Cubs Talk Podcast

Luke talks with Tony Andracki following the Cubs 12-4 Opening Day win in Texas.

Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan, and Kelly Crull react to the breaking news of Kyle Hendricks' extension with the Cubs. The trio discusses how the deal is a win for both sides (1:30), Hendricks' unique place in Cubs history and on this season's roster (7:30), what Kyle's ceiling as a pitcher has turned out to be (12:00), and who the next Cub to sign an extension might be (14:30).

Baseball is finally here! Luke Stuckmeyer & David Kaplan discuss the surprising move to send Ian Happ to the minors to start the 2019 season and the message it sends to the team (2:00), as well as the report from The Athletic that details the changes the Cubs are making to their day-to-day operations this season (8:00). Finally, Kap and Luke make some bold predictions about what will happen this season, including thoughts on Yu Darvish, Addison Russell, and Joe Maddon (11:45).

Luke Stuckmeyer catches up with Brewers radio broadcaster Jeff Levering to get the inside scoop on Milwaukee heading into the 2019 season. The pair discuss how the potential addition of Craig Kimbrel would impact the Brewers bullpen (3:30), whether or not Christian Yelich can repeat his MVP performance (8:00) and how the NL Central will shake out this year (14:00) before Jeff gives us some personal insight into the great Bob Uecker (19:00).

Luke Stuckmeyer is joined by Chris Rongey, host at 101 ESPN in St. Louis, to take a closer look at the arch-rival Cardinals. The pair discusses the ramifications of the rumored Paul Goldschmidt extension (2:30), the pressure on the Cardinals to get back to the playoffs (6:30), the potential of Jack Flaherty (10:30), and Kris Bryant's inflammatory comments about St. Louis at Cubs Convention (13:45).

Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan & Tony Andracki tackle all the pressing topics surrounding the Cubs, including the Brewers' reported connection to Craig Kimbrel (:45), Yu Darvish's blister woes (5:15), how the current run of extensions in MLB will affect the Cubs in the future (9:10), and Tony makes the case for Kris Bryant to be the regular lead-off hitter (16:00).

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki make their predictions for the 2019 season, discuss who will be the team's MVP and debate which NL Central team will be the toughest challenge for the Cubs this season. 1:00 - NL MVP odds for Baez, Bryant, Rizzo and Schwarber 4:00 - NL Cy Young award odds 7:00 - Home run totals for Cubs sluggers 9:00 - Javy Baez' potential at the plate 10:00 - Was bad weather a factor for the Cubs offensive struggles early last season 12:00 - Who will lead the Cubs in home runs this season 13:00 - Who will lead the Cubs in saves in 2019? 15:30 - Who will be the team MVP in 2019? 18:00 - What is your biggest concern for the upcoming season? 21:00 - Who has a breakout season for the Cubs in 2019? 22:00 - Vegas has Cubs at 87 1/2 wins.. over or under? 25:00 - What NL Central team will be toughest on the Cubs?

Willson Contreras sits down with Kelly Crull for an exclusive interview where the Cubs catcher takes full responsibility for his tough 2018 campaign, and tells us what he's learned from last year's experience (1:20). Then, an emotional Willson discusses the current social and political situation in his home country of Venezuela, and how he keeps his focus on the field with so much upheaval in his homeland (12:15).

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan, Tony Andracki and Cam Ellis break down the starters and relievers for the 2019 Cubs. 01:15 If healthy, the Cubs rotation could be among the best in baseball 03:00Is the age of the Cubs staff a concern you? 04:25What do you do with Tyler Chatwood? 05:50Sooner or later the Cubs will need a pitcher from their minor league system 06:45The expectations on Jose Quintana after what the Cubs gave up to get him 08:00Who would be the first callup from the minors if injuries hit the Cubs rotation? 10:00Could this be the best rotation in baseball? 12:00How low could the Cubs rotation rank in MLB if they are hit by injuries? 13:30Where does the bullpen rank in the NL? 16:45Who do you feel comfortable handing the ball to in a pressure situation with Morrow on the shelf? 18:00Who will be bounceback guy in the Cubs pen this year?? 19:35Who will be the first reliever called up if the Cubs need one? 22:15How does the Cubs pen rank in baseball? 24:30What grade will the Cubs pitchers get at the end of the season?

