Ivy Envy - Chicago Cubs Fan Podcast (UNOFFICIAL)

The slow off-season continues for the Cubs.  On this episode, we start things off by sharing some more thoughts on the Addison Russell situation and explain where we are as fans and podcasters of a team that continues to employ Addison Russell.  

We also go through a few recent Cubs acquisitions and talk about a division that seems to be improving around the Cubs. 

Direct download: Episode_1058.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:17am CST

Thanks for downloading this episode of The Ivy Envy Podcast.  We have a number of Cubs topics to discuss on this episode.

  • In tragic news, former Cub Luis Valbuena was killed in Venezuela. 
  • There is a new offensive metric, DRC+.  We talk about the stat, and what it tells us about the 2018 Cubs.  
  • This week, we learned that Yu Darvish should be good to go for Spring Training.
  • Unfortunately, it looks like Brandon Morrow will likely not be ready for Spring Training. 
  • Fangraphs released a list of Cubs top prospects, and we look at the overall list and who could impact the Cubs in the near future.
  • The Cubs coaching staff is in place.
  • Other teams are getting better, and we're a little confused about the tight purse-strings. 

If you'd like to read more about DRC+, check out these two articles:

Why DRC+?

What is DRC+?

 

Direct download: Episode_1057.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00pm CST

On this episode of the podcast, we talk about the moves the Cubs have made in the last few weeks, including tendering Addison Russell a contract.  

Direct download: Episode_1056.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:52pm CST

While the Chicago Cubs haven't made any huge off-season moves, there has been plenty to talk about.  On this episode, we get caught up with the minor moves and major rumors.  

Direct download: Episode_1055.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:23pm CST

This episode is a sample of our side podcast, Cultivating Catuli.  Listen as we talk about the failed experiment the Cubs tried in the 1960's, the College of Coaches. 

Direct download: Episode_1054.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:21pm CST

On this episode, we look at the players from the 2018 Cubs who are not under team control in 2019.  We look at the free agents and players who have club options for 2019 and share our thoughts on whether or not the Cubs should bring them back.  

We also check in on the Arizona Fall League to see how Cubs prospects are doing.  

Direct download: Episode_1053.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:10pm CST

This is our 587th episode and the first real episode of the off-season.  On this episode, you will hear us discuss Chili Davis' dismissal and the hiring of Anthony Iopoce.  We also discuss Shiraz Rehman's departure from the Cubs organization and share some rumors involving Jason McLeod and Brandon Hyde. This leads to a discussion on one area we feel the Cubs front office has underperformed. 

Direct download: Episode_1052.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am CST

The Chicago Cubs' season ended on Tuesday night with a 13-inning loss to the Colorado Rockies in the National League Wild Card Game.  On this episode, we talk about the abrupt ending to the season, and we share some thoughts, a handful of days removed.  

Direct download: Episode_1051.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am CST

The Cubs will square off against the Colorado Rockies in the 2018 NL Wild Card game.  On this episode, we preview this game.  

Direct download: Episode_1050.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:22pm CST

The Milwaukee Brewers claimed ownership of the NL Central title this afternoon with a 3-1 win over your Chicago Cubs.  This episode was recorded seconds after that game ended.  

Direct download: Episode_1049.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:56pm CST

It's going to take 163 games to determine the NL Central Champions, and on this episode, we talk about what got us to this point and what the Cubs need to do to win the division for the 3rd straight season. 

Direct download: Episode_1048.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:19pm CST

The Cubs' magic number sits at 5 after they took two out of three from the White Sox on the south side.  On this episode, we share a few thoughts on the Addison Russell situation and then talk about what we would like to see from specific Cubs players in the last week of the regular season.  

Direct download: Episode_1047.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:01pm CST

With 10 games left, the Cubs sit 2.5 games ahead of the Brewers in the NL Central.  On this episode, you'll hear us share our confidence with the bullpen as it stands, and the individual relief pitchers we feel are the most confident.  

We also talk about how the offense can bail out the bullpen by not putting them in tight spots, and there are some signs that can come together before the playoffs. 

Direct download: Episode_1046.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:52pm CST

Although the Cubs only scored five runs in their series against the Reds at Wrigley, they were able to win two of the three games, and gain a full game over the Brewers for the division.  

In this episode, we'll talk about this unproductive offense and the stellar pitching that keeps the Cubs at the top of the division.  

Direct download: Episode_1045.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:26pm CST

The Cubs had the opportunity to, if not lock up the division, create some real space between them and the Brewers this week.  That did not happen. On this episode, we share some of our frustrations, some of our concerns, and we offer some of the obvious explanations of why the Cubs have just not looked like themselves this season.  

Direct download: Episode_1044.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:54pm CST

This Cubs/Brewers series at Wrigley will probably feel like playoff baseball.  The Cubs end (kind of) a miserable series in Washington DC and return to Wrigley for a 3-game set with the Brewers before they head back to DC for one game...and then back to Wrigley for a series with the Reds.

