Michael Ernst
@mjernst.bsky.social
Used to write about the Cubs.
Still post about the Cubs, as well as the Hawks and Bears.
Still post about the Cubs, as well as the Hawks and Bears.
They need the offense with Bedard out (and his spot on the PP vacant).
Lardis is known as a goal scorer, but is a good passer too. He won't dangle guys much. Will create with his speed and smarts instead.
Compete and defense are works in progress. Lardis is working on both and progressing on both.
Lardis is known as a goal scorer, but is a good passer too. He won't dangle guys much. Will create with his speed and smarts instead.
Compete and defense are works in progress. Lardis is working on both and progressing on both.
BREAKING: The Blackhawks are recalling Nick Lardis from Rockford.
December 13, 2025 at 6:13 PM
They need the offense with Bedard out (and his spot on the PP vacant).
Lardis is known as a goal scorer, but is a good passer too. He won't dangle guys much. Will create with his speed and smarts instead.
Compete and defense are works in progress. Lardis is working on both and progressing on both.
Lardis is known as a goal scorer, but is a good passer too. He won't dangle guys much. Will create with his speed and smarts instead.
Compete and defense are works in progress. Lardis is working on both and progressing on both.
Ugh.....
Per Jeff Blashill, Connor Bedard will NOT play tomorrow against the Red Wings and will need more evaluation after an apparent shoulder injury at the end of tonight's game against the Blues
(via @benpopecst.bsky.social)
(via @benpopecst.bsky.social)
December 13, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Ugh.....
Wow.
Minny getting the best player obviously, but feels like the Canucks did well under the circumstances.
I believe Buium is going to be a Top 3 D despite his size.
Rossi is ok as a middle six C despite his size.
Minny getting the best player obviously, but feels like the Canucks did well under the circumstances.
I believe Buium is going to be a Top 3 D despite his size.
Rossi is ok as a middle six C despite his size.
December 13, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Wow.
Minny getting the best player obviously, but feels like the Canucks did well under the circumstances.
I believe Buium is going to be a Top 3 D despite his size.
Rossi is ok as a middle six C despite his size.
Minny getting the best player obviously, but feels like the Canucks did well under the circumstances.
I believe Buium is going to be a Top 3 D despite his size.
Rossi is ok as a middle six C despite his size.
Alex Bregman cannot become the Cubs 3rd baseman soon enough
Man the #Cubs 40 man roster looks terrible. Oh wait…I just got confused when I saw Matt Shaw….
December 12, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Alex Bregman cannot become the Cubs 3rd baseman soon enough
Solid get here. Cubs needed lefty depth. Milner is a guy Counsell is very familiar with from Milwaukee. And he's the type of funky, lower velo guy that the Cubs have shown they can get a lot out of.
From @feinsand.bsky.social: Hoby Milner has agreed to a one-year, $3.75 million deal with the Cubs, per source. The deal also includes incentives
December 11, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Solid get here. Cubs needed lefty depth. Milner is a guy Counsell is very familiar with from Milwaukee. And he's the type of funky, lower velo guy that the Cubs have shown they can get a lot out of.
What a response by the Hawks.
After getting stomped 13-1 in the final 2 games of the last road trip, they come home and earn a 3-0 shutout. And earn is the right word. High effort, good structure. Knight was good but didn't need to be great. One of the best games of the season for the Hawks.
After getting stomped 13-1 in the final 2 games of the last road trip, they come home and earn a 3-0 shutout. And earn is the right word. High effort, good structure. Knight was good but didn't need to be great. One of the best games of the season for the Hawks.
December 11, 2025 at 3:04 AM
What a response by the Hawks.
After getting stomped 13-1 in the final 2 games of the last road trip, they come home and earn a 3-0 shutout. And earn is the right word. High effort, good structure. Knight was good but didn't need to be great. One of the best games of the season for the Hawks.
