Chicago Cubs are going to the PLAYOFFS!

Chicago Cubs are going to the PLAYOFFS!

Proud to report that Matthew Cozy and myself now cover a playoff team. You are Locked On Cubs, your daily Chicago Cubs podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. You are Locked On Cubs, part of the Locked On Network, your team every day. Alongside Sam Olber, I’m Matt Cozy. Sam and I are lifelong fans taking our passion into a discussion with you Cubs. This episode is brought to you by 5Hour Energy. Enough with the boring flavorless caffeine. It’s time to give your caffeine a flavor upgrade with 5Hour Energy shots. Go to fivehour energy.com or Amazon today. For the first time in a full season since 2018, the Cubs are going to the postseason. They clinched a playoff spot by completing a sweep over the Pirates on Wednesday. We’ll recap the final game and preview the Red Series later in the show, as well as give a big update on Kyle Tucker and an update to the playoff roster projection. Uh Cubs did make the playoffs in a shortened year in 2020. It’s been up and down ever since. the purge of 21, Sam, the rebuild of 22, the collapse down the stretch in 23, and then last year really a lot of nothing out of out of contention by by the All-Star break. We took over this show for for most of that uh July 5th, 2022 to be exact. And what a moment this is for our favorite team as they return to the promised land. Spectacular. Um, it’s uh, you know, it was one of those things where it it felt like a given for a while, but when it actually happens, it it truly is different. And, and like I said on yesterday’s show, it truly does feel a little bit different for for for me because now it’s the first time the Cubs have been in the playoffs where I cover the team and you cover the team and um, it’s been great. I mean, you said it. I mean just a lot of reflection like when we took over in 22, you know, ironically when we took over in 22, they they closed that year well and there was some buzz, right? It was like, hey, maybe this thing could be, you know, ready to rock and roll in 23 and we had such high hopes in 23 because it was our first full year covering it. when you start covering the team in the middle of a year when they’re not going anywhere, it’s kind of like, you know, it’s amazing, but you it was our first chance to cover a real season and there were so many ups and downs, but by this time or maybe a couple weeks earlier, it felt like we were going to get that playoff moment and that playoff taste and it was ripped away from us. and and the off seasonason heading into 24 was fun because of the council thing, but outside of that, you know, the calendar year 2024 for the Chicago Cubs, you know, was was awful. Um, it was just a whole lot of nothing. So to come back here a and have the the exciting April, May, end of March situation and to clinch a playoff spot with, you know, what is it, nine now to go? Um, 10 or 10 games left. Yeah, with 10 games left. Um, very cool moment and uh, I definitely took some time today to just kind of sit down and reflect that. Yeah, I I do think this is the biggest moment that we’ve been a part of. The bigger than council getting hired, bigger than than Tucker being acquired in How about bigger than the Candelario trade? Okay. Uh, you know, in 23. How about the deal? Sorry. Hey, that was a big deal. Sorry. at the time. That was a surprise trade, right? I I I just remember every game in 2023 being so high stakes. Yeah, it was too much. Though the Cubs did that to themselves in a way when they started 12 and seven, then built the huge hole, right? But then around Labor Day or so, they’re in a playoff spot. 90 plus% they don’t make it. Then two uh six weeks later, they fire their manager. They hired the best free agent manager available. They’ve tinkered with their team. They’ve added with their team the last couple of years. Uh nine months ago, they get a a a legitimate star player in a trade that that no one saw coming just a few days later. Boom. It happens. Was that in 25 or 24? That was December 13th, 2024. Kyle Tucker acquired. I uh Yeah. And uh I believe that happened like fifth, sixth period. And I I called you from from one of our uh our breakout rooms to to go over the game plan for the emergency episode and and the night’s plans as well. Uh but this is uh this is an incredible time. John Haven reported that he has me blocked. But it’s the biggest moment because they could win the World Series. Literally, they’re eligible to win the World Series. Yeah. And that’s huge. And you better believe that I will be making the case why they could do that prior to September 30th. Yeah, I think that’s that’s number one. And then number