5 On It: Should Nico Hoerner be the Cubs' leadoff hitter all the time?
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The episode opens with a spirited debate on whether Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner should be permanently entrenched as the leadoff hitter, with host Leila Rahimi passionately arguing that his career leadoff stats—.285 batting average, .333 OBP, .396 slugging, and a 730 OPS—demonstrate consistent, high-level performance in the top spot. She highlights his speed, approach, and recent success, calling for stability in the lineup. Marshall Harris counters with a nuanced take on the Cubs' pitching rotation, praising Javier Assad’s dominant relief appearance and arguing he’s the most valuable pitcher in the recent series win over the Reds, especially given his uncertain role coming into the season. The conversation shifts to the Bulls’ Patrick Williams, who scored 20 points in a game shortly after the front office that drafted him was fired, sparking a discussion on symbolism and player performance under pressure. The hosts then speculate on the White Sox’s future, predicting a $100 million contract will come in 2028, possibly under new owner Justin Ishbia. Finally, they engage in a lighthearted, detailed mock dinner debate at Circa Resort, dissecting menu items, portioning, and social etiquette when a boss is paying—ranging from lobster bisque to campfire s'mores.
Nico Hoerner’s career leadoff stats (.285/.333/.396) make him a strong candidate for permanent leadoff duty.
Javier Assad’s dominant 5.2 innings of scoreless, hitless baseball earned him MVP honors in the Cubs’ recent series win.
Patrick Williams’ 20-point game post-front office firing may symbolize a turning point in his career.
The White Sox are expected to hand out their first $100M contract by 2028, likely under new ownership.
When a boss is paying, order something slightly better than usual but avoid excessive splurging to maintain social balance.
Should Nico Hoerner Be the Cubs' Permanent Leadoff Hitter?
“If the leadoff batter is set, that makes a lot of everything else make sense.”
Who Was the Most Valuable Pitcher in the Cubs' Series Win?
“He stayed stretched out like we talked about and then prove why you need to be considered and trusted on this team.”
Patrick Williams' 20-Point Game and Front Office Fallout
The hosts reflect on Patrick Williams’ 20-point game coinciding with the firing of the front office that drafted him, discussing symbolism, player accountability, and the pressure of expectations. They predict he’ll score 25 points with a double-double against the rebuilding Wizards.
When Will the White Sox Give Out Their First $100M Contract?
The hosts speculate that the White Sox will hand out their first $100M contract by 2028, likely under new owner Justin Ishbia, despite Jerry Reinsdorf’s reluctance to spend. They debate the timeline and ownership dynamics.
Dinner Etiquette When Your Boss Is Paying
“You want to do something a little bit better than what you would normally do. But you don't want to do too much because then it is rude.”
“If the leadoff batter is set, that makes a lot of everything else make sense.”
“You want to do something a little bit better than what you would normally do. But you don't want to do too much because then it is rude.”
“He stayed stretched out like we talked about and then prove why you need to be considered and trusted on this team.”
Hosts
Guest
Nico Hoerner
person
Cubs
other
Javier Assad
person
Patrick Williams
person
White Sox
other
Chicago Bulls
other
Washington Wizards
other
Jerry Reinsdorf
person
Justin Ishbia
person
Circa Resort and Casino
place
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Edward Cabrera shines in his Cubs debut
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Examining the Bears’ receiver void
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 18m • 3/31/2026
5 On It: How confident are you in what Edward Cabrera can bring to the Cubs?
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 18m • 3/31/2026
Will White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami hit 40 home runs this season?
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 12m • 3/31/2026
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