After getting stomped 13-1 in the final 2 games of the last road trip, they come home and earn a 3-0 shutout. And earn is the right word. High effort, good structure. Knight was good but didn't need to be great. One of the best games of the season for the Hawks.
Bedard was kinda quiet tonight.
Until he wasn't.
Goal on a nice setup by Burakovsky.
2-0 Hawks.
Until he wasn't.
Goal on a nice setup by Burakovsky.
2-0 Hawks.
December 11, 2025 at 1:58 AM
Bedard was kinda quiet tonight.
Until he wasn't.
Goal on a nice setup by Burakovsky.
2-0 Hawks.
Until he wasn't.
Goal on a nice setup by Burakovsky.
2-0 Hawks.
That get overturned. Hand pass.
December 11, 2025 at 1:47 AM
That get overturned. Hand pass.
Based on the move Crevier made on that SH breakaway goal the Hawks should begin using him in the shootout.
December 11, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Based on the move Crevier made on that SH breakaway goal the Hawks should begin using him in the shootout.
Louis Crevier, offensive dynamo, scores a SH goal to put Hawks up 1-0.
December 11, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Louis Crevier, offensive dynamo, scores a SH goal to put Hawks up 1-0.
Much better start for the Hawks.
They've pressured the puck more in the first 15 minutes than they did in the last two games combined. They've really suffocated the Rangers offense. Rangers have more icings than SOG so far.
They've pressured the puck more in the first 15 minutes than they did in the last two games combined. They've really suffocated the Rangers offense. Rangers have more icings than SOG so far.
December 11, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Much better start for the Hawks.
They've pressured the puck more in the first 15 minutes than they did in the last two games combined. They've really suffocated the Rangers offense. Rangers have more icings than SOG so far.
They've pressured the puck more in the first 15 minutes than they did in the last two games combined. They've really suffocated the Rangers offense. Rangers have more icings than SOG so far.
This isn't great for the Cubs.
May get Boston to up any offer they have out there to bring Bregman back.
May get Boston to up any offer they have out there to bring Bregman back.
BREAKING: First baseman Pete Alonso and the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a five-year, $155 million contract, sources tell Jeff Passan.
December 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM
This isn't great for the Cubs.
May get Boston to up any offer they have out there to bring Bregman back.
May get Boston to up any offer they have out there to bring Bregman back.
There is no perfect SP solution for the Cubs this offseason.
All require faith/projection:
Cabrera has health concerns
Gore consistency issues
Gallen has to be restored to 2023 version
King to 2024 version
Valdez age concerns
Suárez decling velo
Imai has to overcome being 5'11" and transition to MLB
All require faith/projection:
Cabrera has health concerns
Gore consistency issues
Gallen has to be restored to 2023 version
King to 2024 version
Valdez age concerns
Suárez decling velo
Imai has to overcome being 5'11" and transition to MLB
December 10, 2025 at 4:57 PM
There is no perfect SP solution for the Cubs this offseason.
All require faith/projection:
Cabrera has health concerns
Gore consistency issues
Gallen has to be restored to 2023 version
King to 2024 version
Valdez age concerns
Suárez decling velo
Imai has to overcome being 5'11" and transition to MLB
All require faith/projection:
Cabrera has health concerns
Gore consistency issues
Gallen has to be restored to 2023 version
King to 2024 version
Valdez age concerns
Suárez decling velo
Imai has to overcome being 5'11" and transition to MLB
I will add even if a deal gets agreed upon it could still fall through because of medicals
It happened last year with the Luzardo-Caissie deal and that was Cubs projecting just 2 years of risk for Luzardo
Cabrera has 3 arb years and has missed time with both shoulder and elbow issues last 3 years
It happened last year with the Luzardo-Caissie deal and that was Cubs projecting just 2 years of risk for Luzardo
Cabrera has 3 arb years and has missed time with both shoulder and elbow issues last 3 years
Smoke seems to be growing on a potential Edward Cabrera-for-Owen Caissie+ trade.
