Cubs Talk Podcast

Kris Bryant is out of the lineup for the fourth straight game Friday afternoon after getting hit in the face with a 96 mph pitch Sunday in Colorado. Is there any cause for long-term concern? Doug Glanville, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss the latest with Bryant, who is making some changes to his in-game protection after this incident. Plus, Glanville explains how a player gets over the mental hurdle after a traumatic experience like this and steps back into the box to face 97-98 mph pitches on a regular basis.

David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki sit down and discuss Cubs star Javy Baez and his transformation from Puerto Rican HS star to MLB star and the trials and tribulations he has faced and still faces as one of baseball's flashiest players.

It was a wild week in the world of Cubdom that included wacky weather, a comeback for the ages, some drama with the Pirates and a debate about who should be the leadoff hitter - Ian Happ or Albert Almora Jr. The NBC Sports Chicago crew of David Kaplan, Kelly Crull, Leila Rahimi and Tony Andracki break down all things Cubs and give their prediction on how the next week will play out.

David Kaplan and David DeJesus recap Yu Darvish’s Wrigley Field debut and try to figure out what’s wrong with the newly signed pitcher. Should he focus on his fastball or slider? Plus, the guys discuss the Javy Baez-Clint Hurdle back-and-forth after Joe Maddon weighed in.`

Doug Glanville, Leila Rahimi and Jon Graff are joined by Tony Andracki at Wrigley Field after Javy Baez unloads on the Pirates Manager.

Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki break down the Cubs’ four-game series against the Marlins to open the 2018 season, including the finale Sunday in which the Cubs were shut out despite having a fantastic day at the plate. Plus, what is there to make of the pitching staff so far with a lack of length from the starters and a surprising stress on the bullpen? What positives are there to take with this team as they head into Cincinnati for a brief two-game series with the Reds?

David Kaplan, Kelly Crull, Tony Andracki and Jon Graff get together to preview the Cubs' 2018 season while providing their predictions for how the season will play out. Will the Cubs win the division and if so, by how many games? Will Kyle Schwarber hit more than 30 homers? Who will be the Cubs' team MVP? What starting pitcher will emerge as the team's ace by season's end?

After acquiring free agent starters Yu Darvish and Tyler Chatwood, do the 2018 Cubs have the best rotation in Chicago baseball history? Dan Plesac from MLB Network joins Luke Stuckmeyer on the latest CubsTalk Podcast to discuss that and more before the season starts on Thursday.

Between more power in the rotation and more strike-throwing in the bullpen, the Cubs were decisive in how they wanted to remake their pitching staff entering the 2018 season. GM Jed Hoyer sits down with David Kaplan to explain the thought process of the front office over the winter.

Anthony Rizzo sits down with The Kapman and dishes on such topics as the tough times facing his hometown, World Series expectations in 2018, how this Cubs team compares to the Blackhawks dynasty and his shocking pick for the Cubs pitcher with the best stuff.

With Jake Arrieta inking a three-year deal worth $75 million, should the Cubs have tried for that same contract for the 2015 NL Cy Young Winner? Or are the Cubs still in a perfect spot with the Yu Darvish deal? Plus, who will be the Cubs’ 2018 MVP and what will the exact Opening Day lineup look like?

Just three weeks away from opening and Jake Arrieta needs a home. Who’s the leader in the clubhouse to sign the former Cubs CY Young Award winner? Jon Graff, Chris Kamka and Kelly Crull are weighing the odds for Arrieta’s potential landing spot with the help of Bovada’s Head Oddsmaker Pat Morrow. (Courtesy of Bovada.lv) Who will Jake Arietta sign his next MLB contract with? Milwaukee Brewers 7/4 Washington Nationals 5/2 San Diego Padres 11/4 Philadelphia Phillies 9/2 Minnesota Twins 8/1

How will Joe Maddon find enough playing time for everybody in the Cubs lineup in 2018? With Ian Happ doing his best to force the issue, does that mean Jason Heyward could find himself on the bench more often? David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss the Cubs’ roster puzzle – from the lineup to the bullpen to the potential for a six-man starting rotation. Plus, the crew gives its take on where and when Jake Arrieta finally signs with a team.

