After a rocky start, are the Cubs now ready to launch?
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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.
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.
Success breeds greed, and even after a World Series win, fans quickly seek more—making sustainability the real challenge.
The Cubs’ 9-9 start shows promise, but early optimism must be tempered by the reality of tough upcoming matchups.
Nico Hoerner is the most consistent hitter in the Cubs lineup, especially with runners in scoring position.
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
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
“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.”
“Nico Hoerner is the best hitter in baseball since the start of last season with runners in scoring position.”
“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.”
Hosts
Guest
Cubs
other
Marshall Harris
person
Mark Grody
person
Mets
other
White Sox
other
Nico Hoerner
person
Wrigley Field
place
Tyler Rahimi
person
Pete Crow-Armstrong
person
Pittsburgh Pirates
other
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Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 15m • 3/31/2026
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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