Ivy Envy - Chicago Cubs Fan Podcast (unofficial)

The Cubs have been experiencing a bit of a rough stretch and on this episode, we discuss some of the causes for the results in the second half of the month of May.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

On this episode, Kurt and Andy go Corey-free and talk about the Cubs first series loss since the beginning of April.  They also look forward to the upcoming home stand which features a Darvish-Arrieta matchup. Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs continue their winning ways and we discuss some of the highlights of the last week.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

A red-hot Cardinals team came to Wrigley for the weekend and the Cubs swept them away.  I guess you could say the Cubs spanked and buried the Cardinals.  We share some thoughts on the series and where the Cubs stand, which is atop the division.  We also contemplate the validity of our early-season bullpen concerns.  The Marlins come to Wrigley for a four-game series, and we see this as a good opportunity to continue their winning ways. Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs went to Seattle and took the two-game set, and now return to Chicago to face the Cardinals for the first time this season.  On this episode, we talk about a few things we saw in the Mariners series and then preview this weekend's series.  Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

This episode was recording during the Cubs' extra-inning win over the Diamondbacks.  We share a few thoughts on the D-backs series, preview the upcoming Mariners series, and answer about a dozen listener questions.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The biggest test of the season came to Wrigley this week, and the Cubs beat the Dodgers two games to one.  On this episode, we talk about the series, and how the starting pitching held up.  Now that the season is four weeks old, we also look at some the players in the lineup who aren't producing as we'd expect.  We also talk about the players that have stepped up to help the offense produce at a near-record clip.   Addison Russell will likely join the Cubs soon.  We share some thoughts on his return.  We also preview the upcoming Diamondbacks series. Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs took two of three from the Diamondbacks, and the series was once again anchored by a pitching staff that has been unbelievably reliable since Jon Lester was injured.  We focus on the three starters in the Diamondbacks series, and also discuss some offensive performances.  We also preview the upcoming Dodgers series and give you some injury updates.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

Anchored by great starting pitching and some key offensive players, the Cubs went down to Miami and swept the Marlins.  On this episode, we talk about some of the individual performances and share how much stock we put into this sweep of a weaker team.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

On this, the 610th episode of The Ivy Envy Podcast, we talk about the two games the Cubs played against the Angels this weekend.  In these two games, we saw some great pitching (Cole Hamels), some bad pitching (the bullpen on Saturday), and some in-between pitching (Kyle Hendricks).  We also talk about the catching situation now that Victor Caratini is out for a month or two.  This allows us the opportunity to fret over the lack of quality pitch-framing. We also preview the upcoming Marlins series.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

This episode was recorded during Thursday night's rubber-match between the Cubs and Pirates.  On this episode, we start things off by talking about starting pitching.  Between the Scary Stat segment, Jon Lester's injury, and Yu Darvish's outing, we have quite a bit of starting pitching to talk about.  We are thoroughly enjoying Jason Heyward's production, though there are a few signs that the power he's displaying may not be "The New Heyward."  We also preview the upcoming Angels series.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

The Cubs opening road trip is finally over.  The Cubs managed to win one game in their weekend series with the Brewers.  Although the Cubs lost the series, in some ways, it felt like we had some positives to take away from it.  We talk about the current situation with the 2019 Cubs and preview the upcoming series with the Pirates at Wrigley.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

Well, the bullpen woes have not disappeared for the Chicago Cubs through their first two series of the season.  That said, there are a lot of positives to take away from the first two series.  In this episode, you can expect audio whiplash as we go between the positives and negatives.  We also preview this important upcoming series vs. the Brewers.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

Well, the Cubs started the 2019 season in down in Texas, and the offense was clicking right away. The Cubs scored 28 runs in three games, yet lost the series.  The bullpen and some starting pitching are areas of concern right now.  In this episode, you'll hear us fawn over the offense and wring our hands over the pitching. We also preview the upcoming series against the Braves in Atlanta.   Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/IvyEnvy Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter Like the Ivy Envy Facebook page Download the free Ivy Envy iOS app Download the free Ivy Envy Android app Sign up for ESPN+ at IvyEnvy.com/espn

Thanks for downloading the 605th episode of The Ivy Envy Podcast.  The Cubs open their 2019 campaign vs. the Rangers down in Texas.  On this episode, we preview the series and look at the pitching match-ups.   Since Theo Epstein's press conference after the end of the 2018 season, the Cubs have indicated that they would like to create a sense of urgency with the team.  This week, we learned some of the things they will implement to keep the team focused and working as a unit. On Tuesday, the Cubs announced they have come to an extension agreement with Kyle Hendricks.  We talk about the deal itself and look at the long-term starting pitching situation.  The goal is always to get out of Spring Training without injury, and for the most part, the Cubs accomplished that.  We share the updated information on the players who are entering the season banged up and on the Injured List.  We also take a look at the 25-man roster the Cubs will employ to start the season.  Become a supporter of the podcast at Patreon.com/I

On this episode, we make our predictions on the 2019 Chicago Cubs season.  We are inviting people who support Ivy Envy through Patreon to join us in these predictions and compete against us.   If you'd like to support Ivy Envy on Patreon, visit Patreon.com/IvyEnvy

We begin to wrap up Spring Training 2019 with this episode of the podcast.  We look ahead to the regular season by talking about position battles in the bullpen.  We also share areas of concern based on Spring Training performances.  Maddon has declared the players who will primarily be the 2-3-4 hitters in the line-up and that gives us an opportunity to swoon over Javier Baez's progress since his rookie season.  We look at the first month of the Cubs' 2019 season and talk about some rule changes going into effect this season and next.  

Thanks for downloading the 602nd episode of The Ivy Envy Podcast.  This week, we talk about some individual Spring Training performances that have caught our attention.  We talk about Albert Almora, Tyler Chatwood, Steve Cishek, Carl Edwards Jr, Kyle Schwarber, Willson Contreras, Ian Happ, and the starting pitchers.   Certain players always catch people's attention in Spring Training.  There are young players or players from the system that play well in Spring Training, and then people believe they should unseat All-Stars because they're hitting .364 in Spring Training.  We talk about a few players who are getting attention and talk about their role with the Cubs in 2019.  We discuss Nico Hoerner, Mark Zagunis, and Allen Webster.   Andy runs through an injury update.  Kurt gives us more information on the Cubs tv deal.  And, the Cubs acquired one of their recent draft picks through a trade.      

The podcast turned a decade old yesterday, and here we have our 601st episode for you.   We had a full week of Spring Training games and we share some of our thoughts on the games.  With the Bryce Harper signing official, we share the off-season grades we give the Cubs front office. Kurt gives us some more details on the Cubs' tv deal. 

Thanks for downloading this, the 600th episode of The Ivy Envy Podcast.  Michael from Galesburg (and the Cultivating Catuli podcast) joins us to review the predictions we made on the 2018 Chicago Cubs.