Bleed Cubbie Blue
A Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005
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Cubs historical sleuthing: 1966 edition
The author debunks a mislabeled "1969" photo by tracing a Sunday game at Wrigley Field to May 29, 1966, when the Cubs hosted the Braves. Using clues like the Astroturf tarp, board times, and line‑up details, they identify Adolfo Phillips’ leadoff double and rookie Fergie Jenkins’ first start for Chicago. The game featured a dramatic ninth‑inning inside‑the‑park homer by Eddie Mathews, a steal‑home by Mack Jones, and a walk‑off home run by Ron Santo in the 10th, giving the Cubs a 3‑2 win despite a 12‑27 record. The piece showcases meticulous sleuthing and a memorable slice of Cubs history.
Chicago Cubs news — Carson Kelly, Matthew Boyd and Cubs killers
Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd and catcher Carson Kelly both reject their 2027 contract options, entering free agency after two solid seasons behind the plate for Kelly. Kelly posts a heartfelt Instagram goodbye, while analysts debate Tyler Stephenson as a possible replacement. Chicago also inks a minor‑league deal with Taiwanese pitcher Jyun Yue Tseng, who can train during the lockout. The post rounds out with links to Cubs defensive highlights, a "Cubs Killers" list, and a splash of Halloween fun featuring players and celebrities in costume.
Wrigley Field bollard construction update: October 31
On October 30, a site visit revealed steady progress on the new bollard perimeter around Wrigley Field as the 2027 season approaches. Construction focuses on Sheffield and Waveland streets—Waveland remains eastbound-only, while Sheffield is fully closed between Waveland and Addison, though opposite‑side sidewalks stay open. Good weather has accelerated work, and commemorative bricks previously on these streets will be relocated, with owners receiving email notifications. Photos from the walk‑through illustrate the advancing project.
Wrigley Field historical sleuthing: Two Hall of Famers from a visiting team
A rare 1965 photo captures future Hall‑of‑Famers Joe Morgan and Nellie Fox visiting Wrigley Field during the Astros' second series there. By cross‑checking uniforms, game logs and Fox’s July 31 release, the post pinpoints the shot to June 28, 1965, when the Cubs beat Houston 7‑2. Morgan homered (1‑for‑4) off Larry Jackson, while Fox singled for starter Dave Giusti, who later excelled with the Pirates. The article details the significance of the Astros’ first season under that name after the Colt .45s rebrand, and notes Morgan’s 1990 Hall of Fame induction and Fox’s 1997 Veterans Committee election.
Chicago Cubs news — Palencia, Holmes, Boyd, Hoyer, Mallee
The post notes that relief pitcher Daniel Palencia, now 27, could anchor a stronger Cubs bullpen in 2027 after a 2025‑2026 injury‑hit stretch. With free agency looming, both Clay Holmes and Matthew Boyd are departing, leaving the rotation wide open, and GM Jed Hoyer stresses pitching as the top offseason priority. The Cubs retained hitting coach John Mallee despite Mets interest, and rumored scouting of Taiwanese right‑hander Jyun‑Yue Tseng adds intrigue. Meanwhile, the Brewers’ World Series win fuels comparisons, as Hoyer faces pressure to embrace rapid roster changes.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Trent Thornton
Trent Thornton, the Cubs' $1 million fungible reliever, posted a strong 2.32 ERA and 1.055 WHIP over 41 outings before a disastrous Aug. 28 game versus the Reds cost him the lead. After a solid stint with Seattle in 2024 (3.35 ERA, 1.200 WHIP, 0.7 bWAR) and a rehab‑filled start to 2026, his 15.8% strikeout rate and lack of 98 mph stuff raise doubts. At 33, Thornton may not fit Chicago’s need for high‑velocity arms, so the author recommends passing on re‑signing him for 2027.
