MLB News Outside The Confines: The Hot Stove winds down
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11 days ago | 0 reads
Bleed Cubbie Blue
A Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005
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Chicago Cubs history unpacked, January 30
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue is pleased to present a Cubs-centric look at baseball’s colorful past. Here’s a handy Cubs timeline, to help you follow the various narrative paths. “Maybe I called it wrong, but it’s official.” — Tom Connolly, HoF Umpire. Happy birthday to Brailyn Marquez*, Grover Cleveland Alexander threatens to retire, and other stories. Today […]
11 days ago | 3 reads
Cubs position player pitchers: Matt Mervis
Remember when everyone was excited about Matt “Mash” Mervis making the major leagues? In 2022, he had batted .309/.379/.605 with 36 home runs at three levels of the Cubs system, and got off to a good start at Triple-A Iowa in 2023. When both Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini were found somewhat wanting at first […]
12 days ago | 0 reads
2026 Chicago Cubs player profiles: Matt Shaw
Fifth in the series. Today we look at the Cubs’ newly-anointed utility man. Matt Shaw is a controversial figure in Cubdom right now. Not for his political beliefs (at this time), but because the signing of Alex Bregman necessarily leads to a change of position for the young man, and because it looks a bit like […]
12 days ago | 4 reads
Here are all the Cubs who have committed to play in the World Baseball Classic
Spring Training is just around the corner and so is the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which will begin March 4 in Tokyo and March 6 in San Juan, Miami and Houston. A number of Cubs have already committed to play in the WBC, and there could be others going forward — not all the rosters […]
12 days ago | 2 reads
Chicago Cubs news and notes — Carlson, Gallen, Happ
There are a few more signing rumors out there, but we’ll wait for confirmation. The Dylan Carlson deal is done. More pitching and infield help (Gabe Klobosits, Karson Simas) may be on the way. We, um, await developments. *means autoplay on, (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome). {$} means paywall. {$} means limited views. Italics are often used on […]
12 days ago | 1 read
Cubs BCB After Dark: Which outfielder should get an extension?
It’s Wednesday night here at BCB After Dark: the most happening hangout for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. We’re so glad you decided to stop by. Come in out of the cold. We can check your coat for you. We’ve got a fire going and the show will start soon. […]
12 days ago | 2 reads
Cubs position player pitchers: David Bote
David Bote was once thought of as a versatile enough player to keep around on a long-term deal given him by Theo Epstein, a five-year deal that didn’t end until a buyout last year. And, you know, it might have worked until Bote suffered a serious shoulder injury in May 2021 that kept him out […]
13 days ago | 0 reads
2026 Chicago Cubs player profiles: Alex Bregman
Fifth in the series. Today we look at the Cubs’ new third baseman. Alex Bregman should need no introduction. The Cubs wanted to sign him last year but were unable to close the deal. They made up for it this year, signing the free agent to a massive five-year, $175 million contract. Bregman has won two World […]
13 days ago | 1 read
So actually, the Dodgers ARE paying an increasing share of their TV revenue
After I posted this article Tuesday citing a Joon Lee report on the Dodgers supposedly not paying their fair share of TV revenue sharing, my attention was called to this Los Angeles Times article by Bill Shaikin, in which Lee’s claims are, well, basically refuted: It also revived a strange chapter in team history, with […]
13 days ago | 1 read
MLB News: Carlos Correa, Rick Rizzs Mariners, Max Scherzer, Hall of Fame
Happy Wednesday, everyone! We’re inching ever closer to Truck Day, which means we’re closer than ever to pitchers and catchers reporting. Baseball is almost back! We’re turning our attention to the World Baseball Classic today, as reports are out that Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve will both miss the WBC due to insurance issues. Bo […]
13 days ago | 3 reads
Chicago Cubs history unpacked, January 28
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue is pleased to present a Cubs-centric look at baseball’s colorful past. Here’s a handy Cubs timeline, to help you follow the various narrative paths. “Maybe I called it wrong, but it’s official.” — Tom Connolly, HoF Umpire. Kiki Cuyler* makes the Hall, and other stories. Today in baseball history: Cubs Birthdays: Bob […]
13 days ago | 0 reads
Cubs BCB After Dark: Where can the Cubs break?
