam Mamawala talks about getting pulled out of the crowd at Madison Square Garden, and winning a skills competition that ended in him nailing an NBA 3-pointer for cold hard cash. It’s a great story!
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The Houston Astros can now toss the 2021 season in the trash can, because the Atlanta Braves have won the World Series. Our good friend Jorge Soler won the MVP with three home runs, including one of the hardest hit balls we’ve ever seen, which put the Braves up for good in game 6. We talk about the series and, because it’s us, also talk a little bit about the 5 year anniversary of the greatest World Series.
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In the Houston Astros vs. Atlanta Braves World Series, we have to ask the question: who would you like to see lose more? We actually do like a lot of the players on the Braves roster, and we talk about Dusty Baker’s long and winding road to this point, and wonder if he has one more playoff meltdown in him. We also talk a bit about the ALCS and NLCS. One more series and then: bring on the offseason, baby! Use promo code AWAYGAMES for 20% off at Manscaped.com.
Adam returns from the Dominican, Kevin returns from doing stand up in Chicago, and we talk about the Cubs-less MLB playoffs (check swings, Hader hating, Schwarber/Joc success, etc.), the Cubs new GM Carter Hawkins, and Tom Ricketts’s email to Cubs fans. Is it good when you own a top-5 money-making team and you have to send an email saying “we’re probably gonna try”? Maybe not! Use promo code AWAYGAMES for 20% off at Manscaped.com.
Don’t cry because it’s over, cry because it happened. It’s the 2021 Cubs, baby! Let’s take a look back at the biggest moments of this year, both good (Javy running wild vs. Pirates, Javy walking off the Reds, Rizzo 14-pitch masterpiece, Schwindel?!) and the bad (multiple double-digit losing streaks, trading everyone we love), and when we knew the season changed (hint: very temporary 7-0 lead). Sure, it was a frustrating one. But we might be about to have an exciting offseason. The comeback starts soon. But for now? One more look back.
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The Cubs are out, but weirdly, baseball is allowed to keep going? Rude, but okay. Adam and Kevin break down all the matchups and possible matchups between the Rays, Red Sox, White Sox, Astros, Giants, Dodgers, Cardinals, Brewers and Braves. Oh, and the Yankees (RIP).
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Adam was in Chicago for the Cubs final weekend of getting swept at home, and you know what? We’re at peace. We talk about the exciting playoff picture elsewhere in MLB, the triple-collapse of former 1st place teams in Chicago, New York and San Diego, look forward to an offseason of development for Steele/Alzolay/Thompson, and start preparing for next week’s “End of Season” podcast. Thanks for listening!
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It’s the kind of year where Kevin and Adam organically open with 10 minutes of talking about the worst Cubs games they’ve been to in person. After that, we get into the current roster makeup, what we hope to see the rest of the year, the upcoming games with the Cardinals, and the vibes around this roster right now.
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Kris Bryant returned to Wrigley, was thoughtful, candid, emotional, and left with three wins. Tom Ricketts climbed out of his bunker long enough to take a photo with a Cubs hero at home plate, and we’re left talking about Ian Happ & Frank Schwindel’s hot months, and hoping to spoil the sort-of contending Cardinals run for wild card spot #2.
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After two separate 11 game losing streaks, the Cubs (somehow) won 7 straight games over the past week. We break down how it happened, how excited we should be, and which of the current Cubs should have a place in the team's immediate future. Friend of the pod Ken Schultz (Baseball Prospectus, Outsports) pinch hits for Kevin to join Adam this week before heading to Wrigley in his Rizzo jersey tonight. We also talk about Ken's emotions heading into the weekend series against San Francisco in which Kris Bryant will make his return to Wrigley.
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Today we are joined by Ethan Roberts, Cubs relief pitching prospect currently at triple-A Iowa. Ethan talks about only getting one scholarship offer out of high school, pitching an insane amount of innings as a closer in college, and when he found out his spin rate was something special. Follow him @EthanRoberts26 on Instagram and @EthanXXVI on Twitter! Follow us @AwayGamesPod everywhere.
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Wisdom just keeps hitting bombs, so we take a closer look at his place on the Cubs going forward on his birthday week (he’s 30, his mustache is from the ‘70s). We talk about some new Cubs seeing the field, Bote not seeing that damn ball, and Javy’s troubles with booing and morons in Queens.
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The Cubs broke their home losing streak with a genuinely fun walk-off win at Wrigley, and we talk about the Cubs current lineup, and how many of these guys we might actually see playing when the Cubs are winners again (next year, God-willing). Is Happ slowly coming back, and will he even get a contract this offseason? Is Schwindel the next Bryan LaHair or Joey Bats? How about an Ortega/Hermosillo platoon? This is actually what we’re talking about.
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So the Cubs lost 12 in a row, but now it’s #comebackszn because the winning streak is up to 2! We talk Michael Hermosillo & his great attitude, appreciating Kyle Hendricks, hope for Happ, and then we talk about a non-Cubs baseball trip we took (with Friend of the Pod Ken Schultz!) to see Coors Field, where the similarly bad Rockies beat the Padres two games in a row.
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We find a few things to be interested in as this season tumbles down the stairs to a finish: Justin Steele’s debut as a starter, Rafael Ortega’s continued breakout and Patrick Wisdom’s power display, Manny Rodriguez’s closer potential…and I mean, you know the deal. That’s pretty much it. Kevin & Adam talk about what needs to happen this offseason (a lot) vs. what we think will actually happen (less) with a team that has no excuse not to get back to contending next year. But for now…give us those Steele starts!
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If you don’t want to hear anger, frustration, and emotion about how this Cubs trade deadline went, you can skip to the next episode. Ken Schultz of Outsports & Baseball Prospectus joins Kevin and Adam to talk about the trading of Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javy Baez, the failure to extend literally any of the Cubs greatest core, and the plan or lack thereof going forward. It was a hell of a run.
You may have heard: the Cubs traded some guys. They got a bunch of new guys back. Bleacher Nation writer Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) is here to talk to Kevin about all the new names, who he’s most excited about, when we can hope to see them at Wrigley, and where the Cubs farm system now ranks. Out: Rizzo, Bryant, Baez. In: PCA, Killian, Alcantara? It’s a deep dive, let’s try to have some fun.
The deadline is Friday, 7/30, 4 p.m. Until then: we wait. Rumors about Rizzo and the Red Sox, Baez and the Mets, Kris Bryant and the Giants/Mets/Rays, and Kimbrel going everywhere. We talk about the return for Chafin and optimism on what Tepera and Kimbrel might return to the Cubs. We talk new Cubs Greg Deichmann and Daniel Palencia.
Reload, rebuild…something’s coming. We talk about the reality of Cubs ownership, the numbers behind what they have actually spent since they took over (against the money they’ve made), and what we should expect from this team at the trade deadline and beyond. We also talk about the fun you can still have watching your favorite team in a non-playoff year, and the two great comebacks vs. the D-backs and Cardinals this week.
Kris Bryant and Craig Kimbrel represented the Cubs at this year’s all-star game, and while we love Kimbrel’s return to dominance, we focus on KB: his handling of a terrible Joe Buck interview, his excellence on and off and all around the baseball field, and why he should maybe be the Cubs first priority to extend. We also take a look back at our pre-season predictions and see how we — and the Cubs — have done so far.
Okay. So, 11 losses in a row (10 when we recorded this). That wasn’t great. Let’s talk about how a .500ish team is exactly what this front office put together, and while we’ve had extreme good and bad, our favorite team is where they belong. Barring a miracle, this week was the week the Cubs became sellers. We take stock of what’s gone right, and look back at the turning point of this season (cough, 7-0 lead, cough), and the turning points of this era — the greatest era in Cubs history.
Twitter: @awaygamespod
So, 80 games in, halfway through the year, it’s time for a roster report card. In: Joc, Arrieta, Williams, Duffy, Marisnick, Sogard. Out: Darvish, Caratini, Schwarber, Lester. The Cubs are in 2nd, five games back of the Brewers, and it seems like this roster is what it looked like at the beginning of the year. Let’s talk about the positives AND the negatives, and what we think we’ll see going forward.
So, 80 games in, halfway through the year, it’s time for a roster report card. In: Joc, Arrieta, Williams, Duffy, Marisnick, Sogard. Out: Darvish, Caratini, Schwarber, Lester. The Cubs are in 2nd, five games back of the Brewers, and it seems like this roster is what it looked like at the beginning of the year. Let’s talk about the positives AND the negatives, and what we think we’ll see going forward.
Everyone is taking their pants off this week because umpires have begun #StickyGate2021. We talk about that, the benching of Javy Baez, the return of the Kyle Hendricks we know, the starters the Cubs could target at the deadline, and the insanity of learning that Juliana Zobrist found a way to be worse than her music. What a week!
Adam reports on being IN the Mets PA booth with Howard Cosell’s grandson, and he & Kevin talk about the sweep of St. Louis, trying to survive de Grom & the Mets, how much longer Heyward and Sogard can be getting starts, and just a little about the bummers of Heyward and Rizzo’s vaccine comments this week.