Luke Stuckmeyer is joined by MLB Network's Dan Plesac, who is fresh off his tour of major league camps in Arizona. The pair discuss where the holes might be on this Cubs roster (1:00), how the back end of the bullpen will shake out (4:30), the new technology the Cubs are employing to help their pitchers improve (9:00), the state of pitcher development in today's game (13:30), and how the addition of Bryce Harper changes the outlook in the National League this season (16:30).

Kelly Crull catches up with Cubs Opening Day starter Jon Lester on his drive home from camp in Mesa, and discusses what a normal spring training day looks like, relationships between the players, the dynamic between himself and David Ross, pushing players like Anthony Rizzo to the next level, who the best golfer on the team is, and his past as a soccer player (1:10). Then, Luke Stuckmeyer gets the behind-the-scenes story of the ride-along from Kelly (28:30).

Luke Stuckmeyer is joined by Tony Andracki and Chris Kamka to react to Bryce Harper's record-setting contract with the Phillies. The trio discuss whether the Cubs were ever actually involved and if they missed out on a big opportunity (1:30), as well as how Harper's contract will affect future negotiations with Kris Bryant (6:30). Then, we hear Bryant's reaction to Harper's deal (13:20) before Luke & company debate where the Phillies now sit in the N.L. hierarchy (15:00).

On the latest Cubs Talk podcast, Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki are joined by USA Today's Bob Nightengale to discuss Yu Darvish's first start of the spring, baseball's free agent market, the Cubs mindset and a celebration of Ron Santo 00:45 Bob on Yu Darvish's first start of the spring 01:40 Would the Cubs be in play to sign Bryce Harper on a short term deal? 02:30 Does Nolan Arenado's new deal set the market for future free agents? 04:00 The Cubs have a chip on their shoulder 05:00 Would Kris Bryant sign a long-term deal before he reaches free agency? 07:00 Is Bryant still one of the top 5 3rd baseman in the game? 08:00 Who is the best team in the NL Central? 11:10 What does Scott Boras do that makes him appealing to star ballplayers? 13:30 The vibe around Cubs camp during the first week in Mesa 15:45 Darvish seeming more comfortable in camp this season 17:45 Jon Lester's mindset entering this season 20:00 Celebrating Ron Santo's birthday with some of his more famous calls from the broadcast booth 22:15 Remembering the Wrigleyville Taco Bell

Luke and Kap discuss the latest goings-on from Cubs camp, including Joe Maddon's recent talk about how he's going to handle his lineup card this season (0:45), the lack of a true lead-off hitter impacting the batting order (3:00), how Jose Quintana is working to improve his pitch arsenal (6:30), and what to watch for as the exhibition schedule begins (11:00).

Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss the impact a full season of Cole Hamels could have on the rotation and the team. And David Kaplan goes 1-on-1 with Kyle Hendricks. Find out which teammate Hendricks says most enjoys striking out in Spring Training. 00:35 - Tony and Kelly break down the potential impact that Cole Hamels can have on the 2019 club. They discuss Hamels' value as a teammate and a leader, his approach to baseball every day, and what the Cubs expect from him every fifth day. 16:56 - Kap goes 1-on-1 with Kyle Hendricks during a walk around a practice diamond at the Cubs facilities in Mesa. Hendricks discusses his excitement for 2019, how he approaches the buildup to the regular season, and how much fun he has facing teammates during spring training.

