Cubs Cards Cast

Dan and John chat about the ASG, the upcoming trade deadline and offer their revised predictions for the season at the break. Both teams have significant holes and could use fortifications. Which team will fill those holes most effectively?

Dan and John review another bad week for both the Cubs and Cardinals. The Cubs went 1-6 and the Cards squandered some games and a chance to draw closer to the Chicago team. Both teams need overhauls for the second half of the season and trades are looming this month.

Dan and John discuss the Cubs sweep of the Reds, which ended a panic boomlet in Chicago after a 1-6 stretch. The sweep featured an unusual pitching arrangement known as the Waxahachie Swap, where the Cubs had two pitchers in the game at once. In St. Louis, the Cardinals plodded along with shoddy defense and continued losing at Busch Stadium.

Dan and John talk about an unusual week where the Cardinals unexpectedly sweep the Cubs at Wrigley Field but lose to everyone else. The Cubs, meanwhile, continued to slide against the Miami Marlins, despite their very public Miami Vice get-away gear.

Dan and John talk about the obvious need for both the Cubs and Cardinals to improve their bullpens heading into the second half of the season. For the Cubs, some major trades are already being rumored. For the Cardinals, the improvements might be less flashy but equally significant. 

Dan and John talk about the Cubs' promotion of Albert Almora and the Cards' return of Jhonny Peralta and demotion of Kolten Wong and the ripple effects on the lineups. They also talk about the Pirates retooling as the season winds toward the All-Star break. 

Dan and John talk about whether the Cubs starting pitching staff can maintain the torrid pace it has set, especially considering four of them are in their 30s. John dives deep into the numbers and comes up with some answers. Dan is doubtful they will all stay healthy into October.

Dan and John review in detail the Cubs-Cards series just concluded in St. Louis. They wonder what's wrong with Michael Wacha, marvel at Ben Zobrist's hot streak and rail against ESPN for not knowing the rule book. 

Dan and John hand out grades to the Cubs and Cardinals for the quarter of the 2016 season. Let's just say the North Siders will be much happier with their report cards than the Red Birds. The hosts also revise their season predictions.

Dan and John talk about the Cubs historic start and how Cardinals fans can cope with it. And they outline a scenario where the Cards eventually get back in the race. In addition, they both express admiration for John Lackey's style.