Twitter & Instagram @awaygamespod
Friend of the pod Ken Schultz (Outsports, Baseball Prospectus) pinch hits for Kevin to join Adam on this week's pod! We talk Patrick Wisdom's unbelievable run, Adbert's injury, a strong Zach Davies start and weathering this west coast trip. We also preview today's Arrieta/Darvish matchup and talk about the upcoming Cubs/Cardinals series at a full capacity Wrigley, featuring the Cubs' new unis. Follow us at @awaygamespod on Twitter/Instagram and give us a 5 start rating on iTunes if you're digging the show!
Sarah Spain (writer, TV/radio host, Chicago Red Stars owner, expert beer thrower) joins Adam and Kevin for a fun talk: throwing beers to Jake Arrieta during the parade, joining the Chicago Red Stars ownership group, wanting to like the players we root for, how she went from comedy to sports, and what it means to her to have a voice and a platform as a woman in sports media. We also talk a little about Eddie Murphy and our favorite SNL casts. Follow Sarah everywhere, listen to her “That’s What She Said” podcast, and for real, go check out a Chicago Red Stars game. She’ll probably throw you a beer (seriously).
It’s June, and the Cubs are in first. Let’s talk about the massive amount of injuries, but more about the guys who have filled in for those injuries and helped push the team to the top of the central: Wisdom, Nance, Thompson, and of course, the mainstays who should be forever-stays, Bryant and Javy.
Adam returns from St. Louis after seeing the Cubs take 2 of 3 from the Cardinals, and we talk about a really good run from a team that looks like it wants to contend. Injuries suck - Nico Hoerner is hurt (after Matt Duffy, Jake Marisnick, Jason Heyward, Jason Adam, Justin Steele) and we talk about who might replace him, the Cubs 40-man roster crunch, and the seemingly sustainable success of this bullpen. It’s been a fun Cubs month, and we preview a difficult June schedule. Follow @awaygamespod everywhere!
Duncan Robinson was a 2016 draft pick by the Cubs, a pitcher out of Dartmouth, who pitched (and succeeded!) at every level in the Cubs system up through Major League Spring Training. He recently decided to end his playing career to go to law school, but he sat down to talk with us about his experience in the Cubs system, and it’s a really interesting, detailed story. Topics: the help Kyle Hendricks gives to young pitchers; how a pitcher uses the Cubs IVY app to create a scouting report; finding out Theo Epstein is watching you warm up in college; how teams talk to players before the draft; the first day in a big league clubhouse; working Uber and retail while also rehabbing from Tommy John as a minor leaguer; and the politics of baseball. Follow Duncan on instagram @duncan_and_donuts and on twitter @Duncan_Robiso
Well THAT was a big game, so we’re dropping an episode a day earlier than normal. To celebrate Adam’s birthday, Jon Lester and Kyle Schwarber returned to Wrigley. It was emotional, and fun, and the Cubs won — most enjoyable game of the year? We say yes. We also good good offensive performances from almost everybody, a killer Nico defensive play, and a fantastic debut for 30-year-old rookie Tommy Nance. Take a bite out of a Twix that your friend left for you in the field and follow us everywhere @awaygamespod
It’s been a weird week. Every Cub is injured or under the weather, they swept the Dodgers, and basically every game ends 3-2 now. Adam and Kevin talk about literal dreams they’ve had about the Cubs and baseball lately, and after KB was pulled mid-game and some people freaked out about a trade, we take the time to consider — emotionally — what a Kris Bryant trade would mean.
Twitter & Instagram: @awaygamespod
DJ (aka Davidjohn AKA Deej) Herz is a top-30 prospect in the Cubs system, a hard-throwing lefty who joins us from his poolside hotel room in Myrtle Beach before the start of the minor league season. DJ is one of the youngest players the Cubs have in full season ball, and makes his debut Saturday, May 8 in the Pelicans rotation.
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Follow DJ! Twitter: @DavidjohnHerz Instagram: @dj_herz
Bleacher Nation writer Bryan Smith joins us to preview the Cubs Minor League Season (starting at the 31:00 mark). Topics: what pitchers have made the big leap, what affiliate has the most exciting lineup to watch, who will the Cubs next real homegrown starter be, and a lot more. Use the code PELICANS for $10 off an MILB.TV subscription if you want to catch minor league action on TV all year.
Before that, we’ve got your normal weekly episode, with Kevin & Adam talking about the doubleheader wins over the Dodgers, Pitching Ninja graduate Justin Steele, a great debut from Keegan Thompson, Bote’s big game, Javy’s resurgence, that Amir Garrett situation in Cincinnati, and of course, Anthony Rizzo’s pitching dominance over Frederick Freddie Freeman. Follow us @awaygamespod and rate and review if you don’t mind!
Brennen Davis stopped by (via his home in Arizona), to talk to us about his Spring Training experience, getting drafted, learning from veterans like Jason Heyward, spending more time than he ever anticipated in South Bend, the nastiness of Alzolay, and his skills in other areas (golf, video games, nature stuff). Get to know one of the most exciting players in the Cubs system and follow him on twitter @brennendavis__ and on instagram @_bigb_
The Cubs won 4, then immediately lost 4, and now look as hungover as Kevin is on this podcast. We do a little Fernando Tatis talk, get psyched about the debut of big Trevor Megill, the return of Nico Hoerner, the success of Arrieta, and a bunch of nice peripherals that aren’t resulting in production for Bote, Heyward, and most notably, Happ.
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Kevin & Adam both go to games in person this week: Wrigley & Yankee Stadium, and we tell you everything you need to know about the in-person baseball experience in 2021. We also talk about the signs of life from the offense, a great start for Jake Arrieta, and our hope for Javy to break out of his contact-less approach.
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The Cubs offense is, again, historically bad, so we have to talk about it, but we also talk about fun things like friend of the pod Justin Steele’s impressive MLB debut. Steele, Wieck & Strop joined the team after three relievers were put on the Covid IL (Adam, Workman, Winkler). Other topics: Bauer’s confiscated balls, Eric Sogard’s wife Kaycee liking racist tweets, and Justin Turner’s wife dislikes a trivia question written by Kevin. Follow us everywhere @awaygamespod, and use the code AWAYGAMES for a free $20 deposit on Thrive Fantasy!
Kevin and Adam talk about the Cubs 3-1 start and all the notable events from opening week: Kris Bryant offense, Willson Contreras expert receiver & pitch framer, good Kimbrel, Javy opposite field power, and all around excellent starting pitching. It’s a good week! Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @awaygamespod.
160 Chicago Cubs 2021 Season Preview (and EXTEND RIZZO)
Kevin, Adam, and BFF of the show Ken Schultz (Baseball Prospectus / Outsports) get together to go in depth to preview the 2021 Chicago Cubs season. Predictions: who’s the MVP, who will breakout, who will be dealt, where will this team finish? This is all after we talk about Anthony Rizzo’s current status for the first 18 minutes of the show. But the full season preview starts at 18:00! If you’re looking for a new Cubs podcast, give this episode a try. We think you’ll have fun with us.
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We’re one week from ACTUAL baseball, so Adam and Kevin take the time to talk about the most impressive performances of the Spring (Hoerner, Bote, Marisnick, Joc), and what that means for the upcoming roster decisions. We also talk just a little bit about fantasy baseball, and what Cubs you’d want in your fake team. Go to ThriveFantasy and use promo code AWAYGAMES for a $20 credit on your first deposit.
Opening Day is two weeks away, and there's a fight to make the final roster. We talk about the final bench bat (Maybin, Sogard, Vargas?) and the chess game it will take to keep all the relievers we want without losing any to waivers, after the impressive performances by Shelby Miller, Rex Brothers, and Dillon Maples.
Fans will be allowed at Wrigley on Opening Day, and we give you a rundown of everything you can expect at games this season. We also overreact to some early Spring Training performances (Nico’s hitting .600! Trevor Megill touching 99! Nasty Rex Brothers!), talk about the Cubs fun new prospect Shendrick Apostel, and hit you with a Harry Carey trivia question you probably didn’t know. Follow us @awaygamespod on Twitter and Instagram, and rate and review if ya don’t mind! This was a fun one.
We end the episode with a teaser from Bob Newhart (at 36:39), telling Kevin about his favorite Cubs memories. Clip from radio show “Celebrate!” (on Sirius XM 99, Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Eastern - full interview airs 3/10). Before that, we talk Cubs first Spring Training game, the Cubs history of spring training performance, ESPN’s simulation that has the Cubs winning the division, and we rank best/worst celebrity Cubs fans and 7th inning stretches. Use code AWAYGAMES at ThriveFantasy for $20 credit with a $20 deposit! Follow us @awaygamespod on Twitter & Instagram.
The Cubs are in Arizona, with a couple new/old names joining the team (Cameron Maybin, Brandon Workman). We’re on the lookout for extensions for Rizzo/Bryant/Baez, talking about the over/unders posted in Vegas and how we’d bet the Cubs, and enjoying seeing Jake Arrieta working with Adbert Alzolay. Next week: real Spring baseball games!