Luke, Kap and Chris Kamka react to the Manny Machado deal and the impact it has on the National League and the Cubs. Javy Baez talks about hustling and being accountable, and possible contract extension numbers for Baez and Kris Bryant are discussed. 00:00 - Welcome - Manny Machado signing and what it means for the National League. How many legitimate contenders are there in the N.L. with Bryce Harper likely to sign with a N.L. team as well? 2:20 - Are we really surprised Machado got his $300 million dollars? What we have learned from the Machado saga? Family did not matter. Location did not matter. Position did not matter. It was all about the money. 5:08 - What does this deal do to the "collusion" argument? Brad Brach's quotes about getting the same exact contract offer from multiple teams is discussed. 7:00 - Where does the Cubs / White Sox rivalry stand now that the Sox did not sign Machado? 7:54 - Javy Baez talks about being held accountable and how last season the team lacked that type of leadership and accountability at times. 9:45 - Chris Kamka delivers some clutch Cubs "hustle" stats. 11:20 - Kap says he talked to Jon Lester in Arizona, and that Lester knows the Cubs front office wants him to be more of a vocal leader in 2019. But Lester knows there are inherent difficulties for pitchers to try to motivate every-day players. 12:17 - MLB Network's list of the top shortstops in baseball is out. Where does Baez come in on that list? 13:15 - Machado gets $300 million - so what does that mean for guys like Kris Bryant and Javy Baez? 18:44 - Kap talks about the feeling among the players at Cubs camp. He says players are pissed off about the early exit and that some of the experts are picking them to lose more games than they win in 2019. 20:00 - When the Crosstown series rolls around, what are some realistic expectations for a pair of former Cubs prospects: Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease?

As the Cubs held their first full-squad workout in Arizona, Chairman Tom Ricketts talked about his father's e-mail scandal and the team's free-agency budget on the latest edition of the CubsTalk Podcast. 01:00Tom Ricketts on his dad's email controversy 08:00Tom on his comments to the players about the emails 12:00Tom on his dealings with the city and Alderman Tom Tunney 17:30On team's budget for 2019 19:30On free agency in baseball 23:00On building a team long term 29:00On Joe Maddon's future

The Cubs are looking for some of their young players to take the next step in 2019. Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss what they expect from David Bote and Victor Caratini this year (11:52). Plus, Ian Happ is busy getting reps at second base in Mesa (03:04), and Willson Contreras is "hungry" to get back in action (07:34). Then, David Kaplan has a 1-on-1 interview with Bote as he settles in for his second MLB season (27:20). Luke Stuckmeyer hosts.

Our Cubs beat reporters Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki provide their unique perspectives after being in the room for Addison Russell's first public comments since his suspension (1:00). They discuss Russell's disposition during his media session (4:00), the lack of specifics in his answers (12:30), what the future holds for both Russell and the team (19:15), and much more regarding the Cubs' suspended shortstop.

For the first time since being suspended 40 games in September for violating MLB's domestic violence policy, Addison Russell met the media in Arizona. We bring you his entire press conference (1:00), as well as comments from Joe Maddon and Theo Epstein about Russell's situation and how it has changed the entire organization (20:00).

Opening week of Spring Training continues, and in this episode we catch up with Kyle Schwarber, who scoffs at the PECOTA projections that have the Cubs finishing last in the NL Central (1:15). Then, Tyler Chatwood addresses his 2018 struggles head-on and details what he's done to improve this offseason (8:20). Finally, our Cubs insider Tony Andracki calls in from Mesa and discusses the addition of Xavier Cedeno, Adbert Alzolay's status and much more (14:30).

Yu Darvish speaks about how he's feeling and why he's in a much better spot mentally as he enters his 2nd season in Chicago (:45). Then, Willson Contreras discusses his offseason training and the current state of affairs in his native Venezuela (5:55). We then hear from Jason Heyward, who adamantly supports the Cubs' approach in bringing the entire core group of players back (12:00). Finally, Jon Lester explains how his approach will change as he enters his 14th big league season (18:00).

