Bleed Cubbie Blue
A Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005
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MLB News: World Series, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, Freddy Peralta, Chandler Simpson, Aaron Boone
The 2026 World Series pits the Tampa Bay Rays against the Milwaukee Brewers after the Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians in six games. The blog previews the matchup, highlighting the Rays' strong pitching rotation, Brewers' "Murph Ball" strategy, and key storylines like Freddy Peralta’s AL MVP honor and Chandler Simpson’s clutch runs. It also links to in‑depth analyses from The Athletic, MLB.com, and other experts on managerial moves, player impacts, and unique World Series facts.
Chicago Cubs history unpacked — October 21
The October 21 post from Bleed Cubbie Blue offers a whirlwind tour of baseball’s milestone moments, from Carlton Fisk’s iconic 12th‑inning home run that forced a Game 7 in the 1975 World Series to the Reds’ flawless 1976 sweep of the Yankees, featuring Johnny Bench’s MVP‑winning performance. It also recalls tragedies like Marv Goodwin’s 1925 fatal plane crash, franchise moves such as the Braves’ 1964 shift to Atlanta, and dramatic World Series highlights—including the Phillies’ first championship in 1980, the Marlins’ 14‑11 ninth‑inning rally in 1997, and the Yankees’ 1998 sweep of the Padres. The entry stitches together scores, key players, and historic firsts, making it a must‑read for any Cubs fan or baseball history enthusiast.
Cubs BCB After Dark: Which free agent pitcher is the best fit?
The Bleed Cubbie Blue post debates the Cubs' best free‑agent pitcher target after the 2026 season. While Tarik Skubal tops the poll, the author notes owner Tom Ricketts is unlikely to commit the high price. More realistic options are right‑handers Michael King and Freddy Peralta. King, eyeing an opt‑out, posted a 12‑10 record with a 3.21 ERA over 185 innings but saw his strikeout rate dip to 21%. Peralta, fresh off an ALCS MVP performance with the Rays and a 3.25 ERA in ten starts, recaptures his Milwaukee form and could fit Craig Counsell’s system. The article weighs each pitcher’s recent stats and contract implications to gauge the Cubs' chances.
A few thoughts about the Brewers vs. Rays World Series
The World Series kicks off Friday in Milwaukee between the first pair of clubs without a championship since 1980’s Royals‑Phillies clash. The Brewers, with only one prior pennant (1982), and the Rays, winners of two prior World Series appearances (2008, 2020), both boast strong recent postseason runs—eight and six trips respectively. Despite the Rays’ large TV market (ranked #11), they’re labeled “small market” due to low payroll (28th), while Milwaukee sits at the MLB’s smallest market (#38). A new Tampa stadium and a fresh ownership group could boost the Rays’ market status. The author predicts a competitive, likely seven‑game series and backs the Rays, noting the postseason’s blend of predictability and randomness.
2026 Cubs who will be free agents or who have options
Bleed Cubbie Blue breaks down the Chicago Cubs’ upcoming roster moves, listing every player with impending free‑agent status or team options after the 2026 season. The piece covers pitchers Kevin Gausman, Shōta Imanaga, Jacob Webb, David Peterson, and Clay Holmes, as well as position players Michael Conforto, Tyrone Taylor, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki, highlighting contract timelines and potential impacts on the Cubs’ plans.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Jacob Webb
The Cubs signed right‑hander Jacob Webb to a one‑year, $1.5 million deal with a $2.5 million 2027 option. Webb posted a 3.36 ERA and 1.254 WHIP over 68 games, but his season was a roller‑coaster: terrible early numbers (5.06 ERA), a hot stretch (0.51 ERA, 22 Ks in 17.2 IP), then five disastrous outings (15.75 ERA), followed by 24 straight scoreless appearances and a 0.932 WHIP. He finished with three scoreless games and 1.2 clean innings in the Wild Card loss to the Padres, despite eight blown saves that nearly cost Chicago a home‑field advantage. At 33, Webb can flip between elite relief and costly failures, prompting the author to recommend exercising the 2027 option if the Cubs shore up the setup corps.
Chicago Cubs news — Busch, Rolison, Horton
The post recaps recent Cubs commentary and off‑season rumors. It notes Steve Miller’s hiring as VP of International Scouting, warns about a red flag on Michael Soroka, and lists four trade targets the Cubs should watch. Pitching analysis questions Ryan Rolison’s 2026 bullpen role and the timeline for Cade Horton’s 2027 return, while Edward Cabrera’s debut raises concerns. Hitting notes a disappointing 2026 season for Michael Busch and highlights top prospect Josiah Hartshorn’s rise after a strong 2026 campaign. Additional pieces discuss the Brewers’ World Series chances, former manager David Ross’s outlook, and a quirky blues‑musician sidebar.
