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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast

@cubspsplus.bsky.social

387 followers 596 following 156 posts

Boy dad, youth baseball coach. Host of CubsPS+ podcast on the Bleacher Bunch network. Here for Cubs, Hawkeyes, sports, life and fun.

Posts Replies Media

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Every team chased the same edge. Now they’ve all found it — and the edge is gone. Years ago Ben Lindbergh saw where this was headed. I re-aired Episode 37 from 2023 with a new intro, because the league still hasn’t solved it. New CubsPS+ 👇 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

New CubsPS+: Brooke Knows Ball is quietly trying to smuggle ‘80s baseball back into the game—using modern analytics to do it. Brooke, Joel and I get into three true outcomes, a documentary filmed across the Dominican Republic & the bigger story they’re chasing. 🎧 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #117 - Brooke Knows Ball: Smuggling the ‘80s Back Into Baseball

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · June 27 · 1h 3m

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

Ha ha…facts!

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

That’s one of the things we disagree on, but that’s more of a where baseball is. I’m 52, so I have some old school tendencies myself at times, but I wound up accepting the new approach a while back…but I get that some people don’t.

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

Two hits, on base 3 times, RBI, run scored. That’s baseball.

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Appreciate the listen! We agree on done points and that's fine. I'd argue that the Ks aren't lack of discipline, it's arguably too much. He's very picky, gets in deep counts. He could be more aggressive and it would be fewer Ks but he'd likely be less productive. It's just the more modern approach.

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

It's a feed with multiple shows and I had a gap between episodes. Mine are numbered but can still get buried with all the game reaction podcasts

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

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CubsPS+ #115: Ian Happ — The Most Confounding Cub

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · March 5 · 46m

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Really appreciate the listens! Have a great workout!

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Agree that it’s ok, but I like hearing from people who disagree more than sitting in an echo chamber.

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Also posting a roughly 140 wRC+, so there’s give and take with that. Thanks for listening. Would be very interested in your thoughts on my Happ episode.

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Thank you! Also agree - two people who see things a little differently can actually have a reasonable discussion and share points. Here’s the episode I put out this week. If you like this, #115 is all about Ian Happ ;) podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #116: Two 10-game Winning Streaks is Psycho Behavior

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · May 12 · 48m

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Fair enough — and honestly, the old school view isn’t wrong, it’s just incomplete now. We all just want this team to be good. Let’s go beat the suddenly hot Sox!

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Across 9 innings, lineup that manufactures runs without needing to scare anyone can actually be harder to gameplan against than one built around three mashers and six outs. Scary or not, the Cubs have enough depth and versatility to offer few easy outs in any situation, including late-game matchups.

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

“Scares” is relative — outdated way to read a lineup. Elite defense, great baserunning, on-base up and down the order, above-average wRC+ throughout. When the numbers say elite and the vibe says problem, the numbers are usually right. We’ll see as the season goes on whether it holds.

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

It’s a “poor” offensive team that going into the ATL series was tied for 2nd in MLB in team wRC+ with the Dodgers behind Atlanta, 4th in runs, 5th in RBI, 6th in HRs and #1 in team WAR. Cubs take their walks and while it’s maddening to see how many guys they leave on, guys are consistently on.

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Ben Brown’s last 10 outings (8 relief, 2 starts): - 23 innings - 11 hits - 3 runs / 1 earned run - 6 walks - 23 strikeouts His growth this year has been exciting to watch. He’s been a sneaky key piece for the Cubs - first helping settle the pen and now deepening the rotation.

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

New episode of today - thanks for sticking around!

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

NEW EPISODE: The Cubs are alone atop the NL Central and keep passing every test. I dig into the offense, the depth, the pitching concerns and why this team feels different. Are you ready? I’m ready. HERE! WE! GO! #Cubs #CubsPSPlus podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #116: Two 10-game Winning Streaks is Psycho Behavior

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · May 12 · 48m

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Ian Happ over the last four seasons: 119 wRC+ 13.3 WAR 86 HR That’s clearly a good player. Yet he might be the most controversial Cub. I tried to figure out why in CubsPS+ Episode 115. 🎧 Ian Happ: The Most Confounding Cub 🔗 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...