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Pitchers and catchers are finally back in Arizona, and one very important pitcher is back with the Cubs: Jake Arrieta! Baseball is finally back, and Arrieta is finally back with the Cubs on a one year deal. The team is just about finalized, as speedy outfielder Jake Marisnick also joined the Cubs this year. We talk about both Jakes (and possibly a third in Jake Lamb), Joc, and the beginning of this in-between year for the Cubs. We’re actually excited, and THAT is news. Brought to you by Thrive Fantasy: use the promo code AWAYGAMES for a $20 bonus on top of your $20 deposit and get to bettin’.
We are joined by with Greg Huss (Cubs Insider, Growing Cubs Podcast) to talk in depth about the Cubs farm system: strengths, weaknesses, players we can hope to see this season, and what prospects might form the next Cubs core. Greg also talks to us about what we can expect to see of the actual Minor Leagues after a year off. Folow Greg on Twitter @outofthevines and check him and Jimmyu Nelligan on the Growing Cubs Podcast.
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Hosts @adammamawala & @kevinmccaff
We specifically asked for good, or at least interesting things to start happening with the Cubs...and then they kind of did! The Cubs signed former Dodger Joc Pederson to play left field (and sometimes center), and starting pitcher/all around fun guy Trevor Williams to compete for a spot in the rotation. Former #4 pick, starting pitcher Kohl Stewart also signed to a deal, as the Ricketts reportedly found several dollars to be put toward winning baseball games.
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Hosts @adammamawala & @kevinmccaff
It’s time to talk about how much we’ll miss Jon Lester as the Cubs refused to make a serious offer to keep the most important free agent signing in Cubs history. We also talk about the Cubs offseason approach, what it means going forward, a big Cubs international signing, and we remember the late Hank Aaron and how underrated he still is. Use the code AWAYGAMES at ThriveFantasy for a free $20 credit with your deposit!
Cubs pitcher Justin Steele joins the pod for a second time to fill us in on his offseason workouts and his experience in South Bend and with the big league club in 2020. We also play Quarantine Lightning Round and find out Justin's favorite show to binge, his drink of choice, and the first place he plans to travel post-Covid. And yes, he has a PS5. Use promo code AWAYGAMES at Thrive Fantasy for a free $20 with your first deposit of $20 or more and follow us on all your favorite socials @awaygamespod!
Kyle Schwarber is a Washington National so Kevin and Adam take a trip down memory lane to remember all the good times we had (cue Time of Your Life by Green Day). We discuss his majestic playoff home runs in 2015, the remarkable World Series comeback in 2016, his 2017 struggles and much more. Oh and Kevin is a TikTok star. Use promo code AWAYGAMES at Thrive Fantasy for a free $20 with your first deposit of $20 or more and follow us on all your favorite socials @awaygamespod!
The Cubs did a good thing! Jon “Boog” Sciambi is the new play-by-play man, and we talk all about him and his background before getting into our New Year’s Resolutions for the Cubs. Use the code AWAYGAMES at Thrive Fantasy for a free $20, follow us on all your favorite socials @awaygamespod.
The Cubs trade Yu Darvish and Victor Caratini for Kyle Davies, and four players deep (really deep) in the San Diego Padres system. We talk about the salary dump, what it means for the Cubs in 2021, and for the other players rumored to be on the trade block.
146 Free Agent Fits For The Cubs
Kevin and Adam go over the free agents that have been signed so far, and which ones out there might be realistic fits for the Cubs. We talk Jackie Bradley Jr. rumors, replacing Schwarber in left (hopefully with…Schwarber?), what it would take to realistically build a contending rotation, and BA’s Cubs Top Ten Prospects list.
Len Kasper has departed from the Cubs, and the hits of the offseason just keep coming. Ken Schultz of Baseball Prospectus and Outsports joins Kevin to talk about Len’s time with the Cubs, our feelings about his departure, what we hope for in a replacement, and our hope for turning around what has been a terrible first year for the Marquee Network.
The Cubs non-tendered Schwarber and Almora, and the offseason now really begins. Adam and Kevin talk about the Cubs budget (real & what they claim), players that could actually help the team, and what we can expect this offseason. We also talk about the good times we’ll remember from Kyle Schwarber’s years with the Cubs, from his World Series comeback performance, to the talent that left us wanting to see more.
Jed Hoyer is introduced as the new top guy for the Cubs, and after some wedding vow-type rememberances of Theo, talks a little baseball. He says they aren’t working on extensions, and are looking more towards the future, as Tom Ricketts claimes the hundreds of millions saved by Wrigley being named a historic landmark will NOT help the baseball budget. Just like the Marquee Network doesn’t help the budget, and the real estate around Wrigley that the Ricketts own will not help the budget. FUN! We also talk MVPs, Cy Youngs, and Rookies and Managers of the Year.
Ken Schultz from Outsports joins Kevin and Adam on a crossover podcast to pay homage to Theo Epstein, who is leaving the Cubs after the 9 greatest years anyone ever had with the Cubs. We talk about how it began, what it was like before, and what it became. Thank you, Theo Epstein.
In this episode recorded from a car (because of Kevin's Wisconsin election exploits), Adam & Kevin talk about Javy and Rizzo's new Gold Gloves, the drunk new manager of the White Sox, and the similarities between election week and the Cubs 2016 win.
Kevin and Adam talk about the World Series and the world champion (in this weird, shortened season…) LA Dodgers. Pulling Blake Snell, the joy of Mookie and Brett Phillips, and more. 2020 baseball is over, now let’s end 2020 everything else! Go to ThriveFantasy and use code AWAYGAMES for a $20 credit with your first deposit, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @awaygamespod.
Kevin and Adam talk about the two really good 7 game championship series that have led us to this Dodgers vs. Rays World Series. Feelings, predictions, and the Astros as a big group of whining losers. Go to ThriveFantasy and use code AWAYGAMES for a $20 credit with your first deposit, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @awaygamespod.
Kevin and Adam talk about this week of the MLB playoffs, including Aroldis Chapman blowing it again, the lucky and awful Astros, and more. At the 32:00 mark, we talk Cubs, specifically Theo Epstein’s end-of-season press conference, Theo’s future, and a possible last year of the “core.” Go to ThriveFantasy and use code AWAYGAMES for a $20 credit with your first deposit, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @awaygamespod.
Well, that ended fast. Kevin and Adam review the 2020 Cubs season after they bounced out in the first round of the playoffs. We look back at our predictions from the season preview episode and see how right and wrong we were. 2020, it was weird! Bring on 2021.
The Cubs are division champs, and are going to the weirdest playoffs of all time! Adam & Kevin talk about round one against the Marlins, expectations for the playoffs overall, the resurgence of Kris Bryant who doesn’t give a sh*t, and the playoff roster. We also make our picks for each first round playoff series. Let’s get weird!
Twitter/Instagram: @awaygamespod
The Cubs are on the verge of a possible division championship, and we should CELEBRATE that! Kevin & Adam also talk about David Ross’s handling of benching Kyle Schwarber, and Kyle’s great reaction. We also talk Kris Bryant’s injury, and preview some playoff possibilities, and maybe one more big moment from Jon Lester.
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It’s a good Chicago Cubs week: Alec Mills (friend of the show) throws a no-hitter, the Cubs come all the way back against Hader and the Brewers, Javy and Rizzo show signs of life, and the MLB Postseason bubble is announced. Sign up for Thrive Fantasy with the code “AWAYGAMES” for a free $20 with your first deposit.
Twitter/Instagram: @awaygamespod
Are the Cubs good or bad? Yes. Kevin & Adam talk about the Cubs potential 2-man playoff rotation that could actually work (with enough home games), welcoming Billy Hamilton, the weirdness of Souza/Martinez decisions, and predict an arrival of an exciting lefty later in the season.
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Big show news: Kevin, Adam, and Away Games have been acquired by the Brawl Network! It's a great sports website & podcast network with a ton of football content, and we're psyched to be their first baseball podcast. We talk about our new home, and the players making a new home with the Cubs after the trade deadline: Jose Martinez, Cameron Maybin, Andrew Chafin, and Josh Osich.
Darvish is ON one and we’re all feeling “power in our body” because of how well he pitched in a must-win game against the White Sox. Quintana returns to the pen, Kimbrel inches towards old Kimbrel, Jeffress continues to strand every baserunner on Earth and the offense has us asking: what DO hitting coaches do? The Cubs are in first place, everybody! In the words of Ian Happ: relax.
Thank God for David Bote! A Cubs comeback in game 2 of Monday’s doubleheader with the Cardinals saved the Cubs from an even deeper losing streak. Adam & Kevin talk about a weekend of blown leads against Milwaukee, a disappearing offense, the always incredible Anthony Rizzo, some love for Jeremy Jeffress and hope for Kimbrel, and the idiocy surrounding the great Fernando Tatis Jr. and his wonderful 3-0 bomb. Off to kiss David Bote!