Cubs BCB After Dark: Which side are you on, Rays or Brewers?
The latest BCB After Dark post invites Cubs fans to a fire‑lit, free‑entry night in St. Petersburg, FL, featuring a live set by Philly Joe Jones and his sextet. The author revisits the recent poll on whether the Cubs should chase Japanese Triple‑Crown star Teruaki Sato—61% voted yes after the Hanshin Tigers announced his MLB posting. A photo from the ALCS Game 6 between the Rays and Guardians adds a baseball backdrop, while the writer also riffs on classic horror TV, highlighting the 1969 Night Gallery pilot starring Joan Crawford. The piece blends game updates, fan engagement, and pop‑culture chatter for night‑owls and Cubs supporters alike.
American League Championship Series Game 6: Guardians at Rays
Game 6 of the ALCS pits the Guardians at the Rays, with Tampa Bay leading the series 3‑2 and one win away from their first World Series since 2020. A rain‑shortened schedule forces a back‑to‑back day, meaning a Rays victory ends the series and sets up a World Series opener in Milwaukee on Friday. The matchup features right‑handers Shawn Armstrong (Guardians) versus Freddy Peralta (Rays), and the Guardians hope a bullpen win keeps Gavin Williams fresh for a decisive Game 7. The Rays, despite recent rainouts, remain the stronger side, but the Guardians have already survived two road elimination games.
AFL Mesa Solar Sox Update: Kade Snell breaks out
The Cubs' Mesa Solar Sox wrapped a chaotic AFL week 2‑2, improving to 4‑6 overall. Kade Snell emerged as the breakout prospect, posting a .286/.459/.321 line with four walks, a steal and four RBIs in eight games, highlighted by a 2‑for‑3 showing on Wednesday and a three‑walk night on Thursday. Fellow Cubs Juan Cabada struggles at .167, while Harrison Feinberg shines at .385. Pitching notes: Jhon Cabral remains spotless in 2.1 innings, whereas Anhuar Garcia’s ERA inflates to 6.75 after a rough outing. The week was marred by rain and a power‑failure postponement, leaving the Solar Sox to play only four games.
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Michael Conforto
The author admits a misjudgment about Michael Conforto’s signing, noting how he quickly outlasted Dylan Carlson, who was released after a brief stint. Conforto seized a bench role, posting a .240/.331/.469 line with 15 homers in 271 at-bats and delivering a dramatic walk‑off homer on May 4. The piece highlights his solid defensive work, compares his production to Kyle Tucker’s despite fewer chances, and mentions his athletic lineage—father a Penn State football player and mother an Olympic gold‑medalist. At 34, Conforto earned $2 million in 2026, and the writer suggests a modest $5 million deal for 2027.
MLB News Outside The Confines: Roll out the barrel
The Milwaukee Brewers clinch the NLCS by beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 4‑2 in Game 4 at Dodger Stadium, with outfielder Sal Frelick celebrating in the locker room. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays take a 3‑2 edge over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the ALCS and aim to secure a World Series berth. If the Rays win Game 6, they will meet the Brewers, who have already swept the Dodgers. The piece round‑ups expert takeaways—from Mike Axisa’s game analyses and Jandy Díaz’s bold prediction to profiles of Brewers star William Contreras and discussions on Hall‑of‑Fame prospects—plus NBA Bucks scheduling tweaks, Dodgers’ offseason moves, and nostalgic Milwaukee ticket stories.
Chicago Cubs history — October 19
The post celebrates October 19 in baseball lore, kicking off with a birthday shout‑out to Mordecai Brown and highlighting the Cubs’ 2016 NLCS win over the Dodgers (10-2) where rookies Julio Urias and Ross Stripling started and Addison Russell and Anthony Rizzo broke long homer droughts. It then flashes back to historic moments: Allie Reynolds joining the Yankees in 1946, Nellie Fox’s 1949 White Sox trade, the Dodgers’ “Blue Monday” NLCS win in 1981, and key World Series games from 1991‑1999. Recent milestones include the Red Sox’s 2004 ALCS comeback, the Rays’ 2008 ALCS win, the Dodgers’ 2017 NLCS clincher, the Astros’ 2019 ALCS walk‑off, and the Yankees’ 2024 ALCS Game 5 victory on Juan Soto’s three‑run homer.