It’s Tuesday night here at BCB After Dark: the grooviest hangout for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. Come on in out of the cold. We’re so glad to see you. There’s no cover charge. We can check your coat for you. Bring your own beverage. BCB After Dark is the place […]
13 days ago | 0 reads
Cubs position player pitchers: Tucker Barnhart
The Cubs signed Tucker Barnhart to a two-year, $6.5 million contract before the 2023 season to be the backup catcher to Yan Gomes. This was another miscalculation by Jed Hoyer, as Barnhart was released before the ‘23 season ended after batting just .202/.285/.257 and throwing out only 18.9 percent of runners trying to steal. And […]
14 days ago | 1 read
2026 Chicago Cubs player profiles: Tyler Austin
Fourth in the series. Today we look at the Cubs’ recently-acquired backup DH/First Baseman. Tyler Austin is a 34-year-old journeyman, drafted by the Yankees in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft. His lifetime 0.9 bWAR is inflated by his reasonable 2018-2019 seasons. After 2019, he journeyed to NPB, where he did well for six […]
14 days ago | 3 reads
Just in case you needed it, here’s another reason to hate the Dodgers
Last week, I wrote this article noting that a number of owners were “enraged” about the Dodgers signing Kyle Tucker and that some owners were going to push for a salary cap “no matter what.” The Dodgers are doing a pretty good job of playing MLB’s villain team, the equivalent to the “Evil Empire” the […]
14 days ago | 3 reads
Chicago Cubs news and notes — Bregman, Steele, Suzuki
There are bound to be some events of note at some point. Perhaps not today. But we remain vigilant. Pitchers and catchers are due to report in two weeks. We do have a nice The Compound Podcast if you have time, and several shorter stories, both on video and via text. Randy Holt has a […]
14 days ago | 2 reads
Cubs BCB After Dark: Who made the best deal?
Welcome back to BCB After Dark: the coolest club for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. We so glad you braved the weather to visit us. Please come in out of the cold. It’s plenty warm in here. We can check your coat. There’s no cover charge. Bring your own beverage. […]
14 days ago | 2 reads
Cubs position player pitchers: Miles Mastrobuoni
Miles Mastrobuoni was the 26th man on the roster for most of his time with the Cubs in 2023 and 2024, a substitute fielder, pinch-hitter and pinch-runner. The Cubs were 14-10 after defeating the Padres April 27, but then went on a long losing skid, losing 10 of 15 entering the final game of a […]
15 days ago | 1 read
2026 Chicago Cubs player profiles: Moisés Ballesteros
Third in the series. Today we look at the Cubs’ young DH/C/1B. In previous episodes, we looked at the Cubs’ two catchers, Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly, indulged in a little speculation, and had video of some of their exploits. As we move on to the rest of the roster, it seems reasonable to look […]
15 days ago | 2 reads
The Cubs are adding outfield depth in Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson
One of the things the Cubs lacked in their 92-win team in 2025 was a good, traditional backup outfielder. They had Vidal Bruján backing up Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field, and that, as you know, was hardly optimal. Willi Castro and Jon Berti also played outfield for the Cubs last year. Apart from Ian Happ, […]
15 days ago | 1 read
MLB News Outside The Confines: José Ramírez is in Cleveland for the long haul
Good morning.
15 days ago | 1 read
Chicago Cubs history unpacked, January 26
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue is pleased to present a Cubs-centric look at baseball’s colorful past. Here’s a handy Cubs timeline, to help you follow the various narrative paths. “Maybe I called it wrong, but it’s official.” — Tom Connolly, HoF Umpire. Steve Trout* and others are traded for, plus the expanded strike zone and more! Where […]
15 days ago | 0 reads
Cubs historical sleuthing: 1970s Braves edition
This is a really good view of a bygone era at Wrigley Field, also sent to me by BCB reader Joe Coney. I had to enhance the colors a bit; the original photo as sent to me was a bit washed out. This also made it easier to read the matchups on the scoreboard, and […]
16 days ago | 4 reads
Chicago Cubs news and notes — Ballesteros, Horton, Steele, Wiggins
The gloves are still on. But the Cubs are ‘going for it’, and there aren’t so many kids playing. Maybe Kevin Alcantara breaks camp with the big kids. Otherwise, it’s pretty much a veteran squad. Jaxon Wiggins might change that some, but he isn’t expected any time soon. He’ll be handled with the proverbial sartorial […]
16 days ago | 2 reads
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