BCB After Dark: Western Movie Showdown and Cubs Free Agent Relief Pitchers

Welcome to BCB After Dark

Howdy, night owls, early risers, new parents, and Cubs fans worldwide! Welcome to BCB After Dark, where we gather to delve into exciting topics ranging from baseball and music to movies and beyond. Grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive in.

Movie Showdown: Shane vs. The Wild Bunch

In our ongoing Western movie classic tournament, we’ve reached the next round, featuring two iconic films: George Stevens’ “Shane” (1953) and Sam Peckinpah’s “The Wild Bunch” (1969). Let’s take a closer look at each film:

“Shane” (1953)

Directed by George Stevens and starring Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, and Van Heflin, “Shane” tells the tale of a mysterious stranger who rides into a Wyoming town and becomes embroiled in a conflict between ranchers and farmers. With its stunning cinematography, psychological depth, and memorable characters, “Shane” is widely regarded as a classic of the Western genre.

“The Wild Bunch” (1969)

Directed by Sam Peckinpah and starring William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, and Robert Ryan, “The Wild Bunch” is a revisionist Western that portrays the violence and moral ambiguity of the Old West. Set in 1913, the film follows an aging outlaw gang as they attempt one last heist before the new order takes over. “The Wild Bunch” is known for its groundbreaking violence, innovative editing, and exploration of themes such as honor and loyalty.

Vote Now: Which Film Will Advance?

Which film will advance to the next round of our tournament? Cast your vote in our poll and let us know your pick: “Shane” or “The Wild Bunch.”

Cubs Free Agent Relief Pitcher Options

Moving on to baseball, let’s discuss potential free agent relievers the Cubs may be interested in. Two names that have been mentioned are Ryne Stanek and Adam Ottavino.

Ryne Stanek

At 32 years old, Stanek is a right-handed reliever who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career. He possesses a blazing fastball that averages 98.2 mph, but he struggled with consistency in 2023, posting a 4.09 ERA with the Astros.

Adam Ottavino

At 38 years old, Ottavino is another right-handed reliever with a solid track record. He has a career ERA of 2.80 and was effective in 2023 with the Mets, recording 12 saves and striking out a batter per inning. However, his walk rate increased last season, reverting to his career norms.

Poll Question: Who Would You Rather See the Cubs Sign?

Considering that both Stanek and Ottavino are depth acquisitions and wouldn’t prevent the Cubs from signing other players, who would you rather see the team sign? Cast your vote in our poll and choose between Adam Ottavino, Ryne Stanek, or neither.

Additional Notes

– We apologize that neither “Shane” nor “The Wild Bunch” is currently available on streaming services, but they are available for rent or purchase.

– Stay tuned for more BCB After Dark on Monday, where we’ll bring you more engaging discussions and polls.

– Thank you to all our readers, commenters, and voters for making BCB After Dark a vibrant community.

Conclusion

Join us again on Monday for more BCB After Dark, where we’ll continue our exploration of baseball, movies, music, and anything else that captures our interest. Stay tuned for more exciting discussions and polls.