The Cubs super rotation has been set and Jon Lester receives the honor of starting opening day. David Kaplan and Kelly Crull discuss if the Cubs starting 5 is not only the best in franchise history, but the best in baseball right now. Plus after watching Joe Maddon’s crew up close and personal for 2 weeks in Mesa, Kelly discusses the refreshed focus and hunger the Cubs are displaying on a daily basis

Spring training baseball games are up around the bend, but before boys of summer get into organized action Kelly Crull sat down with 2 of the team’s new coaches Chili Davis and Jim Hickey. Vinnie Duber joined Kelly to discuss these baseball conversations including the memorable first words of Kyle Schwarber to Chili Davis, “I don’t suck!”

Jon Lester has arrived at Cubs camp, and he’s pleased with the new-look rotation full of potential aces. Kelly Crull and Vinnie Duber discuss the 5-man unit, and where Mike Montgomery fits into the Cubs’ plans. Plus, Kelly and Vinnie talk Jason Heyward and Kyle Schwarber, along with the continuing free agent stalemate surrounding Jake Arrieta.

Day 2 is in the books and Cubs players continue to react to the acquisition of Yu Darvish. Kelly Crull and Jesse Rogers discuss the Yu Darvish effect and the fact that teammates and coaches believe the best of Darvish is yet to come. Plus the odd-man out in the starting rotation Mike Montgomery deals with losing his opportunity to be a regular member of the Starting 5.

A brand new era is underway for the Chicago Cubs after introducing Yu Darvish the new ace of their staff. Kelly Crull, Jesse Rogers, and David Kaplan give their instant reaction to the newly signed 6-year contract. Kelly and Jesse take a deep dive into the financials that help ink the Cubs new strikeout machine, and The Kapman talks about the massive chip that Darvish has on his shoulder after his subpar World Series performance.

“There Yu go Cub Fans!” that’s what Jim Deshaies tweeted after learning the Cubs agreed to a deal with Yu Darvish. The NBC Sports Chicago Cubs color analyst joins David Kaplan and Jon Graff to discuss the major move made by Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. JD also discusses his top storylines for the Cubs entering spring training including who will be the Cubs everyday centerfielder. Plus in our entertaining lighting round, Jim talks about who will start opening day, who will be the team MVP, and if a hot dog is a sandwich.

Who are the Top 5 Cubs players of your lifetime? David Kaplan, Kelly Crull, Tony Andracki and Jon Graff provide their lists, with names like Sammy Sosa, Mark Grace, Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg and Ernie Banks cracking the list. How would this list look 20 years in the future? The panel also tries to predict the Top 5 Cubs of all-time if the list were being made in 2038.

Frederic - aka the Cubs' Director of Morale (DOM) - takes part in the first edition of #BattleKap, debating David Kaplan on all things Cubs, from Jason Heyward to Jake Arrieta to Yu Darvish to Kyle Schwarber.

With the Hall of Fame taking the baseball world by storm, the trio of David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss who might be the next Cubs player to enter the game's most prestigious club.

Another week has gone by and still no flurry of signings in Major League Baseball. The Cubs have added some catching depth, but beyond that, their roster appears set until the top three pitchers on the market – Jake Arrieta, Yu Darvish and Alex Cobb – finally reach an agreement with a team. But will that happen before spring training? And are the Cubs guaranteed to get one of those top starters? David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki weigh in on the latest CubsTalk Podcast, while also delivering a couple bold predictions for the season ahead.