Would give the Cubs the team controlled SP with upside they've craved for a while. And free them up to use their UFA budget on a bat (presumably Bregman) and 1-2 LIR relievers.
Would give the Cubs the team controlled SP with upside they've craved for a while. And free them up to use their UFA budget on a bat (presumably Bregman) and 1-2 LIR relievers.
December 10, 2025 at 4:44 PM
I will add even if a deal gets agreed upon it could still fall through because of medicals
It happened last year with the Luzardo-Caissie deal and that was Cubs projecting just 2 years of risk for Luzardo
Cabrera has 3 arb years and has missed time with both shoulder and elbow issues last 3 years
It happened last year with the Luzardo-Caissie deal and that was Cubs projecting just 2 years of risk for Luzardo
Cabrera has 3 arb years and has missed time with both shoulder and elbow issues last 3 years
Smoke seems to be growing on a potential Edward Cabrera-for-Owen Caissie+ trade.
Would give the Cubs the team controlled SP with upside they've craved for a while. And free them up to use their UFA budget on a bat (presumably Bregman) and 1-2 LIR relievers.
Would give the Cubs the team controlled SP with upside they've craved for a while. And free them up to use their UFA budget on a bat (presumably Bregman) and 1-2 LIR relievers.
December 10, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Smoke seems to be growing on a potential Edward Cabrera-for-Owen Caissie+ trade.
Would give the Cubs the team controlled SP with upside they've craved for a while. And free them up to use their UFA budget on a bat (presumably Bregman) and 1-2 LIR relievers.
Would give the Cubs the team controlled SP with upside they've craved for a while. And free them up to use their UFA budget on a bat (presumably Bregman) and 1-2 LIR relievers.
Even if the Cubs do nothing else today, I'm expecting them to select a pitcher in the MLB phase of the Rule 5, and then also select 3+ (maybe even +++) in the MiLB phase.
December 10, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Even if the Cubs do nothing else today, I'm expecting them to select a pitcher in the MLB phase of the Rule 5, and then also select 3+ (maybe even +++) in the MiLB phase.
Reposted by Michael Ernst
Former Cub Chris Clarke came on the pod!
- How he turned around the Pelicans season
- How pitching development changed during his time in the org
- How pitch innings limits impacted his development
- What it’s like being drafted in the Rule 5 Draft
🔗: linktr.ee/cubsondeck
- How he turned around the Pelicans season
- How pitching development changed during his time in the org
- How pitch innings limits impacted his development
- What it’s like being drafted in the Rule 5 Draft
🔗: linktr.ee/cubsondeck
December 9, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Former Cub Chris Clarke came on the pod!
- How he turned around the Pelicans season
- How pitching development changed during his time in the org
- How pitch innings limits impacted his development
- What it’s like being drafted in the Rule 5 Draft
🔗: linktr.ee/cubsondeck
- How he turned around the Pelicans season
- How pitching development changed during his time in the org
- How pitch innings limits impacted his development
- What it’s like being drafted in the Rule 5 Draft
🔗: linktr.ee/cubsondeck
Yeah, that tracks.
Rinzel needs to head down and regain his confidence with the puck.
Hawks will likely recall a player or two prior to Wednesday. One of EDM/Allan/Korchinski makes sense. They'll need a 7th D before their next road trip. They'll also want an extra F (unless Foligno returns soon).
Rinzel needs to head down and regain his confidence with the puck.
Hawks will likely recall a player or two prior to Wednesday. One of EDM/Allan/Korchinski makes sense. They'll need a 7th D before their next road trip. They'll also want an extra F (unless Foligno returns soon).
The Blackhawks have assigned Sam Rinzel and Landon Slaggert to Rockford.
December 8, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Yeah, that tracks.
Rinzel needs to head down and regain his confidence with the puck.
Hawks will likely recall a player or two prior to Wednesday. One of EDM/Allan/Korchinski makes sense. They'll need a 7th D before their next road trip. They'll also want an extra F (unless Foligno returns soon).