On this episode, we share some general thoughts on the last week in Cubs baseball and talk about this weird week coming up.  

Direct download: Episode_1043.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm CST

The calendar turns to September, the Cubs get some notable players back from injury, and the Cubs have an opportunity to stake their claim with the division.  We talk about the starting pitching the Cubs beat this week, the results from the Cubs starters recently, and of course...Javy.  

Direct download: Episode_1042.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:10pm CST

On this episode, we talk about the last week in Cubs baseball, which includes five wins, lots of runs, and the acquisition of Daniel Murphy.  

Direct download: Episode_1041.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:27pm CST

After scoring four runs in a four-game series against the Pirates, and somehow splitting that series, we understandably express some frustration and confusion about this 2018 team.  But it's not all gloom and doom.  The Cubs have about six weeks to get things straightened out, and hopefully, that happens. 

Direct download: Episode_1040.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:04pm CST

On this episode, we get caught up on the last week in Cubs baseball. David Bote hits the ball hard, especially when he hits walk-off grand slams.  Cole Hamels is pitching better than we expected.  Jon Lester comes back to earth.  Kris Bryant is taking dry swings.  And, you can hear crickets at Royals games.  

Direct download: Episode_1039.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:42pm CST

This episode has everything you know and love about Ivy Envy.  There's Javy love, optimism, misspeaking, rambling, and kids on the shed.  

Direct download: Episode_1038.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:37am CST

We recorded this episode less than 24 hours before the non-tender trade deadline.  On this episode, we talk about the addition of Cole Hamels and spend a lot of time talking about the pitching.  

Direct download: Episode_1037.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:57pm CST

This episode was recorded live at Raccoon Motel in Davenport, Iowa.  Most likely, all Cubs teams for the rest of our lives will be compared to the 2016 Cubs.  So on this episode, we compare the 2018 Cubs to the 2016 Cubs.  We go over several similarities and differences between the two versions of the Cubs.  

Then, we answer a few listener questions.  We end the episode by inviting Katie Day to the stage, and we have a conversation about her music, both the Cubs-centered songs, and the songs that have nothing to do with (but may be influenced by) the Chicago Cubs.

Direct download: Episode_1036.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:23am CST

The Cubs took 3 games of this 5-game series with the Cardinals, and we share some thoughts on the series.  We talk about the successful John Baker Day event and talk about the moves we think the Cubs should make at the trade deadline.  We also preview the upcoming series with the Diamondbacks.  

Tickets to Katie Day w/ Ivy Envy at Raccoon Motel - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/katie-day-w-ivy-envy-tickets-47557054430

Direct download: Episode_10.35.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:02pm CST

The Cubs will enter the All-Star Break in first place in the NL Central.  While the Brewers flounder, the Cubs take care of business in San Diego and take over the lead. 

This episode was recorded Sunday morning, before the final game of the series with the Padres.  We talk about the series events so far, which of course includes Javier Baez doing Javy things.  

Then, we shift our focus to the second half of the season and discuss some keys to the Cubs success in the second half.  

Bid on The John Baker VIP Experience - https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/43791/auctions/53543/auction_items/1410009?v=4

Direct download: Episode_1034.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:18am CST

It was a great week for the Cubs.  They went 8-1 in their last 9 games, and we talk about a few things that are going right with the team.  

Direct download: Episode_1033.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:01pm CST

The Cubs are riding a 4-game winning streak as they prepare to take on the Tigers at Wrigley this week. On this episode, we talk about the weekend sweep of the (then) 2nd place AL Central Twins and the 2-game set against the (now) 2nd place AL Central Tigers. 

Direct download: Episode_1032.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30pm CST

This episode was recorded during the final game of the Cubs' series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.  You will hear us share a few thoughts on this series, get up to speed on Cubs injuries, and we'll preview the upcoming series with the Twins at Wrigley.  

Direct download: Episode_1031.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:57pm CST

Well, the Cubs went to Cincy and were swept in a four-game series.  I don't think any of us expected that result with this series.  On this episode, you will hear our attempt to put that series into context and explain what is and is not concerning about the results.  

Direct download: Episode_1030.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:48pm CST

On this episode, you will hear all of the details for John Baker Day 2018.  

Direct download: Episode_1029.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am CST

On this episode of The Ivy Envy Podcast, we talk about the Brewers and Cardinals series and look ahead to the Dodgers and Reds series.  

 

Direct download: Episode_1028.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:46pm CST

When we started recording this episode, the Cubs were officially in first place in the NL Central. By the time the episode was finished, they were back to 1/2 game behind the Brewers.  

On this episode, we talk about the Pirates series, and look ahead to the upcoming series with the Brewers in Milwaukee.  

