At long last, the actors' strike that has plagued the entertainment industry is finally over. Following the conclusion of the previously-ended writers' strike, the gears of the industry can finally start back up in full swing. While there is still a lag time involved, leading to a reduction in shows and movies for much of next year, there is hope that the impact won't be felt too severely.

The recently ended writers' strike had already caused a delay in production schedules, resulting in a shortage of new content. With the actors' strike now adding to the mix, the industry is grappling with a significant challenge. However, industry insiders are hopeful that their creative strategies will help alleviate the impact of the strikes.

One major concern echoed by Joe Maddon, the Cubs' manager, is the fatigue that settled in towards the end of the season. Maddon acknowledged his role in not ensuring sufficient depth in the bullpen, leading to overuse and ultimately performance exhaustion. Learning from the past, Maddon emphasized the need to bolster the bullpen by adding more talented players and creating depth.

Creativity in talent acquisitions is key, according to Maddon. Finding players with potential, including those on bounce-back years or recovering from injuries, is vital. Taking multiple approaches and signing players to small deals can increase the chances of success, even though a 100 percent hit rate is unrealistic. The Cubs have exemplified this strategy in the past, and reaping the benefits of a few successful signings can make a significant difference.

Meanwhile, Trevor Bauer's agents, Jon Fetterolf and Rachel Luba, are actively meeting with teams in hopes of finding Bauer a job back in Major League Baseball (MLB). Bauer's stellar performance with Yokohama, going 10-4 with a 2.76 ERA, has garnered attention from potential suitors. His improved fastball, with an average speed increase of 1 mph and a max speed of 99.3 mph, has caught the eye of scouts and team officials.

Amidst the speculation, Cubs fans are eagerly awaiting updates on possible free-agent signings, particularly regarding Shohei Ohtani. The Cubs being one of the finalists for top-available players this offseason is a possibility that excites fans, regardless of the ultimate outcome. Ohtani, who has been a major topic of discussion, brings a sense of excitement and anticipation to the offseason.

In other news, Cubs President of Baseball Operations, Jed Hoyer, provided insight into Christopher Morel's future, mentioning his potential to play first base in the Dominican Republic this winter. While it aligns with expectations, Hoyer highlighted the importance of exploring different possibilities for young talents like Morel.

Reflecting on changes within the Cubs organization, the departure of Len Kasper from the Cubs broadcast booth in late 2020 remains in memory. Kasper's decision to pursue his lifelong dream of calling games on the radio showcased his passion for the industry.

As the actors' strike comes to an end, the entertainment industry can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Despite the challenges ahead, industry professionals are prepared to take creative approaches to minimize the impact of the strikes. With hopes of bolstering the bullpen and potential player signings, both Major League Baseball and Cubs fans eagerly await the return of full entertainment offerings.