It’s another week at BCB After Dark, the premier online destination for those who keep their evenings open, rise with the sun, navigate parenthood, or follow their favorite baseball team from afar. Consider this an open invitation – the virtual doors are wide open, and there’s no admission fee. Relaxed conversation is encouraged, and a diverse range of topics are welcome within community guidelines.
Cubs Contract Discussions: The Hoerner Dilemma
Last week, a key question was posed to our community: should the Chicago Cubs offer Nico Hoerner a contract extension? While typically a straightforward decision for a player of his caliber, the emergence of Matt Shaw introduces a layer of complexity to the situation. The results of our poll were overwhelmingly in favor of securing Hoerner’s future with the team. A substantial 55 percent of respondents deemed a four-year, $84 million offer as a fair valuation.
Furthermore, an additional 32 percent believed that the Cubs should be prepared to exceed that figure, within reasonable limits, to retain Hoerner’s services. This indicates that approximately 95 percent of participants desire a long-term commitment from the Cubs to their valuable infielder. Hopefully, Jed Hoyer and the front office are taking note of this strong sentiment within the fanbase.
BCB Community & Sci-Fi Classic Updates
Beyond baseball, BCB After Dark remains a space for discussing music, film, and anything else on your mind. The BCB Winter Science Fiction Classic is nearing its conclusion, with a few exciting contests still underway. Feel free to jump into the baseball conversation, but don’t miss out on the ongoing sci-fi tournament!
As we approach Mardi Gras, it’s a fitting time to acknowledge the vibrant culture of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. While the traditional phrase “Laissez le bon temps roulez” might not be commonly used by locals, it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of celebration.
Science Fiction Showdown & Ballot Integrity
Unfortunately, a recent issue arose within the BCB Winter Science Fiction Classic. Ballot stuffing was detected, compromising the integrity of the voting process. As a result, despite the final vote count, 2001: A Space Odyssey has been declared the winner of its bracket against Godzilla (Gojira). This decision was made to reflect the likely true outcome, given the apparent manipulation of votes. Continued instances of this behavior will unfortunately lead to the discontinuation of this feature.
Currently, 2001 advances to the final round, where it will face either Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan or Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Both films represent exceptional sequels, with The Wrath of Khan (1982), directed by Nicholas Meyer and starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Ricardo Montalban, solidifying the core ensemble of the Star Trek universe – the “Magnificent Seven.” Prior to this film, only Shatner, Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley received prominent billing in the original series.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), directed by James Cameron and featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Robert Patrick, is equally iconic. The scene depicting the T-800 and John Connor rescuing Sarah Connor from the psychiatric prison, complete with Schwarzenegger’s famous line, “Come with me if you want to live,” remains a cinematic highlight. Voting is now open to determine which of these two classics will advance to challenge 2001 for the tournament title.
Cubs Spring Training: Evaluating Kevin Alcántara’s Potential
With Spring Training underway, the annual debate regarding the Cubs’ roster has begun. While many positions are already settled, attention now turns to the competition for the final spots, particularly the role of the fourth outfielder. The contenders include prospect Kevin Alcántara, along with waiver claim Justin Dean and non-roster invitees Dylan Carlson and Chas McCormick.
Of these players, Alcántara possesses the most long-term potential. Acquired from the New York Yankees in 2021 in the trade that sent Anthony Rizzo to the Bronx, he has steadily progressed through the Cubs’ minor league system, spending the majority of 2023 with Triple-A Iowa. Despite facing some injury challenges, he maintained a respectable .266/.349/.470 batting average with 17 home runs and 10 stolen bases in 102 games.
Nicknamed “The Jaguar,” Alcántara remains a developing prospect, relying more on athleticism than refined baseball skills. While he has shown improvement in pitch selection, he still exhibits a tendency to swing and miss, particularly against breaking balls from right-handed pitchers. However, his raw power, speed, and increasingly solid defensive abilities – particularly in center and right field – suggest a high ceiling. The question now is how the Cubs will utilize his talents: will he make the Opening Day roster, become a regular contributor by mid-season, or receive only limited major league experience? Your thoughts are welcome. Thank you for joining us this evening. We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow night at BCB After Dark.