Baseball is finally back! Luke Stuckmeyer takes you out to Mesa, where Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and Joe Maddon addressed the media Tuesday to officially kick off Spring Training. The trio cover a wide range of topics, including Joe's new slogan for 2019 (:45), the latest update on Addison Russell's situation (5:30), why the free agent market has been so slow (15:30), Theo's reaction to the Joe Ricketts emails (21:30), how Maddon will change his approach this season (29:45), and what to expect out of Yu Darvish this season (41:15).

Luke Stuckmeyer is joined by Stats Coordinator Chris Kamka and Cubs producer Eric Strobel to discuss this year's pessimistic PECOTA projections for the Cubs from Baseball Prospectus (:35), the much-improved NL Central's impact on the projections (6:00), and react to the news that the DH will not be coming to the NL anytime soon (9:40). Then, Kelly Crull sits down for an exclusive interview with Javy Baez, who discusses how he can improve on an MVP-caliber 2018 season and why the Cubs are happy to stick with their core roster this season (16:30).

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Luke Stuckmeyer, Tony Andracki and Vinnie Duber discuss possible rules changes in baseball and how they would affect the Cubs. Plus, we go 1-on-1 with Kyle Hendricks. 01:00Possibility of the DH coming to the NL and how it would affect the Cubs 02:30The pitcher hitting a homer is one of the most exciting things in the game 03:45Is Kyle Schwarber automatically the DH for the Cubs? 05:00Possible rule change requiring pitcher to face three batters 08:30Chances of a 26-man roster 10:30Where does the Cubs starting rotation stack up against the rest of MLB if healthy? 13:00Who is the ace of the Cubs staff? 15:20How many games will Montgomery and Chatwood start this year? 17:30Kyle Hendricks on what he learned after how last season ended 19:00Kyle on how he improved in the second half of last season 22:00Hendricks on offseason moves 26:00Where does Kyle see himself in his career arc 28:00Does Kyle know the last time he threw a wild pitch?

In honor of Ernie Banks' birthday this week, Luke Stuckmeyer and Tony Andracki play a game of "Let's Play Two" by picking the two free agents that would have been best fits for the Cubs (:30), the two best teams in the National League besides the Cubs (3:15), the two best shortstops in baseball (4:45), and much more. Then, Kelly Crull sits down with Cubs starter Cole Hamels, who discusses his upcoming first full season on the North Side and how the Cubs rotation can be dominant in 2019 (13:15).

It's freezing in Chicago, but never fear... baseball is right around the corner, and we caught up with a couple Cubs before they report to Mesa in a couple weeks. First, Ben Zobrist talks about how last season is actually a good sign for this core group of players, and details his improved process at the plate (1:30). Then, Kyle Schwarber joins the show to discuss how the end of last season added fuel to the Cubs' motivational fire, why new hitting coach Anthony Iapoce should fit right in with this group, and much more (15:15).

Luke Stuckmeyer and David Kaplan discuss Maddon entering the final year of his contract, plus Kelly Crull goes one on one with Maddon. 00:30 - Is this Maddon's final season with the Cubs? 03:00 - Does it matter to the players if Maddon is in his last year of his contract? 04:00 - Javy Baez' comments on having a set lineup 05:30 - Possible other managerial opening in baseball next offseason 06:50 - What could be the biggest impact story this season with Maddon 09:00 - Joe tells us about his offseason travels 12:00 - Joe on keeping the core together 13:45 - Joe on how he processed last season 15:00 - What does production over talent mean to Joe 18:00 - Maddon's theme for 2019

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast we join Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan and Kelly Crull to discuss the outcome of the Cubs convention and Cubs trolling. 01:30 Has Kris Bryant calling St. Louis "boring" been blown out of proportion?? 04:00 Cardinals fans weigh in on Bryant's comments 09:00 Are Bryant's comments worse than Joakim Noah calling out Cleveland? 11:30 Joe Maddon made comments about the Cardinals ordering a hit on them after a couple hit batters 12:30 Lee Elia's infamous rant about Cubs fans in the 1983 season 13:00 What was their favorite sports rants 15:40 Ozzie Guillen trolls the Cubs 17:30 Marty Brennaman goes off on Cubs fans 19:20 Everyone in the division seems to hate the Cubs 20:21 Do you believe A.J. Pierzynski when he said he would never sign with the Cubs?

