CubsPS+ The Signs #1: Blown Saves

Bleacher Bunch Network: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

Podcast Show Notes: CubsPS+ The Signs Episode 1

Episode Title: The Signs: Blown Saves

Host: Mike Waller

Description: Welcome to the debut episode of "CubsPS+ The Signs," my new podcast where I take a deep dive into interesting numbers, trends, and plays related to the Chicago Cubs. This short-form podcast aims to land in your feed one or two times a week, offering quick hits on specific topics that may not fit into my larger episodes.

Episode Summary: In this first episode, I discuss the concept of "blown saves" in baseball, a statistic that often causes confusion and frustration among fans. I delve into the nuances of this stat, explaining why it can be misleading and how it should be properly contextualized. Key points I cover include:

• The definition of a blown save and how it differs from a traditional save.
• Why not all saves (and blown saves) are created equal.
• The performance of the Cubs bullpen this season, highlighting the team's struggles with blown saves.
• The importance of the save plus hold percentage as a more comprehensive measure of bullpen performance.
• Examples of games where the Cubs bullpen struggled and how these instances impacted the team's overall performance.
• The potential impact of improving the bullpen, especially at the trade deadline.

Key Stats and Insights:

• The Cubs bullpen has blown 23 leads this season, ranking among the worst in baseball.
• The team is 14-20 in one-run games and has 18 blown saves.
• The importance of looking beyond just the closer when analyzing blown saves.
• Cubs' current bullpen situation and potential trade deadline moves to bolster the relief pitching staff.
• League average save percentage vs. Cubs save percentage and its impact on the team's standings.

Takeaway: Understanding the blown save stat requires context. It doesn't always indicate poor performance by the closer alone, but rather reflects overall bullpen management and performance. Despite the Cubs' struggles, there are signs of improvement, and strategic moves could enhance their chances as the season progresses.

Call to Action: Support Cubs PS Plus on Patreon for ad-free episodes and exclusive content: patreon.com/CubsPSPlus.

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Go Cubs!

Produced by: Bleacher Bunch Productions on the Fans First Sports Network

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• The Son Ranto Show
• Cuppa Cubbie Blue
• Baseball Rabbit Hole

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