ESPN’s Jesse Rogers stops by the CubsTalk Podcast to chat with Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki about his new book on Joe Maddon. The trio also debate whether Maddon’s tactics get stale and how the new coaching staff will affect the season. Plus, who should hit leadoff? Fans are all in on Albert Almora Jr., but that might not be the best option. And whose side do you take in the Willson Contreras-Yadier Molina tiff?

The NBCS Chicago Cubs team of Kelly Crull, Tony Andracki, Jon Graff, Matt Buckman and Scott Changnon rattle off their main takeaways from the weekend’s Cubs Convention, including the funniest moments and how the players engaged with fans and each other throughout the three days at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. Plus, which players – besides Kyle Schwarber – made the most of the offseason and primed for a breakout in 2018? The crew gives their take, with options including Albert Almora Jr., Ian Happ and Jason Heyward.

Did the Cubs really offer Jake Arrieta $110 million? Is Alex Cobb truly searching for an $80 million deal? Are the Miami Marlins out of their minds with what they want for Christian Yelich? David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss these rumors and more from the coldest offseason in recent memory. The trio also chat about baseball's luxury tax and who will cave first - the owners or the agents/players.

Is the slow-moving market playing right into the Cubs' favor? Should the Cubs extend themselves and give Jake Arrieta an extra year on a contract just to keep him from going to a rival? Should Javy Baez and Addison Russell switch positions for the 2018 season? A panel of David Kaplan, Tony Andracki, Scott Changnon, Nate Poppen and Eric Strobel discuss those topics and more on the latest CubsTalk Podcast.

Jon Graff, Eric Strobel and Luke Stuckmeyer are joined by Len Kasper to wrap up 2017. The voice of the Cubs discusses the lukewarm Hot Stove, the Cubs’ pitching additions, the mental fortitude of Kyle Schwarber, and whether the recent World Series triumphs on the North Side and in Houston will impact the current White Sox rebuild. Plus, Len has a deep cut for his favorite moment of 2017 and also gives us his lightning-round predictions for the 2018 season.

Cubs broadcaster Jim Deshaies stops by the CubsTalk Podcast to break down the Cubs’ pitching moves this offseason and why he believes the starting rotation will feature five guys who could all wind up as the ace of the staff in 2018. Plus, Deshaies chats with Kelly Crull, Tony Andracki and Jon Graff about being reunited with one of his former minor-league teammates with the Cubs and how he dodged an emotional bullet during the World Series this fall.

Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss the impact of the Marlins' trades and daydream on how Christian Yelich would be a perfect fit atop the Cubs order if Miami ever decided to move him. Plus, where do the Cubs stand with free agent pitchers and is a Wade Davis return still possible? Crull also chats 1-on-1 with MLB super-agent Scott Boras about Jake Arrieta's value and how to navigate a slow-moving free agent market.

Tony Andracki and Kelly Crull break down where Brandon Morrow and Drew Smyly fit in the Cubs' pitching plans while Kyle Schwarber craziness reaches new heights. Peter Gammons and Bob Nightengale weigh Schwarber’s trade value and how likely it may be that the Cubs could secure a Chris Archer, Gerrit Cole or Michael Fulmer this winter. Nightengale also explains how Brandon Morrow could fill an Andrew Miller-esque role for the Cubs. Plus, Cubs manager Joe Maddon stops by the CubsTalk Podcast to chat with Kelly about his offseason gameplan and why he’s still such a staunch believer in rest even when away from baseball.

MLB Network’s Dan Plesac stops by the CubsTalk Podcast to discuss Kyle Schwarber’s trade value, how the Cubs can solve their pitching deficiencies and why Wade Davis should still be on their radar even after the soon-to-be-official signing of Brandon Morrow. Plus, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki break down why they are now even more convinced Schwarber won’t be traded, how far the Cubs got in Giancarlo Stanton talks, why Kyle Hendricks was part of the Shohei Ohtani recruiting package and how the 2018 bullpen may look.