The Cubs return from a few days off and are still (statistically) the best team in the league. Ian Happ is turning into a star, half of Cleveland’s starting rotation is literally dangerously stupid, we’re not worried about Chatwood, and we’re digging Kipnis at 2nd. Bonus: hear about Adam’s impressive slash line int he NYC comedy club softball league.
Cubs Podcast…on a roof! Adam & Kevin are podcasting from the same location for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, from atop a roof…in New York. The Cubs are (small sample size alert) elite, led by an incredible starting rotation. David Ross the Manager is coming into focus, the bullpen is becoming less bad, while Kimbrel remains a mystery, and we just hope the Marlins and Cardinals don’t ruin everything.
Twitter: @awaygamespod
Cubs baseball is back, thank God! Kevin & Adam recap the first week: the dominant rotation, the fun with the DH and a lineup that’s clicking, the bullpen scaries and more. The “more” includes Joe Kelly going after the Astros, the Cubs player who disappointed us on opening night (see: Schwarber, hat), and a look at the next 7 days in Cubsland.
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It’s the 2020 Chicago Cubs season preview! Kevin & Adam are joined by Ken Schultz (Baseball Prospectus, “3 Strikes, You’re Out” Podcast) to talk about the Cubs in 2020. How far will they go? Who will be the comeback player, the breakout, the team MVP? What’s one bold/crazy prediction for the team this year?
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As we get closer to the actual (maybe) baseball season, the Cubs add five pitching prospects to South Bend. We talk about Adbert Alzolay's tweets that showed how little players in South Bend are being paid, the surreal scenes from fan-less, intrasquad Wrigely games, and Albert Almora's wall crash & hall of fame-level tweet.
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The Cubs have begun playing against…the Cubs! Wrigley finally has a kind of baseball again, Kris Bryant talks extensions, wanting to keep the core together forever, and more. MLB dropping the ball (again), this time on testing. And we talk about the newly revealed schedule! Let’s do a baseball!
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Cubs 60-man roster talk! Who are we excited for, who got snubbed. Ian Desmond’s message about racial inequality in baseball, and will America/MLB be so dumb that they kill the season again? MAYBE! We talk about it.
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After some brief banter about making fun of baseball's dumbest bigot Aubrey Huff (for charity!), we get to the actual fun of MAYBE a real baseball season! Adam & Kevin discuss the agreement, the proposed schedule for 2020, and new notable rules. Let's hope we get some real baseball soon!
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Taylor Davis (Catcher, former Cub, current Oriole) joins us to talk about his iconic grand slam against the Cardinals, breaking statcast from the plate AND the mound, working with pitchers, the nastiest stuff he’s caught, and a couple incredible slumps. Also, he’s a new dad! Shout out to Brooks Davis (draft class 2038). Check out HIS podcast, “Framing the Conversation,” with Devan Fink and Jeremy Frank.
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Follow Taylor’s new podcast @FramingTheConvo
It’s the MLB Draft Special with Bryan Smith (@CubProspects) of Bleacher Nation. We talk about the Cubs five new players, the new way they approached the draft this year, and what to look for from Ed Howard, Burl Carraway, Jordan Nwogu, Luke Little, and Koen Moreno. Also, some fun facts and Cubs draft trivia. Follow Bryan, follow us & DM us questions! New episode every Wednesday.
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Adam & Kevin talk about Black Lives Matter, the response from the league and players, and attending protests themselves. We also touch on negotiations to actual have a season (tl;dr: blame the owners, boo them forever), and tease our upcoming draft special with @CubProspects writer Bryan Smith, and an upcoming interview with fan favorite Taylor Davis.
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Kyle Farnsworth (and his dog Rambo) joined us from Farnsworth Peak Performance training center to talk about the Cubs, being a closer for Joe Maddon in Tampa Bay, winning championships in semi-pro football, the Mexican League, and of course, the Paul Wilson fight.
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And check out Kyle Farnsworth on Cameo!
Rob Zastryzny comes on to talk about the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs, making his MLB debut on the league’s best team, fun rookie hazing (involves singing, and a bus bathroom), the world’s biggest victory parade, and the most famous rain delay speech in history. This is really a can’t-miss talk with Rob, who’s now with the Orioles.
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It’s the Mother’s Day episode with Adam’s Mom, Deb Mamawala, and Kevin’s Mom, Ev Pape! The moms tell us about their baseball fandom, how their kids both ended up rooting for a team that their parents didn’t, their first memories of going to the ballpark, and scouting reports on young Adam & Kevin as athletes.
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Former Cubs pitcher Jon Lieber joins Adam & Kevin to talk about his path to the majors, the coach he credits for his turning point, his mom talking him out of quitting baseball, the legend of Eddie Stanky, one of the weirdest one-hitters in history, and more!
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Cubs prospect Justin Steele (LHP) joins Kevin & Adam to talk about quarantining in Mississippi, advice from Cole Hamels, going pro straight out of high school, recovering from Tommy John, his borderline-professional career as a gamer, and his approach at the plate (swing hard, hit bombs, pimp it). Follow Justin & his 80-grade username on instagram: @mr.steele_yo_gurl
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Cubs pitcher Alec Mills joins Adam & Kevin for a fun quarantine talk. We cover: Alec growing up a Cubs fan in Tennessee, how he’s been spending his time back home, what pitch he’s been working on most this offseason, beaning Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts in his MLB debut, his intro song, and absolutely raking at the dish. Check out video of the interview on our YouTube page: bit.ly/2XY5r8r
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Somehow, the baseball podcast continues: we talk about the Cubs with dogs (Rizzo, Heyward, Schwarber), the first games Adam & Kevin ever attended in person, our all-time favorite non-Cubs teams, and talk about the Cubs personal insurance agent, Jeff Vukovich.
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MLB is considering starting an all-Arizona season? Kevin & Adam talk about the details in the new proposal. They also talk about baseball video games, both old school and now, and the underrated and interesting career of the late Al Kaline.
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Still no baseball, but Kevin & Adam keep going. Today: news about a new Cubs player podcast, Baseball trivia (from when Kevin was head writer of HQ Sports trivia game), and a few internet baseball oddities: 1800s player names, and what your birthday says about clutch Cubs. WHAT? Listen!
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It’s a crossever episode! Away Games & 3 Strikes, You’re Out (from Outsports) reminisce about one of the purely happiest baseball games in history: 2016 NLCS game 6. Ken Schultz, Adam Mamawala & Kevin McCaffrey rewatched the classic in its entirety and went in-depth. This episode is sponsored once again by ThriveFantasy! Use promo code "AWAYGAMES" to get an instant $10 bonus when you deposit $10 or more at bit.ly/ThriveFantasy.
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We're in quarantine, baseball is far away, but Kevin & Adam are still here, and in this episode? We get WEIRD. It's a fun one! We talk weird autographs we've gotten, Adam seeing Major League for the first time, weird Cubs jersey trivia, and a simmed game between the Mets & Cubs on Strat-o-matic. Let's get each other through this and kill some f'n time!
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Two weeks from opening day, we're talking about the final roster spot (or two), the back end of the rotation and a trade the Cubs probably need to make (since they're poor). Oh, and pandemics! Bring on real baseball. This episode is brought to you by Thrive Fantasy! Use the code AWAYGAMES for $10 free dollars on your first deposit.
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Kevin & Adam are back in the same location to talk about Rizzo & Bryant being mic'd up (they're ACTUALLY funny), 5th starters, Yelich's new contract, Yu throwing 98 already, and the fact that we're getting suckered into believing once again. This episode is brought to you by Thrive Fantasy! Use the code AWAYGAMES for a free $10 bonus when you make your first deposit.
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Kevin's brother Pat joins to talk about being in Arizona for the first week of Spring Training (Adam is "on assignment"). They talk about live BP on the backfields, when practice actually happens, what players stood out in the first couple days, almost catching a Contreras bomb, and what to do if you're visiting the Phoenix area for Spring Training. This episode is brought to you by Thrive Fantasy! Use the code AWAYGAMES for a free $10 bonus when you make your first deposit.
Kris Bryant announced at leadoff, before Spring Training even starts? OK we guess! We talk about what that could mean for the lineup, and about Javy's comments that the Maddon managing style allowed players to not be ready for games until the 3rd inning. Seems like that's maybe not Maddon's fault, actually! This episode brought to you by Thrive Fantasy! Use promo code AWAY GAMES for free money.
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MLB has a new playoff proposal, and the Away Games guys agree: it is TOO MUCH. We talk about that, the likely addition of Jason Kipnis, Maddon & Theo's comments about each other and the end of that working relationship, the Mookie Betts deal, and more.
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Well it seems like the Cubs have decided, this is what the Cubs are! We're pretty happy with the bullpen, if sad about Strop being picked up by the Reds. The offense should be good. But otherwise? Offseason two of inaction is almost in the books. Let's get to Spring! This episode is sponsored by ThriveFantasy! Use promo code "AWAYGAMES" to get an instant $10 bonus when you deposit $10 or more at bit.ly/ThriveFantasy.
