Club 1:20 - A Chicago Cubs Podcast

PCA is chasing history. The playoffs are getting closer. And the Cubs still have some things to figure out. Season 2, Episode 28 of Club 1:20 is all about balancing the final weeks of the regular season with getting this team ready for October. 🔥 40/40 Watch – Can Pete Crow-Armstrong chase history without the Cubs losing sight of October? 💣 Homer Happy – The Cubs live by the home run AND die by the home run. Which one scares us more in October? ✏️ Fill in the Blank – The Cubs bullpen is __________. 🤔 Questions for Craig – Was “next man up” actually easier for Craig Counsell to manage than having everyone available? 🎃 Topic of the Week – October Additions – Which roles do the Cubs absolutely have to define before the end of the regular season? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 28 of Club 1:20. 👇 If the playoffs started tomorrow, what's the ONE role you don't think the Cubs have figured out? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #PeteCrowArmstrong #PCA #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

What if the Cubs’ pitching problem isn’t nine innings long? What if it’s just one? All season, we’ve watched the same scene play out. Leadoff walk. Single. Bad pitch. Blooper. Home run. Suddenly a manageable game becomes a crooked number — and the Cubs are trying to dig themselves out of a hole. So this week on The Margin, we went through all 145 Cubs games through September 7 to find out just how much damage one bad inning has actually done. The difference is staggering. When Cubs pitching has allowed 3+ runs in a single inning, Chicago is 22–44. When they avoid that inning? 59–20. And 44 of the Cubs’ 64 losses — nearly 70% — have included at least one 3+ run inning. But that's the obvious part. Teams that give up a bunch of runs tend to lose baseball games. So we went deeper. In 23 of those 44 losses, the opponent's biggest inning was at least as large as the Cubs' entire margin of defeat. In 36 of 44 — 82% — the opponent produced a bigger scoring inning than anything the Cubs offense could answer with. That's where the October question gets interesting. The Cubs don't need nine innings of perfect pitching. They don't need every starter going seven. They don't need every reliever to be unhittable. They need to recognize the moment when one run is becoming three. Limit the damage. Get the next guy. Keep the long ball small. Keep the game alive. Because in October, you don't have to win all nine innings. You just can't lose one of them. The Margin — Chasing Wins, Not Stats. Subscribe to the Club 1:20 Network for weekly Cubs analysis that looks beyond the box score and searches for the margins that actually decide baseball games.   #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #CubsBaseball #GoCubsGo #CubsNation #MLB #MLBPlayoffs #ChicagoSports #CraigCounsell #TheMargin #Club120 #Baseball

October is getting closer. The Cubs are headed toward postseason baseball — but which warning signs should actually have us worried? Season 2, Episode 27 of Club 1:20 is all about shifting from the 162-game marathon to getting this team ready to win in October. 🚨 Sound the Alarm – Of all the warning signs we've talked about this season, which one are we actually sounding the alarm on heading into October? 🏳️ September Surrender – Is winning the Central still worth chasing, or should everything be about getting healthy and ready for October? ⚾ Arms Race Audit – The Cubs have added five arms since the deadline. Did they solve the pitching problem... or just complicate it? ⏰ No More Tomorrows – Is it officially time for Craig Counsell to stop managing the marathon and start managing the game in front of him? 🏆 Topic of the Week – MVPete – Does Pete Crow-Armstrong need a huge September to win MVP, or does he simply need to avoid giving voters a reason to reconsider? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 27 of Club 1:20. 👇 What's the ONE Cubs weakness that worries you most heading into October? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #PeteCrowArmstrong #PCA #NLMVP #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

The Chicago Cubs have a home run problem. 209 home runs allowed. Most in Major League Baseball. Shota Imanaga has allowed 33. Jameson Taillon gave up 25 before being DFA'd. Colin Rea has allowed 20. Opponents have homered against the Cubs in 110 games. They've hit 111 of them at Wrigley Field alone. And somehow... The Cubs are still sitting atop the National League Wild Card standings and rank only 18th in MLB in total runs allowed. How? That's what we're chasing in Episode 8 of THE MARGIN: Living with the Long Ball. Of the Cubs' 209 home runs allowed: • 118 have been solo shots • 60 have been two-run homers • 28 have been three-run homers • 3 have been grand slams Those home runs have produced 334 of the Cubs' 601 total runs allowed — 55.6%. But there's another number that might explain how they've survived: 56.5% of the home runs they've allowed have been solo shots. And that brings us back to one of our core baseball philosophies: Zeros are great. Ones are manageable. Crooked numbers kill you. The Cubs clearly aren't going to stop giving up home runs. So maybe the path to October isn't eliminating them. Maybe it's keeping the bases clean before they happen. Because the pitch that leaves the yard might be the same, but there's a massive difference between that mistake making it 1–0 or 3–0. And in October, when one pitch can decide your season, can the Cubs keep living this close to the edge? The Verdict: You can live with the long ball. It's the plus-ones that'll kill you. This is THE MARGIN on the Club 1:20 Network. Chasing Wins, Not Stats. Subscribe for weekly Cubs analysis that looks beyond the box score to find the small things that actually decide baseball games. #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #CubsBaseball #GoCubsGo #CubsNation #MLB #TheMargin #ShotaImanaga #WrigleyField #MLBPlayoffs #Baseball #ChicagoBaseball

The Cubs aren't finished. But right now? Something feels broken. After another 2-4 week, the Cubs have lost the 5½-game cushion they once held over Philadelphia in the Wild Card race. And the biggest concern is becoming pretty clear. The bullpen. The offense is scoring enough runs to win games. The Cubs are building leads. But too often lately, those leads haven't felt safe. And with September here, that's a problem that needs to be fixed quickly. Especially considering what's coming next... Four games at Wrigley against the Milwaukee Brewers — the best team in baseball. This week's Pulse: BROKEN. 📈 Trending Up — At this point, we might as well rename this the PCA Segment. Pete Crow-Armstrong went absolutely nuclear over the weekend, including a three-homer game Saturday and two more on Sunday. Plus, some love for deadline additions Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman, and Ian Happ continues his longstanding tradition of tormenting the Cincinnati Reds. 📉 Trending Down — Shota Imanaga, Trent Thornton and Jacob Webb. With September here and the bullpen under the microscope, the Cubs need answers from their pitching staff quickly. 👀 What I'm Watching — There's only one answer this week. Cubs. Brewers. Four games. Wrigley Field. This might be the biggest series of the season. ⚾ Final Diagnosis — Broken doesn't mean finished. The Cubs still have the talent to turn this around. But it's time to stop telling us everything is okay. Show us. Four games against the best team in baseball seems like a pretty good place to start. 💬 Question of the Week: Do you think the Cubs are broken right now? And what do you need to see against Milwaukee this week to start feeling confident again? Let me know in the comments. The Pulse — Beyond the Box Score Every week, we take a step back from the box scores and headlines to talk about what it all means, because the heartbeat of a baseball season is always changing. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #ThePulse #Club120 #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #PeteCrowArmstrong #CubsBaseball

