Rob Erickson

Spring Training and WBC Weekend Roundup It was a busy weekend for baseball, with the WBC heavily overshadowing anything going on in Spring Training. But there were still a few things to keep an eye on. The level of intensity at the Puerto Rico vs Panama game was amazing. I suppose Americans just can't relate to how much these games mean for players who spend their whole careers playing on foreign soil.

Spring Training and WBC Weekend Roundup

It was a busy weekend for baseball, with the WBC heavily overshadowing anything going on in Spring Training. But there were still a few things to keep an eye on. The level of intensity at the Puerto Rico vs Panama game was amazing. I suppose Americans just…

Spring Training Games Twelve and Thirteen With so many players off to the World Baseball Classic, the outcome of the Spring games are probably even less meaningful then normal. But hey, anytime you can beat the Brewers is a great day. And to follow that up with a convincing victory against the Diamondbacks, I could be persuaded that these games DO have meaning. There are only a couple of Cubs players: Javier Assad and, to a lesser extent, BJ Murray, who are fighting for a spot on the 26-man roster.

Spring Training Games Twelve and Thirteen

With so many players off to the World Baseball Classic, the outcome of the Spring games are probably even less meaningful then normal. But hey, anytime you can beat the Brewers is a great day. And to follow that up with a convincing victory against the…

Updated 2026 Cubs Roster Predictions We are almost 2 full weeks into Spring training, and I'm not very interested in posting about an exhibition against Italy that was contained within an exhibition (except to say that Cade Horton continues to look good). The only major move the Cubs made since my last roster prediction was the signing of Michael Conforto. At the time, I felt like it was a hedge against poor performance or injury for Moises Ballesteros as the DH against right-handed pitching.

Updated 2026 Cubs Roster Predictions

We are almost 2 full weeks into Spring training, and I'm not very interested in posting about an exhibition against Italy that was contained within an exhibition (except to say that Cade Horton continues to look good). The only major move the Cubs made since my…

Bears – I mean Cubs – Spring Training Game Eleven It was another Spring Training game where the Cubs were on the losing end of a football score (17-9 to the Reds), and I had to remind myself that results really don't matter in Spring. Sure. OK. Whatever. All of the positives were on offense, so let's start there: Moises Ballesteros looked excellent at the plate, blasting two rockets the opposite field for hits and walking in his three at bats.

Bears – I mean Cubs – Spring Training Game Eleven

It was another Spring Training game where the Cubs were on the losing end of a football score (17-9 to the Reds), and I had to remind myself that results really don't matter in Spring. Sure. OK. Whatever. All of the positives were on offense, so…

Spring Training Game Nine and Ten OK...the overreactions bit has already gotten old for me, so I'm dumping it. That being said...WHAT IS GOING ON WITH SHOTA IMANAGA! I thought that Jameson Taillon had an unassailable lead in Spring home runs allowed, but Imanaga is saying "Not so fast, Jamo!" But when taking a closer look at each of the home runs, I'm not quite as worried as I was last season, when his home run rate soared to 1.93 HR/9.

Spring Training Game Nine and Ten

OK...the overreactions bit has already gotten old for me, so I'm dumping it. That being said...WHAT IS GOING ON WITH SHOTA IMANAGA! I thought that Jameson Taillon had an unassailable lead in Spring home runs allowed, but Imanaga is saying "Not so fast, Jamo!" But…

Spring Training Game Eight Overreactions It was the game where time stood still...at least for 15 minutes or so. Yet another non-televised game forced those of us who still want to follow Spring games to follow on the Gameday app. But when Gameday stopped updating while Nco Hoerner was at bat, my frustration around the inability to watch or listen to the game was significantly amplified.

