Cubs Talk Podcast

Patrick Mooney, Jeff Nelson, Nate Poppen and Tony Andracki weigh in on the Willson Contreras injury and what the next steps are for a Cubs team still searching for its identity and consistency. But there is reason for optimism for the Cubs moving forward, with or without Contreras. Plus, Brian Duensing joins the podcast to discuss bullpen shenanigans, rain-delay dance-offs and life as an under-the-radar-middle reliever.

In the latest the edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast Scott Changnon and Jeff Nelson talk about the potential impact of Justin Wilson and Alex Avila on the Northside. Patrick Mooney sits down with Diamondbacks Pregame and Postgame host Mike Ferrin to discuss Arizona's "Plan" in search of a title. Plus, a look back at the best of Carlos Zambrano on Cubs Postgame Live with David Kaplan and David DeJesus.

Patrick Mooney, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki break down the top Cubs storylines of a wacky week, including Kris Bryant's first (and maybe only) career ejection, and a "heated conversation" in the dugout between Anthony Rizzo and John Lackey in Tuesday night's game. Is the pressure wearing on Bryant? Is there a concern over the Rizzo-Lackey interaction? Plus, what is there to make of the Cubs trade rumors, particularly the Justin Verlander smoke? Also, Kelly talks to Jason Heyward about what type of teammate Lackey is and how the Cubs defense is starting to hit its stride as the final third of the season draws near.

Double-A Tennessee broadcaster Mick Gillespie joins the podcast to chat with Patrick Mooney about what prospects the Cubs have left in the farm system and how Dillon Maples could make an impact on the big league club as soon as this year. Cardinals beat writer Derrick Goold also stops by to chat with Mooney about the landscape of the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry and previewing the weekend series at Wrigley.

The CSNChicago.com team breaks down the Cubs-White Sox shocking blockbuster trade that sent Jose Quintana to Chicago’s North Side. Tony Andracki and Vinnie Duber react to the deal, plus hear analysis from Insiders Patrick Mooney and Dan Hayes as well as Yahoo’s Jeff Passan and an explanation from the man himself – Theo Epstein – on why the Cubs went all-in on Quintana and gave up the Cubs’ top two prospects (Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease).

Cubs coach Mike Borzello joins the CubsTalk Podcast with Patrick Mooney, providing a fresh perspective on the Cubs as a “dynasty” given Borzello was a staffer on the New York Yankees in the late ‘90s as they won four World Series from 1996-2000. Borzello also compares Kris Bryant to Derek Jeter and takes a big-picture view on the 2017 Cubs season. Elsewhere, Jeff Nelson, Scott Changnon and Tony Andracki sum up the first half and answer the burning questions ahead of the season’s second half, including what has to happen for the Cubs to shift gears completely and turn into a seller at the trade deadline. Plus, how much of the Cubs’ first-half struggles can be attributed to just poor luck?

As the All-Star Break approaches, the Cubs recalled Kyle Schwarber to the big leagues Thursday. Hear from Schwarber, Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon on the move, plus listen to Patrick Mooney and Tony Andracki break down the return of Schwarbombs and where the left-handed slugger fits in the Cubs lineup. Plus, do the Cubs need a consistent leadoff hitter and will they ever find one this season? And why the All-Star Break is coming at the absolute best possible time for Maddon and Co.

Cubs Insider Patrick Mooney is joined by Nationals Insider Mark Zuckerman and talks about the type of person Bryce Harper is and why the superstar slugger is perfectly suited for markets like Chicago, New York or Boston. Zuckerman has covered Harper since his inception into Major League Baseball and knows it won’t just be about the money. CSNChicago’s Tony Andracki and Jeff Nelson also break down the “Groundhog Day” type feeling that surrounds the Cubs this year, between a Cubbie Occurrence like Kris Bryant’s ankle roll to Miguel Montero’s candid comments and subsequent departure.

Tony Andracki, Scott Changnon and Jeff Nelson react in real time to the breaking news that Kyle Schwarber was demoted to the minor leagues. Plus, the trio play around with expansion drafts and who the most indispensable players on the Cubs are. Patrick Mooney also goes 1-on-1 with Cubs swingman southpaw Mike Montgomery about the lanky lefty’s role and how he got here.

Chicago Sun-Times Cubs Insider Gordon Wittenmyer joins CSNChicago.com’s Patrick Mooney for a “Riding in Cabs with Beat Writers” segment in New York as the two discuss Joe Maddon’s rise to one of the top voices in the game of baseball and how the Cubs offense will play out over the next three-and-a-half months of the 2017 season. Kelly Crull, Scott Changnon and Tony Andracki also break down the Cubs lineup, from Anthony “Greatest Leadoff Hitter of All-Time” Rizzo to Kyle Schwarber and Ben Zobrist. The trio also wonder if Zobrist would be better served on the disabled list to finally let the wrist injury heal once and for all.

