Cubs Talk Podcast

The Cubs have started the west coast road trip stumbling out the gate, can they recover, and how will they fare against former Cub Yu Darvish? David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer break down the Cub road trip and discuss has Jed Hoyer made his decision yet on if this team is worth going all-in on, or will he start the rebuild at the trade deadline. (1:30) - Cubs vs Sox Nike City Edition uniforms (3:40) - Does Jed Hoyer have a good idea on if the Cubs will be buyers or sellers? (13:40) - If a potential World Series contender calls for Craig Kimbrel, do you trade him? (20:40) - Should Cub fans be upset that Jed Hoyer traded Yu Darvish before the season started?

In a "West" themed episode, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer breakdown the upcoming west coast road trip the Cubs will be on, and will the Cubs be able to be above .500 and make a strong statement to management that they are ready to make another push to the playoffs before the trade deadline. Later in the podcast, sticking with the theme of the West, Tim and Gordon are joined by umpire Joe West as they discuss Joe breaking the all-time games umped record and get his opinion on replacing umpires with Robo umps and more. (2:10) - The upcoming month will define the Cubs' season and may decide what Jed Hoyer does at the deadline (9:00) - If the Cubs win their next couple of games on the road, they can put pressure on Jed Hoyer (17:00) - Cubs winning despite injury issues (24:00) - Joe West joins the podcast to discuss his career and breaking the all-time games umped (28:26) - Will the future of baseball be Robo umps?

Marc Silverman is one of Chicago's great sports radio hosts and an all-around great guy who is a lifelong Cubs fan. Silvy joins his friend and ESPN radio teammate, David Kaplan, as they discuss where their Cubs fandom began and their favorite players in Cubs history. They also break down the first-place Cubs and their expectations for them the remainder of this season. (2:50) - Silvy on battling cancer during a pandemic and how the Cubs played a big role during that time (7:10) - Favorite Cubs players growing up (14:20) - The Cubs are in first place but they are still in an uncertain space as an organization (21:30) - With the way Kris Bryant is playing, should the Cubs go back to the table and try to re-sign him? (28:50) - Is Cubs management happy the Cubs are winning, or were they looking forward to trading off assets before the deadline?

The hottest topic in baseball right now is Cardinals manager Mike Shildt going on a rant on MLB's dirty little secret on how pitchers are using foreign substances to increase spin rate. David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins discuss Shildt's rant and if there's validity to his argument. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses the Cubs' push for 1st place in the NL Central division and how injuries are impacting the Cubs this year. (1:45) - Mike Shildt's viral rant of pitchers using foreign substances to impact the game (12:00) - Cubs still pushing to overtake the Cardinals in the NL Central division (16:00) - Cubs can't afford to lose anyone else to injury especially Anthony Rizzo (23:00) - Will injuries impact the trade deadline this year?

The Cubs are currently in second place in the NL Central but are inching closer and closer to first after winning a weekend series vs. the rival Cardinals. Will they be able to get to the top of the division? David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the recent series win and break down what's working for the Cubs. Later in the pod, the crew discusses Wilson Contreras' play and if he's willing to stay with the Cubs if they start a rebuild. (2:10) - There's a path where the Cubs could be leading in the division soon (8:40) - Are the Cubs looking to trade pieces away before the deadline? (13:20) - Is Willson Contreras part of the Cubs' long-term plans? (20:30) - Why aren't Cubs players getting vaccinated and will it be an issue with the organization? (26:00) - Chances the Cubs can win this division

The Cubs play the Cardinals 13 times over the next several weeks, and those games might play a huge part in influencing the team's approach to the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss how those Cardinals series could impact the Cubs' core. They also discuss the COVID-19 vaccine protocols in MLB and how it's negatively impacting the Cubs off of Jed Hoyer's own admission. And the team peaks south on the red line to discuss the White Sox drama with Tony La Russa, Yermin Mercedes and what Cubs manager David Ross thinks about it all.