Spring Training Game Eight Overreactions

It was the game where time stood still...at least for 15 minutes or so. Yet another non-televised game forced those of us who still want to follow Spring games to follow on the Gameday app. But when Gameday stopped updating while Nco Hoerner was at bat, my…

Spring Training Game Seven Overreactions Due to an appointment, I missed seeing this game. But it was yet another non-televised affair, so no one except those in attendance were able to see it. The next televised game in on Sunday, which reminds me of the Spring Training television schedule during the old WGN days. Here are the overreactions: Jaxon Wiggins appears to have some work to do if he wants to be MLB ready.

Spring Training Game Seven Overreactions

Due to an appointment, I missed seeing this game. But it was yet another non-televised affair, so no one except those in attendance were able to see it. The next televised game in on Sunday, which reminds me of the Spring Training television schedule during…

Spring Training Game Six Overreactions I think I've been providing reactions over the past couple of Spring Training posts, so I'm going to try to do a better job at overreacting, as that is really what Spring Training is all about. Collectively, while most casual baseball fans have no idea what is going on in Spring Training, hardcore fans are analyzing ever pitch and at bat, ascribing way too much significance to the outcome.

Spring Training Game Six Overreactions

I think I've been providing reactions over the past couple of Spring Training posts, so I'm going to try to do a better job at overreacting, as that is really what Spring Training is all about. Collectively, while most casual baseball fans have no idea what…

Building the Definitive Ex-Cubs List I like to track how ex-Cubs are performing across the majors during the season, but I've had some difficulties finding a definitive list of all the players who played in at least one game for the Cubs at the major league level, and are currently in the league with another team. The latest tool that I've used for this is the Baseball Reference Frivoloty tool for players with multiple teams: …

Building the Definitive Ex-Cubs List

I like to track how ex-Cubs are performing across the majors during the season, but I've had some difficulties finding a definitive list of all the players who played in at least one game for the Cubs at the major league level, and are currently in the league…

Spring Training Game Five Thoughts Despite a shaky 9th inning, the Cubs managed to win their second Spring game in a row. The game may as well have been played at the Milford School, as it could be neither seen nor heard (unless you wanted to hear the Padres audio). Here are some of my thoughts: We've had a Michael Busch sighting! Still no sign (except for the countless videos of batting and fielding practice) of Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson or Ian Happ.

Spring Training Game Five Thoughts

Despite a shaky 9th inning, the Cubs managed to win their second Spring game in a row. The game may as well have been played at the Milford School, as it could be neither seen nor heard (unless you wanted to hear the Padres audio). Here are some of my thoughts:…

Are you an Assad man OR a Ben Brown man? Which do you like more: the Beatles or the Stones? How about Coke or Pepsi? Would you prefer a sweet or savory breakfast? Are you a cat person or dog person? It is assumed that you must have a preference, and that neither or both are not really options. In that vein, I'd like to introduce a false choice involving the Cubs: Javier Assad or Ben Brown.

Are you an Assad man OR a Ben Brown man?

Which do you like more: the Beatles or the Stones? How about Coke or Pepsi? Would you prefer a sweet or savory breakfast? Are you a cat person or dog person? It is assumed that you must have a preference, and that neither or both are not really options. In…

Spring Training Day Four Overreactions The Cubs are finally on the board with a victory over the Royals. If you looked at the starting lineups, it appears the Royals were taking the game a bit more seriously, as they started 6 players who are projected to be in their opening day lineup. Meanwhile, the Cubs started a grand total of one: Pete Crow-Armstrong. I only managed to follow the first 5 innings live, as I needed to head to the gym.

Spring Training Day Four Overreactions

The Cubs are finally on the board with a victory over the Royals. If you looked at the starting lineups, it appears the Royals were taking the game a bit more seriously, as they started 6 players who are projected to be in their opening day lineup. Meanwhile,…

Spring Training Day Three – Triply Stupid I think the Cubs may be actively attempting to lose Spring Training baseball games as they now stand at 0 wins and 3 losses. Perhaps this is an attempt to play so poorly that instead of being the NL Central favorites, they will be underestimated when the season begins. Or maybe Craig Counsell wants to get all of the losing out of the way now.