September is almost here — and suddenly the Cubs aren't just thinking playoffs. They're looking at the NL Central. Season 2, Episode 26 of Club 1:20 breaks down PCA's surging MVP campaign, some old-school baseball gamesmanship, bullpen concerns, a power-hitting offense, and what it'll take to steal the division. 🏎️ Pace Car Pete – PCA received 29 of 37 first-place votes in the latest MVP poll, up from just 11 a month ago. Is the MVP officially his to lose? 👀 Flash'ing Signs – Where's the line between stealing signs and simply recognizing what the other team is giving away? 🚨 Busted Bullpen – Is the Cubs bullpen just slumping... or are we finally seeing what it really is? 💥 Doing Damage – Is this August power surge just a hot streak, or has the Cubs offense actually evolved? 🏴‍☠️ Topic of the Week – Central Coup – What has to happen over the final month for the Cubs to steal the NL Central? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 26 of Club 1:20. 👇 Has PCA become the NL MVP favorite — and can the Cubs take the Central? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #PeteCrowArmstrong #PCA #NLMVP #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

What if the most important number for the 2026 Chicago Cubs isn't ERA, WAR or runs scored? What if it's simply five innings? Through 132 games, the Cubs are 74-25 when they're leading, tied or down just one run after five innings. That's a .747 winning percentage. But when they're down two or more after five? 2-31. That's not a gradual decline. That's a cliff. In Episode 7 of The Margin, Nate looks at the number that may simplify the chaos of this entire Cubs season and completely change the way we should evaluate their pitching staff heading toward October. The Cubs don't need every starter to dominate. They don't need seven shutout innings. They may not even need to be winning when the starter's job is done. They need 15 competitive outs. Keep the game alive long enough for Craig Counsell to open the matchup book. Let the defense steal outs. Let PCA steal runs. Let the bullpen navigate the late innings. And give an unpredictable Cubs offense enough time to turn the game into something it can win. We also dig into the Cubs' strange offensive profile: 18 games scoring 10+ runs, the boom-or-bust question, crooked innings, October pitching, and why the difference between being down one and down two might define this team's championship chances. Five innings. Stay within one. Stay in the fight. That's Five For Fighting. The Margin — Chasing Wins, Not Stats. Subscribe for new episodes of The Margin and weekly Chicago Cubs analysis as we chase the wins, decisions and tiny advantages that ultimately decide a baseball season. #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #CubsBaseball #TheMargin #PCA #PeteCrowArmstrong #MLB #CraigCounsell #GoCubsGo #CubsPodcast #ChicagoSports #MLBPlayoffs

Two walk-off wins. Two walk-off losses. A shutout. A 19-run explosion. And a West Coast road trip that completely destroyed my sleep schedule. Welcome to another perfectly normal week of Cubs baseball. The Cubs went 3-3 this week, but the record doesn't even begin to explain what it felt like watching these games. This was an emotional roller coaster. ❤️ This week's Pulse: Chaotic. In this episode: ❤️ Check the Pulse — The Cubs are now 3-5 without Dansby Swanson. Are we starting to realize just how important he is to this team? 📈 Pulse Up — Pete Crow-Armstrong does ridiculous Pete Crow-Armstrong things AGAIN: .360, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 6 runs, 4 walks and 2 stolen bases. Plus, Nico Hoerner deserves some love for stepping over to shortstop and continuing to produce. 📉 Pulse Down — Javier Assad gets sent back to Iowa again, the back end of the bullpen gets walked off twice in Seattle, and I've officially had enough of Pacific Time. 👀 What I'm Watching — Life without Dansby continues, while Daniel Palencia and Ben Brown are expected to rejoin the Cubs in Arizona. As the pitching staff gets healthier, who earns Craig Counsell's trust for the stretch run? ⚾ Final Diagnosis — I need to stop waiting for this to get comfortable. It's not going to. We're approaching September, the games matter, and every night finds a new way to screw with our emotions. But maybe that's the point. This is what we wanted. Meaningful Cubs baseball. And right now, we're feeling just about everything. 💬 Question of the Week: Are you enjoying the chaos—or is this team driving you absolutely insane? And how concerned are you about the Cubs' 3-5 record without Dansby? Let me know in the comments. The Pulse goes beyond the box score to talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Because the heartbeat of a baseball season is always changing. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #ThePulse #Club120 #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #PeteCrowArmstrong #NicoHoerner #CubsBaseball

The Cubs have given us plenty of reasons to believe. Now it's time to prove they're ready for the stretch run. Season 2, Episode 25 of Club 1:20 looks at PCA's rise, roster decisions, injuries, a crowded pitching staff, and what we need to see from the Cubs out west. ⭐ PCA & Pals – Has Pete Crow-Armstrong become the superstar at the center of a championship-caliber team? 🚌 Flexing on Javy – The Cubs keep calling on Javier Assad to get them out of jams... then sending him right back to Iowa. Is he being punished for being useful? 🤕 Dinged Up Dansby – Can the Cubs survive their first real lineup injury without Dansby Swanson? 🔀 Surviving the Shuffle – The Cubs finally have pitching options. Now which arms actually deserve the innings? 🌙 Topic of the Week – Cubs After Dark – Crosstown champs. Now it's time to head west. What do we need to see to believe this team is ready for the stretch run? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 25 of Club 1:20. 👇 What ONE thing do you need to see from the Cubs out west? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #PeteCrowArmstrong #PCA #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