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The Kris Bryant Grievance is over, after only several hundred years! Adam & Kevin talk about that, Arenado trade rumors, and the actual real life major leaguers the Cubs signed. Adam is talking to us from LA this week, and we talk about the passing of Kobe Bryant and how it's affecting the city, and the whole world. This episode is sponsored by ThriveFantasy! Use promo code "AWAYGAMES" to get an instant $10 bonus when you deposit $10 or more at bit.ly/ThriveFantasy.
Kevin & Adam are back together to talk about the Cubs Convention and the news that came out of it - basically Willson Contreras being funny, Tom Ricketts getting booed and being surprised about it, and dummies thinking Kris Bryant was faking the flu. This episode is sponsored by ThriveFantasy! Use promo code "AWAYGAMES" to get an instant $10 bonus when you deposit $10 or more at bit.ly/ThriveFantasy.
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Adam chats with fellow comic/diehard Astros fan Zach Sims (@alsozachsims) to get his take on #Trashcangate. Zach tells Adam why the controversy won't tarnish his memories of 2017, why he's ok with Hinch getting canned, why he feels bad for Alex Cora, and why he won't be going to any Yankees/Astros games in NYC this year. Probably a wise choice. This episode is sponsored by ThriveFantasy! Use promo code "AWAYGAMES" to get an instant $10 bonus when you deposit $10 or more at bit.ly/ThriveFantasy.
The boys are back after a two week hiatus, and spoiler- not much has changed. The Cubs are one of only three teams (what up Pirates and Rockies) that have not signed ANYONE to a major league contract this offseason. Good times. Kevin and Adam talk trade rumors (Arenado?!), KB grievance, Donaldson and Castellanos, and predictions for the Cubs' Opening Day roster. Sponsored by ThriveFantasy! Use promo code "AWAYGAMES" to get an instant $10 bonus when you deposit $10 or more at bit.ly/ThriveFantasy.
Kevin and Adam discuss the ever-dwindling free agent market (at least Winter Meetings were eventful this year...for some teams), Ricketts crying poor, what Cubs we'd be willing to part with, and our increasing sense that there may not be a whole lot to be excited about this offseason. For the record, we would be thrilled to be proven wrong!
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Kevin is literally somewhere on the ocean entertaining (presumably) drunk people on a cruise so Ken Schultz (BP/Cubs Den/Outsports writer) pinch hits with Adam for some mid-December baseball banter. Adam and Ken discuss the Strasburg signing and its ramifications for Rendon and Cole, Joe Maddon's legacy in Chicago, and our plea to the front office to PLEASE not trade KB. This episode is sponsored by ThriveFantasy! Use code "AWAYGAMES" to get $10 bonus when you deposit $10 or more at bit.ly/ThriveFantasy.
Guest Greg Huss from the Growing Cubs Podcast joins us to take a deep dive into Cubs prospects! We talk BA's top 10 list, Greg's #1 Cubs prospect, who the Cubs 1st homegrown starting pitcher will be, and Adam tells us about his experience as a minor leauge intern/mascot. Brailyn Marquez, Nico Hoerner, Miguel Amaya, Brennan Davis, Cory Abbott, and MUCH more!
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Adam goes solo for a quick Thanksgiving episode. Cubs-wise, what are we thankful for? Happy holidays, and use promo code "AWAYGAMES" to get an instant $10 bonus when you deposit $10 or more at bit.ly/ThriveFantasy.
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Kevin and Adam look at where the budget stands, and consider what the Cubs should do, and what they MIGHT do this offseason. We talk FA possibilities, trade targets, needs in CF, RF (right handed hitter) and the rotation. We also cover Yu vs. Yelich on Twitter, cuz it's fun.
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Kevin flies solo from the road on this one (Adam's in LA, stealing signs from Andrew Friedman). He talks about the cheating Astros and their secret camera/trashcan combination, and the hilariousness of "Manager of the Year" Mike Shildt before getting into Cubs stuff. KB/Willson trade rumors, Willson's possible response through a new profile pic, Padres as possible trade partners, the importance of extending an important player or two, and the absurdity of "a step back" in 2020.
The World Series is over! Kevin & Adam talk about the end of the season, game 7, the Nats and their celebration, and then? Cubs stuff! Anthony Rizzo is a gold glover again & his foundation donated $1 million to a children's hospital, because he's the best. Kris Bryant's grievance, free agency/trade plans. Q & Darvish both officially are in the thinner-looking rotation next year.
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Adam and Kevin talk about this bizarro-road-team-domination World Series, Bregman's bat...hold?, the controversial obstruction call, and what we're looking for in Game 7. (Spoiler alert, we hope Osuna blows it.) We also talk Rossy's presser!
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It's World Series time! Kevin & Adam preview the series, along with some things they hope to see - and after game 1, we can already check off some stuff! We talk about possible historic pitching matchups, the awful Astros assistant GM, their awful closer, and the organization's awful response, and then get to the nitty gritty about the Cubs managerial search coming down to 2: David Ross, or Joe Espada.
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Another episode that's more about the teams still in the playoffs (not so fast, Cardinals), and less about the Cubs, but baseball playoff talk is still fun! We also get into the new developments in the Cubs manager search, and touch a little bit on the most exciting free agents to be, who are all still playing on our TVs.
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The playoffs are less fun without the Cubs, but Kevin & Adam still talk about them - and Adam even was at a Braves/Cards game in Atlanta this week. The guys also look back at all the predictions they made for the Cubs and this season before it started. Did we get it right? Kind of!
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Ken Schultz (Baseball Prospectus, OutSports) joins Kevin & Adam to talk about the final week of this disappointing season, the Cubs moving on from Joe Maddon, and Theo Epstein's "state of the Cubs" press conference. We talk about managers we are and are NOT interested in, and how it feels going into this very different offseason.
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The Cubs haven't won a damn game since the last podcast, so this ain't a happy one. Dropping a series to the lowly Reds, swept in four 1-run games by the Cardinals, and then a gutless 5 error game to lose to Pittsburgh. We're sad and mad and actually laughing. Please end it already.
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The Cubs have won 5 straight and are apparently a better offensive team without Javy and Rizzo? Go figure. Coming off a disappointing split in San Diego, the Cubs' bats came alive against Failing Clint Hurdle and his dirty Pirates. Kevin & Adam talk Cubs Social Media Night (Kevin was there), Nico, Nicky Two Bags, and Rizzo's demoralizing injury. This episode is sponsored once again by ThriveFantasy! Use promo code "AWAYGAMES" to get an instant $10 bonus when you deposit $10 or more at bit.ly/ThriveFantasy.
The good: Nico Hoerner is up, and very fun. The bad: all the other stuff. It was a bad week for the Cubs (Javy out, Kris out and should have been out longer, etc), and a bad weekend in Milwaukee. Schwarb & NC have carried the offense, Rizzo is Rizzo, others gotta pick it up. But hey: Nico!
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Thank God, Ben Zobrist and Willson Contreras are back! The Cubs are maybe nearing the point, in September, where they could actually put their best players on the field at the same time, which would be really f'n cool if you ask us. AND, Kyle Schwarber is GOOD, and Anthony Rizzo is REALLY GOOD. Let's remember this! This episode is sponsored by ThriveFantasy! Use promo code "AWAYGAMES" to get a $10 bonus when you deposit $10 or more at bit.ly/ThriveFantasy
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As the Cubs head to NYC to play the Mets, we discuss rotation struggles, tough breaks, and ask ourselves if the Cubs are who we thought they were. Adam will be in Chicago this coming weekend and will be singing the 7th inning stretch during the intermission of Miracle the Musical on Saturday night! Here's to a better week ahead in which Adam will attend 5 of the next 8 games. This ep is sponsored by ThriveFantasy! Use promo code "AWAYGAMES" to get a $10 bonus bit.ly/ThriveFantasy.
Coming off the two worst back-to-back losses of the year, the Cubs went back to Little League to finally get a “road” series win for the first time in months. About 10% of the roster is shuffling up and down to Iowa (Bote/Almora down, Russell up, Kimbrel/Cishek back), and somehow the team is still right at the top of the division. Thank God for Castellanoffense.
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The Cubs are in first and didn't lose a road series (yay?), Castellanos is bringing his big Nick energy to every game, Happ is here to stay and Rowan Wick is suddenly the Cubs' most reliable bullpen arm. Adam and Ken Schultz (BP / Cubs Den writer) talk bullpen uncertainty, keeping things light (Taylor Davis pitchingm Javy hitting lefty) and the release of the 2020 schedule. London, here we come!
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In Episode 78 Adam & Kevin have a LOT to talk about. A good week of home wins, almost every reliever getting injured, Castellanos making a great 1st impression, how Ian Happ should be a STARTER, Yu Darvish & Jason Heyward carriyng the team, hot Schwarber, and player nicknames.
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In Episode 77, Kevin and Adam find themselves at a loss more than ever as to what we're even doing here. We kind of know who this Cubs team is, and they're pretty good, not great, and there hasn't been a significant move to really make them better since LAST trade deadline. (Come back soon, Cole Hamels!) We get good news on Zobrist, and Cole, and a Cubs prospect goes nuts in South Bend, but otherwise? Eh!
