5 On It: Who was the MVP of the Cubs’ series sweep of the Mets?
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The Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show dives into the Cubs' recent three-game sweep of the Mets, debating who deserved MVP honors. Hosts debate between Jamison Tyone, whose six-inning performance anchored the series, and Caleb Thielbar, who delivered a crucial save and win in high-leverage situations. The conversation shifts to bullpen reliability, with Thielbar earning a strong 8.5/10 confidence rating from one host, while White Sox closer Sir Anthony Dominguez receives a low 2.5/10 due to erratic control and high walk totals. A key discussion follows on managerial mistakes: the Mets' decision to pitch to clutch hitter Nico Horner in the 10th inning versus the White Sox’s choice to pitch to a pitcher in the 11th inning, with the hosts ultimately siding with Carlos Mendoza’s error as worse due to Horner’s proven contact and clutch ability. The segment then turns to the Bears’ draft strategy, with mixed views on whether they should have acquired Dexter Lawrence, balancing defensive need against cap implications. Finally, the hosts share their favorite current players, highlighting Jordan Alvarez, Kyle Schwarber, and Jose Ramirez, with particular praise for Ramirez’s longevity and all-around excellence despite his age. The episode closes with a preview of an upcoming interview with MLB insider Russ Dorsey.
Caleb Thielbar’s clutch performances in high-leverage situations make him a strong candidate for Cubs' MVP despite not being the most obvious choice.
Pitching to Nico Horner in a critical 10th inning was a major managerial error, especially given his elite contact and clutch stats.
The White Sox bullpen’s inconsistency, particularly Sir Anthony Dominguez’s high walk rate, is a growing concern.
Acquiring premium defensive players like Dexter Lawrence may require overpaying, but the Bears’ inability to develop defensive talent through the draft raises long-term concerns.
Jose Ramirez remains a dominant force in baseball, leading the majors in steals without being caught and embodying the complete baseball player.
MVP Debate: Cubs vs. Mets Series
“I'm going with the hipster answer of Jamison Tyone as my MVP for the Cubs series.”
Bullpen Confidence Ratings
“He's already got eight walks this season in eight innings compared to 10 strikeouts. His ERA is 5.63.”
Managerial Mistakes: Mets vs. White Sox
“It's easily Will Venable. I would love to play Will Venable and connect four because I think I'd just be a few moves ahead of him.”
Bears’ Draft Strategy & Defensive Needs
The hosts debate whether the Bears should have traded for Dexter Lawrence, weighing the need for a dominant defensive tackle against cap and draft asset costs.
Favorite Players & Preview of Upcoming Interview
The hosts share their favorite current players, including Jordan Alvarez, Kyle Schwarber, and Jose Ramirez, before previewing an interview with MLB insider Russ Dorsey.
“It's easily Will Venable. I would love to play Will Venable and connect four because I think I'd just be a few moves ahead of him.”
“He's already got eight walks this season in eight innings compared to 10 strikeouts. His ERA is 5.63.”
“The job is hard. But I understand that. But so, you know, to bring it full circle, if a guy like that is available and it's rare... when they become available, you might have to overpay for it.”
Hosts
Guest
Caleb Thielbar
person
Nico Horner
person
Jamison Tyone
person
Chicago Bears
organization
Sir Anthony Dominguez
person
Jose Ramirez
person
Carlos Mendoza
person
Dexter Lawrence
person
Will Venable
person
Kyle Schwarber
person
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