The Chicago Cubs are 73–53 and 20 games over .500. But where did those 20 games actually come from? Break apart the Cubs’ record and something jumps off the page: Chicago is 36–16 against the NL East and NL West. Exactly 20 games over .500. And these aren’t empty wins. The Cubs are an incredible 25–4 against the Mets, Phillies, Dodgers, Padres and Diamondbacks, including six series sweeps. All season, these have been the trial runs. The measuring-stick series against teams the Cubs could very well see again in October. And they keep passing the test. But there’s one contradiction they still have to solve: 19–17 against the NL Central. In Episode 6 of The Margin, we follow the wins, put the Cubs’ success against the National League’s playoff hopefuls under the microscope, and ask what all of it actually tells us about this team’s chances in October. Because the Cubs have spent five months proving they can compete with the National League’s best. Now go win the division. ⚾ THE MARGIN Chasing Wins, Not Stats. Subscribe for weekly Chicago Cubs analysis, baseball philosophy and the numbers hiding inside the wins. #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #CubsBaseball #FlyTheW #MLB #NLcentral #PeteCrowArmstrong #PCA #ChicagoSports #TheMargin #MLBPlayoffs #Baseball

Last week, I said something that apparently the baseball gods didn't appreciate: I expect the Cubs to win now. For a couple days, that looked pretty smart. Then baseball did what baseball does. It humbled me. The Cubs started the week by taking two of three in Washington and scoring 20 runs in the first two games. They returned to Wrigley, won the opener against the Cardinals... and then things changed. Three losses in four games. The pitching got knocked around. Dansby Swanson landed on the IL. And suddenly, the team that had made everything feel comfortable reminded us that nothing in baseball is guaranteed. But here's the thing... My expectations haven't changed. This week's Pulse: Humbled. In this episode: ❤️ Check the Pulse — A great start to the week gives way to three ugly losses and a reminder that even good teams get punched in the mouth. 📈 Pulse Up — Clay Holmes goes from Pulse Down to Pulse Up in seven days, and Seiya Suzuki continues to be one of the most important bats in this lineup. 📉 Pulse Down — Edward Cabrera's rough return, the impact of losing Dansby Swanson, and my growing frustration with the Cubs' treatment of Javier Assad. 👀 What I'm Watching — The Crosstown Series actually matters for BOTH Chicago teams this year, and we find out how the Cubs handle life without their Gold Glove shortstop. ⚾ Final Diagnosis — There's a difference between confidence and comfort. I still expect the Cubs to win. I'm just reminded that they're going to have to earn that expectation every damn week. 💬 Question of the Week: How concerned are you about losing Dansby Swanson? And after the way this week ended, has your confidence in this Cubs team changed at all? Let me know in the comments. The Pulse goes beyond the box score to talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Because the heartbeat of a baseball season is always changing. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #ThePulse #Club120 #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #CrosstownClassic #SeiyaSuzuki #DansbySwanson #CubsBaseball

The Cubs are 70-50 through 120 games. At some point, we might have to stop waiting for the other shoe to drop and admit it: This might just be a really good baseball team. Season 2, Episode 24 of Club 1:20 looks at how far the Cubs have come, PCA's MVP case, an offense that's becoming increasingly difficult to navigate, and a problem we would've loved to have a few months ago — too many healthy players. On today's lineup card: Proof Is in the Pudding – At 70-50, have the Cubs finally reached the cruising altitude we were begging for back in May? WAR-Time Inflation – Why is everyone working so damn hard to explain away Pete Crow-Armstrong's MVP case? The Offense Is... Relentless? – Have the Cubs gone from PCA-dependent to a true pick-your-poison lineup? Dawg Days – Nate opens the gates to Nate's Dawg Pound. Who's earned a collar? Topic of the Week – Happy & Healthy – What's harder: finding enough healthy players or finding enough playing time for everybody once they're healthy? Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 24 of Club 1:20. Question of the Week: At 70-50, have the Cubs finally convinced you they're legitimate World Series contenders? Drop your take in the comments, and if you enjoy the show, please like, subscribe, and share to help more Cubs fans find Club 1:20. #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #PeteCrowArmstrong #PCA #MLB #NLMVP #Club120 #CubsBaseball

The Margin - Episode 5 - The Defense Tax  The Cubs have spent most of 2026 surviving a pitching staff that, statistically, looks mediocre. 39 pitchers used. One of baseball’s highest home run rates. A staff that entered the trade deadline near the bottom of MLB in pitching WAR. And yet the Cubs keep preventing runs. Why? Because behind every Cubs pitcher might be the best defense in baseball. Chicago leads MLB in Outs Above Average, Fielding Run Value and Defensive Runs Saved. They turn ground balls into outs better than anyone. They make fewer errors than anyone. And their pitching staff has produced the largest gap between ERA and FIP in baseball. So maybe we’ve been evaluating this pitching staff the wrong way. In Episode 5 of The Margin, Nate Ritchey examines The Defense Tax: how an historically elite Cubs defense changes the level of pitching Chicago actually needs to win. Because great defense doesn’t just make highlight plays. It gets the first out. It prevents the extra 90 feet. It kills rallies before they start. It turns crooked numbers into zeroes and ones. And if that’s intentional roster construction from Jed Hoyer, maybe the Cubs aren’t trying to build a dominant pitching staff. Maybe they’ve built a team designed to make an average one better. And in October, one out that another team doesn’t make might be the difference. The Margin — Chasing Wins, Not Stats. #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #TheMargin #Club120

The Cubs didn't survive the grind. They owned it. After finishing a brutal stretch of 17 games in 17 days with a 12-5 record, the Cubs followed up an aggressive trade deadline by going 7-1 this week—including a sweep of the Dodgers, a walk-off win against Toronto, and another series win on the road in Kansas City. But Episode 6 of The Pulse isn't really about the record. It's about what that record has done to expectations. Last week, the Cubs organization told us it believed this team was worth investing in. This week, the players answered. And somewhere along the way, something changed for me as a Cubs fan: I expect them to win now. This week's Pulse: Validated. In this episode: Check the Pulse – The Cubs finish 17 games in 17 days at 12-5 and cap it with their best week of the season. 📈 Pulse Up – Javier Assad finally gets his opportunity, Kevin Gausman makes a strong first impression, and an offense getting contributions from everywhere keeps rolling. 📉 Pulse Down – When your team goes 7-1, you have to nitpick. Sorry, Clay Holmes. 👀 What I'm Watching – Ben Brown, Daniel Palencia, and Hoby Milner are getting healthy. The deadline additions have arrived. Suddenly Craig Counsell has options. So... who stays, who goes, and how does this pitching staff fit together? ⚾ Final Diagnosis – This team has changed my expectations. I'm not hoping the Cubs find a way to win anymore. I'm starting to expect it.