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Hey! It was a great 7-2 homestand, a less great start to the road trip, but we all agree on one thing: it's time for the best 25 Cubs to be on the actual friggin' Cubs. Adam & Kevin talk about how it's time for this front office to stop wasting time and bring up Happ, while jettisoning Descalso and Russell.
We are also joined by Bill Marovitz (30 minute mark), producer of "Miracle The Musical" about the 2016 Chicago Cubs. Now THAT was a good roster!
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Mike Montgomery out, Martin Maldonado in, and the trade season is officially underway as the Cubs get out to a 4-1 start to the second half. Adam & Kevin discuss Willson Contreras’s injury, the newest Cub, saying goodbye to the greatest closer in Cubs history, what we are looking at as the Cubs approach the July 31 trade deadline, and call for the promotion of a very hot Ian Happ.
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At the halfway point, Adam & Kevin look back on their preseason predictions, how right and wrong they have been so far, what needs to happen RIGHT NOW, and give grades to each element of the Cubs so far. Also: news from the farm (Happ! Hoerner!) and Home Run Derby talk.
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Um, so, the Cubs have been kinda not good for a while now. Is that real? Is this a "lull"? Why can't we have nice things? Adam & Kevin talk about Cubs all-stars, players who should no longer be on the roster (and players who should!) looking ahead to the trade deadline and Whit Merrifield rumors, and the Cubs making a splash in the IFA signings, specifically with a big power-hitting catcher.
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Adam and Kevin dissect the weirdness of the series against the Mets (see you tomorrow) & game 1 of the Braves series (Willson 4ever), Tyler Flowers weird social media meltdown, the new 6-man rotation, the power hitting surprise prospect who should be called up immediately, and more.
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The Cubs had two great wins on the west coast, and five bad losses...and then one more bad loss at home against the White Sox. Oh, and Hendricks is hurt. Thank God Kimbrel is on the way, Cole Hamels still rules, Darvish appears to have turned a corner, and it seems like there is good on the way, if the Cubs decide to win again. An important week ahead, with White Sox, Mets and Braves on a must-dominate homestand.
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The Cubs have signed Craig Kimbrel, and Adam and Kevin talk a LOT about it. Also: the Cubs sweep the Cardinals, again, Kyle Schwarber might be turning a corner, and we name a pitcher with BDE and one with LDE. This was a good week for the Cubs, and thank
Kevin & Adam reflect on their road trip to St. Louis (sorry), the Cubs matching their opening week slump, the addition of Carlos Gonzalez, and quick analysis of the Cubs first five picks in this year's draft. They also talk about Almora's scary situation and extending the netting at ballparks. Oh, and sign Kimbrel.
Hey, remember disappointing Cubs weeks? It's been a while! The Cubs just can't seem to beat the Reds, and have had a rough go in Houston, but Kevin & Adam are hoping for a turnaround as they drive to St. Louis for this weekend's series with the Cardinals. (Come say hi! Tweet us @awaygamespod) KB is hurt, Javy is recovering, Lester struggles for feel, but Captain Rizzo is having possibly the best month of his career and trying to keep the Cubs on top
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Adam & Kevin went on the first Away Games road trip of the year to see the Cubs beat the Nats after the Lester, Rizzo, Schwarber, Almora drinks & McDonald's night. The game also pushed Adam's in-person winning streak to 11! We look forward to a weeklong homestand before the Cubs head to Houston for a battle of this era's titans.
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As Adam tweeted from @AwayGamesPod this week, if you're a Cub and you HAVEN'T hit a walkoff this week, what even is your deal? Heyward, Bryant and Contreras walked off wins with homers this week, 4 of the 5 starters continued their dominance, and the Cubs took over the best record in the National League. Things are good right now! Bryant is back to MVP level, Javy will NOT be displaced from SS. We also discuss unfortunate Ben Zobrist news and roster moves we'd like to see, but mostly? We talk Cubs wins.
How do you follow "The Tyler Chatwood Game?" With "The Taylor Davis Game," of course! The Cubs 3rd catcher blasted a grand slam in the middle game of a 3-game sweep that put the Cubs into first place. Taylor's granny was so fun, Kris Bryant stole his idea the next day. It seems like almost everyone in this rotation and lineup is clicking now, Rizzo's hot, and Javy & Willson might be the best players in the world at their positions. NBD.
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So it's May 1, and we've already had TWO "The Tyler Chatwood Games." Baseball be crazy. We talk about Chatwood's heroics, Javy getting impossibly better, Bote's biggest bomb and the cowardly Diamondbacks, and a hell of a starting rotation that might even (knock Chatwood) include Yu Darvish now.
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The Cubs are above .500, the rotation (even Chatwood!) is dominating, and Adam and Ken Schultz (BP / Cubs Den writer) talk about the best week of the year so far. We also talk bullpen uncertainty (Morrow), how to fix it (Kimbrel), Bryant's first real extended slump, and the weirdness of Joe Maddon's handling of Yu Darvish -- and the best comp for Yu Darvish's stuff yet, which DOES involve a Marlin's junk.
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Appropriately, episode #62 features talk about the man who wears the number: Jose Quintana. Q went back-to-back with GREAT starts when the Cubs needed them most, in a week when Darvish also looked good for the first time this year -- 99 mph good. Javy looks somehow improved, Contreras is slugging in a Ruth-ian manner, and there are finally some good things piling up. (Ignore the weird handling of Schwarber's slump, questionably quick-hooks for starters, etc. Let's have fun and get back to .500, cool?)
What if I told you...the Cubs have SEVERAL wins now? That the Cubs bullpen threw 7 shutout innings in a win? And that Jason Heyward had one of the best offensive games in recent Cubs history? It's not even mid-April yet and this season is already weird. Kevin and Adam talk about all that, the great offense, the weird pitching, Jon Lester's injury, and some exciting news from the minors.
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Well, the offense was good. Except for 25% of the time when they got shut out by mediocre pitching. Otherwise, YIKES! A weird first week leads to Kevin & Adam talking about the great lineup, unreliable bullpen, the idiocy of sitting Kyle Schwarber, and weird Cubs Twitter's view of what players are "untouchable" and what players aren't. It's been a bad week. LET'S START WINNING MORE THAN 25% OF GAMES AGAINST BAD TEAMS SOON.
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We've watched one game and we're FREAKING OUT! Baseball Prospectus/Cubs Den writer Ken Schultz is in town, so he and Kevin do a bonus pod to go nuts about the Cubs opening day 12-4 win. Would we have done this if they lost? Maybe, but it would not have been 25 minutes long. WHY ARE THE CUBS OFF TOMORROW? LET'S PLAY AGAIN TONIGHT! Subscribe, rate, review, and thank God for Javy Baez.
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Comedian & Cubs fan Roy Wood Jr. (Daily Show Correspondant, specials "No One Loves You" & "Father Figure") joins us to talk about his Cubs fandom, and what he thinks about this year! Kevin & Adam also talk about the Happ demotion, and the late breaking news of the Kyle Hendricks extension. Time to play ball, ya'll
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THE SEASON IS NEAR! Also near: Ken Schultz, bff of the show and Baseball Prospectus writer. We look forward into 2019 and make a sh*tton of predictions: Cubs MVP, breakouts, Game 1 playoff starter, and most importantly: would you rather a team made of 2 Bryants, 4 Contrerases, or 8 Coghlans? Yes that was a listener question, and no, it wasn't asked by Will Ferrell's Harry Caray.
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We talk GAMBLING, as Adam left Atlantic City, as Kevin headed INTO Atlantic City. They have this in common: betting on the Cubs for the 2018 season. We talk Yu Darvish, gambling on sports, gambling in general, the Cubs new YouTube shows, Nico Hoerner’s hot spring, and possible Cubs extensions. Next week, we get REAL: SEASON PREVIEW EPISODE! It’s real baseball podcasts from here on out, baby.
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The Bryce saga is finally settled, and we can fully move forward, with one million nearly-equally talented relievers, "no-walks" Tyler Chatwood, slugging Mark Zagunis, an optimistic Yu Darvish, and a bunch of hitters who are simultaneously reaching a defining year. And if the Cubs finish last in the division, Adam will get a Cardinals tattoo.
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Author Doug Wilson joins Kevin to talk about his latest of many great baseball books, "Let's Play Two: The Life and Times of Ernie Banks." In this bonus episode, Doug tells us about how the Cubs found and signed Ernie from the Negro Leagues, how he revolutionized the shortstop position, and how he still might be underrated. Get it on Amazon!
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FINALLY, some kind of baseball is BACK! Kevin & Adam talk about Spring Training beginning, the mildly-mad Kris Bryant, Schwarber saying "screw it" and going back to his old stance, being over Bryce Rumors, how Sirius XM baseball coverage is good and Baseball Tonight is bad, and how Jon Heyman makes you wanna say "Hey, man, you suck buddy."
