The Brewers are rarely viewed as the preseason favorite or a cutting-edge franchise. Yet this small-market team keeps frustrating the Cubs and outperforming expectations. How does this keep happening? Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic examine the distance between Milwaukee and Chicago, how the Cubs can close the gap, and why the Brewers will be their problem for a long time coming.Support NST!

Please leave this podcast page a rating and review. Also submit any questions for possible use in a future mailbag episode.Try Huel with 15% OFF today using code FOUL at Huel.com/FOUL. Fuel your best performance with Huel today!

Though mathematically still alive for the playoffs, Fangraphs still gave this team a zero percent chance to make the playoffs after rough back-to-back losses over the weekend at Coors Field. The Cubs return home to Wrigley Field with so many big-picture questions about the organization’s direction. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic get into the clubhouse environment, gains in player development, why upgrading the rotation rotation will be a priority and whether Cody Bellinger will opt-in for next season in Chicago.Support NST!

Please leave this podcast page a rating and review. Also submit any questions for possible use in a future mailbag episode.

Use promo code FOUL at Navage.com/FOUL to order a Navage starter pack and you’ll get a cleaning kit as a FREE gift with your order!

Despite their long-shot odds to make the postseason, the Cubs still have a lot to play for in September.

Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic run through some of the players they’re following more closely as well as a few names they’re already hearing about as possible targets in free agency.

The trajectory of this season only reinforces the idea that the Cubs have to be more aggressive this winter and build a team with more certainty and fewer unknowns.

Support NST! Please leave this podcast page a rating and review.

Use promo code FOUL at Navage.com/FOUL to order a Navage starter pack and you’ll get a cleaning kit as a FREE gift with your order!