Every contender wanted the same thing at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline: Pitching. The Cubs weren’t shopping in a vacuum. They were shopping against every National League contender in an arms race where standing still meant falling behind. In Episode 4 of The Margin, we look beyond prospect rankings and trade grades to answer a different question: Did Jed Hoyer commit enough to give the Cubs a legitimate shot at the National League pennant? From David Peterson to Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, Braxton Garrett, Ryan Zeferjahn, Aaron Civale, and Tyrone Taylor, every move points to the same philosophy: October isn’t won by scoring more runs. It’s won by preventing them. We also revisit the “Crooked Numbers” theory from Episode 3: ⚾ Zeroes are great. ⚾ Ones are manageable. ⚾ Crooked numbers kill you. Can five new arms create just enough margin for the Cubs to survive October? That’s what we’re investigating. ⸻ 💬 Question of the Day: Forget prospect rankings and deadline grades. Did the Cubs buy enough pitching to compete with the Dodgers, Phillies, Brewers, and the rest of the National League this October? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. ⸻ The Margin is a weekly baseball series exploring the hidden decisions, philosophies, and moments that separate winning from losing. Chase wins… not stats. #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #MLBTradeDeadline #JedHoyer #Baseball #MLBPlayoffs #NLPennant #TheMargin

The trade deadline is over, and the Cubs have made their statement. In Episode 5 of The Pulse, Neil looks beyond the box score to explore what this week really meant. After taking three of four from the Cardinals and battling the Yankees at Wrigley, the Cubs didn't just add talent—they showed they believe this team is built to compete. Whether every trade works remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the front office has committed to this clubhouse. This week, the pulse of Cubs baseball feels... Committed. In this episode: ❤️ Check the Pulse – Why this week was about more than wins and losses. 📈 Pulse Up – Pete Crow-Armstrong continues his MVP-caliber season, and Jed Hoyer backs this team with an aggressive trade deadline. 📉 Pulse Down – Big moments continue to find Alex Bregman, and a difficult decision at the plate leaves Cubs fans wondering "what if?" 👀 What I'm Watching – How Kevin Gausman, Braxton Garrett, Ryan Zeferjahn, Clay Holmes, and Tyrone Taylor fit into the Cubs' playoff push. ⚾ Final Diagnosis – The Cubs have stopped hoping. They've started believing. If you enjoy thoughtful Cubs conversations that go beyond the box score, subscribe and join us every week as we check the pulse of Cubs baseball. 📺 Subscribe for new episodes every week. 🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #ThePulse #Club120 #MLBTradeDeadline #PeteCrowArmstrong #JedHoyer #BaseballPodcast

The Cubs just made one of the boldest moves of the Jed Hoyer era... and it might say more about where this team is headed than the move itself. In Season 2, Episode 23 of Club 1:20, we're breaking down what the Jamison Taillon DFA means, whether the Cubs have officially shifted into win-now mode, and what Jed Hoyer needs to do before the trade deadline. This week's lineup card: 🚨 Status Revoked – Did the Cubs send their strongest message yet by DFA'ing Jamison Taillon? 🏆 MVPete Campaign Headquarters – Has Shohei Ohtani become the automatic MVP favorite every year, or does Pete Crow-Armstrong have a legitimate case? 👏 Kudos for Craig? – What's the best managerial decision Craig Counsell has made this season that won't show up in the box score? ⏰ Tik Tok Jed – What's the bigger deadline mistake: paying too much... or doing too little? 💥 Topic of the Week – Offensive Onslaught – Has the Cubs' offense become good enough to carry this team, regardless of what happens at the trade deadline? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and join us for another episode of Club 1:20! 👇 Question of the Week: If you could make ONE move before the trade deadline, what would it be? Let us know in the comments! If you enjoy the show, be sure to like, subscribe, and share to help more Cubs fans find Club 1:20. #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #PeteCrowArmstrong #TradeDeadline #JedHoyer #CraigCounsell #Club120

The Cubs don’t make sense. More than 100 games into the season, they’ve already used 40+ pitchers, survived two 10-game winning streaks, endured a 10-game losing streak, and continue to climb the National League Wild Card standings despite one of the weakest statistical pitching staffs among playoff contenders. So… how? In Episode 3 of The Margin, we investigate where the Cubs are stealing wins. ⚾ In this episode: Why scoring first matters—but isn’t the whole story. Craig Counsell’s blueprint for surviving a battered pitching staff. How the Cubs are winning close games without a dominant bullpen. Why their success in extra innings might reveal their biggest competitive advantage. This isn’t a recap. It’s an investigation into the hidden edges that keep the Cubs in the playoff hunt. Because championships aren’t always won by the most talented team… they’re won in the margin. ⸻ 👍 If you enjoy analytical Cubs content that goes beyond the box score, like this video, subscribe, and join us every week as we go looking for the next hidden edge. ⸻ Chasing wins, not stats.

he Cubs went 3-3 this week, but the story goes far beyond the record. With the trade deadline approaching and a demanding stretch of 17 games in 17 days beginning, this week marked a turning point in the season. Pete Crow-Armstrong continues to emerge as an MVP candidate, Jameson Taillon's struggles raise tough questions about the rotation, and Jed Hoyer now faces critical decisions that could shape the Cubs' postseason hopes. This week, the pulse of Cubs baseball feels... Enduring. In this episode: ❤️ Check the Pulse – Why this week changed the season 📈 Pulse Up – Pete Crow-Armstrong is becoming the face of the Cubs 📉 Pulse Down – Is it time to make a change in the starting rotation? 👀 What I'm Watching – The trade deadline, pitching upgrades, and the toughest stretch of the season ⚾ Final Diagnosis – Why the next few weeks will define the Cubs' season If you enjoy thoughtful Cubs analysis that goes beyond the box score, be sure to like, subscribe, and join us every week as we check the pulse of Cubs baseball. #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #Baseball #ThePulse #Club120 #PeteCrowArmstrong #MLBTradeDeadline #BeyondTheBoxScore

Will Jed Hoyer push his chips into the middle at the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline? Before we answer that question, we take a step back and examine how the Cubs got here. From the Yu Darvish trade… to the 2021 teardown… to acquiring Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, Kyle Tucker, Edward Cabrera, and more, this episode retraces the blueprint Jed Hoyer used to transform a championship roster into a new contender. Then we put the current roster through The Audit, introduce a new concept called The October Five, and answer the biggest question facing the Cubs: Are they one move away… or still a year away? In this episode: The trades that reshaped the Cubs Why depth got the Cubs to October Why impact wins in October The Cubs’ biggest roster strengths and weaknesses Will Jed Hoyer go all in at the 2026 Trade Deadline? The Margin is a Club 1:20 Network series that looks beyond the box score to discover where baseball games are really won—and lost. Subscribe for a new episode every week.   #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLBTradeDeadline #JedHoyer #TheMargin #Baseball #MLB #PeteCrowArmstrong #Club120