two is just finally, it’s kind of like it’s kind of like a hitter who’s in a big slump, right? And and they they make a mechanical change or they do something and then they finally get a couple of base hits, right? And you see you see the the the proper positive feedback. You know, it’s just nice to to see a postseason team. It’s nice to just go through this process and just say, “Hey, look, there’s plenty of things that I disagree with with how the Cubs run things. I don’t think that’s a secret.” Uh, but there obviously to to to have a year where you’re going to win 90 plus and you’re going to play October meaningful playoff baseball. It’s just nice like like at least now this off season we could say, “Hey, at least they made the playoffs. Hey, hey, there’s obviously some sort of successful uh uh formula in there.” Now, how successful? We’re going to find out. September 30th, probably at noon, by the way. Just want to put that out there. Think you have some intel. I think they’re I think they might be the early game because Red Sox, if the Red Sox play the Yankees, they’re going to get the six. They’re going to get the prime time. And then the Dodgers are going to play, they’re going to get the West Coast. And I don’t think it’s fair to the players to start the game at three when the Shades are rolling in at Wrigley. So you’re telling me the first time in five years, really seven, since the Cubs made, it’s just a theory and they’re going to play at 12:07 Central. If if the the Red Sox and Yankees play Well, I’d rather 12. Well, I know for you 12:07 would be terrible, but I’d ra for the I don’t want the players playing at 307 when you can’t see with the shade and all that stuff for the first six innings. So you’re saying they’re going to play at noon because because of the shade? I’m saying that’s my if the Red Sox if the Red Sox if the Red Sox and Yankees match up then yes, I’m gonna have to talk to some of my sources over at uh well really both 670 and Marquee. I’m sure they’re getting some intel now that the Cubs clinched. I was going to tell you off the air I think they’re going to play at three. Yeah, I think I I think it’s going to be 12 or three, but I just think is that is that do you want to play a playoff game at Wrigley Field when when the shade is is you know how it is at the end of a 120 game? I don’t know. It just feels a little weird. Like maybe they don’t take that into consideration. No, it is. Uh I got off track. Sorry. Well, no. The other big moment of reflection today is You’re probably right. Three three makes more sense. the last couple of times they made the playoffs, you know, no basically no one from those teams is around. Yeah. Just and Jed Hoyer has really had his imprints on this team. He must be really enjoying today. I mean, we could go down the list of names, you know, in a future episode, but from drafts to free agent to trades and then Craig Councel to me, Sam, is a is a huge storyline coming up because he I think what we’ve learned, is it fair to say he just he doesn’t really chase wins? Like, he’ll put them in his pocket or he may even and he would never go on record. He may even punt, but the playoffs like that that’s the job. You have to chase wins, especially in the wild card when there’s no tomorrow. Yeah. So, he he’s a huge story line in a couple weeks. Well, and he’s also not had a great deal of success in the postseason. Right. That’s right. I think the coolest moment for me, and I haven’t had a chance to watch all of it yet. Um Oh, the postgame coverage, by the way, in Marquee was just fantastic. Yeah, I I I I watched a good amount of it. just seeing Hap pop the champagne and he was crying in the circle just because even though Hap was a part of 17 uh um and a part of 18 and a part of 20 for whatever reason I associate him with 21 22 and 23 much more and so just to see him actually be you know one of the leaders and to finally get to the get to the mountain there I thought was pretty cool to see. Yeah, and really it’s him and Nicoer, Sam. Yep. And they were basically on the brink of tears, both of those guys. And those two guys have have carried a team here for the last month. They have. They have some uh poetry for sure. All right. How’ the Cubs do this? We meet on Wednesday. They got out the brooms. They swept the Pirates. We talk about that next. Today’s episode is brought to you by FiveHour Energy. Caffeine just got a flavor upgrade. 