After a rocky start, are the Cubs now ready to launch?

Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show14mApril 17, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show dives into the Cubs' early-season performance, analyzing their 9-9 record and potential for a breakout following a rocky start. Hosts Mark Grody, Marshall Harris, and Tyler Rahimi explore the psychological shift in Cubs fandom—from decades of heartbreak to a new era of entitlement and high expectations after the 2016 World Series win. They debate whether this newfound greed for success is healthy or unsustainable, using the Cubs' recent offensive surge and favorable matchups against a struggling Mets team as a backdrop. The conversation also touches on the emotional toll of rebuilding on the White Sox, the importance of managing expectations, and the challenges of sustaining momentum after a high. The hosts express cautious optimism for the Cubs’ upcoming series against the Mets, especially with favorable weather and key injuries to the Mets’ lineup, but warn of the 'Wrigley hangover' effect after road trips. They highlight Nico Hoerner as the team’s most consistent offensive force and speculate on breakout potential for Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Bush. Key takeaways include the idea that Cubs fans now have a higher standard due to historical success, the danger of overconfidence after early wins, and the importance of consistency over flash. The hosts emphasize that while the Cubs are showing signs of life, the real test lies in maintaining performance against stronger teams like the Dodgers and Padres. They also stress that fan expectations should evolve with team performance, and that true loyalty means enduring both highs and lows with perspective.

Key Takeaways
1

Cubs fans now have a higher standard due to the 2016 World Series win, and this 'entitlement' is a natural evolution from decades of losing.

2

Success breeds greed, and even after a World Series win, fans quickly seek more—making sustainability the real challenge.

3

The Cubs’ 9-9 start shows promise, but early optimism must be tempered by the reality of tough upcoming matchups.

4

Nico Hoerner is the most consistent hitter in the Cubs lineup, especially with runners in scoring position.

5

Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Bush are poised for breakout performances if they can stay healthy and consistent.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

The Cubs Fan Experience: From Loser’s Lament to Entitled Optimism

The Cubs could win the World Series this year and guess what? For a large portion of people after that initial wave, after those endorphins are released and the excitement is... just completely within reason of how excited you are, that drug's going to wear off.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

The 9-9 Start: Signs of Life or Early Hype?

It's the difference between going down a gravel road versus a road that's just dirt because so many feet have been on it and the grass is gone. And then going down a paved road.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Nico Hoerner: The Quiet Engine of the Cubs’ Offense

Nico Hoerner is the best hitter in baseball since the start of last season with runners in scoring position.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

The White Sox Dilemma: Apathy After a Failed Rebuild

The hosts contrast the Cubs’ optimism with the White Sox’s current state of fan disillusionment, citing the failed rebuild and emotional exhaustion among fans after investing heavily in players like Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert.

40:00
10 min

The Mets’ Collapse: A Case Study in Dysfunction

The hosts dissect the Mets’ eight-game losing streak, their 44-12 scoring differential, and the impact of key injuries like Juan Soto’s calf strain. They emphasize that the Mets are not a quality team despite their payroll.

High-Impact Quotes
The Cubs could win the World Series this year and guess what? For a large portion of people after that initial wave, after those endorphins are released and the excitement is... just completely within reason of how excited you are, that drug's going to wear off.
Marshall Harris2:45
Viral: 85.0
Nico Hoerner is the best hitter in baseball since the start of last season with runners in scoring position.
Mark Grody11:56
Viral: 80.0
It's the difference between going down a gravel road versus a road that's just dirt because so many feet have been on it and the grass is gone. And then going down a paved road.
Marshall Harris8:22
Viral: 75.0
Speakers

Hosts

Mark GrodyMarshall HarrisTyler Rahimi

Guest

Abby Mistraco
Topics Discussed
Cubs Fan Psychology90%Entitlement in Sports Fandom85%Early Season Performance Evaluation80%Rebuilding and Fan Burnout75%Team Sustainability70%Offensive Consistency65%Wrigley Field Atmosphere60%Player Development and Breakouts55%
People & Brands

Cubs

other

35xPositive

Marshall Harris

person

20xPositive

Mark Grody

person

15xNeutral

Mets

other

12xNegative

White Sox

other

10xNegative

Nico Hoerner

person

10xPositive

Wrigley Field

place

8xPositive

Tyler Rahimi

person

8xNeutral

Pete Crow-Armstrong

person

6xPositive

Pittsburgh Pirates

other

6xPositive

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