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CubsPS+ #115: Ian Happ — The Most Confounding Cub

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · March 5 · 46m

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Thank you so much! It's good to be back. New episode this weekend.

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/02/2026

I’m back - Ep 114 is out. I stopped waiting for perfect and started doing. Offseason analysis, rotation reality, and a bigger question: are the Cubs choosing a direction, or just improving around the margins? Are you ready? I’m ready. HERE! WE! GO! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #114: Finally Doing Something

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 02/15/2026 · 44m

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Cubs clinched after a season everyone swore was over many times. No epic streaks, just steady chaos. Clinched in Pittsburgh (as usual). I went live with @cody__cubs while the team partied. Even Counsell cracked a smile. 🍾 CubsPS+ Ep.113 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #113: Cubs Clinch! Live with Cody Delmendo

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 09/18/2025 · 1h

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Cubs aren’t collapsing — but they may be stuck in baseball purgatory. @IvyFutures joined Ep 112 to talk draft, deadline, prospect volatility and why Owen Caissie’s K-rate drop is no joke. 🔥 Plus: draft steals, bullpen scraps, and Matt Shaw being HIM. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #112: Greg Zumach on the Draft, Trade Misses and Prospects Who Might Actually Be Good

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 08/14/2025 · 59m

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

I have one from 2015 that I will do this offseason. First series I took my boys to and the last time I went to a game with my parents. Wanted to do it last offseason, but too much personal life stuff taking my focus.

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

I did, it was excellent!

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Thanks for listening! Good for you for sticking through. 1984 was definitely very much right in my formative years!

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

Ryno wasn’t just a Hall of Famer, he was my guy. In Ep 111, I reflect on what #RyneSandberg meant to me as a kid, a coach and a dad. From backyard grounders to Cooperstown, his impact is everywhere. His legacy lives on. #bleacherbunch #Cubs #CubsPSPlus podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #111: Thank You, Ryno

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 07/30/2025 · 43m

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

Ryno was my guy. I started watching the Cubs his rookie year and was 10 when he broke out and became MVP. My best friend and I always said in HS that we’d go to his inauguration someday…and we did. Thanks for a lifetime of memories, Ryno. RIP to the GOAT.

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Pete Crow-Armstrong isn’t just fast, he’s warping time & space in center field.  Episode 110 is a love letter to PCA, swagger & every Cub who ever gave us goosebumps.  Get nostalgic. Get hyped. Are you ready? I’m ready. #PCA #Cubs @bleacherbunch.bsky.social 🎧 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #110: The Joy of Greatness

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 06/20/2025 · 38m

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

Why did Cade Horton stop at 79 pitches SIX times? 🤯 @cubsmith.bsky.social joins me to talk pitch counts, bullpen depth, and why scoring runs is actually… good? #Cubs #CubsPSPlus #CadeHorton #PitchingDepth #BleacherBunch @bleacherbunch.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #109: Cade Horton, Pitch Counts & Pitching Depth with Bryan Smith

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 06/05/2025 · 40m

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

Is this evidence of time travel? Glitch in the matrix? Looks like Pac-Man was created by teenagers playing whiffle ball with a pickleball.

Reposted by Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast

James Smyth @jamessmyth621.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Nobody, and I mean nobody, gives the Rockies a 9th consecutive loss They’re now 4-0 this season when coming in with an 8-game losing streak

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

Yeah - the Alex Gonzalez game.

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

You’ll remember the visit forever! Hopefully the Cubs deliver!

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Cubs are surviving a brutal April. The bullpen’s under fire. I dug into the blown saves, the numbers behind the panic and why this isn’t 2024 all over again (yet). Plus: Happy Lee Elia Day! #Cubs #BleacherBunch #CubsPSPlus @bleacherbunch.bsky.social 🎙️⚾️ podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #108: Cubs Bullpen - Just Noise or Time to Panic?