Spring Training Day Three – Triply Stupid

I think the Cubs may be actively attempting to lose Spring Training baseball games as they now stand at 0 wins and 3 losses. Perhaps this is an attempt to play so poorly that instead of being the NL Central favorites, they will be underestimated when the…

Spring Training Day Two – The Overreationing Day 2 of the Cubs Spring Training is in the books, and still no wins. Is it time to panic. I say yes. Last season, the Blue Jays had the best AL Spring record and the Dodgers were third in the NL, which is absolute proof you have to finish top 3 on your league in the Spring to have a chance at the World Series.

Spring Training Day Two – The Overreationing

Day 2 of the Cubs Spring Training is in the books, and still no wins. Is it time to panic. I say yes. Last season, the Blue Jays had the best AL Spring record and the Dodgers were third in the NL, which is absolute proof you have to finish top 3 on your…

Spring Training Game One Overreactions I know it is only one game, but I think that's enough of a sample size to make some bold pronouncements about the 2026 Cubs season. I wasn't able to watch the whole game, as I was also watching the U.S. Men's Hockey Team, but I followed it on Gameday, so I think that makes me an expert. First of all, it sucks to lose to the White Sox, no matter what the game is.

Spring Training Game One Overreactions

I know it is only one game, but I think that's enough of a sample size to make some bold pronouncements about the 2026 Cubs season. I wasn't able to watch the whole game, as I was also watching the U.S. Men's Hockey Team, but I followed it on Gameday, so I…

Spring Training in the age of the Internet The Internet (in general) and social media (specifically) have bought a plethora of problems to society and our individual lives. But one thing it has greatly improved is how we can enjoy the Cubs during Spring Training, and doesn't that make it all worthwhile? When I was growing up and during my early adulthood, I did not pay too much attention to baseball in the Spring.

Spring Training in the age of the Internet

The Internet (in general) and social media (specifically) have bought a plethora of problems to society and our individual lives. But one thing it has greatly improved is how we can enjoy the Cubs during Spring Training, and doesn't that make it all…

Searching for Brad Keller – a Summary Expecting the Cubs to find another Brad Keller this offseason is extremely unrealistic. While the Cubs have a good track record of reclamation projects in the bullpen, it would be a minor miracle to find someone who will be as successful as Keller. But that does not mean that they won't be able to find any pitchers of value who are not currently on the MLB roster.

Searching for Brad Keller – a Summary

Expecting the Cubs to find another Brad Keller this offseason is extremely unrealistic. While the Cubs have a good track record of reclamation projects in the bullpen, it would be a minor miracle to find someone who will be as successful as Keller. But that…

Searching for Brad Keller Part 6 – Vince Velasquez This is the sixth post in a series taking a closer look at the Cubs non-roster Spring Training invitees pitchers - with the hope that one of them might break out similarly to how Brad Keller did last season. Or at least provide some organizational depth to the bullpen or starting staff. Here is a great Twitter thread from Brendan Miller going through all the pitchers in camp, including the non-roster invitees:

Searching for Brad Keller Part 6 – Vince Velasquez

This is the sixth post in a series taking a closer look at the Cubs non-roster Spring Training invitees pitchers - with the hope that one of them might break out similarly to how Brad Keller did last season. Or at least provide some organizational…

Searching for Brad Keller Part 5 – Kyle Wright This is the fifth post in a series taking a closer look at the Cubs non-roster Spring Training invitees pitchers - with the hope that one of them might break out similarly to how Brad Keller did last season. Or at least provide some organizational depth to the bullpen Here is a great Twitter thread from Brendan Miller going through all the pitchers in camp, including the non-roster invitees:

Searching for Brad Keller Part 5 – Kyle Wright

This is the fifth post in a series taking a closer look at the Cubs non-roster Spring Training invitees pitchers - with the hope that one of them might break out similarly to how Brad Keller did last season. Or at least provide some organizational…