The All-Star break gave Cubs fans a chance to reflect—but this weekend reminded us why Cubs baseball is so special. In Episode 3 of The Pulse, Neil looks beyond the box score to explore a week that connected the Cubs' past with their future. From Pete Crow-Armstrong's All-Star performance to the unforgettable return of the 2016 World Series Champions at Wrigley Field, this episode is about more than baseball. It's about legacy, connection, and believing this current Cubs team might be writing a story of its own. In this episode: ❤️ Check the Pulse – Why this week felt bigger than wins and losses. 📈 Pulse Up – Vintage Nico Hoerner, plus Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga leading the rotation. 📉 Pulse Down – National recognition, Phil Maton, and why there's still work to do. 👀 What I'm Watching – The trade deadline is almost here, and a pivotal stretch against Detroit, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis awaits. ⚾ Final Diagnosis – The past and the present shared the same field. If you enjoy thoughtful Cubs conversations that go beyond the headlines and the box score, subscribe and join us every week for a new episode of The Pulse. 📺 Subscribe for new episodes every week. 🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #ThePulse #Club120 #MLB #BaseballPodcast

The Cubs didn't have a perfect week—but they showed us something even more important. After a disappointing series against the Cardinals, the Cubs answered by winning back-to-back road series against the Orioles and Reds, heading into the All-Star break with momentum and confidence. In Episode 2 of The Pulse, Neil takes a step back from the box scores to examine what this week really meant for the Cubs. ❤️ Check the Pulse – Why resilience defines this team heading into the All-Star break. 📈 Trending Up – Starting pitching continues to exceed expectations, the bullpen keeps answering the call, and Alex Bregman may finally be turning the corner. 📉 Trending Down – Why the All-Star break might actually be the worst possible time for this team to stop playing. 👀 What I'm Watching – Can the Cubs carry their momentum into the second half, and what will Jed Hoyer do as the trade deadline approaches? ⚾ Final Diagnosis – The Cardinals knocked the Cubs down. Baltimore and Cincinnati showed us how they'd respond. If you enjoy thoughtful Cubs conversations that go beyond the headlines and the box score, subscribe and join us every week for a new episode of The Pulse. #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #BaseballPodcast #ThePulse #Club120

Welcome to the very first episode of The Pulse on the Club 1:20 Network. This isn't a game recap. It's a weekly check-in on the heartbeat of Cubs baseball. This week, we discuss why the Cubs have done more than just win games—they've changed expectations. We dive into what's trending in the right direction, what's still causing concern, and why the upcoming trade deadline could define the rest of the season. In this episode: ❤️ Check the Pulse – Have the Cubs changed the conversation? 📈 Pulse Up – Craig Counsell's impact and a confident approach at the plate. 📉 Pulse Down – Injuries continue to test this roster. 👀 What I'm Watching – Why the Cubs should be buyers at the trade deadline. ⚾ Final Diagnosis – The Cubs are no longer trying to prove they're contenders... they're trying to prove they're complete. If you enjoy Cubs conversations that go beyond the final score, subscribe and join us every week for a new edition of The Pulse. #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #BaseballPodcast #Club120 #ThePulse

The Cubs entered the season with a plan for their pitching staff... but injuries had other ideas. In the debut episode of The Margin, Nate takes a closer look at just how many innings have been thrown by replacement pitchers after key members of the Opening Day rotation landed on the injured list. Has the Cubs' depth been enough to keep them in the race, or is the margin beginning to shrink? The Margin is where we look beyond the headlines and evaluate what really leads to winning baseball. Chasing Wins, Not Stats. 🎙️ The Margin is part of the Club 1:20 Network. Subscribe for weekly Cubs analysis, commentary, and more original shows covering everything Chicago Cubs baseball. #ChicagoCubs #Cubs #MLB #Baseball #TheMargin #Club120Network

June may have changed everything for the Cubs... or maybe it just changed the conversation. In Season 2, Episode 22 of Club 1:20, we're asking whether the Cubs have finally earned our trust after a strong month of baseball. On today's lineup card: ⭐ The Real MVPete – Did June turn Pete Crow-Armstrong into a legitimate National League MVP candidate? 💼 Business Decisions – Alex Bregman says avoiding injuries sometimes means making "business decisions" on the field. Fair... or frustrating? 🍋 Craig's Lemonade Stand – Has Craig Counsell proven he can win with whatever roster he's handed? 🤹 Juggling Jed – Is Jed Hoyer building a contender... or simply buying time until the trade deadline? 🎯 Topic of the Week – Sweating Summer – Did June change your expectations for the Cubs, or are you still waiting for them to prove it? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 22 of Club 1:20. 👇 Question of the Week: Have the Cubs finally earned your trust... or do they still have something to prove? If you enjoy the show, don't forget to like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments. We love hearing your takes every week. #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #PeteCrowArmstrong #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball #NLMVP #BaseballPodcast

Season 2, Episode 21 of Club 1:20 asks a question Cubs fans are starting to wrestle with: Are the Cubs actually playing better baseball… or is Pete Crow-Armstrong carrying the whole thing?   On today’s lineup card: ⭐ Public Enemy PCA – Is Pete Crow-Armstrong becoming MLB’s next great villain… or simply becoming too good for the rest of baseball to ignore? 🚑 Pitching Peril – Another Cubs pitcher goes down. At what point does “next man up” become “there are no more men”? 🎭 Open Auditions – What matters more to the Cubs playoff hopes: PCA continuing to play like an MVP, or someone else finally stepping up? 💣 Bullpen Blips – Do the Cubs actually have a bad bullpen… or do Cubs fans just have bad bullpen memories? 🎯 Topic of the Week – Good or Good Enough – The Cubs are 7-3 in their last 10. Are they playing better baseball… or surviving on PCA heroics and duct tape?   🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 21 of Club 1:20.   👉 Drop your take in the comments: If PCA cooled off tomorrow, would the Cubs still be a playoff team?   #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #PeteCrowArmstrong #Club120 #CubsBaseball #MLBPlayoffs

