The Shawn Mackey Show

Salary Caps, Mega Contracts & Lockouts: Is Baseball About to Break?

In this episode of The Shawn Mackey Show, Robert "Soup" Campbell and I dive into one of the biggest issues facing Major League Baseball: the growing labor battle between MLB owners and the Players Association. We discuss the proposed salary cap and salary floor, billion-dollar player contracts, deferred compensation, revenue sharing, and why the current system may be pushing baseball toward another devastating lockout in 2027. We also look back at the contracts that changed the sport forever, revisit the unforgettable 1998 home run chase between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, and debate whether owners have created the financial mess they're now trying to fix. Most importantly, we discuss how these negotiations affect the fans—from skyrocketing ticket prices to expensive concessions—and what the future of baseball could look like if neither side is willing to compromise. If you're passionate about baseball, labor negotiations, and the business behind America's pastime, you won't want to miss this conversation. Be sure to follow The Shawn Mackey Show on Spotify so you never miss a new episode, and share the show with your fellow baseball fans!

Who Ruined the Cubs? My Breaking Point with Tom Ricketts, Jed Hoyer & Craig Counsell

In Season 3 Episode 10 of The Shawn Mackey Show, I deliver one of my most passionate Cubs discussions yet. After 53 years of following the Chicago Cubs, I take a hard look at the state of the organization, from Craig Counsell's managerial decisions to Jed Hoyer's roster construction and Tom Ricketts' ownership philosophy. I discuss the Cubs' inconsistent season, the team's struggles with runners in scoring position, standout players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch, and why I believe the organization lacks a clear championship vision. I also compare Craig Counsell's results to Pat Murphy's success in Milwaukee and explain why the next stretch of games could determine the Cubs' season. Whether you're a die-hard Cubs fan, a Chicago sports enthusiast, or someone who loves passionate sports commentary, this episode is for you.

5-17 Since May 8th?! The Chicago Cubs Have a Serious Problem

The Chicago Cubs have gone from one of baseball's hottest teams to one of its biggest disappointments. In Season 3 Episode 9 of The Shawn Mackey Show, I break down the Cubs' 5-17 stretch since May 8th, discuss Craig Counsell's lineup management, analyze the team's pitching issues, and examine whether Jed Hoyer needs to make a major move before the trade deadline. From Pete Crow-Armstrong's development to the ongoing Ian Happ debate, this episode covers everything Cubs fans are talking about as the season enters a critical stretch. Subscribe, follow, and join the conversation.

Craig Counsell Is Losing This Team — Cubs 8-Game Disaster Breakdown

The Cubs are spiraling, and I’m officially fed up. In Season 3 Episode 8 of The Shawn Mackey Show, I break down the Chicago Cubs’ brutal eight-game losing streak, Craig Counsell’s coaching decisions, Jed Hoyer’s roster management, and why this team feels stuck in the same cycle year after year. From Pete Crow-Armstrong’s development to the bullpen struggles and lineup frustrations, this episode is an emotional, unfiltered rant from a diehard Cubs fan who just wants to see this team compete again. Tune in for passionate Chicago sports talk, MLB analysis, and honest fan reactions.

Is Craig Counsell Getting Exposed? Cubs, Cardinals & MLB Hot Takes | Shawn Mackey Show

⚾ Season 3 Episode 7 of The Shawn Mackey Show dives deep into the NL Central race as Shawn Mackey and Soup debate the Cubs, Cardinals, Brewers, Reds, and Pirates while making bold MLB predictions for the season. From Craig Counsell criticism to Greg Maddux appreciation and modern baseball frustrations, this episode mixes baseball knowledge, rivalry banter, and honest conversation about today’s MLB. Listen now and join the conversation.