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Episode 52! We've been doing this for a year?! Kevin is in the Midwest telling jokes (and possibly hungover) so Adam hopped on the phone with fellow NYC-by-way-of-Illinois comic Tommy McNamara. Adam and Tommy talk about his history as a Cub fan, including being at Mark Prior's first start, the freezing cold 2015 NLCS in NY, and his lucky fake Cubs tattoo sleeve (we need to make this a thing). We talk Cubs past and present and of course, the Machado signing.
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This week we have a great guest: Bryan Smith, whose work you have probably enjoyed @CubProspects on Twitter, and who is the newest writer at @BleacherNation. We talk Cubs Prospects: which of the many pitchers down on the farm might actually break out, which sleepers have a chance to be top 100 prospects overall, and who might we see make their debut at Wrigley this year?
Before Bryan joins us (at the 17:30 mark), Kevin & Adam talk about possible rule changes and PECOTA hating the Cubs.
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The Cubs racist grandpa tried to ruin our week, but we won't let him - we're too psyched about the phenomenal Luke Hagerty story. There was also an interesting Tony Barnette signing, some Giants/Cubs trade rumors, and, uh, Gary Scott?! YES! It's a great talk with Cubs Den writer Ken Schultz, who pinch-hits for Adam this week.
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Hot damn, the Cubs signed a relief pitcher AND we have a guest?! Kevin and Adam talk about the Cubs' recent acquisitions (hey, it's something) and then interview author and avid Cubs fan, Mark Greenburg. Mark tells the fellas about his lifelong passion for the Cubbies and talks about his book, Elevated Leadership: A Pitch-by-Pitch Guide to Business, Life, and Baseball.
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Kevin attended the Cubs convention for the first time this weekend, and talks to Adam all about it. Highlights: Ian Happ is truly funny & ready for a breakout, Kris Bryant offended Yadi Molina, who will never get over it, and Kevin asked Jason McLeod a question during a panel that got a hilarious story about prospect Cole Roederer.
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The Cubs biggest news of the week was settling arbitration numbers with about a quarter of the team. We're sorry, we wish it was more, too. Every other NL contender has made moves to improve their teams, and the Cubs are - at best - waiting. Kevin will be at Cubs Convention this weekend so tweet at him @kevinmccaff or @awaygamespod to meet up.
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Before a (spoiler alert) sad Bears game, Adam and Kevin recorded this week's episode in Adam's Brooklyn apartment, where they talked about new Cubs bench coach Mark Loretta, Theo's weekend interview, the underrated Joe Maddon, and Doug Glanville hanging out with Oates, from Hall & Oates. Yeah, this offseason is boring so far. Let's light it up quick!
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Adam & Kevin are both back on the pod, live, for the first time in 3 weeks, and with very little Cubs news going on, this is all about Adam telling the story of going to Randy Rosario's house in the Dominican Republic. For real, that happened, it's nuts, and Randy is a great guy. This is a fun one!
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We'll be back with an all new episode NEXT Wednesday to kick off 2019, but for now...
It's the day after Christmas, Kevin & Adam are hanging with friends and family and NOT each other, so we're releasing our first-ever episode from before the 2018 year even started. Kinda fun to take a look back at why we're doing this as we come to the end of year #1. Thanks so much for listening, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and Happy Cubs World Series 2019.
Welcome to the Cubs, Daniel Descalso! Some people seem to be mad, but Kevin and guest co-host/brother Joe McCaffrey think it's fine as long as this offseason wasn't "The Descalso Offseason." Gordo says Kris is leaving in 3 years and somehow that's "news," and Cubs network news breaks during the podcast. We joked about Fox News carrying the games and InfoWars doing pregame, and, well, we were almost right. Adam is off at Randy Rosario's house this week, and we're not kidding. Hear about it next week!
Ohhhhh baby, it's A WINTER MEETINGS RUMOR PARTY! Call Charles the Cat, RickGeresGerbilWheel, KatyPerrysBootyHole, Wetbutt23 and, uh, I dunno, Ken Rosenthal? Everything's crazy, Cubs are on the verge of "getting creative," we talk through possible ways to move salary, and every little nugget of info and mis-info about the biggest moves possible, and hope they'll come soon.
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The hot stove has been lit! Patrick Corbin signs with the Nats, Mariners trade with Mets & Phils - what does it mean for the Cubs? We talk rumors of a Contreras deal (analysis: no), say goodbye to Tommy La Stella, and take questions from listeners via Twitter. Tweet us! Listen! Rate! Subscribe! LIVE YOUR LIFE!
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Guest time! Sara Sanchez of Bleed Cubbie Blue brings her big free agent spreadsheet with her to talk about Cubs offseason, mourn the loss of Jesse Chavez (for now), and talk about how she went from a mining town in Utah, writing about her brother's baseball games, to living 5 blocks from Wrigley and writing about the Cubs. Fun stuff! Follow her @bcb_Sara!
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Adam hopped on the phone with diehard Cleveland Indians fan/fellow comedian Jason Kanter to discuss his Indians fandom and his experience at games 6 and 7 of the 2016 World Series. Thanks to an insane hookup, Jason was sitting in the suite directly next to the Cubs' dugout and took the insane final out video we posted several weeks ago. He tells Adam about a few Wrigley experiences and interactions with Baez, KB, Rizzo and Rossy during the WS. (Spoiler alert, apparently Rizzo almost jinxed us!)
Kevin and Adam reluctantly discuss the fake Kris Bryant trade rumors perpetrated by ESPN / Buster Olney, the "budget" that we still cannot quite believe the Cubs are holding themselves to, the weird possible dismissal of pitching coach Jim Hickey, and we make our picks for MLB's postseason awards: MVPs, Cy Youngs, and Rookies of The Year. Hot stove, baby! It's tepid!
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Kevin and Adam did some research for this one! We dive deep into potential free agents and trades now that the Cubs offseason is (thankfully?) upon us. Harper? Machado? Schwarber trade? LUXURY TAX TIERS?! Firing Addison Russell into the sun? Sexy lefties?! Email us at awaygamespodcast@gmail.com with your offseason wish list and let's talk about it.
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The World Series is over, and the offseason is finally underway. Friend/comedian/BP Wrigleyville writer Ken Schultz joins us to talk World Series, and look back in depth on the 2018 Cubs, our predictions from the preseason, and to look ahead to 2019.
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The Cubs are way OFF but we are ON, even though there's almost zero Cubs news. We talk Girardi rumors, then get into a World Series preview, make our picks, and talk to a couple comedian friends who know these teams much better than we do: Boston native, hilarious comic, and Red Sox fan Joe List, and LA Dodgers fan and Adam's manager, Brett Carducci.
The first domino of the offseason has fallen, and that domino was named Chili. Davis is out as hitting coach, and old friend Anthony Iapoce is back. One big change is it seems like this hitting coach actually might know who's on the team - exciting! We talk about what that could mean for the offense, Chili's parting thoughts, Maddon's (mildly problematic?) take on hitting, and new adventures in Manny Machado's dirty play.
The Cubs 2018 season is over, but Kevin and Adam get back on the mics to talk about what baseball they still are (or are not) watching, Theo Epstein's post-season press conference, the weirdness of this 95-win season, and briefly touch on some offseason things, before diving MUCH deeper into the offseason plans in the upcoming weeks. Time to reload, baby!
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And so it ends...for now. Our final pod of the Cubs 2018 comes earlier than we'd like, and now we mourn. We also talk about some of the GREAT things to come out last night: "Cubs or Nothing" Chavez, Hamels wanting a return, and Contreras, who cares more than anybody.
Thanks for listening to Away Games in our rookie year.
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We're gonna do a pod for every playoff game, and we don't want to stop. Kevin talks about his less than ideal day at Wrigley, Adam has had a few beers and lost money on the Cubs in Atlantic City, we talk about the disappointing loss to the Brewers, the Wild Card game against the Rockies, and what it all means. Good Lord, this year is weird.
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Surprise podcast! We got on the phone for a special, pre-one-game playoff episode after the Cubs & Brewers tied with 95 wins. Quintana vs. Chacin will decide the Central, and Kevin will be at Wrigley for the game. Oof, it's crunch time.
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So, the Cubs are back to scoring zero or one run basically every other game. We crunched the numbers, and it turns out, that's bad. With a .5 game lead with 5 to go, and the Brewers on fire and closing against an awful Detroit team, the wild card -- for the first time in a long time -- seems almost likely. Ugh. Speaking of "ugh," and generally awful things, we address Addison Russell. But hey! At least Schwarber helped ruin Hawk Harrelson's sendoff? Oy. Let's win some games. Follow us! Instagram & Twitter: @awaygamespod Tumblr: awaygamespodcast.tumblr.com Hosts @adammamawala & @kevinmccaff Message us at awaygamespodcast@gmail.com
Well, right before we started recording, we heard Brandon Morrow is done for the year. Of course. We do a deep dive on what that means for the bullpen - specifically the 9th inning - and the roster as we look toward the playoffs (hopefully). Oh, and Kris Bryant's oppo power has been welcomed back to the team, thank God. And while we're thanking deities, how 'bout that rotation? We also talk about the Strop injury and Maddon's decisions that led to it, and the absurd freakout over Willson Contreras hitting a double. One more episode before the playoffs start! Let's get the division and get on with having Jorge De La Rosa close out the World Series or whatever! Follow us! Instagram & Twitter: @awaygamespod Tumblr: awaygamespodcast.tumblr.com Hosts @adammamawala & @kevinmccaff Message us at awaygamespodcast@gmail.com
So, we've got 2 things: 1) mild, reasonable panic, about this past week and the upcoming stretch run, and 2) call-in guests! ALERT NYC AREA FANS: on 9/23, the Ron Santo film "This Old Cub" is playing at Columbia University. Go to arts.columbia.edu/nyindieguy and use the discount code: NYIndie18. Let's hang out.