David Kaplan and Eric Strobel are joined by Tampa Bay Times beat writer Marc Topkin to discuss potential Cubs pitching targets Alex Cobb and Chris Archer. Topkin also reveals why new Cubs pitching coach Jim Hickey is known as a sorcerer within baseball circles. Plus, Kap and Eric break down the Cubs’ pursuit of coveted Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani, and debate whether the Cubs have a better shot at landing him than many might think. In addition, Kelly Crull is joined by John Harper of the New York Daily News who has proposed a potential trade sending Kyle Schwarber to the Bronx. Plus, we break down the field as the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes begins to wind down.

USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale stops by the CubsTalk Podcast with David Kaplan and Tony Andracki to discuss the Cubs’ chances at landing Theo Epstein’s White Whale: Shohei Ohtani. Would the 23-year-old Japanese phenom fit on a National League team? Plus, Nightengale hands out MLB comparisons for Ohtani, including a former Cub icon in terms of the young lefty’s bat.

In the latest CubsTalk Podcast, Kelly Crull and David Kaplan look ahead to Thanksgiving and discuss the official coaching hires for the Cubs. They also talk about where the Cubs go from here with Jake Arrieta and Wade Davis, whether Alex Cobb could factor into the rotation plans and Kap goes off on the 11:30 a.m. Opening Day start time.

GM Jed Hoyer stops by the CubsTalk Podcast to chat about the Cubs coaching staff, offseason trade rumors and why this is such a big winter for the future of the franchise after 2017 left a bad taste in everybody's mouths at Wrigley Field. Plus, is John Lackey a good fit for the Cubs' 2018 starting rotation and should we forget about that Jason Heyward-to-the-Giants buzz?

What are the realistic chances David Ross or Ozzie Guillen becomes the Cubs’ next bench coach? What would it take to get Chris Archer pitching in a Cubs uniform? Can the Cubs actually trade Jason Heyward’s full contract this winter and get pitching in return? Is the door shut on Jake Arrieta returning to Chicago? The NBC Sports Chicago crew tackles these questions, with David Kaplan, Kelly Crull, Patrick Mooney, Jeff Nelson and Tony Andracki giving their take on what has already been a weird offseason and what figures to an absolutely nuts winter.

With Joe Girardi out of a job in New York, could he ever manager again in Chicago? And how does his availability affect Cubs bench coach Davey Martinez in his bid for a manager gig somewhere? Do these Cubs coaching changes reflect more heavily on Joe Maddon moving forward? Is Bryce Harper coming to the Cubs in two years or is he just a big flirt? Who are the Cubs most likely to trade of their young position players? Patrick Mooney, Jeff Nelson and Tony Andracki attempt to answer all these questions as the Cubs offseason ramps up intensity.

Kelly Crull, Patrick Mooney and Tony Andracki close the book on the 2017 Cubs season following Theo Epstein’s press conference, looking back at what will go down as the craziest calendar year in Cubs history from last November through the team’s loss in the NLCS this October. Moving forward, where do guys like Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora Jr., Justin Wilson and Mike Montgomery fit? Will the Cubs re-sign Wade Davis or go after another proven closer? And how worried should fans be about the offense that completely disappeared in the postseason?

Patrick Mooney and Tony Andracki analyze the Cubs' sub-optimal position in the NLCS, down two games to none to the Dodgers with a lack of offense and a struggling bullpen. Plus, what was Joe Maddon thinking with his lineup and bullpen decisions in the first two games of the series? And what is really going with Wade Davis?

Kelly Crull, Luke Stuckmeyer and Tony Andracki do their best to try to make sense of what will go down as one of the craziest, weirdest games in baseball history. What were the moments that each reporter will remember for the rest of their lives? Who were some of the underrated heroes that helped the Cubs advance to their third straight NLCS? Plus, did Joe Maddon really win it for the Cubs in the NLDS or did Dusty Baker truly lose it for his team? The trio analyzes that question and looks ahead to a date with the Dodgers in Hollywood.