MLB News: World Series, Milwaukee Brewers, William Contreras, MLB lockout
The Milwaukee Brewers break their long World Series drought, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 4‑1 in a five‑game showdown on October 28, 2026, and lose only two games throughout October’s postseason. Catcher William Contreras earns his first World Series MVP since Salvador Perez in 2015. The post previews award talks, the looming free‑agent market before the MLB lockout, and highlights expert analyses on the Brewers’ dominance, the Contreras brothers’ season, and the Rays’ unexpected run. It also notes upcoming free‑agent moves, lockout survival tips, and future outlooks for both clubs.
Chicago Cubs history unpacked — October 30
The Bleed Cubbie Blue post celebrates October 30 in baseball lore, kicking off with the Cubs’ 2016 Game 5 comeback win over Cleveland (3‑2) and a nod to Roe Skidmore’s birthday. It then strings together historic moments on this date: Sandy Koufax’s 1963 NL MVP and Cy Young win; Catfish Hunter’s 1974 AL Cy Young award; John Montefusco’s 1975 NL Rookie of the Year; President George W. Bush’s 2001 ceremonial first pitch and the Yankees’ 2‑1 Game 3 win; Texas Rangers’ first World Series victory in 2010 (4‑2 over the Giants); Boston’s 2013 6‑1 clincher; New York Mets’ 2015 Game 3 triumph; Washington’s 2019 Game 7 championship (6‑2 over Houston); Atlanta’s 2021 Game 4 win (3‑2 over the Astros); and Texas again in 2023 Game 3 (3‑0 vs. Arizona). Each entry cites key scores, players and awards, offering a rapid-fire timeline for fans.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Caleb Thielbar
Cubs GM Jed Hoyer’s $4 million re‑signing of veteran reliever Caleb Thielbar for 2026 proves a classic case of recency bias. After a career‑best 2.64 ERA and 0.879 WHIP in 2025, the 39‑year‑old struggled, surrendering 11 homers in 50 innings and exiting a game with a hamstring injury on April 23. The author argues the team wasted money and should skip the $6 million mutual option, opting for the $500 K buyout instead, as Thielbar’s career appears to be winding down.
MLB’s 2026-27 offseason calendar: Free agents, awards, Rule 5 draft, non-tenders, arbitration, more
The Brewers clinch their first World Series title in 58 years, kicking off the 2026-27 MLB offseason. As of Oct. 29, all players with six years of service become free agents, entering a five‑day “quiet period” before clubs can sign them (Nov. 2 deadline). Qualifying offers total $23.15 million for 2027, with the Cubs likely targeting Seiya Suzuki and possibly Ian Happ or Matthew Boyd. The post lists Cubs’ contract options, mutual options, and 60‑day IL players poised for roster moves. Key offseason dates follow, including Gold Glove announcements (Nov. 1), Hall of Fame ballot release (Nov. 2), Silver Slugger finalists (Nov. 5), and the Jackie Robinson ROY award (Nov. 9). A potential lockout could shift this timeline.
Chicago Cubs news — PCA, Suzuki, Happ, Suarez, Tseng
Pete Crow-Armstrong caps a stellar 2026 season by winning the Players Choice NL Outstanding Player and Player of the Year awards, with the MLBPA even releasing a celebratory video. The post also recaps a thrilling extra‑inning elimination game where the Rays edged the Brewers 12‑inning comeback. Off‑season chatter dominates the rest of the entry: Ian Happ’s contract outlook, potential free‑agent moves for Suzuki, Suárez, and Carson Kelly, and a Taiwanese pitcher, Jyun‑Yue Tseng, eyeing an NL Central landing. Analysts weigh the Cubs’ bullpen state, roster needs, and how aggressive the team will be before the lockout.
Cubs BCB After Dark: When will baseball return?
The latest BCB After Dark episode celebrates the Milwaukee Brewers’ surprise World Series win over the Tampa Bay Rays, marking the first time the author will write about the Brewers in 30 years. The show recaps the series, highlights a fan poll on a hypothetical Matt Shaw‑for‑Steven Kwan trade (41% oppose, 35% think Guardians would pass, 24% see it as fair), and invites listeners to discuss baseball, music, and movies before the holiday season. While the episode veers into a film essay on Kubrick’s The Shining, the core sports content centers on the Brewers’ championship and trade speculation.