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast we join David Kaplan and Kelly Crull at the Chicago Cubs Convention for interviews with Joe Maddon, Theo Epstein, Kris Bryant and many more.

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss the biggest storylines for the Cubs heading into the 2019 season 01:00 - Predictions for the rest of the 2019 off-season 03:00 - Are the Cubs falling behind in the NL Central? 06:30 - The need for a veteran catcher to play behind Willson Contreras 08:00 - Lack of long-term contracts being handed out this off-season 10:30 - Will Kyle Schwarber reach his potential? 14:45 - What will David Bote's role be in 2019? 17:45 - Will the new coaching staff make a difference in 2019? 21:30 - Where does Ian Happ fit into the Cubs plan 25:00 - Will Joe ever settle on 3 outfielders to get almost all of the playing time?

The TV voice of the Cubs, Len Kasper, stops by the CubsTalk Podcast before the Cubs Convention kicks off. Kasper discusses the outlook for 2019, and picks his "breakout" candidate on the Cubs offense. Len also answers some listener questions at the end of the podcast. 00:00:13 Some of the best Len Kasper play-by-play calls from the Cubs 2018 season. 00:01:36 Len talks about his excitement for the 2019 season, and the difficulty the team will face in an improved National League Central. 00:02:35 Kasper reflects on the NL Central from 2018, calling it the toughest division in baseball. Offseason moves take focus as spring training draws near. 00:04:32 Len talks about the Cubs payroll situation and where the club is in their pursuit of another World Series championship. 00:07:40 Kasper discusses the biggest improvement he thinks the Cubs can make as a team in 2019. 00:09:11 Len picks some "bounce-back" candidates, and makes a pick for a "breakout" player in 2019. 00:10:10 Kap asks Kasper about Kris Bryant's defensive future with the Cubs (3B or OF.) 00:11:28 Len talks about the Cubs starting rotation and the health of Yu Darvish heading into this season. 00:13:45 Len Kasper answers some Twitter questions from Cubs fans, and @thekapman.

00:29 - Ryne talks about looking forward to the 2019 season. 01:29 - Sandberg on what changed for him as a player after his MVP season in 1984. 02:53 - Ryne talks about lineup consistency and how much the game has changed for players on a day-by-day basis since he was a player. 05:21 - Sandberg on being the highest paid player in baseball back in 1992, and how it affected his approach to the game. 07:01 - Ryne talks about Lee Smith being inducted to the Hall of Fame, some favorite memories of playing with Smith, and the importance of the bullpen in today's game. 08:39 - Sandberg on the impact assistant coaches can have on a big league team. Coaches were more hands-off when Ryne played, as opposed to the more involved role they tend to take with current players. 11:15 - Ryne talks about the 1984 team, and what the feeling was like leading up to that historic Cubs season. 13:04 -Sandberg remembers the Sutcliffe trade with the Indians in June of 1984. 14:44 - Ryne remembers "The Sandberg Game" from June 23, 1984. Even down to wind conditions and what type of pitches he saw from Bruce Sutter in the 9th and 10th innings. 17:28 - Sandberg on the impact "The Sandberg Game" had on the 1984 Cubs - and the franchise overall. Ryno also recalls the first time he noticed fans on rooftops across the street from Wrigley Field. 19:01 - Ryne talks about the talent on the current Cubs team, specifically Anthony Rizzo. 20:42 - Sandberg on the "unsung heroes" of the 1984 Cubs. Specifically Gary Matthews. Ryne credits "Sarge" with changing his career more than any other teammate. 21:54 - Ryne recalls the atmosphere and fans around Wrigley Field following the Cubs 13-0, game 1 win in the 1984 NLCS vs. San Diego. 22:34 - Sandberg on the difficulty of losing the NLCS to the Padres in 1984. He says it took him weeks to get over the shock that the '84 Cubs would not play in the World Series. 23:38 - Ryne remembers back to the very first Cubs Convention in 1986. Minus-20 degree wind chill and all.