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Hello, new listeners! Adam continues his undefeated year, going 9-0 after a couple of wins in Philly, and we have a tweet go inexplicably viral. Cole Hamels talks smack about Milwaukee "rivalry," and Kevin DOES go to Chicago for a haircut. We also talk a lot about good fans, bad fans, and the BS of online fandom.
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Cubs getting rain delayed, we're tech delayed on ep #25! We talk rejuvenated Cubs offense, a playoff lineup starting to take shape, return of "Anthony Rizzo: Power Hitter," the Cardinals who don't lose anymore, and the tough stretch coming up.
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Well, it's been a week. The Cubs refuse to hit with runners on, and only hit one solo homer a game, every game. They traded for Daniel Murphy, and Kevin & Adam talk about what that means both on the field, and off. We debate what it means to be a fan, wanting to root for good people, and being disappointed in the team you root for. But hey! At least Adam & Kevin are back in the same place this week! Audio quality is a win! Follow us! Instagram & Twitter: @awaygamespod Tumblr: awaygamespodcast.tumblr.com Hosts @adammamawala & @kevinmccaff Message us at awaygamespodcast@gmail.com
Hey, remember when David Bote hit a grand slam to beat the Nats? Or when Rizzo broke Hellickson in the middle of a no-hitter & the Cubs came back to win? Good, forget everything else about this week.
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One more from the road! Adam's in Vermont, he calls in to Kevin in NYC to talk about the wonders of Pedro Strop, the closer, and fashion inspiration. We talk who wore it best, how great Cole Hamels looks, David Bote as a real thing, and Javy Baez for MVP.
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Kevin & Adam do this podcast on the road! Kevin went to 2 games at Wrigley (Bote/Rizzo comeback included), and Tuesday's bummer at PNC. We talk trade deadline, Hamels/Kintzler, Hall of Fame Clubhouse Cancer A-Rod, his take on Darvish, and Maddon's clapback. It's a fun one, even though Adam was in NYC and Kevin was in his car.
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Adam returns to talk about his all-star weekend in Washington, we talk about Josh Hader & his tweets, Cubs pursuit of Zach Britton (or deGrom?!), the trade deadline, and Kevin at Wrigley field this week!
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Adam gives a brief report LIVE FROM LOCATION at the All-Star Game (much more talk to come next week) and we look back on the Cubs 1st half, grade our own predictions from our season preview, make predictions for the second half, and get ready to sprint to the finish with the FIRST PLACE CUBS.
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Away Games #18 finds us talking Cubs all-stars Javy Baez, Willson Contreras & Jon Lester, what to do about Chatwood, JA Happ rumors, Kevin's Brewers/Machado fear, and we look ahead to Adam going to Washington for the All-Star game and home run derby. Let's hope he wins!
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As Adam predicted last week, the Cubs are back after a quick dip, and the offense is relentless. 35 minutes in, we go full All-Star mode! How many Cubs should be All-Stars? Who are our all-stars? With just one day left to vote, GO VOTE JAVY! We also defend Dexter Fowler after he's thrown under the bus by the guy who signed him, and we talk about rotation concerns.
Last week was The Dumbest Game, and it was immediately surpassed! It has been The Dumbest Week, getting swept in Cincy, Bryant is on the DL, Yu is (slowly) returning, and half the pitching staff is in from Iowa. Also, why doesn't this team know how to use a DL? How do we feel? Angry? Sad? Optimistic? FLIRTY?! We talk it out.
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"The Dumbest Game" happened Tuesday, and this week vs. MIL & STL was okay, but after back to back shutouts and Dodgers loss, it feels not okay? Kevin & Adam talk about how the Cubs need to find a way to get this - by all metrics, "good" - offense to just score two friggin' runs. Oh, and Chatwood, no bueno. And Morrow's Pants.
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The Cubs are hot(ish), Rizzo is back, Heyward is finally here, Adam had a great week in Chicago doing shows and seeing (most of) Ian Happ's incredible defense, and we don't even CARE that we're again recording during a Chatwood game. We talk about fun Cubs tweets from Duensing & Rosario, Lester's proclamation that it's 2016 again, and how you can tell if our @awaygamespod is tweeting from Adam or Kevin (hint: gifs = Adam, tweetbeef = Kevin). Follow, subscribe, rate, FIGHT!
Adam & Kevin spent the weekend watching the Cubs sweep the Mets in Queens, and we get into it! The Mets fan heckles/self-owns, the dominant pitching, Javy stealing home, etc. We talk overworking the bullpen, and loving Montgomery. Kevin also gives a rundown of the Cubs first 10 rounds of this year's draft, and Adam & Kevin share their favorite Jake Arrieta memories upon his return to Wrigley. Follow! Subscribe! Rate! Review! WIN!
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Last week, we recorded during a Chatwood (recurring) nightmare. This week, during a Cubs comeback win over the easily offended Pirates. Adam & Kevin talk "The Rizzo Slide," the #FreeAlmora movement, Montgomery as a starter, the starting rotation falling apart, and going to the Cubs games in Queens this week vs. the Mets. Come join us at Citi Field!
Full disclosure: we recorded this somewhere in the middle of Chatwood's six walks in 2.2 innings, so if we don't sound appropriately furious, that's why. We talk Machado rumors (last time for a while, we hope), the Cubs best lineup shaping up, Zobrist at leadoff, and what NL Central teams we're actually worried about, vs. who we're not sweating.
Kevin & Adam are both traveling, so this episode features talk about Machado (Do we want him? For how much?), the great Ichiro's semi-retirement inspires talk of favorite non-Cubs, and we do choose y our own adventure: if Cubs played well this week, go to minute 50 for us talking about that. If they didn't, go to minute 46 for that recap. WE'RE IN THE FUTURE (kind of). We'll be back fully live and in the moment next week with a new episode May 22.
Kevin & Adam talk depressing St. Louis series, how close bad play can be to good, how "walks" make you nuts, and they are a skill and not something that can just be wished away, being team no-boo, Chatwood as maddening to watch, and why it's okay to be grateful for 2016 but still want more RIGHT NOW.
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So, the Cubs rotation is good, turns out. Real good. The offense decided to be bad for a week, but they've been good for the rest of the year, and they're on pace for 100 wins. Who knew, they might be okay.
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Kevin & Adam talk about the insane Sunday game against the Rockies which -- upon further review -- the Cubs won. Yu Darvish's continued struggles, Javy as a superhero, and Clint Hurdle still sucks, just because.
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Kevin & Adam talk about Rizzo's suggestion for a shorter season, the insane comeback against the Braves, Javy Baez vs. d-bag Clint Hurdle, and the "Javy Baez Cycle" and cycles for Cubs of the present and past.
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1/16th of the way into the season & we're already frazzled. BP Wrigleyville's Ken Schultz joins 1 more time before moving back to Chicago, we talk: the great series in Milwaukee, the less fun home opener in Chicago proper & a big homestand coming up. We take listener questions via email & Ken has an Ian Happ theory.
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The season is ACTUALLY here! Adam & Kevin talk week 1, from Happ's explosive start to the weird, annoying end of the first weekend. Good bullpen, iffy starting, Hendricks as hero & a fun tweet from Dexter Fowler to remind us that we're at peak "small sample size."
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Kevin and Adam are joined by BP Wrigleyville writer & comedian Ken Schultz to preview the Cubs 2018 season. We analyze the offseason moves, predict breakouts and identify our biggest concerns, pick our most important Cubs for the season, and finally make our predictions for wins and how far the Cubs will go this year. Spoiler: we don't all predict a parade. Let's get it on!
Before real baseball starts up, Adam & Kevin banter about a bunch of fun things, but MOSTLY, about their 2016 experiences. Spoiler: they were fun.
Episode ZERO of Away Games: A Chicago Cubs Podcast! Adam Mamawala and Kevin McCaffrey are comedians, baseball nerds, and most importantly for this podcast, gigantic Cubs fans. They live in New York City, and this is the beginning of their weekly podcast chronicling both the Cubs, and what it's like to be fans roughly 800 miles east of their favorite team. In this first episode, Adam & Kevin talk about how they became Cubs fans, and why they're doing this podcast now. We talk our first games, 0-14 starts, Sosa '98, Andre Dawson hitting so many homers the Mets officially accused him of cheating, and a whole lot more. Follow on Twitter & Instagram @awaygamespod Email us questions, comments, topics at awaygamespodcast@gmail.com. Website at awaygamespodcast.tumblr.com