Bricks Behind the Ivy

North Side Baseball is back in action and recording tonight. We're talking our favorite observations from Spring Training, if there's anything that concerns us, and maybe even a little WBC. We'll post tomorrow, but keep an eye out for an AM release!

I hate that it’s gotten to this point and how these things are so intertwined. Really I struggle the most with Matt Shaw.

I’m going to have a really hard time rooting for America in sports stuff…

Honestly. I post things like this to remind myself that people don’t think what is going on is ok. This moment has been exhausting and I just don’t see history being too kind on it.

There was a caller on a news show describing how her ebt got reduced to $12 per month and she had to cut her monthly food budget to $65 per month. She can't volunteer to work anymore or drive because she is partially blind. How is this making lives better?

Yes. I am struggling to find commonality with anyone who thinks what is going on is ok.

It’s tough knowing my taxes goes to fueling missiles. and tax cuts for the rich. while so many are tightening budgets again, are without healthcare, and food.

During the State of the Union, it was shared that “millions are off of food stamps.”

Because they took them away, not found a solution.

I had a friend recently tell me that their employer told them when they asked for a raise that “money isn’t everything.”

It’s not, but it is the reason most of us work. I think about that a lot. If could use AI to reduce jobs, but find a version of UBI, we could have the golden age of arts.

Man. I miss my podcast. I loved the control I had, the people I met, and the creativity I dumped into it. I love being able to flex my creativity, and I had so many passionate hobbies.

The reality was I wasn’t capable of doing it for fun. I had so much drive to make it something more.

SUPERMAN: *Loved* it. Dorky Superman, Krypto, the in medias res nature of the world, Mr. Terrific, all of it worked on me. Can't remember the last time I didn't check my watch once during a movie. Best Lois since Erica Durance, too. James Gunn, you son of a bitch, you did it.

Just today:

- Jordan Wicks isn’t pitching do to an injury
- Tyler Austin missing time.

The importance of roster depth showing up early, as baseball has no guarantees.

Dementia doesn’t have a bedtime

For as much as I complained of the complexity of the Star Wars prequels discussing trade routes, and being confused about why most folks clap for Pallpatine…

It’s alarming how prepared I am now for this moment in history.

Yay.

Just racist rhetoric. I’m so tired. So so tired.

Is this because we are seeing less corporations match 401K contributions?

You know…the reason we no longer have pension.

Waiting for those tax breaks to trickle down any day now…

I just want to eat pizza and watch baseball. But I need money to both of those.

The struggle continues.

Cubs end national nightmare and finally win a Spring Training game, mere days after their Offseason Champions banner ceremony.

Connelly Early (#23 Prospect) made his Spring debut!

Early showed off why he is considered one of the best prospects in MLB as his fastball-changeup looked stellar. He flexed his deep arsenal and steady control. He likely won't, but he should start the season in the rotation!

Helloooo, Ben Brown Sinker The big Cubs righty found a third pitch. It's not one that should have the team planning to use him as a starter, but it could make him the dominant reliever he's always had a chance to be.

The big Cubs righty found a third pitch. It's not one that should have the team planning to use him as a starter, but it could make him the dominant reliever he's always had a chance to be. #cubs #chicago #behereforit

Grant Taylor is going to be an elite closer for a very, very long time (if he isn't a starter)

Sitting 100 MPH with that cut-ride action and a handful of secondaries to back it up are the perfect ingredients to dominate. I ranked him as my #11 RP entering 2026 and that may have been too low!

Cubs are currently tied for last place. Season is over!

(Said some fan somewhere…)

Starting a thread for every single prospect that appears in a 2026 MLB Spring Training game. I’ll be answering the question:

“What does 2026 have in store for this guy?”

We’ve averaged 58 prospects in these threads the past two years — let’s see how many we get this year! ⬇️

Is Wilder Man by Mumford and Sons underrated?

Yes.

Valpo is luckythey haven’t been punished for losing Bradley’s Huibregtse on so many possessions tonight.

However, the “grit” is showing as they extend to the largest lead of the night with 8 minutes to play.

62-50 over Bradley. Meaningful #ValpoBasketball is fun.

Universal Studios and Island of Adventure day. Time for some Harry Potter merch. Still don’t love JK but I have needs for my Man Cave…

So we have had almost 60 years of “American” culture at the halftime show.

The last two years, we had a Pulitzer Prize winning artist bring Compton to the stage, and a celebration of Latin culture from a philanthropic Grammy winner.

Yeah, we should be outraged…

Kyle Wright to the Cubs. Minors deal with MLB camp invite. Wright is the majors’ last 20-game winner.

Working on a new side business. I have played weddings with a String Quartet/Trio for 20+ years. Now I have an electric cello and a loop pedal.

Classic standards. Pop. Rock. 1 Cello. Multiple Sound. 1 must have for your event.

When I was “younger,” I wanted to be a professional cellist. I always adored Hispanic influences in classical music. I fell in love with Cello tango pieces, and almost went to Jacobs School of Music to study with a tango cellist.

So no, I guess I’m not surprised I’m vibing with Bad Bunny.

Time to check Kyle Harrison Cy Young futures