Direct download: Episode_1027.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:43pm CST

On this episode of the podcast, we talk about Jason Heyward's 9th inning walk-off grand slam, and the rest of the Cubs series win over the Phillies.  Tyler Chatwood still can't find the strike zone, yet is limiting the damage.  What's the answer?  

We also look at some of the players that the Cubs selected in this year's MLB draft.  

Direct download: Episode_1026.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:22pm CST

The Cubs went to New York and swept the 4-game series with the Mets.  On this episode, we talk about a few of those games and performances.  

We are 7-8 weeks from the trade deadline, and we use this opportunity to share where we feel the Cubs front office should address when looking at trade opportunities.

Direct download: Episode_1025.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:41pm CST

On this episode, we talk a little about the last two games of the Pirates series and share our thoughts on some recent articles on the fan treatment of Yu Darvish.  

Direct download: Episode_1024.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:28pm CST

On this episode of the podcast, we talk about the Cubs' weekend series vs. the Giants and the first game of the Cubs @ Pirates series.  

We give some love to Tommy La Stella and talk about some Cubs starting pitchers. 

Direct download: Episode_1023.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:14pm CST

On this episode, I am joined by Beth (Andy's wife) and Lauren (@blondewonk) to discuss the Ivy Envy Global Game Watch.

Right now, we have about 65 game watch locations all around the world.  Listen to the details and RSVP to your local game watch.  If there isn't one in your area and you'd like to sign up, click here

To RSVP to your local game watch, you must first join the Facebook Group for this event - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617326498315401/

Direct download: Episode_1022.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:47pm CST

On this episode, we talk about the Cubs weekend series vs. the Reds.  The Cubs took 3 of 4, and the starting pitching turned in some great performances.  We also look ahead to the two-game series vs. the Indians at Wrigley this week.  

Direct download: Episode_1021.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:30pm CST

On this episode, we share few thoughts on the Cubs/Braves series and some of the recent issues with Major League Baseball.  Then, we look at the Cubs starting pitching.  Do the starters suck, like many think?  We take a step back, look at the numbers, and then look at what the remaining 3/4 of the season could have in store for the pitchers.  

Direct download: Episode_1020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:39pm CST

On this episode, we talk about some of the recent extraordinary Cubs offensive performances.  We also preview the upcoming 4-game set vs. the Braves.

Direct download: Episode_1019.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:37pm CST

On this episode, we talk about the Cubs sweep of the Marlins and preview the upcoming series vs. the White Sox.  

Direct download: Episode_1018.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:43pm CST

Well, the Cubs went to St. Louis and were swept by the Cardinals. This was a series that the Cubs could have pretty easily taken or swept, and it's the Cardinals...so this one stung.  We share some of our frustrations with the team, and try to get the sour taste out of our mouths by talking about the upcoming series against the Marlins.

Direct download: Episode_1017.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:06pm CST

Despite an ineffective offense, the Chicago Cubs managed to go 5-2 on their homestand, facing the Brewers and the Rockies.  The lack of offense caught up with the Cubs, though.  They lost the last two games in the Rockies series.  

In this episode, we talk about the Rockies series and how the offense is playing.  We also look ahead to this weekend's series in St. Louis vs. the Cardinals.  

 

Direct download: Episode_1016.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:17pm CST

The Brewers came to Wrigley on an 8-game winning streak, and the Cubs brushed them aside with a 4-game sweep.  On this episode, we share our thoughts on the series and the Brewers squad.  The Cubs starting pitching had four tremendous starts in the series, and we detail those.  We also discuss the Addison Russell/Manny Machado trade rumor and talk about Russell's performance and development.  Next, the Rockies come to Chicago and we preview that series.  

Direct download: Episode_1015.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:59pm CST

The Cubs split their 2-game "series" in Cleveland.  This episode was recorded during the 2nd game.  We talk about some encouraging (and downright exciting) things we've seen from the Cubs offense. We also talk about a few players that continue to struggle, although the results are sometimes there.  

Direct download: Episode_1014.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:53pm CST

The Cubs spent the weekend in Denver and took two of three from the Rockies.  We recap that series and talk about some individual performances.  After an off-day on Monday, the Cubs will head to Cleveland for a quick two-game series with the Indians, and we preview those games.  

Direct download: Episode_1013.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:30pm CST

On this episode, we talk about the two games the Cubs and Cardinals were able to get in this week.  We also preview the upcoming series vs. the Rockies in Denver.

Direct download: Episode_1012.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:19pm CST

On this episode, we talk about the weather-shortened (or incomplete) series between the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Braves.  This series contained one of the most memorable Cubs games.  We discuss that episode and some of the individual performances.  We also preview the upcoming series in Chicago vs. the Cardinals.  

