Welcome to BCB After Dark: A Place for Night Owls, Early Risers, New Parents, and Cubs Fans Abroad

An Invitation to Join the Late-Night Gathering

Howdy, night owls, early risers, new parents, and Cubs fans abroad! Welcome to BCB After Dark, the grooviest gathering on the interwebs. We’re thrilled to have you join us this evening. Come on in out of the cold, and let us check your coat. Grab one of the few available tables or make a new friend. There’s no cover charge, and you’re welcome to bring your own beverage.

A Place for Open Discussion and Community

BCB After Dark is a place where you can talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.

A Discussion on a Proposed Trade Involving Christopher Morel and Kevin Alcántara

Last night, we asked you about a trade proposal that would send Christopher Morel and Kevin Alcántara to the Guardians for all-star closer Emmanuel Clase. Fully 68 percent of you think the Cubs would say no to that deal, and only 21 percent thought that a trade would get made. With Bruce Levine reporting that the Guardians want Cade Horton for Clase, it seems that the four percent of you who said both sides would say “no” are probably right.

A Musical Interlude with Julian “Cannonball” Adderley and Cole Porter’s “Love For Sale”

For those who enjoy music, we have saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley playing the Cole Porter standard, “Love For Sale.” This track features Art Blakey on drums, Sam Jones on bass, Hank Jones on piano, and some dude named Miles Davis on trumpet.

The BCB Winter Western Classic: Red River Triumphs Over True Grit

In our BCB Winter Western Classic, “Red River” (1948), directed by Howard Hawks, came out on top of “True Grit” (1969), directed by Henry Hathaway, by a margin of 52 percent to 48 percent. While “Red River” is considered a masterpiece by many, “True Grit” is also a very good movie and a crowd pleaser, even if some prefer the Coen Brothers remake.

The Next Matchup: Shane (1953) vs. The Wild Bunch (1969)

From now on, every film that we vote on will have won at least one round. Our next matchup features “Shane” (1953), directed by George Stevens, against “The Wild Bunch” (1969), directed by Sam Peckinpah. “Shane” beat “Vera Cruz” (1954) in the first round, while “The Wild Bunch” defeated “The Naked Spur” (1953).

An Analysis of Shane (1953)

“Shane” is a classic Western starring Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, and Van Heflin. The film tells the story of a mysterious stranger who rides onto a Wyoming farm and sticks around because of a brewing war between the ranchers and the farmers. Shane’s dark past is full of violence that he’s trying to leave behind, and he finds himself torn between his desire for a peaceful life and the need to protect the Starrett family.

A Review of The Wild Bunch (1969)

“The Wild Bunch” is a revisionist Western that earned Sam Peckinpah the nickname “Bloody Sam.” The film takes place in 1913 on both sides of the Texas/Mexico border and shows the West as dirty, ugly, and filled with flawed and unlikeable people. It’s a violent and controversial film that challenges traditional notions of heroism and morality in the Western genre.

Poll: Shane or The Wild Bunch?

Now it’s time for you to vote and choose between “Shane” and “The Wild Bunch.” You have until Monday to participate in the poll.

Upcoming Discussion: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid vs. Rio Bravo

In our next discussion, we’ll be comparing “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969), directed by George Roy Hill, with “Rio Bravo” (1959), directed by Howard Hawks.

Poll: Adam Ottavino or Ryne Stanek?

Finally, we’re asking you to choose between two free agent relievers that the Cubs are reportedly interested in: Adam Ottavino and Ryne Stanek. Both pitchers have their strengths and weaknesses, and they could potentially fill a need in the Cubs’ bullpen. Cast your vote and let us know who you’d rather see in a Cubs uniform.