With the new updated safety protocol by the CDC, the Cubs will increase capacity and have other changes. To break down the new guidelines and discuss how they will impact Cub fans at Wrigley, Dr. Robert Citronberg joins David Kaplan and Maddie Lee to explain the details of what's next and what fans should expect at Wrigley Field. David Kaplan and Maddie Lee also discuss the return of Kyle Schwarber and Jon Lester to Chicago as the Cubs set to play the Washington Nationals. (1:30) - More fans are welcomed to Wrigley (3:30) - Kyle Schwarber and Jon Lester return to Chicago (7:35) - Dr. Robert Citronberg joins the podcast (12:35) - Details about how the vaccine works to help people from contracting and spreading COVID-19 (17:20) - What does it mean when someone gets COVID after getting the vaccine?

In breaking news, the city of Chicago and state of Illinois approved the Cubs to expand fan capacity to 60 percent. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the change, the impact the new money will have on the team, and if there will be a plan to reach 100 percent capacity before the season ends. Later, the group debates why the Cubs can't hit with runners in scoring position and if this trend will last. (1:50) - Mayor Lori Lightfoot has opened up fan capacity to 60 percent. Is this too big of a jump? (8:55) - Rules and ways other teams are opening their stadiums to fans (10:45) - Cubs can't seem to bring runners in scoring position home. What's going on with the bats? (16:40) - Will the Cubs' philosophy change where instead of building around position players, they start building with young pitching? (23:10) - With the trade deadline inching closer, when will the Cubs begin trading players?

The mustache. The swagger. The farm. Andrew Chafin is a character you didn't know you wanted more of. On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Chafin joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer as they discuss his style, his cars, and his interests outside of baseball. The crew also discusses his love of pancakes without syrup, his DIY YouTube page, and how he approaches pitching in the analytics era of baseball. (2:15) - You don't mess with Andrew Chafin (7:30) - Chafin on becoming a fan favorite and his YouTube page (12:50) - Chafin is not here for all your numbers. He just wants to pitch (17:10) - #Boatlife (22:40) - Chafin's favorite type of movie is old Westerns, because of course

Kris Bryant is swinging a hot bat and playing as good as ever, but the Cubs are near the bottom of the NL Central. They could get quite a return if they decide to trade him, but would they do another trade with the White Sox. who are in desperate need of an outfielder due to injuries? David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer break down the Cubs' position and if they are considering moving Bryant or if there's still hopes of reaching an extension. (1:46) - Why has Kris Bryant been so good to start the season? (6:00) - If Bryant winds up on the trade market, will the Sox be in contention to get him? (10:15) - What would the Cubs want if they traded Bryant to the White Sox? (14:40) - Cubs already started their rebuild when they moved Yu Darvish. Why should they delay moving Bryant?

The Cubs are having an up and down year so far with a lot of the same players. Was last year's roster better? The Cubs Talk crew of Tim Stebbins, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer breakdown the differences between this year's team and last year, what direction the Cubs seem to be headed toward, and they discuss if Tim Stebbins and Cubs pitcher Zach Davies is the same person. (2:00) - Rough stretch for the Cubs (8:40) - Did the Yu Darvish trade signal to the team and fans that the organization is preparing to rebuild? (13:40) - Was just simply swapping out Yu Darvish for Zach Davies the only issue? (21:00) - Was it a good offseason for the Cubs, all things considered? (Cap flexibility, asset acquisition, etc.) (27:50) - Joc Pederson vs Kyle Schwarber, who is having a better season?

The beginning of the Cubs 2021 season has been a roller coaster of highs and lows, but where exactly is this team? Are they still trying to win? Is this a rebuild? Should they start trading core pieces? The Cubs Talk crew of Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins review the Cubs’ first month of baseball and decides if the answer is to start the rebuild now, re-sign the core and try again, or is the answer somewhere in the middle. (2:00) - What has been learned about the Cubs so far (8:00) - Is it time to shop Craig Kimbrel? (15:15) - Is there anything to be optimistic about for the Cubs so far? (22:50) - Enter the mind of Jed Hoyer, is he looking to rebuild or retool? (28:00) - What should the Cubs do with Nico Hoerner?