Season 2, Episode 20 of Club 1:20 asks a simple question: What exactly are the Cubs? Pete Crow-Armstrong is playing like a superstar, but the Cubs continue to search for consistency as the season rolls on. On today's lineup card: ⭐ The PCA Show – Has Pete Crow-Armstrong officially arrived as a superstar? And is the supporting cast turning a blockbuster into a comedy? 😬 Dansby Dilemma – At .174, how long can the Cubs keep waiting for Dansby Swanson to turn it around? ⚾ Bad Baseball – Are the Cubs' offensive struggles the result of bad luck… or bad baseball? 👶 Cubs 4 Kids – While everyone focuses on what's gone wrong, are the Cubs quietly developing more young talent than expected? 🎯 Topic of the Week – Wildcard Reality – Are the Cubs closer to being an underachieving playoff team… or an overachieving .500 team?   🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 20 of Club 1:20.   👉 Drop your take in the comments: Is PCA already the best player on the Cubs?   #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #PeteCrowArmstrong #DansbySwanson #Club120 #CubsBaseball  

Season 2, Episode 19 of Club 1:20 tackles the biggest questions facing the Cubs as the season enters a critical stretch. On today's lineup card: MLB Lockout Questions – The owners and players have submitted proposals. What does it actually mean? RiSPY Business – The Cubs create chances. Why can't they hit with runners in scoring position? Finally Fatigued – Are injuries finally catching up to the Cubs' depth? Pressure Building? – Who's feeling the most heat during this rollercoaster season? Topic of the Week – Lighter Load – The schedule gets easier. Will the Cubs take advantage... or get cooked? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 19 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: Will the Cubs capitalize on this softer stretch of schedule? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball #MLBPlayoffs

  Season 2, Episode 18 of Club 1:20 dives headfirst into the Cubs’ brutal 10-game losing streak and asks the question every fan is asking right now: Who are the Cubs… really? On today’s lineup card: Is It Hot in Here… – The Cubs have lost 10 straight. Who’s feeling the most heat? 3 Up / 3 Down – Even during a collapse, some things are trending up… and some are spiraling. Hitters Hit – Who’s the best actual hitter on this roster? Errors in Engineering – Did the Cubs build a balanced roster… or too few real difference-makers? Topic of the Week – Will the Real Cubs Please Stand Up – Are the Cubs contenders, mediocre, or emotionally unstable? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 18 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: What are the Cubs REALLY right now? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

Season 2, Episode 17 of Club 1:20 asks the question Cubs fans are wrestling with right now: Are the Cubs actually slumping… or is this just the emotional roller coaster of a 162-game season? On today’s lineup card: Are We Streaking or Slumping? – Baseball is 162 games. Are Cubs fans getting too dramatic? For Pete’s Sake – PCA: emotional competitor… or emotional wildfire? Craig’s Lemonade Stand – How much can Craig Counsell realistically squeeze out of this bullpen? Traffic Jams – Is the Cubs’ biggest issue actually the offense? Topic of the Week – Are We Good Here? – Are the Cubs a good bad team… or a bad good team? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 17 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: Are the Cubs contenders going through a rough patch… or is this team showing us who they really are? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

Season 2, Episode 16 of Club 1:20 takes a hard look at what the Cubs really are as the season starts taking shape. On today’s lineup card: Feast or Famine – Are the Cubs an offensive juggernaut… or too inconsistent to trust? The Cavalry Is Coming… Right? – Injury updates, Iowa reinforcements, and whether the Cubs need outside help. House of Cards – Is the starting rotation sustainable… or barely holding together? NL Central Bullies – Are the Cubs true National League contenders… or just dominating a weak division? Topic of the Week – Cruising Altitude – Have the Cubs stabilized… or is turbulence still ahead? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 16 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: Are the Cubs legitimate World Series contenders right now? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

Season 2, Episode 13 of Club 1:20 breaks down a streaky stretch of Cubs baseball — from hot runs to cold dips — and what it actually means for this team. On today’s lineup card: Going Streaking – 10 up, 3 down. Are the Cubs just a high-low streaky team? Stix vs. Swords – The battle tightens (Stix 270 – Swords 243). Which side do we trust more right now? Mo Baller Mashes – Is Mo Baller forcing his way into an everyday role? Playing Chase Offense – Cubs are 11–4 when scoring first. How important is that trend? Topic of the Week – Injury Inquisition – Is this wave of pitcher injuries just bad luck… or something bigger? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 13 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: Are the Cubs’ streaks a strength… or a concern? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

Season 2, Episode 14 of Club 1:20 comes to you from the airport ✈️ — as the Cubs catch fire with a 9-game winning streak. Nate and Neil break down a huge stretch for the Cubs and what it means moving forward… all while on the move. On today’s conversation: Going Streaking – Cubs win 2 of 3 in Philly, sweep the Mets, then sweep the Phillies for 9 straight wins Hot Stick – Which bats (and players) are starting to heat up Creative Craig – DH rotation, catcher usage, Shaw in center… what is actually happening? West Coast Test – Cubs head out to face the Dodgers and Padres — real measuring stick ahead 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat (or a gate at the airport), and settle in for Season 2, Episode 14 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: Is this Cubs team for real after this win streak? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

Season 2, Episode 13 of Club 1:20 takes a deeper look at early-season trends, roster movement, and whether Cubs fans are reacting to real issues… or just April baseball. On today’s lineup card: Find Some Green – Is the lost art of being a “good hitter” hurting this Cubs offense? Farm Fresh – Bullpen callups and the Iowa shuttle begin early. Buying time or finding real impact? 3 Up & 3 Down – Three trends rising and three trending in the wrong direction. All Outs Matter – Craig Counsell’s pitching strategy: crafty… or getting too cute? Topic of the Week – Taste Test – Are the Cubs struggling, or are expectations magnifying the noise early? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 13 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: Are the Cubs’ early struggles real… or just part of the process? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

Season 2, Episode 12 of Club 1:20 tackles adversity early in the season as the Cubs deal with another major injury and a slow start. On today’s lineup card: Folded Ace (Again) – Cade Horton goes down. Will the Cubs stay patient… or finally make a move? Nate’s Dawg Pound – Who’s in, who’s out, and who’s setting the tone right now. Potholes to Palencia – The bullpen is under construction. How do the Cubs stabilize the path to the closer? Power vs Pressure – Can the Cubs offense compete without consistent slug? Topic of the Week – Light My Fire – What can spark this team out of a slow start? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 12 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: What’s the ONE thing that could spark the Cubs right now? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