2026 World Series Game 5: Brewers at Rays, 7 p.m. CT
Game 4 of the 2026 World Series earns the "instant classic" label after the Tampa Bay Rays forced a 12‑inning comeback in a must‑win situation, becoming only the fifth team to force a Game 5 while trailing 3‑0 in the series. With the Brewers holding a 3‑1 lead, Game 5 kicks off at 7 p.m. CT, streamed on Fox and Fox One, featuring Jacob Misiorowski on the mound for Tampa Bay. Fans can follow the action via MLB.com Gameday or Baseball‑Reference preview.
The Short Porch is thinking about World Series long shots
The 2026 World Series sees the Brewers dominating early, jumping to a 3-0 lead thanks to Cooper Pratt’s 12th‑inning solo homer at American Family Field. Yet the Rays reignited the series when Junior Caminero’s error‑filled run and Jonny DeLuca’s single sparked a comeback, tying Game 4 and forcing a Game 5. While history shows only the 2004 Red Sox have ever erased a 3‑0 deficit in a best‑of‑seven, the article highlights the slim odds and parallels rare sports upsets, from March Madness 16‑seed wins to the Cubs’ 1969 collapse. Brewers remain favorites, but the Rays’ rally keeps the Fall Classic intriguingly alive.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is the MLBPA Players Choice Player of the Year
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong earns the MLBPA Players Choice Player of the Year award, adding to his Baseball America Player of the Year honor from earlier this month. The Players Choice Awards, voted on by peers since 1992, also named him NL Outstanding Player, while AL winner is Yordan Alvarez. Fans can relive Crow‑Armstrong’s three‑home‑run game against the Reds on Aug. 29. Anticipation builds for upcoming honors—including a Gold Glove, Platinum Glove, Silver Slugger and the NL MVP—set for next month.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Colin Rea
Colin Rea is the classic swing‑man pitcher—effective as a spot starter or reliever but not meant to carry a heavy workload. The 36‑year‑old logged a low‑4.00 ERA and sub‑1 WAR for the Cubs, yet saw just 12.1 innings in his final 33 games after the rotation shuffles. With his $6.5 million 2026 contract and a $7.5 million team option, the Cubs may move on, believing they can replace him on waivers or via a non‑tender for less money. The author asks fans if Rea’s Chicago chapter is over.
MLB News Outside The Confines: And we will see you tomorrow night
Good morning. Especially since we’re getting a Game Five tonight. Apologies to Jack Buck in the Great Beyond for today’s title. And we’ll see you tonight from when you’re reading this.
Chicago Cubs history unpacked — October 28
The Bleed Cubbie Blue post celebrates baseball’s historic moments on October 28, from the 2016 World Series Game 3 – the first ever at Wrigley Field, where the Indians won 1‑0 on a Coco Crisp single – to iconic milestones like Bob Gibson’s 1968 Cy Young Award (1.12 ERA), the Dodgers’ 1981 comeback win over the Yankees, and the 1989 A’s sweep of the Giants. It also highlights later classics such as Randy Johnson’s 2001 shutout, the Red Sox’s 2007 sweep of Colorado, and the Cardinals’ dramatic 2011 Game 7 victory. The entry mixes scores, key players, and dates, offering a concise timeline of unforgettable World Series highlights.
Cubs BCB After Dark: Could the Cubs trade for Steven Kwan?
The Cubs face a looming outfield exodus as Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki head toward free agency, prompting a trade hunt. Writer Chris highlights Steven Kwan as a potential target: a contact‑heavy left fielder who posted a .382 OBP and just an 8% strikeout rate last season, despite modest power (3 HR, .349 SLG). With Kwan also set to become a free agent, Cleveland may trade him for value now. The piece weighs swapping Matt Shaw—whose performance has dipped but still offers versatility—against prospects like Josiah Hartshorn or Kane Kepley, questioning whether the Cubs can afford a cheap, controllable outfielder. The article invites fans to weigh the trade’s feasibility and impact on the Cubs’ rebuilding timeline.
