Full Show — April 14, 2026
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The Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show delivers a dynamic and emotionally layered episode on April 14, 2026, blending sharp sports analysis with cultural commentary and historical reflection. The discussion opens with a fiery critique of the Chicago Cubs’ 13-7 loss to the Phillies, spotlighting Kyle Schwarber’s two home runs against his former team and reigniting the debate over the Cubs’ 2020 decision to non-tender him. The hosts dissect offensive inefficiencies—particularly the team’s 4-for-16 performance with runners in scoring position—and question manager Craig Council’s in-game decisions, including the use of a left-handed opener and early benchings. A spirited debate follows on the NFL Draft, with Mark Grody advocating for the Bears to trade back from #25 to accumulate more second-round picks, citing poor historical success rates for defensive linemen and edge rushers in that range. The episode transitions into lighter, yet insightful territory with a humorous interlude about German relatives’ fascination with American fast food and Walmart, underscoring cultural contrasts. The segment on the White Sox’s upcoming MLB debut of 6'10" left-hander Noah Schultz highlights both hope and skepticism, while the Chicago Sky’s selection of Gabriela Jaquez is praised as a strategic move to build a winning culture. A somber tribute to the 1999 Dave McGinnis hiring fiasco—where the Bears prematurely announced a head coach without a signed contract—serves as a cautionary tale of franchise dysfunction. The episode closes with a reflective look at the 2001 Bears season, a high point marred by a heartbreaking playoff loss, and a call for emotional healing through renewed hope in current leadership under Ben Johnson.
Kyle Schwarber’s two home runs against the Cubs reignited debate over the team’s 2020 non-tender decision, highlighting the emotional weight of revisionist history in sports.
The Cubs’ persistent offensive inefficiency—4-for-16 with runners in scoring position—remains a critical concern despite optimism about future improvement.
Mark Grody advocates for the Bears to trade back in the NFL Draft to accumulate more second-round picks, citing low hit rates for defensive linemen and edge rushers drafted in the 20–30 range.
The 1999 Dave McGinnis hiring fiasco and the 2001 Bears’ playoff collapse are presented as foundational moments of franchise dysfunction that bred long-term fan cynicism.
Young, controllable starting pitching like Noah Schultz represents the most valuable asset in modern MLB, symbolizing hope for rebuilding franchises.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Cubs' Emotional Collapse and the Kyle Schwarber Reckoning
“I feel like I'm starting to lose that argument in my own way that the Cubs should have projected better than I was projecting at the time for Kyle Schwarber.”
Managerial Missteps and Offensive Inefficiency
The hosts critique Craig Council’s in-game decisions, including the use of a left-handed opener and the premature substitution of key players. They emphasize the Cubs’ recurring failure to convert with runners in scoring position (4-for-16) and the defensive chaos at first base, with catchers playing the position. The segment underscores a growing frustration with the team’s inability to execute in high-leverage moments.
Bears Draft Strategy: Safety Over Edge Rushers
“It's a crapshoot, man. It is a crapshoot, and I think that's fair to say about all of the draft after you get outside, let's say, the top 10, maybe top 15 any given year.”
Noah Schultz's MLB Debut: Hope for the White Sox Future
“He's practically all ready, Randy Johnson. Touch is 99, man.”
Chicago Sky’s Strategic Draft Move: Gabriela Jaquez
“She fits the bill of kind of this front office's type for a player in terms of length, in terms of two-way play or shooting.”
“He's practically all ready, Randy Johnson. Touch is 99, man.”
“You've got to have a contract and sign a contract before you can announce a head coach. That speaks to where this franchise was and hopefully where it will never go again.”
“It's a crapshoot, man. It is a crapshoot, and I think that's fair to say about all of the draft after you get outside, let's say, the top 10, maybe top 15 any given year.”
Hosts
Guests
Chicago Cubs
other
Kyle Schwarber
person
Philadelphia Phillies
other
Marshall Harris
person
Mark Grody
person
Craig Council
person
Ian Happ
person
Chicago White Sox
other
Noah Schultz
person
Chicago Sky
other
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