Direct download: Episode_1011.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:11pm CST

The division-leading Pittsburgh Pirates came to Wrigley for the first series at Wrigley in 2018 and took two out of three from the Cubs.  On this episode, we talk about why the Cubs lost this series and a couple of things that are causing the Cubs to be a .500 team right now.  

We also spend quite a bit of time swooning over Javy Baez, as we tend to do from time to time.  

Direct download: Episode_1010.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:16pm CST

The Cubs went up to their second home (Miller Park) and hopefully, set the tone for the entire season with the division opponents.  We share our thoughts on this Cubs/Brewers series.  

Direct download: Episode_1009.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:25pm CST

The Cubs split their opening series with the Marlins.  While it's easy to focus on the negatives of splitting a series with a terrible team, there are some positives to consider.  We discuss the series and look ahead to a two-game set with the Reds.  

Direct download: Episode_1008.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:18pm CST

It's our annual season prediction episode.  Listen as we share our predictions on a variety of Cubs stats for both the team and individual players.  

Support the podcast on Patreon - http://patreon.com/ivyenvy

Direct download: Episode_1007.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:22pm CST

Spring Training is cruising along, and we decide to take a few minutes to talk about a couple of individual performances.  The Cubs released Justin Grimm, and we look back on his years with the Cubs and talk about the impact his departure has on the bullpen.  We also look at the first month of the 2018 season for the Cubs.  There is a good mix of opponents, some weaker teams and then, series with the Cardinals and Brewers.  

If you are interested in hosting a game watch in your area for the Ivy Envy Global Game Watch, click this link:  Ivy Envy Global Game Watch

We also have a date for John Baker Day 2018, it's July 21st. 

 

Direct download: Episode_1006.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:42pm CST

On this episode, we answer a handful of listener questions.  We also take this opportunity to reflect on the Jake Arrieta years, and the incredible performances we witnessed.  

Direct download: Episode_1005.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:53pm CST

On this episode of the podcast, we look at six players that could experience turnaround seasons in 2018.  We look at Chatwood, Russell, Schwarber, Zobrist, Heyward, and Wilson.  After we look at each player, we rank them in order of likelihood to experience a turnaround.  

At the end of the episode, we introduce a new segment, and here are the links for it:

FourEyes Woodworking and Design

Boy Pablo - Everytime

Direct download: Episode_1004.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:09pm CST

This episode starts with a little discussion about the first few games of the Cubs 2018 Spring Training.  Then we get into the leadoff hitter discussion.  Joe Maddon plans to "audition some dudes," and we share our thoughts on four leadoff candidates, Almora, Happ, Zobrist, and Schwarber.   

Direct download: Episode_1003.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:33pm CST

On the 538th episode of The Ivy Envy Podcast, we talk about some of the 2018 Cubs Spring Training storylines.  Learn what storylines interest us the most and what we'll be paying attention to with specific players.  

If you would like to grab one of the remaining tickets to our 3rd Annual Ivy Envy Cubs/Brewers Tailgate in Milwaukee, go to https://groupmatics.events/event/Ivyenvy5

Direct download: Episode_1002.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:03pm CST

Welcome to the first episode of our 10th season of podcasting on the Cubs.  The Cubs signed Yu Darvish!  The rotation suddenly looks great, and we talk about how good it is.  We also talk about how good the rest of the team is by looking at the ZiPS and PECOTA projections for the 2018 Chicago Cubs.  

Direct download: Episode_1001.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:14pm CST

At the beginning of the season, we made some predictions for the 2017 season.  Most, if not all, of these stat predictions, were suggested by listeners.  Michael from Galesburg (The Awesome 80's Podcast & Cultivating Catuli) joins us to tell us how we fared.  One of the hosts will emerge victoriously.  

This episode wraps up our 9th season of podcasting on the Cubs.  Next week, we will preview Spring Training and go through the 2018 Cubs ZiPS projections.  Thanks for sticking with us through this incredibly slow off-season, and the next episode starts Season 10!

Direct download: Episode_975.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:51am CST

Thanks for downloading the 535th episode of The Ivy Envy Podcast.  On this episode, we talk about three Cubs signings, check in on Yu Darvish and Jake Arrieta, and we talk about Jason Heyward's recent proclamation that he will be the MVP of the Cubs in 2018. 

Direct download: Episode_974.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:04pm CST

Thanks for downloading this, the 534th episode of The Ivy Envy Podcast. On this episode, we talk about the arbitration agreements between the Cubs and eligible players. We also talk about some news from Cubs Convention and the event we co-hosted with The Son Ranto Show, The Unconventional. 

Direct download: Episode_973.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:37pm CST

Thanks for downloading the 533rd episode of The Ivy Envy Podcast.  On this episode, we talk about the slow off-season and some of the rumors involving the Cubs.  We also talk about two minor pitching acquisitions.  

Direct download: Episode_972.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:59pm CST

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