2026 World Series Game 4: Brewers at Rays, 7 p.m. CT
The Rays face elimination in Game 4 of the 2026 World Series, trailing the Brewers 3-1. A Brewers win clinches the franchise’s first championship and the first series sweep since the 2012 Giants. The author hopes the Rays survive for the sake of more baseball amid a looming MLB owners’ lockout. Game 4 tips off at 7 p.m. CT on Fox and Fox One, with Joe Davis, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci calling the action.
This World Series won’t make a bit of difference in MLB’s labor fight
Despite the Brewers‑Rays World Series spotlighting low‑payroll success, MLB owners remain unmoved on a salary‑cap push aimed at boosting profits, not competitive balance. Commissioner Rob Manfred and Brewers owner Mark Attanasio argue a cap helps small‑market teams, yet the MLBPA’s interim head Bruce Meyer calls it a “nuclear bomb.” The article notes past smart‑management wins, looming TV‑deal deadlines around 60 games, and an upcoming union meeting in Arizona that could trigger a lockout. Both sides stay entrenched, leaving the World Series largely irrelevant to the labor showdown.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Aaron Civale
Cubs President Jed Hoyer has now acquired right‑hander Aaron Civile twice, turning him into a surprisingly effective reliever. After a brief, strong stint with Chicago in September 2025 (2.08 ERA, 0.538 WHIP, 0.3 bWAR in 13 innings), Civile struggled with Oakland (5.42 ERA, 1.62 WHIP) before the Cubs traded prospect Aiden Moffett for him on July 18, 2026. Since returning, he has logged 36.2 innings across 18 appearances with a 1.77 ERA, 1.064 WHIP, two homers allowed and 33 strikeouts, including a July 30 save versus the Cardinals. At 32, he could be a valuable set‑up man for 2027, and the author suggests a $4 M one‑year deal with a $6 M option for 2028.
Chicago Cubs news — Gray, Vesia, Counsell, Sausage Race
Game 3 sees the Brewers explode with seven straight hits for an eight‑run fifth inning, clinching a 10‑1 win that could seal the World Series tonight. The post then shifts to Cubs off‑season chatter: Scott Boras warns of a free‑agency frenzy, while analysts tout Sonny Gray as a veteran rotation target and suggest stealing a Dodgers reliever to avoid a risky Ryan Rolison deal. Opinions on manager Craig Counsell’s tenure vary, and a controversy erupts over Fox Sports skipping the World Series Sausage Race in Milwaukee. The article rounds out with brief cultural notes and a disclaimer.
Cubs BCB After Dark: Should the Cubs make a change at pitching coach?
In this October 27, 2026 entry, Bleed Cubbie Blue’s BCB After Dark invites fans to the virtual hangout where a recent poll showed 61% favor Nico Hoerner over Michael Busch for a bounce‑back 2027 season. The post notes the Cubs’ World Series loss and the Brewers’ championship run, then shifts to a Halloween‑themed jazz playlist and a deep dive into the 1959 Hammer horror film *The Mummy*, highlighting performances by Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. While the article mixes baseball talk with classic film analysis, it offers a casual space for Cubs fans to discuss the team’s future, especially the prospect of changing the pitching coach.
Chicago Cubs news — Gray, Vesia, Counsell, Sausage Race
The post recaps the Brewers' dramatic Game Two win—an error and three unearned runs nearly cost Milwaukee home‑field advantage but sparked a rally that put them up 2‑0 in the World Series, setting the stage for a Tampa showdown. It then shifts to Cubs off‑season chatter: Scott Boras warns of a free‑agency frenzy, Sonny Gray emerges as a veteran rotation target, and the club considers stealing a Dodgers free agent to avoid a risky Ryan Rolison deal. Additional pieces evaluate Craig Counsell’s tenure, argue the 2026 Cubs had a solid season despite fan perception, and protest Fox Sports’ omission of the inaugural World Series Sausage Race in Milwaukee.
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