Season 2, Episode 11 of Club 1:20 dives into early-season reactions, roster construction, and what we’re already learning about this Cubs team. On today’s lineup card: The Art of the Deal – Bregman, PCA extension, Nico situation… one word to define the Cubs’ offseason. ABS Ego Check – Who will the automated strike zone impact more: players or umpires? Stix vs. Swords – Weekly update (Stix 34 – Swords 45). Are pitchers taking control early? This Lineup Is ________? – Would you rather face one MVP bat or nine hitters with an .800 OPS? Topic of the Week – 3 Truths – One real, one emerging, and one concerning takeaway from this week. 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 11 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: What’s your ONE word for the Cubs offseason? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

Season 2, Episode 10 of Club 1:20 brings Opening Day energy as the Cubs kick off what could be the start of their championship window. On today’s lineup card: Cub 4 Life – The Cubs extend Pete Crow-Armstrong. Smart move or too soon? Surprised or Snubbed – Final roster decisions. Who got left out and what surprised us? Make a Statement – Does Opening Day actually matter… or is it just Game 1 of 162? Window Opening – Is 2026 Opening Day the official start of the Cubs’ championship window? Topic of the Week – And They’re Off – Who sets the tone in the first 10 games: the veterans or the young core? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 10 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: Is the Cubs championship window officially OPEN? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #OpeningDay #CubsBaseball

Season 2, Episode 9 of Club 1:20 features Nate flying solo after spending four days in Mesa watching Cubs Spring Training up close. This week, Nate reports back with real observations, insights, and takeaways you won’t get from the box score. On today’s lineup card: Mesa Minutes – Boots-on-the-ground notes from Cubs camp Triple-A Roster Outlook – Who’s close and who’s still a step away The Bullpen – What Nate saw from the arms competing for key roles Pitch Velocity Check – Who’s up, who’s down, and what it means Stix vs. Swords 2.0 – Nate throws down the challenge to Neil 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and get the inside look from Mesa in Season 2, Episode 9 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments: What’s your biggest takeaway from Cubs Spring Training so far? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #SpringTraining #Mesa

Season 2, Episode 8 of Club 1:20 dives into World Baseball Classic drama, spring injury concerns, player stock reports, and the biggest question facing the Cubs organization. On today’s lineup card: PCA – American Soldier – Can Pete Crow-Armstrong help save Team USA from crashing out of the World Baseball Classic? Early Injuries – Jonathan Long, Jordan Wicks, Porter Hodge… real concern or just spring overreaction? 3 Up, 3 Down – Three Cubs trending up and three trending down as camp heats up. 2026 Cubs Breakout Candidate – Which player is ready to take the next big step? Topic of the Week – Cubs Window – Did the Cubs wait too long to push their chips in, or is their championship window just opening? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 8 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: Is the Cubs championship window just opening… or already shrinking? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #SpringTraining #WBC

Season 2, Episode 7 of Club 1:20 dives into international baseball, spring roster decisions, pitching development, and the first real Opening Day lineup debates. On today’s lineup card: WBC Wide Open – Will the World Baseball Classic bring real drama this year? Which of the 13 Cubs involved can benefit the most from the experience? More Please – Which player deserves more opportunity before camp wraps up? Pitch Lab Progress – Velocities up and new pitch designs… is the Cubs pitch lab creating real weapons or just experimenting? 6 Gun Steele – Justin Steele is cleared. Are the Cubs rolling with a six-man rotation this season? Topic of the Week – Line ’Em Up – Our ideal Cubs Opening Day lineup. 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 7 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: Who should be in the Cubs’ Opening Day lineup? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #SpringTraining #OpeningDay

Season 2, Episode 6 of Club 1:20 dives into spring training signals, roster battles, lineup construction, and the rising spotlight on Pete Crow-Armstrong. On today’s lineup card: Spring Counts, Right? Does spring training mean nothing… or does it tell us something small but real? Spring Sparks: Who’s locked in early, and what’s the first real roster job actually up for grabs? Is Rojas forcing the conversation? Shagging Flys: With Conforto signed, what is the ideal 4th outfielder profile for this Cubs team? Setting the Table: If Busch gets full-time at-bats, is he the everyday leadoff hitter? Topic of the Week – Superstar Pete: The Chicago Magazine PCA article — is the hype fuel… or fire? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 6 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: Does spring matter — and is PCA already the face of the franchise? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #SpringTraining #PCA

Season 2, Episode 5 of Club 1:20 dives into expectations, roles, and identity as Cubs camp heats up. On today’s lineup card: 5 Dollar Words: Jed says the energy in camp is “palpable.” Is this unfinished business… or a fresh start? Higher Expectations: Are the Cubs actually better than last year — or just louder? Craig’s Counsel: Danny Palencia named closer. Right move or psychological play? Crazy Glue: Is PCA the Cubs’ glue guy… or a legitimate MVP candidate? Topic of the Week – Identity Check: Way-too-early prediction — what is this team’s identity? 🍺 Grab an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 5 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: Are the Cubs truly better — or just talking better? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #SpringTraining

Season 2, Episode 4 of Club 1:20 is all spring training energy as the Cubs get ready for another run at the NL Central. Nate and Neil break down what they’re seeing, what actually matters, and what might just be noise. On today’s lineup card: Sunrise Mesa Time: One word that defines this Cubs spring training so far. Rumors Die Hard: Gallen chatter, Red Sox buzz, and how much spring rumors really matter. Duel in the Desert: Veterans vs. Cubs prospects — who should actually win roster spots? Flexible or Frustrating: Can Craig Counsell juggle at-bats and innings without creating problems? Topic of the Week – NL Central Chat: Are the Cubs truly good… or just good enough to win the Central? 🍺 Crack an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 4 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop your take in the comments: Are the Cubs legit contenders — or just kings of a weak division? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #SpringTraining #NL Central

Season 2, Episode 3 of Club 1:20 is all about value, depth, and pressure as the Cubs head deeper into a win-now window. On today’s lineup card: Nico’s Numbers: Nico Hoerner wants to be a Cub for life — but what’s the price tag? Down on the Farm: Early prospect flashes from Kipp, Florentino, and Wiggins. Bullpen Bullies Are Back: Cubs miss on a big-name closer. Is bullpen-by-committee more Craig Counsell… or Jed Hoyer? Who’s the New Guy: New faces for 2026 — who actually makes a real impact? Topic of the Week – Pressure Cooker: Who’s under the most pressure heading into the season — Jed, Craig, or the players? 🍺 Crack an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 3 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop a comment: Who feels the heat the most right now? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsOffseason

