What will the Cubs outfield, lineup look like with Seiya Suzuki back? (Hour 4)
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The Mully & Haugh Show episode dives into a mix of NFL draft reform debates and Chicago Cubs roster speculation, anchored by a conversation with Mike Florio. Florio argues passionately for overhauling the NFL draft system, calling it fundamentally unfair because players have no say in where they're drafted—unlike in other professions—while teams benefit from the 'privilege' of selecting first. He criticizes tanking in the NFL, citing historical examples like the Buccaneers and Eagles, and suggests the league should adopt NBA-style anti-tanking rules. The discussion then shifts to the Cubs, with hosts analyzing the impending return of Seiya Suzuki and the implications for their outfield and lineup. They debate whether players like Scott Kingery or Moises Ballesteros might be sent down, with Matt Shaw emerging as a potential trade asset due to being blocked by Suzuki and Ian Happ. The conversation explores roster depth, defensive value, and the strategic trade-off between keeping versatile players versus acquiring pitching help. The episode blends sports policy with real-time roster decisions, highlighting the tension between player development, team strategy, and organizational flexibility. While the NFL draft debate is framed as a systemic injustice, the Cubs discussion focuses on practical lineup optimization and the hidden value of super utility players. The hosts remain skeptical about major roster moves but acknowledge the possibility of trades involving Shaw if the Cubs need a starting pitcher. The tone is thoughtful and analytical, with a mix of humor and serious sports journalism, reflecting the show’s signature blend of insider insight and fan engagement.
The NFL draft system unfairly denies players choice in team assignment, unlike other professions.
Tanking exists in the NFL and is incentivized by the current draft structure, despite league denial.
Seiya Suzuki’s return forces the Cubs to re-evaluate their outfield depth and utility player roles.
Matt Shaw is a prime trade candidate due to being blocked at multiple positions and high versatility.
The Cubs may send down players like Moises Ballesteros or Scott Kingery if they struggle early.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
NFL Draft Reform: A Fairer System for Players?
“The draft is too big to fail. Look at how many people show up. It started in 2015, the first year they took it on the road to Chicago. Then when they went to Philadelphia two years later and it really exploded, it's clear. This thing, which could be done by group text, is now the NFL's ultimate offseason test scoreboard.”
Cubs Roster Puzzle: Suzuki’s Return and the Future of the Outfield
“Matt Shaw might be a trade piece in July. He might be the guy that, let's say, the Marlins want or the Tigers want or whatever team you are seeking a proven... bonafide starting pitcher from, that team may ask for Matt Shaw in any deal.”
Trade Possibilities and Roster Flexibility
The hosts explore the strategic value of Matt Shaw as a trade asset, especially if the Cubs need a starting pitcher. They debate whether to keep players like Kingery or Ballesteros, considering their options, performance, and defensive contributions.
“Matt Shaw might be a trade piece in July. He might be the guy that, let's say, the Marlins want or the Tigers want or whatever team you are seeking a proven... bonafide starting pitcher from, that team may ask for Matt Shaw in any deal.”
“The NFL's strategy is see no tanking, hear no tanking, speak no tanking. The first rule of tank club is you never talk about tank club.”
“The draft is too big to fail. Look at how many people show up. It started in 2015, the first year they took it on the road to Chicago. Then when they went to Philadelphia two years later and it really exploded, it's clear. This thing, which could be done by group text, is now the NFL's ultimate offseason test scoreboard.”
Hosts
Guest
Chicago Cubs
other
Matt Shaw
person
NFL Draft
other
Seiya Suzuki
person
Mike Florio
person
Dylan Carlson
person
Ian Happ
person
Kevin Alcantara
person
Scott Kingery
person
Moises Ballesteros
person
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