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Luke Stuckmeyer and David Kaplan are joined by USA Today baseball columnist Bob Nightengale 00:45Does Bob stand by prediction of Bryce Harper going to the Phillies 01:30Is a 7-year deal enough to land Harper of Manny Machado? 03:00Are the Cubs the sleeper team in the Harper sweepstakes? 05:00Are the Cubs still considered an elite team in the National League 06:45Which team has made the most moves during this offseason? 07:30Does Troy Tulowitzki going to the Yankees take them out of the running for Machado 09:30Impact of December's Dodgers/Reds trade 10:30Joe Maddon's future and who might be replace him as manager of the Cubs 12:45Any big moves coming in the next few weeks from the Cubs or White Sox?

In the second part of Joe Maddon’s winter meetings media session, the Cubs skipper outlines his philosophy concerning the ideal mix of veteran leadership in his clubhouse (:45), and also discusses how Kyle Schwarber (3:35) and Willson Contreras (10:25) can each unlock their potential in the upcoming 2019 season. Finally, Joe reveals his secret to connecting with today’s players (12:45)

Cubs manager Joe Maddon held court at the winter meetings earlier this month in Las Vegas and covered a wide variety of topics. In part one of two, Joe talks about the bad taste in his mouth after last season’s quick playoff exit (:35), how his managing style will change next season (3:00) and why he’s not worried about entering the final year of his contract without an extension (10:35).

Luke Stuckmeyer and Kelly Crull take one last look back at the 2018 season that was, and start by giving their one-word description of last year (:30), before going through all the weather problems and Yu Darvish’s struggles in the spring (2:15), some walk-off fun over the summer (8:00), and the disappointing finish as the calendar turned to fall (17:20).

On this episode of the CubsTalk podcast, we catch up with new Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy in Las Vegas (1:00). Hottovy discusses his relationships with the current Cubs staff, his biggest challenge in 2019, and his quick transition from playing to coaching. Later, Luke Stuckmeyer speaks with former Cub and 2016 World Series Champion Matt Szczur, whose painting of the final out from the 2016 World Series is catching eyes all over the internet (15:50). Szczur also details his role in helping Anthony Rizzo get going in the 2016 NLCS, and how he keeps in touch with all his former teammates.

When nothing happens in Vegas, it stays in Vegas. Luke, Kap and Tony talk about the Cubs lack of moves during the Winter Meetings In this episode of The Cubs Talk Podcast with Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan and Tony Andracki: 00:10 - What happen in Vegas stays in Vegas and this year that means nothing. Luke, Kap & Tony talk Cubs lack of moves at Winter Meetings. 00:50 - Where the heck is all the money? This was supposed to be a wide-open window - we step on the accelerator. 01:25 - Cubs keep throwing money at the problem (Chatwood, Darvish) and it has become a cautionary tale. 02:50 - Are the Cubs playing at the shallow end of the kiddie pool? 03:50 - Tony talks about the volatility of the relief market. 05:15 - Where is the bullpen market? Brewers are making moves, but it's still "crickets" for the Cubs 06:20 - Tony: Other than bullpen - Cubs have to address backup middle infielder most of all. 06:57 - Daniel Descalso rumors. Kap describes him as a grinder who fits the leadership mold. 07:47 - Luke is a little worried about Steve Cishek. He threw a career-high 70 innings last season 09:34 - The guys talk about the possibility of a "second deadline" for the Winter Meetings to force clubs to make more moves. 11:06 - Luke: "I wanted to see Machado and Harper walking down the strip and making it rain!" 12:45 - Cubs still have so much to address. Some Cubs fans are starting to get a little itchy. Teams in the division are making moves. What about us? 14:45 - Question: Is Anthony Rizzo the third-best 1st baseman in the Central Division? 15:50 - Prediction time: What's biggest move the Cubs will make before opening day? Kap believes that Ian Happ will not be a Cub before the regular season starts.