5-hour energy shots deliver tasty caffeine and 17 bold flavors. Each 2o shot packs the caffeine of a premium 12 ounce cup of coffee plus B vitamins and nutrients with zero sugar and zero crashes. You’re going to love most how portable they are. Big taste, tiny shot. You could take it anywhere and get that boost when you need it. So many great flavors, so many options to choose from. And uh all of them are the perfect option to try next. So enough with the boring flavorless caffeine. It’s time to give your caffeine a flavor upgrade with fivehour energy shots. Get the favorites you love or be bold and try something new in store and online at 5hour energy.com or Amazon today. Get a pickme up during the day with fivehour energy. Shout out to the Everydayers. He become a locked on Cubs Everyday by joining us for every episode throughout the week. Cubs swept the Pirates thanks to an 8-4 win on Wednesday afternoon. Matthew Boyd struggled again, but the offense and bullpen picked them up. Cubs got four in the first, half their runs, three in the sixth, one in the eighth. Ian Hap hit a two-run homer. Moises Bayisteros, who’s been added to my playoff roster, which we’ll update later, he homered. Michael Bush uh he hit a sacrifice fly to break the 4-4 tie at the time. And late in the game as well, Justin Turner drove in two runs with two singles. Uh couple pitching notes here. Aaron Savali pitched three shutout. Uh after that really helped. That was Haj was a bridge to Savali after Boyd gave up four runs on seven hits and two walks in only three frames. And Pomearansson Rogers also threw in an inning. Nico her went two for four and now has the batting average up to 303. The Cubs might have the batting champion on their team and route to the postseason. All right, Sam, it wasn’t an easy win, but they got the job done. Yeah, it it was a a win where it looked like it was wrapped up in the first. And I was actually interested to watch this game because Odo had been throwing the ball well. Uh and then in the first inning he I mean he was he didn’t know where the ball was going and then unfortunately you know Matthew Boyd just continued this stretch of of you calling this about a month ago um believe it or not saying yeah whatever the start was after Milwaukee I got concerned. Yeah, and I I there were some starts in there where I thought things were fine, but it’s it’s a real thing now. Um we don’t have to talk about it today, but I’d be shocked if he got the balls and it ball got the ball in game one or two. Um that would be that would be shocking. Um but uh the bullpen, as you said, was excellent. I mean, Aaron Savali’s come here. He’s done a nice job. Yeah, he has. Yeah. Three appearances. Yep. And uh yeah, I mean it was it was nice to see Turner off the bench to buy a STO’s homer. Uh but for me, you know, Ian continues to to do some amazing things. If if he if he wants to hit three more home runs, he would make my all my bold predictions come true. Uh but but I don’t think that’s Well, I guess he could do three and 10. It’s possible. And uh Nicoer is just he looks like a guy that is like on a mission here. I mean, past. Yeah, that’s that’s how it looks. I mean, yeah, he’s in one of those one of those stretches I haven’t seen a Cub get to probably Tucker maybe at the end of March where you’re just surprised if he if if he if he makes an out. Absolutely. Yeah, you expect him to get a hit. Yeah. I mean, it’s it’s it’s spectacular. Yeah, it was nice to see that. Uh two away from 30 steals, too. Yeah. No, he’s that would be a milestone as well. I was glad to see them not only take the lead but then pull away. There was a couple chances where they could put the game away and they they they pretty much did that. There was actually one Shaw hit that that rocket and Canario made a nice catch. That was a chance to put it away, but then the next inning they they the next couple innings they did that anyways. Um so it was really really good to see. I I think there’s a a small chance that a Savali could make it over an Assad or something like that or or Haj. Yeah. Um but that would probably be in the NLDS. I’m not sure about the wild card. You probably want guys who could pitch in a shorter stints. You want to have one guy just in case you only have one. Yeah, I think it’s going to be Colin Ray. Yeah, for the most part. Yep. Uh, is there any chance they go game one, Sam? Okay, I know this is a little extreme. Mhm. Horton starts. Yep. Boyd follows and you go all in on the game one. You win game one and then you go Shoda to traditional bullpen game two. No. No. No chance because we don’t That could help your bullpen as well. Jordan and Boyd pitch one game. But you don’t like Boyd doesn’t. What if Boyd’s not doesn’t isn’t comfortable with that and then you know what I mean? You why not just go cade for five six to a guys that we know can succeed in that role? Well, one reason would be they’re completely rested for the clinch clinching