Searching for Brad Keller Part 4 – Jeff Brigham This is the third post in a series taking a closer look at the Cubs non-roster Spring Training invitees pitchers - with the hope that one of them might break out similarly to how Brad Keller did last season. Or at least provide some organizational depth to the bullpen Here is a great Twitter thread from Brendan Miller going through all the pitchers in camp, including the non-roster invitees:

Searching for Brad Keller Part 4 – Jeff Brigham

This is the third post in a series taking a closer look at the Cubs non-roster Spring Training invitees pitchers - with the hope that one of them might break out similarly to how Brad Keller did last season. Or at least provide some organizational…

Nick Castellanos is available – and Cubs fans are conflicted After a miserable 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies have decided to eat $20 million in salary, and give Nick Castellanos his release. Cubs fans, it seems, have a very positive view of Castellanos, most likely because of his small sample size domination as a Cub in 2019. As the Cubs could use a designated hitter/backup outfielder who can hit left-handed pitching, some fans see a Castellanos reunion with the Cubs as being a positive: …

Nick Castellanos is available – and Cubs fans are conflicted

After a miserable 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies have decided to eat $20 million in salary, and give Nick Castellanos his release. Cubs fans, it seems, have a very positive view of Castellanos, most likely because of his small sample…

Searching for Brad Keller Part 3 – Corbin Martin This is the third post in a series taking a closer look at the Cubs non-roster Spring Training invitees pitchers - with the hope that one of them might break out similarly to how Brad Keller did last season. Or at least provide some organizational depth to the bullpen Here is a great Twitter thread from Brendan Miller going through all the pitchers in camp, including the non-roster invitees:

Searching for Brad Keller Part 3 – Corbin Martin

This is the third post in a series taking a closer look at the Cubs non-roster Spring Training invitees pitchers - with the hope that one of them might break out similarly to how Brad Keller did last season. Or at least provide some organizational…

Searching for Brad Keller Part 2 – Collin Snider This is the second post in a series taking a closer look at the Cubs non-roster Spring Training invitees pitchers - with the hope that one of them might break out similarly to how Brad Keller did last season. Or at least provide some organizational depth to the bullpen Here is a great Twitter thread from Brendan Miller going through all the pitchers in camp, including the non-roster invitees:

Searching for Brad Keller Part 2 – Collin Snider

This is the second post in a series taking a closer look at the Cubs non-roster Spring Training invitees pitchers - with the hope that one of them might break out similarly to how Brad Keller did last season. Or at least provide some organizational…

What is going on with WBC Ticket Prices? I'm going to take a break from the Cubs for the moment to talk about the prices for the WBC - especially the semi-finals and finals. A buddy of mine and I wanted to go to Miami and catch the 3 final games, and even made cancellable reservations for that weekend (technically Sunday to Tuesday). We were not very concerned about getting great seats, as we were sure those would be going for a premium, but we hoping to get seats in the nosebleeds.

What is going on with WBC Ticket Prices?

I'm going to take a break from the Cubs for the moment to talk about the prices for the WBC - especially the semi-finals and finals. A buddy of mine and I wanted to go to Miami and catch the 3 final games, and even made cancellable reservations for that…

Searching for Brad Keller Part 1 – Trent Thornton The Cubs have done quite well over the past few seasons, finding some good players via minor league free agent deals, waiver claims and waiver trades. 2024 brought in Jorge Lopez and Tyson Miller. And 2025 brought in Drew Pomeranz, Chris Flexen, Ryan Brasier, Aaron Civale, and the hidden gem of them all, Brad Keller. I've written ablout the Cubs bullpen in 2025 a few times before: here when talking about how…

Searching for Brad Keller Part 1 – Trent Thornton

The Cubs have done quite well over the past few seasons, finding some good players via minor league free agent deals, waiver claims and waiver trades. 2024 brought in Jorge Lopez and Tyson Miller. And 2025 brought in Drew Pomeranz, Chris Flexen,…

Pre-Spring Training 2026 Roster Predictions It's been a few weeks, and Spring Training is about to start. So let's take another look at the roster for the Cubs after a few minor league free agent signings. There is still time for a few more moves - most likely minor-league deals with Spring Training Invites for veterans who are unable to get major league deals. If they decide to sign someone to a major league deal, the will need to clear space on the 40-man roster, which would be most likely be Ben Cowles or Justin Dean.