American League Championship Series Game 5: Rays at Guardians, 4 p.m. CT
The American League Championship Series is tied 2-2 as the Rays head to the Guardians for Game 5 at 4 p.m. CT on October 18, 2026. After the Rays' decisive win Saturday, the series shifts back to Florida for Game 6 tomorrow—no travel day thanks to Friday’s rainout. The matchup features right‑hander Drew Rasmussen (Rays) against left‑hander Parker Messick (Guardians) and will air on TBS with Brian Anderson, Jeff Francoeur, Ron Darling, and Lauren Shehadi calling the action.
Cubs historical sleuthing: The very first MLB game in Houston
With this photo, I resume my photo sleuthing series that I generally run in baseball offseasons. Before I get to this one, I’ll again put out a call: If you have any old Cubs or Wrigley Field (or even other baseball) photos you’d like me to sleuth, please send them along! The sleuthing project for […]
Chicago Cubs news— Suzuki, PCA, Bryant
Today’s Reflections Good morning. A rainout in Cleveland?!? What, did they NOT think of putting a dome on Progressive Field??? Well, if they did, those 17 magical moments wouldn’t have happened that November night. So, I guess it’s an even trade in the end. I appreciate your reading. *means autoplay on, (directions to remove for Firefox […]
American League Championship Series Game 4: Rays at Guardians, 7 p.m. CT
As you know, Game 4 got rained out Friday night in Cleveland. The weather forecast is much better for tonight, though it’ll be pretty chilly with temps in the 40s. 7 p.m. CT: Rays at Guardians (Guardians lead series 2-1) TV: TBS. Announcers: Brian Anderson, Jeff Francoeur, Ron Darling and Lauren Shehadi. Nick Martinez, RHP […]
A brief history of some recent postseason postponements
Friday’s postponement of Game 4 of the ALDS between the Rays and Guardians in Cleveland led to MLB handling tickets for the postponed game in an odd fashion. Here’s what they said in a press release about the postponement: Fans with tickets to the original ALCS Game Four on Friday, October 15th may use those […]
Chicago Cubs news— Bregman, Assad, Holmes, Happ, Suzuki, Oda, Taira
Today’s Reflections THE DODGERS LOSE! THE DODGERS LOSE! THEEEEEE DODGERS LOSE! (I know that was John Sterling’s phrase, but I respectfully enjoyed — I mean, borrowed it) And Cleveland is still up two games to one after Friday’s game was rained out. Game 4 tonight. Things get better and better! (except it doesn’t involve the […]
American League Championship Series Game 4: Rays at Guardians, 7 p.m. CT
The Guardians got what turned out to be a game-winning homer from an unexpected source Thursday, outfielder Petey Halpin. They are two wins away from their first World Series since 2016. Looks like they’re going to try to play this game despite this forecast of rain. 7 p.m. CT: Rays at Guardians (Guardians lead series […]
The Dodgers, the Brewers and the CBA Negotiations, oh my!
Last night the Brewers swept the Dodgers in Los Angeles. It was the perfect answer to the Brewers’ 2025 playoff exit, when they were swept by the Dodgers. This year, everything came up Brewers. It didn’t matter that likely Cy Young Award winner Jacob Misiorowski only went 4.1 innings in his start, because Aaron Ashby […]
A few thoughts about the Cubs and Tyrone Taylor
Next month, I’ll begin my usual “Cubs free agent target” series, as well as writing a few articles about potential Cubs trade targets. For now, I’d like to continue this series that’s been taking a look at 2026 Cubs who are going to be free agents. Tyrone Taylor came over from the Mets as part […]
MLB News: Postseason, Shohei Ohtani, Jackson Chourio, Phillies, Jake Bauers
Happy Friday, everyone! As we enter the weekend, we will soon know which team will join the Brewers in heading to the World Series. In the meantime, we look at how Shohei Ohtani busted his HR slump at the exact perfect time. We also look at how Jake Bauers pulled through for the Brewers with […]
Chicago Cubs history unpacked — October 16
Free of charge for the discerning reader. Happy birthday to Rodney Scott, and a mighty host of others. Today in baseball history, in 1971 – In the World Series, Brooks Robinson drives in Frank Robinson in the 10th inning of Game 6 to give Baltimore a Series-tying 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pittsburgh’s Roberto […]
National League Championship Series Game 4: Brewers at Dodgers, 7 p.m. CT
This game was moved up an hour from its original starting time and will begin at 7 p.m. CT (5 p.m. in Los Angeles). As you know, only one team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a postseason MLB series. That was the 2004 Red Sox over the Yankees in the […]
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