Tony Andracki goes 1-on-1 with manager Joe Maddon at the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas. The Cubs manager touches on his efforts to put art back into the game, his biggest challenge in 2019, the Cubs' sense of urgency and his thoughts about Matt Nagy and the Bears (:30). Plus, we catch up with Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, who discusses internal team leadership, whether or not the Cubs are close to a deal, and how Maddon is changing up his coaching style (5:45).

On the latest edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan and Pro Football Weekly's (and lifelong Cub fan) Hub Arkush discuss the similarities of the Cubs' 2015 team to the 2018 Bears. :45 Memories of their first Cubs game 3:30 Discussions with Bears Chairman George McCaskey about being a Cubs fan 4:15 Similarities between 2015 Cubs and 2018 Bears 5:45 Bringing in Joe Maddon vs Matt Nagy 8:00 Trades for Jake Arrieta and Khalil Mack 10:30 Rookies becoming stars: Bryant & Schwarber vs Smith & Miller 12:00 Who does Eddie Jackson compare to on the 2015 Cubs 14:00 Who is the Kyle Hendricks (under the radar) player on the Bears this year? 16:30 What do the Bears have to do this offseason? 18:30 How the Cubs will proceed this offseason 20:30 Chili Davis' comments on how coachable the Cubs players are

On the latest CubsTalk Podcast, country music artist Brett Eldredge joins Luke Stuckmeyer and Kelly Crull to talk about his Glow LIVE tour coming to Chicago and his love for the Chicago Cubs. 0:58 - Brett on Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting ceremony on November 28th 2:19 - GLOW Live in Chicago December 5th at the Chicago Theatre 3:17 - What gets Brett in the Christmas spirit 4:16 - How 'Wanna be that Song' music video at Wrigley Field came about 6:03 - Brett's relationship with former and current Cubs players 8:45 - How good of a musician is Anthony Rizzo? 9:28 - Why Brett skipped the CMA Awards for Game 7 of the World Series in 2016 10:43 - Flashback to NBC Sports Chicago interviewing him immediately after the final out in Cleveland 13:03 - Brett remembers his first game at Wrigley Field 14:53 - Thoughts on the upcoming 2019 season 15:56 - Thoughts on being back in Chicago for GLOW Live 16:46 - Cubs home opener perfect time for a trip back to Chicago?

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Luke Stuckmeyer and David Kaplan are joined by former Cub and current MLB Network Analyst Mark DeRosa. 01:08 - What does Mark see from this Cubs roster 02:30 - How difficult is it for a player to have to play multiple positions at the big league level? 06:10 - Is having too much talent an issue for Joe Maddon in terms of getting everyone playing time? 11:30 - Which Kris Bryant will show up in 2019? 13:30 - Is he surprised Joe Maddon is heading into the final year of his contract? 15:00 - Which former Cub does DeRosa think helped out Joe Maddon the most with other players 16:00 - Is a regular leadoff hitter overvalued? 18:40 - Are the Cubs still considered one of the elite teams in baseball?

Luke Stuckmeyer is joined by David Kaplan and Tony Andracki to discuss all the latest Cubs news, including what the Madison Bumgarner trade rumors mean for the North Siders (:40), whether you’d rather have Josh Donaldson or Cole Hamels for one year at a similar price (5:00), the potential for a new hierarchy in the National League (7:30), the loss of Jesse Chavez from the bullpen (9:30), and the latest update on the Addison Russell situation (12:30).