Season 2 rolls on with Episode 2 of Club 1:20, and the conversation gets bigger — not just about the Cubs, but Chicago sports as a whole. This week, Nate and Neil take a step back, zoom out, and then drill right back into the North Side. On today’s lineup card: Buzzing Around Town: Are we living in a golden age of Chicago sports — or just riding offseason optimism? Damn the Dodgers: Here we go again. Are the Dodgers ruining baseball… or forcing teams like the Cubs to finally go all in? Rotation Reality Check: Where does the Cubs rotation actually rank in the National League? Free Agent Big Board: Who’s left, who fits, and what to make of the Bellinger, Valdez, and Gallen rumors. Topic of the Week – All In or All Smoke: Did the Cubs truly go all in this offseason — or does it just look aggressive on paper? 🍺 Crack an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Season 2, Episode 2 of Club 1:20. 👉 Like, subscribe, and drop your take in the comments: Are the Cubs really all in — or is there still another move coming? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #ChicagoSports #CubsOffseason

Season 2 of Club 1:20 starts with a bang — and the Cubs look like a team done waiting. In Season 2, Episode 1, Nate and Neil break down a franchise-shifting offseason that may have changed the Cubs’ competitive timeline overnight. This week’s lineup card: MIA Till Miami: New year, new ace? Jed Hoyer flips the Cubs’ #1 prospect to land Edward Cabrera. Bold move or risky bet? Big Bat Hunter: It took two tries, but Jed finally bags Bregman. Persistence pays off… or did the Cubs overreach? Elephant(s) in the Room: Nico Hoerner trade rumors resurface (again), and the Matt Shaw situation gets complicated fast. Who’s Next: Is Jed done making major moves — or is there still another shoe waiting to drop? Topic of the Week – Defer or Die: Has Tom Ricketts abandoned a long-held core principle, or is deferred money simply the new MLB reality? 🍺 Crack an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and welcome back to Season 2 of Club 1:20 — where the Cubs are finally playing the modern game. 👉 Like, subscribe, and comment: Did the Cubs go all in… or just mortgage the future? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsOffseason #MLBFreeAgency #Season2

Episode 40 of Club 1:20 is here — and we’re kicking off Thanksgiving week with big Cubs news, Big Board shake-ups, roster moves, rumors, and a little gratitude along the way. This week’s lineup card: Big Board Updates: Free agents already coming off the board — Shota returns to the Cubs for 2026, and Josh Naylor stays in Seattle. Shota Returns: Do we like the deal? Love it? Hate it? Or is this the rare offseason move that actually makes sense? Cubs Roster Moves: Riley Martin, James Triantos, Pedro Ramirez, and Shota added to the 40-man. Cubs roster sits at 32 — winter moves incoming. Payroll Projections: Cubs currently around $148 million. Are they gearing up to spend or tightening the belt before a CBA storm? Smoke or Fire: Schwarber. Bellinger. Bregman. Cease. Which Cubs rumors have legs and which are just offseason smoke? Topic of the Week – Giving Thanks: A Cubs-themed Thanksgiving segment — what we’re grateful for this season. 🍺 Crack an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and settle in for Episode 40 of Club 1:20. 👉 Drop a comment: What free agent do YOU want the Cubs to chase this winter? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #Offseason #CubsRumors

It’s time to hand out some hardware! 🏆 Episode 39 of Club 1:20 is our official 2025 Club 1:20 Awards Show & Free Agent Big Board Special! Nate and Neil look back on the highs, lows, and surprises of the Cubs’ 2025 season — and then set the stage for the offseason with their Free Agent Big Board. This week’s lineup card: 🏆 The 2025 Club 1:20 Awards: Billy Williams Rookie of the Year – Which young Cub made the biggest splash? Free Agent Signing of the Year – The offseason addition who paid off. The Ryno Defensive Player of the Year – Gold Glove caliber defense, Cubs style. The Hawk Offensive Player of the Year – The bat that carried the offense. The Fergie (Starter of the Year) – The ace of the 2025 staff. Bullpen Bully (Reliever of the Year) – Who locked it down late. Dawg Pound Award – Who finished in the Pound for 2025? Mr. Cub Award – The player who best represented the spirit of the team. 💰 Free Agent Big Board: The Cubs’ biggest offseason needs. Dream signings vs. realistic moves. Will Chicago spend big… or keep the powder dry for what’s ahead? 🍺 Crack an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and join Nate and Neil for Episode 39 of Club 1:20 — The Awards Show & Free Agent Big Board Special! 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your votes in the comments: who’s your Mr. Cub and which free agent should the Cubs target this winter? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball #MLBFreeAgency #ChicagoSports

Episode 38 of Club 1:20 is here — and it’s report card time for the Chicago Cubs. From the front office to the bullpen, Nate and Neil hand out postseason grades and look ahead to what’s next. This week’s lineup card: The Brass: Grading Ricketts, Hoyer, and Counsell. Who passed, who needs summer school? Silver Slugger Offense: Was the Cubs offense powerful and productive… or just plain offensive? Starting Staff: No Justin Steele all year — how do you grade this rotation? Bullpen Bullies: Craig Counsell’s “no roles, just outs” bullpen — like it, love it, or trash it? We’ve Got Options: Who earned a roster spot for next year — and who didn’t? Topic of the Week – Winter Is Coming: Will the Cubs make moves this offseason, or keep the powder dry with a possible lockout ahead? 🍺 Crack an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and join Nate and Neil for Episode 38 of Club 1:20. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your own grades in the comments: who got your A’s and F’s this season? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120 #CubsBaseball

Episode 36 of Club 1:20 is here, and the Cubs are sliding at the worst time — but October is right around the corner. This week’s lineup card: Swept and Sliding: Cubs drop three in Cincinnati and momentum takes a hit. Horton Hurt: Is Cade Horton actually injured, or just getting strategic rest before the playoffs? Health Check & Roster Predictions: Updates on Kyle Tucker, Palencia, Amaya, and others — plus how it impacts the October roster. Flashing Lights: Can the Cubs just turn it on when the postseason starts? Good News / Bad News: Padres rotation is all RHP… but their bullpen might be the bigger story. Topic of the Week – Playoff Prognosis: Other races, other matchups, and our final Cubs playoff predictions. 🍺 Crack an Old Style, grab a bleacher seat, and join Nate and Neil for Episode 36 of Club 1:20. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your take in the comments: what’s YOUR Cubs playoff prediction? #Cubs #ChicagoCubs #MLB #Club120