Director of amateur scouting Matt Dorey takes Patrick Mooney inside the Cubs draft room ahead of the MLB event next week and how the organization can help supplement their stable of young hitters or add those elusive pitching prospects. Plus, take a look back at how the recent Cubs first-rounders - Ian Happ, Kyle Schwarber, Kris Bryant, Albert Almora Jr. and Javy Baez - have impacted the team of late and how much the team meeting was a factor in the latest turnaround following an 0-6 road trip.

On a special edition of the CubsTalk Podcast, producers Scott Changnon and Jon Graff take you behind the scenes of "Field of Dreams Come True," the story of 9-year-old Kolt Kyler and his family as they turned a viral moment of joy into a once in a lifetime experience at Wrigley Field. Scott and Jon discuss how the feature came about, their favorite parts of the day and how they determined how to edit down more than 10 hours of footage for a 13-minute feature. Plus, hear some stories on how Cubs players like Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell and Kris Bryant interacted with Kolt and his little brother Clay.

Former catcher and current Cubs mental skills coordinator John Baker (@manbearwolf on Twitter) joins Patrick Mooney to discuss Baker's role with the defending world champs and how the psychological aspect of the game impacts the play on the field. Mooney, Tony Andracki and Scott Changnon also dissect the Cubs' 0-6 West Coast trip, what Joe Maddon can do for his team right now and how Dexter Fowler's return to Wrigley looms over the weekend.

NBC Sports Bay Area Giants Insider Alex Pavlovic joins Patrick Mooney on the CubsTalk Podcast to explain the World Series hangover, how last year's playoff loss lingered in San Francisco, Johnny Cueto's quirks, the legend of Madison Bumgarner and Jeff Samardzija's ups and downs. Plus, Kelly Crull, Jeff Nelson and Tony Andracki break down the Cubs’ defensive struggles this year compared to a historic 2016 and how Ian Happ fits into the Cubs’ lineup in both the short- and long-term.

Cubs senior vice president of scouting and player development Jason McLeod sits down with Patrick Mooney to discuss the upcoming MLB Draft as well as top prospects Ian Happ - who is having a big first week in the majors - and pitcher Dylan Cease. McLeod also discusses how the Wrigley Field renovations are impacting the team and where the Cubs as a franchise go from here.

Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins pops by the CubsTalk Podcast to chat about his experience watching the 2016 championship team and the emotions he felt as the Cubs finally shed the “Lovable Losers” label and ended a 108-year World Series drought. Patrick Mooney and Tony Andracki also break down the sense of panic and frustration filtering through the Cubs fanbase and why that’s a kneejerk reaction…for now. Plus, what is there to make of Eddie Butler’s opportunity in the rotation and just how big is this weekend series in St. Louis?

Kelly Crull, Patrick Mooney, Jeff Nelson and Tony Andracki break down the first month of the Cubs’ 2017 season, examining the struggles of the starting rotation – particularly Brett Anderson – and the offense, including Kyle Schwarber in the leadoff spot. The crew also takes a closer look at the success of the bullpen with a pair of eye-popping stats. Plus, why does Joe Maddon love Jon Jay so much?

Mick Gillispie - the broadcaster for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies as well as the Cubs' spring training broadcaster - joins Tony Andracki to break down some of the organization's top prospects, analyzing the beginning of the 2017 season for guys Ian Happ, Duane Underwood, Eloy Jimenez, Chesny Young, Victor Caratini and Trevor Clifton. Mick also explains the wackiest game in Smokies history, how a winning culture has disseminated throughout the Cubs minor-league teams and what the World Series ring ceremony was like in Tennessee.

Addison Russell joins the CubsTalk Podcast to talk about his offensive potential, how the league has shifted to hitting the ball in the air and bat flips' place in the game. Anthony Rizzo also sounds off to the Chicago media on PEDs while Tony Andracki and Scott Changnon break down how Starling Marte's 80-game suspension will impact the NL Central. Plus, Tony and Scott discuss the sense of panic that surrounded the reigning champs after a four-game losing streak and how one win can change the mood of the fanbase in an instant.

David DeJesus, Jeff Nelson and Scott Changnon join Tony Andracki to break down the Cubs’ championship celebrations this week at Wrigley Field. Plus, DeJesus breaks down how the new outfield and bullpens (or lack thereof) will play at “The Friendly Confines.” Tony also sits down with Andre Dawson to gauge the Hall of Famer’s reaction to the Cubs winning it all last fall. Then, Kelly Crull chats with Albert Almora Jr. ahead of yet another standout defensive performance from the young outfielder.

Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki are joined by Patrick Mooney from St. Louis as they break down the opening two games of the 2017 regular season and how Albert Almora has stamped his name into the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry with a ridiculous catch to preserve the Cubs’ first victory. Plus, how weird was it seeing Dexter Fowler in Cardinal red? And Kelly has another story that will add to the legend of Kyle Schwarber and may point to increased luck for the Cubs slugger in the near future.

Tony Andracki is joined by diehard Cubs fans Scott Changnon and Jeff Nelson and the trio discuss the best ways for fans to enjoy the 2017 season as well as managing expectations and use of that "dynasty" word. Plus, listen to Kyle Schwarber explain what he feels like he has to prove this season and the three CSN producers go in-depth on the Legend of Schwarber, the dude with supreme confidence who would also fit in perfectly on a Beer League softball team.

This CSN Original Production chronicles and unveils new tales of the journey that was Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. A game that saw the Chicago Cubs ending "the curse" and winning their first title in 108 years.

Kelly Crull sits down with CSN executive producers Ryan McGuffey and Sarah Lauch, the creators of ‘Reign Men: The Story Behind Game 7 of the 2016 World Series,” which premieres March 27 at 9:30 p.m. on CSN. McGuffey and Lauch share their experience making the 52-minute documentary as they sifted through hours of sound from the likes of Joe Maddon, Theo Epstein, Jason Heyward, Anthony Rizzo and more recapping the greatest baseball game ever played. Plus, hear a sneak peak of ‘Reign Men’ as Heyward and Epstein describe their perspective of the Rajai Davis game-tying homer and that brief rain delay that led to Heyward’s epic speech.

Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki break down the Cubs’ roster crunch as well as the evolution of the bullpen from last year to this season, including where Justin Grimm fits in the big picture. Plus, hear from Grimm and Wade Davis on their expectations on the season and what are scouts seeing from Jason Heyward? Of course, David Ross was also a topic of conversation as the lifelong backup catcher is enjoying his time in the spotlight from “Dancing with the Stars” to Hollywood. #CubsTalk

Tony Andracki, Jeff Nelson and Scott Changnon discuss the Cubs’ version of March Madness as the final roster spots get worked out in camp with Matt Szczur, Tommy La Stella, Munenori Kawasaki and Brian Duensing among those fighting to make the 25-man roster. Plus, hear from Szczur and Duensing on their goals this spring and catch a sneak peak at the CSN documentary “Reign Men: The Story Behind Game 7 of the 2016 World Series” which premieres March 27 at 9:30 p.m.

The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma joins Tony Andracki on the latest CubsTalk Podcast to break down Jason Heyward's new swing and how he's handled his latest slump. Plus, Albert Almora Jr.'s power and where does Jeimer Candelario - the breakout player in camp - fit on the 2017 Cubs and beyond? #CubsTalk

Reporting from Cubs camp in Arizona, Patrick Mooney and Tony Andracki break down the fragile nature of pitching and how the Cubs are trying to counteract that, particularly with a guy like Brett Anderson. Plus, hear from manager Joe Maddon on Anderson and what he brings to the roster as well as Ryan Dempster's rationale for coming out of retirement to pitch for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. #CubsTalk

Baseball is officially back as spring training gets underway in Mesa, Arizona. CSN’s Kelly Crull & Luke Stuckmeyer wrap up all the excitement from opening week. They talk ace contracts, leadoff intimidation, and chime in on the Sammy Sosa saga. Plus, our Cubs Insider Patrick Mooney goes 1-on-1 with Executive VP and General Manager Jed Hoyer.”

Patrick Mooney calls in from Arizona to chat with Tony Andracki, Scott Changnon and Jeff Nelson about the Miguel Montero/Joe Maddon tension and the future of Jake Arrieta. Plus, will the second guessing of Maddon ever stop? And now that Kyle Schwarber is medically cleared to catch, how much will the Cubs really put him behind the plate?

Pat Gostele joins Tony Andracki on the latest CubsTalk podcast to present his unique experience chronicling the Cubs' World Series run as an editor/photographer for CSN and his side job as one of the camera operators for the video board at Wrigley Field. Plus, Kyle Schwarber discusses hitting leadoff and we preview the World Baseball Classic and some interesting names coming out of retirement for the event.

CSNChicago’s Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki assess the state of the Cubs’ pitching staff after acquiring Eddie Butler and Brett Anderson over the last few weeks. Plus, Kyle Hendricks discusses how he’s handling the offseason and his new “rock star” life and Carl Edwards Jr. weighs in on watching tape of Mariano Rivera and how he’s embracing his role as a reliever.

