# commentary and analysis (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 1 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover commentary and analysis. Page: Feed: --- ## [Periodic PCA Check-In](https://www.obstructedview.net/periodic-pca-check-in/) _2026-08-19 · Rice Cube · Obstructed View_ Alas, the Cubs did not sweep the White Sox, but I think the by-laws suggest that by splitting the season series (and winning this one at Wrigley), they do get to keep whatever it is the trophy looks like these days. The first two in the series were of course Cubs victories of the walk-off \[…\] ## [Scoreboard Watching in August 2026](https://www.obstructedview.net/scoreboard-watching-in-august-2026/) _2026-08-15 · Rice Cube · Obstructed View_ Well first thing I will do is share the greatest part of the opening game against the Cardinals at Wrigley: And now that we have been graced by the majesty that is the great Mr. T, we can also be happy that the Cubs did in fact win the game after not being able to \[…\] ## [Whither Happ?](https://www.obstructedview.net/whither-happ/) _2026-08-10 · Rice Cube · Obstructed View_ We’ve talked about Ian Happ a bunch, as the Gold Glove left fielder plays out the current contract in advance of the CBA negotiations and probable lockout coming up. It is no secret that Happ has sucked at the plate for the better part of a month and then some, but recently he did things \[…\] ## [MVPCA?](https://www.obstructedview.net/mvpca/) _2026-08-06 · Rice Cube · Obstructed View_ We touched on the subject during the last pod when we were doing the trade deadline postmortem, but now that the sweep is complete and he factored heavily in the success of the Cubs in all three games in some manner, it’s fair to wonder if Pete Crow-Armstrong has done enough to separate himself from \[…\] ## [Dodgers Ruin Baseball Again (and Other Trades to Come)](https://www.obstructedview.net/dodgers-ruin-baseball-again-and-other-trades-to-come/) _2026-08-02 · Rice Cube · Obstructed View_ I honestly should have gone to bed already, but a trade has happened involving the best pitcher on the block: The Dodgers are acquiring two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal from the Tigers for three prospects, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Detroit is getting outfielder Zyhir Hope (L.A.’s No. 5 prospect and MLB’s No. 25), right-hander River Ryan \[…\] ## [CBA Madness, Phase VII (A Piece of the Action)](https://www.obstructedview.net/cba-madness-phase-vii-a-piece-of-the-action/) _2026-07-28 · Rice Cube · Obstructed View_ This isn’t necessarily new since the last time we saw anything substantial on the CBA front, but we pretty much know how capitalism works at this point, where the people up top want to maximize profits by reducing costs (i.e., pay people less, and pay fewer people) while the workers scratch and claw for whatever \[…\] ## [The Calm Before the Storm](https://www.obstructedview.net/the-calm-before-the-storm-2/) _2026-07-27 · Rice Cube · Obstructed View_ There isn’t a lot going on in terms of major trades right now, aside from that one where the Red Sox sent a broken pitcher to the Nats for an infielder who finally figured something out. I think part of it has to do with teams waiting until the absolute last second to make their \[…\] ## [CBA Madness, Phase VI (The Next Generation)](https://www.obstructedview.net/cba-madness-phase-vi-the-next-generation/) _2026-07-21 · Rice Cube · Obstructed View_ I believe MLB has been stumping for a salary cap all this time, even during the press conferences in the midst of the All-Star festivities, since the last time we saw a proposal coming from the players. The latest tweet shared suggests that negotiations have been taking place in some form, as recently as today \[…\] ## [Should There Be a 2027…](https://www.obstructedview.net/should-there-be-a-2027/) _2026-07-20 · Rice Cube · Obstructed View_ I don’t actually know if the legendary couple that does all the MLB scheduling on their spreadsheets and notepads retired or what, but the 2027 Cubs schedule is a bit wacky, to say the least. This has been out for a few but I had to work so you’ll get some thoughts now. All MLB \[…\] ## [100,000 Bonus Points Await You (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/JStgx4tJJDZD) _2026-07-20 · **Sponsored**_ Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. ## [Cubs Win Home Run Derby in Baltimore](https://www.obstructedview.net/cubs-win-home-run-derby-in-baltimore/) _2026-07-09 · Rice Cube · Obstructed View_ Technically true! Go Cubs as the Cardinals actually finally beat the Brewers to reduce the division deficit to six games. The Phillies also lost, so the Cubs have a bigger cushion for the top wild card too. Gotta figure out how to stop throwing those batting practice pitches, but a win is a win.