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 04/29/2025 · 52m

Reposted by Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast

Sara Sanchez @bcbsara.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Fun conversation with @cubspsplus.bsky.social -- we'll check back in later this season to see if our tweaks were good ideas or bad ones! And yes, I obvi kept the Tucker trade :P

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Cubs look good, but could they have been built differently? For Ep 107, @bcbsara.bsky.social & I re-do the Cubs’ offseason. Do we keep the Tucker trade? How did we load the rotation and bullpen? What other options did Jed have? Join us! @bleacherbunch.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #107: Re-Doing Jed's Offseason with Sara Sanchez

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 04/14/2025 · 57m

Reposted by Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast

Cubes Fan @cubesfan.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

If you haven't found Bleacher Bunch on your podcast app, I suggest you do it now. @cubspsplus.bsky.social and @bcbsara.bsky.social had an amazing convo this week on #Cubs PS+ that was smarter than anything else out there. Bleacher Bunch has 5-7 shows with differing takes & loads of content.

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

It’s time to get the 2025 season going for real! Is this Cubs team a division winner? Join me for Episode 106 where I get into the final roster decisions, the strengths & weaknesses as I see them and my season predictions! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #106: Cubs Baseball is Back...Again!

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 03/28/2025 · 38m

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Not sure if you’ve heard the last episode, but your question made it in and you won a hat! I thought there was a DM function here, but not sure there is. If you’re interested in the hat, you can send your mailing info to podcast@belowthefold.media. If not, that’s cool and thanks for listening!

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

Who is going to be the Cubs surprise player this year? Who will anchor the bullpen? Who gets the final bench spot? This week is an episode for you and by you! Join me for Episode 105 with a spring training listener mailbag episode! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #105: Spring Training Listener Mailbag

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 03/05/2025 · 1h 5m

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

CubsPS+ Episode 105 will record tomorrow or Wednesday. Mailbag episode! I have a good number of questions and concerns from y’all so far. If you haven’t sent yours, get them in soon! There will be a random prize draw - 5 participants who also follow me will get a free hat!

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

Thanks for the kind words, the listens and the question! Will definitely address this one.

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

Thinking about doing another listener mail bag for Episode 105. What do you think of the Cubs hot spring start? What questions do you have as the Cubs head into a make-or-break (for Jed) 2025? Are you ready? I’m ready! Feel free to bring questions here or DMs are always open.

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

The Cubs are off to a quick start in the Cactus League, the Japan series will be here before we know it and there are some injuries already. How did Jed Hoyer do with this roster? In Episode 104, I walk through the offseason and grade it out. Join me! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #104: Grading the Offseason

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 02/27/2025 · 44m

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Alex Bregman rumors are still flying - will he be a Cubs, Red Sox or Tiger? With that question still out there, the Cubs roster is not yet complete, but in Ep #103, I compare the 2024 bench to the options for 2025. Did Jed do enough? @bleacherbunch.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #103: A Bench Rising from the Ashes?

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 02/12/2025 · 41m

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Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Ryan Brasier is a Cub. Will Alex Bregman be a Cub? What about Matt Shaw? All that plus what I got wrong in 2024. Join me for Episode #102! @bleacherbunch.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #102: More Moves & What I Got Wrong in 2024

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 02/06/2025 · 46m

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

With Pressly and Berti on board and active chatter around trades with San Diego and talks with David Robertson, the Cubs may not be done. In Ep 101, I talk about where the Cubs are and how they’re building this pitching staff brick by brick. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

Mike Waller - CubsPS+ Podcast @cubspsplus.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

CubsCon, Ricketts speaking in public, breaking even, my son’s podcast debut and my dad’s birthday. Join me for Episode 100 to get into all of that and more! 100 episodes is crazy and I’m really thankful for all of the support along the way! Thank You! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...

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CubsPS+ #100: A CubsCon Grab Bag

Podcast Episode · Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast · 01/23/2025 · 1h 15m