Rinzel needs to head down and regain his confidence with the puck.
Hawks will likely recall a player or two prior to Wednesday. One of EDM/Allan/Korchinski makes sense. They'll need a 7th D before their next road trip. They'll also want an extra F (unless Foligno returns soon).
I think the Cubs want Bregman, a frontline SP, and an impact pen arm. And I'm pretty sure they'll get it done. Maybe not all during the Winter Meetings, but this offseason.
December 8, 2025 at 5:33 PM
I think the Cubs want Bregman, a frontline SP, and an impact pen arm. And I'm pretty sure they'll get it done. Maybe not all during the Winter Meetings, but this offseason.
I see the Cubs have interest in Murakami/Saurez/etc tweets from the media mouthpieces has started.
Seems clear to me that is meant as leverage in Bregman negotiations. The "we totally have other options if the price doesn't come down a bit" tactic.
Seems clear to me that is meant as leverage in Bregman negotiations. The "we totally have other options if the price doesn't come down a bit" tactic.
December 8, 2025 at 5:09 PM
I see the Cubs have interest in Murakami/Saurez/etc tweets from the media mouthpieces has started.
Seems clear to me that is meant as leverage in Bregman negotiations. The "we totally have other options if the price doesn't come down a bit" tactic.
Seems clear to me that is meant as leverage in Bregman negotiations. The "we totally have other options if the price doesn't come down a bit" tactic.
Hawks had an unusually chill opening 6 weeks of season. No back-to-back and 3-games-in-4-days. Always had travel/recovery days.
I warned fans it wouldn't last
When finally hit their first 3-in-4 they lost 9-3 to BUF
Their second 3-in-4 they lost games 6-0 and 7-1
2 more 3-in-4s coming this month
I warned fans it wouldn't last
When finally hit their first 3-in-4 they lost 9-3 to BUF
Their second 3-in-4 they lost games 6-0 and 7-1
2 more 3-in-4s coming this month
December 8, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Hawks had an unusually chill opening 6 weeks of season. No back-to-back and 3-games-in-4-days. Always had travel/recovery days.
I warned fans it wouldn't last
When finally hit their first 3-in-4 they lost 9-3 to BUF
Their second 3-in-4 they lost games 6-0 and 7-1
2 more 3-in-4s coming this month
I warned fans it wouldn't last
When finally hit their first 3-in-4 they lost 9-3 to BUF
Their second 3-in-4 they lost games 6-0 and 7-1
2 more 3-in-4s coming this month
Reposted by Michael Ernst
The Blackhawks' 12.0 expected goals percentage at 5v5 tonight was the second lowest of any NHL team in a game this season, according to Natural Stat Trick. They also finished with the lowest 5v5 scoring chance percentage and tied for worst high-danger percentage.
December 8, 2025 at 3:49 AM
The Blackhawks' 12.0 expected goals percentage at 5v5 tonight was the second lowest of any NHL team in a game this season, according to Natural Stat Trick. They also finished with the lowest 5v5 scoring chance percentage and tied for worst high-danger percentage.
Murphy, Grzelcyk, Dickinson, and Mikheyev maybe signaling they have no interest in re-signing and are more than happy to get dealt at the TDL.
Any more performances like this and the Hawks will push them out the door.
These are the vets that are supposed to stop the bleeding not widen the wound.
Any more performances like this and the Hawks will push them out the door.
These are the vets that are supposed to stop the bleeding not widen the wound.
December 8, 2025 at 3:43 AM
Murphy, Grzelcyk, Dickinson, and Mikheyev maybe signaling they have no interest in re-signing and are more than happy to get dealt at the TDL.
Any more performances like this and the Hawks will push them out the door.
These are the vets that are supposed to stop the bleeding not widen the wound.
Any more performances like this and the Hawks will push them out the door.
These are the vets that are supposed to stop the bleeding not widen the wound.