The Cubs left no doubt by coming out of the All-Star break and losing two must-have series against real playoff contenders.

Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic break down Jed Hoyer’s confirmation that the front office won’t be adding rental players for a postseason push, and question Craig Counsell’s take on the trade deadline now that he’s working for a big-market team.

With relief pitchers already expected to be on the move, what the Cubs do with Jameson Taillon might be the most revealing part of this entire deadline.

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After 100-plus games, the Cubs do not envision a scenario in which they become buyers at the trade deadline. But does that actually mean selling? Which players and teams could be in play at the end of July? And where do Jed Hoyer and Craig Counsell stand amid this disappointing season?

ESPN’s Jesse Rogers always has interesting answers, national perspective and a local spin on topics. He joins Patrick Mooney for a look behind the scenes at Wrigley Field, where they still draw crowds of 40,000, win or lose. That might be part of the problem.

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Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase at drinkAG1.com/foul. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1.

Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase at drinkAG1.com/foul. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1.

With the All-Star break about to end, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic sit down to preview the second half of this up-and-down season and offer a few predictions on what’s ahead. The storylines inevitably revolve around Craig Counsell, a manager who is definitely not on the hot seat but also hasn’t made a huge mark on the team yet.

Shota Imanaga and Christopher Morel are among the players to watch in crunch time. There are legitimate reasons for optimism, as well as real concerns about whether the bullpen and the offense will show up for the stretch run. Expected stats and well-thought-out plans don’t matter anymore. The Cubs need wins fast.

Please leave this podcast page a rating and review so that more people discover North Side Territory. And submit any questions you’d like answered in a future mailbag episode.

Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase at drinkAG1.com/foul. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1.