BCB After Dark continues to be a lively hub for night owls, early risers, new parents, and dedicated Cubs fans as we welcome another week filled with engaging conversations and camaraderie. Step into the warmth, enjoy the ambiance, and engage in discussions about baseball, music, movies, or whatever else has been on your mind, all while following the site’s guidelines. Whether you’re joining us late into the night or waking up the next day, everyone is invited to partake in the fun.
Last week, we gauged the community’s thoughts on the Edward Cabrera trade, which saw a significant percentage, 81%, expressing excitement about the deal, while only a small fraction were against it. Meanwhile, the BCB Winter Science Fiction Classic is ongoing, with the iconic “Planet of the Apes” (1968) emerging as the favored choice in our recent voting, showcasing the diverse tastes of our participants. Fans of “La Jetée,” despite its loss, have expressed their appreciation, with some discovering it through this tournament.
Getting into the rhythm of the evening, pianist Emmet Cohen is featured tonight alongside esteemed musicians like saxophonist Joshua Redman and trumpeter Skylar Tang, performing Charlie Parker’s classic “Scrapple from the Apple.” This captivating video just released last week is sure to delight jazz enthusiasts.
In terms of film, our final second-round matchup pits “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) against “Seconds” (1966). Both films showcase legendary cinematography, with Stanley Kubrick’s “2001” being regarded as one of the best films of all time, while “Seconds” captivates with its distinct visual style crafted by James Wong Howe.
As for the Cubs, they have made headlines by signing free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who is now set to join the team for the next five years with a full no-trade clause. This move raises crucial questions about the future of current third baseman Matt Shaw and the fate of second baseman Nico Hoerner. The discussions around Hoerner intensified following Bregman’s acquisition, stirring speculation about whether the Cubs might entertain trading Hoerner, who has shown impressive performance metrics, including being the Cubs’ highest Wins Above Replacement player last season.
While the idea of trading Hoerner could be appealing due to his potential value, experts argue against it, emphasizing the importance of retaining a talented player who finished with a stellar .297 batting average and a Gold Glove award. Hoerner’s skills as a reliable second baseman with elite contact rates make him a valuable asset, especially for a team in win-now mode.
On the flip side, considerations about adding depth to the farm system through a potential trade, or freeing up space for Shaw, are in the conversation. Shaw’s emergence as a promising player raises questions about his role, but trading Hoerner during his peak season might be viewed as a strategic move for the organization’s long-term goals.
Ultimately, the Cubs face a pivotal decision regarding Hoerner, weighing the benefits of keeping him against the potential gains from a trade. The community is eager to hear your thoughts on the possible futures for both Hoerner and Shaw.
Thank you for joining us in this dynamic gathering. We encourage everyone to keep warm, respect the environment by recycling, and support your local establishments. We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow night for another engaging session at BCB After Dark.