game. Yeah. I think I think I think that’s too extreme. Okay. Which is why I put that qualifier on it. Yeah. But well, these guys should buy in for whatever it takes to win the World Series. No, I think Boyd would do it, but I’d rather just You don’t want to mess with what got you to the dance. At the end of the day, Boyd starting still works. I don’t want to see his first ever relief appearance and G of the most important se part of the season. You know what I mean? Most important game of the season, right? U so no, I mean, you have some really good suggestions. I’d like I’d like to to deflect that one. How much have you researched the Padres’s so far? Because I think that’s our next step. Now, that’s a great question. Um, how much have I researched them? Not I mean, I watch a lot of baseball and how much are the Cubs, by the way? Yeah, starting now. I mean, I watch a lot of ball, so I know a good amount about them, but I I wouldn’t say I’ve gone out of my way to research them at all. Just off the top of my head, I have one massive fear. Uh, and that’s Luis Luis Arise in the postseason. I don’t I don’t like facing guys like Nicoer or Luis Arise. If he comes up in a clutch spot, I I I’m terrified. Um, you know what you’re getting with Machado, Tatis, Merryill’s had a down year. They made a bunch of moves. They got like Raone Lariano and O’Harn now and a lot of platoon. It’s their start and and we know their strengths, their bullpen. Um it’s their starters that are kind of the big mystery. I don’t even know who they’re going to pitch in in what order. Is it going to be uh uh King Cece Darvish? Is that is that is that what you would say? You know, the rotation has been their major weakness down the stretch. Yeah. So, you know, um I’ll put it to you like this and we’re about to talk about this. If Kyle Tucker is healthy, uh, the Cubs should be favored in that series. And if they lost, it would be a disappointment. They could they could handle San Diego at Wrigley Field. Now, if this game was in in San Diego, totally different ball game. But at Wrigley Field, with that crowd willing you and and these pitchers that you got going, I think the Cubs are going to have a real good shot. Cubs have 10 games in the regular season left. Four against the Reds the next four days. 6:15 exclusively on Fox Thursday, then two 540 starts in a row, then an early one Sunday 12:40. Uh Cubs have not announced their starters. Uh but for the Reds, it’s their four best guys. Green, Lollo, uh Latell, and Abbottz. And I think you’re going to see Colin Ray this series, well, if the Reds if the Reds want any chance, they’re going to have to win all four games. Yeah. No, they’re these are playoff games for them. Yep. And uh for the Cubs, I do wonder I’m just thinking about Thursday right now because I do think it’s going to be a challenging series uh because the Reds are just going all out. Sure. And the Cubs and that’s on them unless on the Cubs. I do think Thursday you’re going to see like Willie Castro lead off and Santana and Turner. Yeah. Um, Bayister. Well, well, you might see September 30th. Wow. All right. Well, let’s Yeah, before we get out of here, let’s make sure to update the playoff roster. I have him on it now instead of Billy Hamilton. Sorry, Billy. A couple pitcher changes as well. Before we do that, major update on Kyle Tucker next. This episode is brought to you by Monarch Money. Most people can’t name all their financial accounts or even what they’re worth, whether it’s 401ks, properties, or investments. And when you don’t have the full picture, you can end up leaving money on the table. That’s why there is Monarch Money. It’s an all-in-one personal finance tool that brings your entire financial life together in one clean, easy to use interface on your laptop or your phone. Monarch is built for people with busy lives. If you p put off organizing your finances, Monarch is for you. Monarch does the heavy lifting for you. You can link all your accounts in minutes, see clear data visuals, get smart categorization of your spending, and finally feel in control of your money without ever touching a spreadsheet. You can identify that you aren’t saving as much as you thought, like I identified because all I do is spend money on food delivery services instead of driving the seven minutes to go get the food. That stuff starts to add up. maximizing investments, increasing your savings rate, easily reviewing finances with your partner and/or advisor, keeping a clear reviewer of your financial health week to week. So, don’t let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code locked on MLB at monarchmoney.com in your browser for half off your first year. That’s 