Patrick Mooney, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki break down all the news ahead of the Cubs-Nationals NLDS showdown beginning Friday night in Washington D.C. The Cubs rotation is set, but how will that impact the series? Have fans seen the last of Jake Arrieta in a Cubs uniform? Are the Nationals fully healthy with question marks surrounding Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer? Plus, the trio gives their X-factors for the series for both teams.

Insider Patrick Mooney and producers Jeff Nelson and Scott Changnon to describe their unique experiences to watching the Cubs clinch the 2017 National League Central Wednesday night while taking a look at how far the Cubs have come over the last few years in the rivalry with the St. Louis Cardinals. And with attention now focused on the postseason, who will the Cubs insert into their playoff rotation and in what order? Was this John Lackey’s last appearance in a Cubs uniform? And how will the bullpen shake out in October?

Kelly Crull, Jeff Nelson, Nate Poppen and Tony Andracki run down the math and scenarios for the Cubs entering the last week-and-a-half of the season. Plus, is this showdown with the Milwaukee Brewers the biggest series the Cubs have played since 2003? At the very least, the panel agrees it’s the most important/impactful series since that four-game set against the San Francisco Giants in August 2015. Plus, Insider Patrick Mooney chats with Cubs bench coach Davey Martinez on Joe Maddon, Wade Davis and how the team has come together in 2017.

My how the Mets have fallen in two years, going from the team that steamrolled the Cubs in the 2015 NLCS to just counting down the days until 2017 is up. That’s why the Cubs need to take advantage of every opportunity they have to make the postseason, as Jon Lester and Anthony Rizzo know full well. Newsday Mets writer Marc Carig discusses how the Mets have fallen on hard times in the last couple seasons, including the scary uncertainty of pitching health. Plus, Kelly Crull, Jeff Nelson and Tony Andracki discuss playoff scenarios for the Cubs and how the postseason lineup and bullpen may shake out.

Assuming the Cubs make the playoffs, who will be their fourth starter – Jose Quintana or John Lackey? Patrick Mooney, Jeff Nelson, Scott Changnon and Tony Andracki debate plus who to trust in the bullpen down the stretch and how the Cubs have moved from having one of the worst World Series hangovers ever to a point where they’re now the best defending champs we’ve seen since 2010. Plus Cubs reliever Dillon Maples joins the podcast and discusses his journey to the big leagues after beginning 2017 in High-A ball. Maples talks about how he was his own worst enemy for years in the Cubs system and even recounts the time one year ago when he was looking for somebody to tell him it was OK to quit baseball and move on from the only life he’s ever known.

On the latest edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Vinnie Duber, Patrick Mooney and Jeff Nelson talk about the Cardinals’ “white-flag” trade and how it affects the National League Central race, wondering whether the Cubs should be more concerned with the Cardinals or the Brewers over the season’s final month. Plus, when will Addison Russell return from the disabled list and how much play will he get in a crowded middle infield? And the guys look at what Anthony Rizzo has done to become the face of the franchise for the Cubs both on and off the field.

On the latest edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Vinnie Duber, Nate Poppen and Jon Graff discuss the Cubs’ current hot streak against last-place teams and taking advantage of a soft schedule. Plus, when will Addison Russell and Willson Contreras return to the Cubs’ lineup? And how concerning is Jon Lester’s injury?

Cubs Insider Patrick Mooney and Tony Andracki discuss Jon Lester’s injury from Thursday’s game and what it means for the Cubs moving forward. The guys break down how the rotation could play out and the effect Lester has on the team even on days he doesn’t pitch. Kyle Hendricks also stops by the podcast to talk about how he feels right now as he finds his groove coming off a hand injury. Plus, Mooney and Andracki break down the Cubs’ bullpen while Carl Edwards Jr. explains his confidence level after an up-and-down week.