In this Thanksgiving-themed episode of the CubsTalk podcast, Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan, and Tony Andracki discuss what they're most thankful for relating to the Cubs (1:00), with responses ranging from the upgrades at Wrigley Field to the hiring of Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon. Then, in a nod to Black Friday, our panel debates the best deals the Cubs have ever made (7:10), including trades for Sammy Sosa, Ryne Sandberg, Jake Arrieta, and more. Plus, Kap tells us how Harry Caray came to be the Cubs announcer after many years with the White Sox (15:00).

David Kaplan and Luke Stuckmeyer are joined by former Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry. In part 2, Hendry looks back at his favorite move he made as Cubs GM, on getting a World Series ring from the Cubs, and what future Hall of Famer Hendry was convinced could have been a Cub. 01:00 - How much pressure is put on a team after signing a big money free agent 02:30 - Why didn't it click with Kosuke Fukudome 04:00 - What was his favorite move he made as GM of the Cubs? 05:30 - What is the Winter Meetings like from a General Manager's perspective 09:10 - On signing Ted Lilly while Hendry was in the hospital 10:25 - On seeing the changes to Wrigley Field over the past few years 11:25 - On getting a World Series ring from the Cubs 13:30 - On one free agent he wished he would have signed

David Kaplan and Luke Stuckmeyer are joined by former Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry. In part 1, Hendry looks back at some of the players he drafted during his time with the Cubs and getting a deal done with Theo Epstein at the trade deadline in 2004. 00:45 - What he does now for the Yankees 02:30 - How involved is a GM with drafting a player 04:30 - Looking back at the drafting of Javier Baez 05:45 - What made Javier Baez so appealing as a draft pick 09:00 - Josh Donaldson moving to 3rd base after the Cubs drafted him 11:45 - On having to trade prospects at the trade deadline to put the team over the edge for a postseason spot 13:10 - Looking back at the 2004 3-way deadline trade that brought Nomar Garciapara to the Cubs 14:35 - On Willson Contreras' growth in the Cubs organization 16:40 - On going over budget to sign Starlin Castro 17:20 - Carlos Zambrano's growth within the Cubs organization 19:10 - How good could Gleyber Torres be?

Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan and Tony Andracki break down the Kris Bryant trade rumors.. 01:00 - How much truth is there to the "Will Kris Bryant be traded" story? 04:25 - Is there any package a team could offer that would give the Cubs what they value Kris Bryant at? 05:35 - Who is the most untouchable player on the Cubs roster? 08:55 - Will Kris Bryant be in Chicago long enough to wear a Cubs hat if he makes it to Cooperstown? -- 12:00 - Is Nolan Aranado a match in a possible trade for Bryant 16:00 - If MVP is Bryant's ceiling, what is his floor? 17:00 - Any players who had a shoulder issue like Bryant had who never bounced back? 19:00 - Would a Noah Syndergard for Kris Bryant trade make sense? 20:20 - Could Josh Donaldson be a target for the Cubs? 21:00 - Is all this Bryant talk much ado about nothing

Luke Stuckmeyer, Kelly Crull and David Kaplan react to Scott Boras opening up the Bryce Harper sweepstakes, and debate whether Harper would be a fit for the Cubs at this point. Then, “the distinguished Canadian hurler,” aka former Cub Ryan Dempster, joins the pod to discuss a wide variety of topics, including Yu Darvish, the role of pitching coaches, and John Lackey’s retirement party. 1:15 – Scott Boras’ comments on Bryce Harper from the GM meetings 3:00 – If you were a player, would you want Boras to be your agent? 6:15 – Would you rather spend $300 million on an ace, or an everyday player? 7:30 – Ryan Dempster joins the pod 8:10 – Dempster discusses his former teammate, Yu Darvish 9:15 – Changing expectations for the Cubs 10:40 – Biggest needs this offseason 12:10 – The role of pitching coaches 14:00 – Do the Cubs need another superstar? 16:05 – How young players adjust to coaching staff upheaval 17:40 – Stories from John Lackey’s retirement party