50% off your first year at monarchmoney.com with code locked on ML. Make sure you’re subscribed to Locked On Cubs. That way you don’t miss any of the great Cubs content we’ve got for you. That includes the Cubs postcast with Joe George live after the final out of every game. Kyle Tucker left the Cubs on Wednesday and will be in Tampa the rest of the week with hopes of an improved treatment for his strained calf. Tucker will be working with the same physical therapy team in Tampa that helped him back from a shin injury last year as well as his offseason workouts. Tucker will rejoin the team Tuesday at Wrigley Field. However, when he will return to game action is still very much in doubt. He last appeared in a game way back on September 2nd. And while the Cubs are 13 and six, without him, having their premier player in the lineup would no doubt be a requirement for me uh for them making a run in the postseason. Sam, this is not good news. No. When I when I read that uh this morning, that was pretty much I I went to a 10 in terms of the panic meter of just like, okay, A, are we going to see him again? And B, Seiya Suzuki is probably going to be playing right field in a postseason game. That’s kind That’s kind of where my mind went. So like now in a playoff game, every time a ball is hit to right field, I’m going to freak out. U shame. Um, and that’s best case, right? I mean, this just doesn’t Something’s not right here. Like, he he’s not able to run. And it’s been it’s been what almost it’s two and a half what’s over two weeks, right? Yeah. September 2nd. I I mean, it’s uh it’s it’s a shame. It really is. And for him, if he weren’t, if the worst case scenario did happen and he weren’t able to return, I think he he has to start looking at one or two year deals. I And how can you hand out a three 400 million dollar deal to a guy that played half the season last year and then missed the last month of the free agent season with with a really weird year in between. Yeah. You know, the numbers are are fine, but they’re not oh my goodness like they were two years ago. in his shortened season. There’s some question marks with Kyle Tucker right now. There’s no question, ironically, no question about it. Um, but as far as the Cubs go, they need him in the lineup. Yeah. I mean, as in in terms of storylines and him and the team and and just as a fan, him not playing again would be a thud. And that if that meant he would never play for this team again, it would be that’s a whole different conversation. Yeah. Yeah. It’d be too bad. But did everything go okay with Seiya today? Cuz he got removed in during the game. I don’t know. I don’t know. But they showed him celebrating so I assume he’s he’s good. So maybe that was a scripted thing where they took him out at a certain point. Yep. Him returning today ensures that he wouldn’t enter the playoffs cold, right? Tucker is so elite that I do wonder if it’s like, “All right, we need him to show up on Tuesday the 30th.” No, I would like him for sure to play the last series, but he might not need to. If he can go, he’s going. Yeah. Like if he if they if they say if he says if his staff say, “Hey, look, we’re targeting the 30th.” The Cubs are going to say, “Great.” Right. And I’ll say and I’ll say this. I’ll add this to the table. if he could play right field, which I think right now is unlikely, but if he can’t if if he could play right field and the Cubs are facing a cease king righty, I think there’s a serious case to be made for bias to DH over Seiya if Seiya doesn’t show any signs here the rest of the way. Yeah, you got to put your best guys out there and your and your hottest guys trendwise. Yeah, exactly. Yeah, like playing the hot hand essentially. I need to see Seya hit a home run before September 30th, I guess, is what I’m saying. Yeah. In the next 10 games. Yeah. Something. Yeah. I mean, I think Moyesus is on the playoff roster now. Uh I did an outfield DH category now with Castro in there because he plays outfield now way more than infield. I still have Turner and Santana making it, although that could change in a longer series, I guess. Um, and then Bullpen, I have Assad over Brown right now. And if Daniel Palencia could come back, I would replace Haj or Assad for Palencia if Valencia is ready. Yeah, I don’t think you need Assad and Sroka. So, if Palencia is ready, one of Assad would go. And uh optimistically I do have Tucker in here and then the three starters. So maybe maybe in a three-game set. Do you really need Turner and Santana? Maybe maybe that’s where Hamilton slides in. I mean they did. Why did they pick him up if it wasn’t for that? Yeah. I And he uh had an interview with the De Mo Register yesterday