Tony Andracki and producer Scott Changnon touch on the latest Cubs news - including Javy Baez's new street and Brett Anderson's signing. Also, hear Tony's interview with Nate Halm (the Cubs' advanced scouting coordinator) who explains the Cubs' video scouting process, the inner works of in-game replay and what it was like inside the clubhouse throughout the miraculous World Series run.

Cubs Double A broadcaster Mick Gillispie and CSN's Tony Andracki recap the 2017 Cubs Convention and how the World Series championship changed everything about the Opening Ceremonies, the panels and the overall buzz and positivity surrounding CubsCon. Gillispie also provides a unique perspective on some of the young, homegrown heroes that helped lead the Cubs to glory as well as his experience watching the Cubs' run while making his way through the SEC with Alabama football, including turning a bar into "Wrigley South."

CSN’s Cubs coverage crew of Patrick Mooney, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki preview the busy week ahead for the Cubs that includes the first-ever Convention with the World Series trophy in attendance and a trip to the White House before Barack Obama leaves office. Plus, Joe Maddon’s profound impact on the Cubs culture has carried over into other clubhouses around the country.

CSN's CubsTalk crew of Patrick Mooney, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki attempt to keep Cubs fans up with the Rosses - both Tyson and David. Plus, what is the market for Travis Wood and who do the Cubs consider starting rotation depth? The trio also looks back fondly on the Cubs' World Series run and what they'll be looking forward to watching most from the CSN postseason replays.

The bald and beautiful return with a special voice and guest in the latest CubsTalk Podcast. Kelly Crull and Jesse Rogers are joined by the legendary radio voice of the Chicago Cubs Pat Hughes who relives the once in a lifetime call and analyzes the teams off-season moves as they prepare to defend their title.

Kelly Crull, Justin O’Neil and Tony Andracki discuss the Cubs-Royals trade that sent Jorge Soler to Kansas City in exchange for Wade Davis and what the move may mean for the Cubs’ short-term and long-term roster. Plus, what is going on with Travis Wood and are the Cubs really set to start the season with Mike Montgomery in their rotation?

Kelly Crull, David Kaplan and Tony Andracki huddle up to discuss the latest Cubs news and info from the MLB winter meetings, including wondering if the Cubs actually need an upgrade at closer over Hector Rondon. Plus, how does the Chris Sale trade affect the Cubs and are the Giants to be feared after signing a high-end closer? #CubsTalk

The bald and the beautiful, Kelly Crull and Jesse Rogers (ESPNChicago), go back to work after their Cubs championship bender. The champs made their first move of the off-season adding veteran outfielder Jon Jay. We discuss his impact & our favorite Dexter Fowler stories as we all prepare for life without Dex on the Northside. Who are the arms the Cubs will be targeting at winter meetings and which young star would they dangle to make a deal happen. Plus, the best behind the scenes moments and conversations from the Fall Classic...and the scoop on 3am.

On the latest CubsTalk Podcast, David Kaplan, Todd Hollandworth and Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg break down the Cubs Game 2 win. The guys discuss Jake Arrieta’s dominant performance, how the Cubs chased Trevor Bauer out of the game early, and just how impressive Kyle Schwarber has been in the opening two games. #CubsTalk

On the newest edition of the CubsTalk Podcast, David Kaplan, Todd Hollandsworth and Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg discuss the team’s 6-0 loss in Game 1 of the World Series. The Indians pitching staff shuts down the Cubs offense – how concerned should fans be by the lack of offense? The guys discuss the positives in the loss –Kyle Schwarber with a double and walk in his first major league game since April, and getting Andrew Miller into jams in the 7th and 8th innings. Plus a preview of the game 2 pitching matchup between Jake Arrieta and Trevor Bauer. #CubsTalk

David Kaplan, Todd Hollandsworth, and Ryan McGuffey discuss why Clayton Kershaw was just too good in Game 2 and if the Cubs slumping hitters, specifically Anthony Rizzo & Addison Russell, can snap out of it as series goes on. Plus - are postseason managers jumping on the Andrew Miller bandwagon with their own bullpens? Is Rich Hill what the doctor ordered for the Cubs offense in game 3? #CubsTalk

CSN's David Kaplan, Todd Hollandsworth and Ryan McGuffey break down the the first two games of the NLDS as the Cubs put the Giants on the brink of elimination. Tony Andracki joins the show in segment two to provide locker-room insight on the Cubs' confidence level heading to San Francisco. He also explains why Jake Arrieta is the perfect pitcher to match against Madison Bumgarner in Game 3.

David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Ryan McGuffey preview the NLDS matchup between the Cubs and Giants. Reason for concern? Is the even year fix in for San Francisco? Why baseball’s best team is ready for the Giants or whoever else they have to play going forward. Kap and the crew go over what jumps off the page between the two teams and provide series predictions, including one that might surprise you. #CubsTalk