Have the Chicago Cubs found their next Anthony Rizzo or Jon Lester? | CHGO Cubs Podcast

[@knleonhart]

Luke, try putting buffalo infused deli chicken on your grilled cheese with preferably mozzarella.

[@John-p2v2v]

Wild that you thought Almora as an impact draft before Javy (2016 NLCS Co-MVP with Lester, drafted first round by Cubs in 2011)

[@sbcburgos2300]

Dude, Almora tagging from 1st to 2nd on KB's flyball in the 10th inning of Game 7 was key for the Cubs victory. Another key player was Javy Baez when he hit that solo homerun to make the score 4-1. The Cubs needed every single run that they scored in that game. Addison Russell was key in Game 6 with his grand slam. This current Cubs team is not even close to the 2016. And Swanson is nowhere near in status to Anthony Rizzo either. Rizzo was not a super star, but he was pretty close to it. He was way more productive offensively and more consistent than Swanson.

[@Beatlesbec]

the Giants have signed Verlander on a 1 year contract

[@jennifertimlin1371]

Hopefully, Michael Busch becomes a Rizzo type player.

[@justinnoceda2115]

I think matt shaw is gonna take the baseball world by storm and dont forget about moises if amaya and Kelly struggle early in the first half

[@jeffkrupsaw6457]

Baez drafted in 2012?

[@michaelthiel3161]

It's simple. The goal is sustained success. That starts with getting to the postseason almost every year. Just like 2015-2019 (2020 eh...). Those years set the standard: sustained success. Prior to last year, the Dodgers were consistently fighting to be the very best team for the 10 yrs prior and only one ring and that was 2020 weird season. The Mets, Padres, and Phillies are talked about as what Cubs should be doing but why?! Just because they spend? Padres and Mets consistently underperform. Phillies have star power but have gotten to one WS and lost. Rangers missed playoffs all together 2 of last 3 years and have one ring mixed in there. Is that acceptable? The Astros have been really good but there's no way Cubs fans want to be like that owner! And no one talks about them and how they don't spend money in a huge market for some reason. One of their rings in definitely legit but the other is highly tainted/questioned. The top goal is winning the World Series, but it's unrealistic to expect that each year and be disappointed if you don't win it. Be good each year to get to postseason as a baseline going into the year and hope things go well in season with performance, injuries, and deadline acquisitions. That is way more enjoyable as a fan than the Rangers or Mets last few years.

[@justinnoceda2115]

I really like your comment brother very detailed

[@d.j.8059]

The Mets made the playoffs in 2022 and 2024. The Padres made the playoffs in 2020, 2022 and 2024. The Phillies made the playoffs in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Those three teams are all more favored than not to make the playoffs in 2025. Those teams are all enjoying "sustained success". They're not "underachieving". And those teams' fans have all had a lot more fun in the past five years than we have. So, what's your argument against these franchises and how they do things, again?

[@michaelthiel3161]

@@d.j.8059 I don't wholeheartedly disagree with you. But look at the Mets spending last few years. Twice in last 4 they finished under 80 wins, with incredible payroll and moves. That's not success. Padres have an incredible amount of talent, and for years, but struggle to win 90 games. They missed the playoffs with that roster in '23... How?! The Padres with that roster talent and Mets spending they way they do, they're definitely underachieving by the standards of Cubs fans saying Cubs are underachieving. My question was to the Cubs fans that say Cubs are underachieving and wanting what those other teams have. They'd be just as mad, maybe even more, in those shoes. Most Cubs fans don't understand sustained success is the best standard instead of a ring or nothing.

[@d.j.8059]

I stopped listening when you tried to compare Dansby Swanson to Anthony Rizzo.

[@EV-ok2kv]

Ian Happ needs to go. 😂😂

[@renealavarez9969]

After the glove. Hes definitely not clutch

[@wayhollobj36]

We might consider that getting the Lefty Shota with Kyle Tucker as their greatest building blocks If the Cubs win They'll pay Tucker to stay

[@KevinKucera-p8f]

Happ has little playoff experience because we are stuck with Happ.. Get a clue Ian. Cubs management wants you to leave but you cling to your NTC. How selfish. Make him the fourth OF and start Caissie in LF.