because he’s now with the I Cubs. So that’s a little bit of a more serious sign that they do want him. Yeah. at least for the short series. I guess it would be that that I I’m I’m sorry I I would mispronounce his his name. Who’s the lefty reliever for the Padres’s that was an all-star this year? Uh Mora Hon. Yes. So Sam, don’t you think that Council would pinchit Turner for Bush and then Hamilton would run and Santana would replace Hamilton? Yeah, I guess I guess for to have Hamilton you probably would want all three. Yeah, because then that’s really the the player you would run for, right? Because you’re not gonna run for Kelly because he needs to finish the game behind the dish. But you but if you’re down one in the eighth or ninth, you’re running you’re you’re running for anybody. Okay? Except Pete and and Nico. Like if you’re think about like like if you’re down one in the eighth and Kelly leads off with a hit, he’s coming out because you just want to use Hamilton in the best spot to produce a run, right? And pro probably not Danby either, but like even even Hap like if Hap leads off with a hit, you’re down one in the ninth inning. Hamilton’s coming in because you’re down. You have to score. See, and I just wonder you don’t worry about what you do after. What you do after is if you don’t score, you go home. And that’s to my point from earlier. That would be council testing his his parameters. Oh, well, he’ll do that. But Seiya and Bisteros would get run for too. Those are Bayisterero. I’m talking leadoff hitter gets on down one in the ninth. Yeah, you’re running for pretty much anybody besides Nico, Pete, and then Dansby because they can run themselves and probably Shaw, right? But I Well, not probably because then who would play third? But who cares when you’re down one? You know, you could put anybody there. You’re you’re down a run. You got to tie the game. So, this scenario was exclusively if you’re trailing. Yeah, exclusively if you’re trailing. Now, my guess is if you’re down one in the ninth, Shaw’s not going to hit versus a righty. I don’t think they’d hit him verse Suarez. In that case, they’d probably just hit Santana. Got it. And that would be a reason why he’s on then, too. Yep. Uh, one last question for you. Yeah. What do you make, if anything, that this So, we found out that this was Tucker’s idea from Taylor McGregor during the game. Do you make anything of that to to leave the team and go to Tampa? I think he’s he’s frustrated and concerned and wants to get it right and so he wants to go with with his people in terms of the Cubs training staff. Is is that what you’re insinuating? Yeah. I mean, he’s he’s uh taken into his own hands. He’s trying to find answers. That’s not the the the company he works for. He’s going to an outside company. Yeah, I didn’t think it was a workplace. Yeah, I didn’t think of it like that. Um, probably. I mean, we know how this team handles injuries. Let’s just Well, I know. I know. Let’s just enjoy the postseason and uh I certainly did that on Wednesday. Sam will be back after Cubs Reds Thursday and we’ll be with you all rest of the regular season and postseason long. Lots of content ideas, Sam. Churning right now. I’m sure. I’m sure. It’s time to return to X X spaces. Yeah. Okay. Uh, whatever you say. You got the shorts in full swing. Yes, sir. Uh, is there a plan for a watch along? There’s plans for pregame shows. Pregame shows. Unfortunately, the the playoffs fall on a on a really important holiday for me. Um, so it’s going to be hard. I have plans. If there’s a game three, for sure watch along. And then depending on game one and two’s times, I’m going to try and get one in. Like if it’s early, I’m going to try and then and then if they advance, then you know, we could be doing or just do one for Cubs Brewers. Yeah, exactly. This is Lockown Cubs, part of the Lockdown Podcast Network, your team every day. For your second listen, check out the allnew Lockdown MLB game night. Every game, every night, all season long. Get local analysis on a national scale. Find MLB game night on the Locked on MLB channel on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcast. All right, back after Cubs Reds Thursday night. He’s Sam Olber. I’m Matt Cozy. This is Locked On Cubs, the playoff Cubs. Shout out to Matt Cozy and Sam Olber, host of my favorite podcast, Locked On Cubs.

Celebrate with Matt and Sam as the Cubs clinched a spot in the 2025 playoffs! We recap how the Cubs got here and more. Plus: Kyle Tucker is still questionable and updating the playoff roster projection.

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-cubs/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

#Cubs #ChicagoCubs