Pre-Spring Training 2026 Roster Predictions

It's been a few weeks, and Spring Training is about to start. So let's take another look at the roster for the Cubs after a few minor league free agent signings. There is still time for a few more moves - most likely minor-league deals with Spring…

Who Won the Trade – Year 6 of the Epstein/Hoyer Contention Years (2020) A continuing series examining past Cubs trades, and whether they moved the needle to creating a winning team. The *Epstein/Hoyer Contention trades - Year 6*Epstein resigned in November of 2020 After the best run for the Cubs in 100 years, including 4 straight playoff seasons, 3 NLCS appearances and a World Championship, 2019 had been a splash of cold water.

Who Won the Trade – Year 6 of the Epstein/Hoyer Contention Years (2020)

A continuing series examining past Cubs trades, and whether they moved the needle to creating a winning team. The *Epstein/Hoyer Contention trades - Year 6*Epstein resigned in November of 2020 After the best run for the Cubs…

The Cubs Top 10 “One-Hit Wonders” A final compilation of Cubs hitters since 1980 who had one really good season (according to WAR) that was much better than any other season in their career. Here are the rankings: Player Year Best WAR 2nd Best Difference % Difference Mike Fontenot 2008 3.3 0.3 3 90.90% Mike Harkey 1990 4.6 0.8 3.8 82.60% Rick Wilkens 1993 6.6 1.9 4.7 71.20% Travis Wood 2013 5.1 1.5 3.6 70.60% Les Lancaster 1989 4 1.7 2.3 57.50% Mike Bielecki 1989 4.3 1.9 2.4 55.80% Mark Prior 2003 7.4 3.6 3.8 51.40% Henry Rodriguez 1999 3.2 1.6 1.6 50.00% Mickey Morandini 1998 3.9 2.5 1.4 35.90% Randy Wells 2009 4.2 2.8 1.4 33.30%

The Cubs Top 10 “One-Hit Wonders”

A final compilation of Cubs hitters since 1980 who had one really good season (according to WAR) that was much better than any other season in their career. Here are the rankings: Player Year Best WAR 2nd Best Difference % Difference Mike Fontenot 2008 3.3 0.3 3…

Is a Matt Shaw Trade on the Horizon? If so, it better be an offer that Jed Hoyer can't refuse. The Boston Red Sox need an infielder. After losing out on Alex Bregman and Brandon Donovan - as well as Luis Arraez and Eugenio Suarez signing elsewhere, there do not appear to be any other really good free agent or trade options for them. Rumors are flying that they have been checking in with the Cubs on both Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw.

Is a Matt Shaw Trade on the Horizon?

If so, it better be an offer that Jed Hoyer can't refuse. The Boston Red Sox need an infielder. After losing out on Alex Bregman and Brandon Donovan - as well as Luis Arraez and Eugenio Suarez signing elsewhere, there do not appear to be any other really good…

Who’s Afraid of Eugenio Suarez? Beyond what the Chicago Cubs were doing this offseason, I had particular interest in the landing spot of a certain third baseman, Eugenio Suarez. The reason for this is that I have a perceived fear of facing him as an opponent, as it seems like he always crushed the Cubs. Due to this, I was hopeful that he'd land on the Rex Sox, or another AL team.

Who’s Afraid of Eugenio Suarez?

Beyond what the Chicago Cubs were doing this offseason, I had particular interest in the landing spot of a certain third baseman, Eugenio Suarez. The reason for this is that I have a perceived fear of facing him as an opponent, as it seems like he always crushed the…