The Cubs took the first two games of their series against the New York Mets and the offense scored 16 runs in one game! Will the Cubs' bats get going now? The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the offense's recent success and if it's here to stay. They also discuss if Javy Báez can get hot after hitting a grand slam and if he's playing better than his good friend, Francisco Lindor. Later, the crew previews the upcoming series against the Brewers. (2:15) - Are the bats finally coming alive for the Cubs? (6:40) - Was Javy Baez unprofessional for batting left-handed? (10:00) - Baez vs. Lindor (14:55) - What is going on with new Cubs outfielder Joc Pederson? (17:25) - Cubs-Brewers series preview: Are the Brewers still the favorite to win the division?

In a packed episode, the Cubs Talk crew of Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer and David Kaplan discuss the verdict of Derek Chauvin and how the murder of George Floyd led to The Players Alliance, which includes Jason Heyward. The crew also breaks down whether MLB will do anything about the length of games, and preview the Mets-Cubs series. (2:10) - Initial reactions to the Derek Chauvin verdict (4:30) - Jason Heyward speaks on why MLB players started The Players Alliance (6:33) - Will MLB find ways to shorten the length of games? (10:30) - Mets-Cubs series preview (16:40) - Why have Cubs hitters struggled to hit fastballs?

The Cubs offense is in the sunken place without promise that it will get out (see what I did there) anytime soon. But who is to blame? The players? The coaching staff? The front office? Ownership? The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer break down the continued woes of the offense and who is to blame for it being not just bad but historically bad. (2:00) - Is it surprising how bad this offense is? (7:55) - Has Jed already started thinking tear down and rebuild? (15:10) - Is there pressure on the pitching staff to be perfect since the offense isn't performing? (21:15) - Was ownership and the front office expecting a start like this? (26:00) - Will a team call the Cubs soon to trade for a core player? (34:40) - When will Jed pull the plug on this team?

The Cubs added a fourth player to the COVID-19 related injured list on Tuesday in Matt Duffy, just 24 hours after relievers Jason Adam, Dan Winkler and Brandon Workman landed there. Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Milwaukee, and David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins discuss the Cubs' COVID concerns, where they stand in getting the team vaccinated, and the Cubs scratching Kyle Hendricks shortly before first pitch Tuesday out of an abundance of caution due to him not feeling well. Later in the podcast, the crew breaks down the Cubs' struggling offense. (1:30) - Cubs have added five players to the COVID-19 related IL since Monday (6:00) - Cubs players taking the vaccine while some are hesitant (11:10) - Kyle Hendricks misses Tuesday's start due to not feeling well (16:50) - Trying to explain why the Cubs aren't hitting (19:40) - Will organizations only sell tickets to fans who are vaccinated in the near future?

The Cubs Talk crew discusses Jake Arrieta's second start of the season and the rotation's quality first week. But should fans be worried about the lack of offense, or is it still too early? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer break down the Cubs' first week, whether it's too early to panic about the offense and if there are early signs of things to come for the remainder of the season. (1:30) - Biggest positive takeaway from the first week of the season (5:00) - Is it too early to worry about the offense? (9:30) - Jake Arrieta looks great so far. Can he keep it up? (15:00) - Biggest concern for the 2021 Cubs (21:20) - Who will have the most leadoff starts this season?

The 2021 season is underway and baseball is back, but for how long? The players have been noticeably unhappy during recent labor negotiations, so what happens after 2021 — the final season of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement? Gordon Wittenmyer sat with the Cubs' player rep Ian Happ as they break down issues that need to be resolved between the players and owners. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee and Gordon discuss the interview and what they think will happen at the conclusion of the season. (1:25) - Cubs Talk crew on Ian Happ's role as player rep for the Cubs (8:08) - Are the players at fault for signing the current agreement that could lead to a work stoppage? (14:10) - Is a reverse luxury tax an option that could be agreed upon by the players and owners? (20:16) - Ian Happ interview on the CBA and if the players and owners can work out a long-term deal (26:44) - The Cubs talk crew reacts to Happ's thoughts on a potential work stoppage

The Cubs dropped Game 1 of the 2021 season, losing 5-3 to the Pirates while only managing two hits compared to Pittsburgh's nine. Should Cubs fans be worried? Of course not. Are there things they should keep an eye on? Absolutely! David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins do a postgame breakdown of the loss and discuss what Cubs fans should keep an eye on as the season gets going. (1:30) - Cubs have an embarrassing outing in Game 1 (4:25) - Did the cold weather impact the way the Cubs played? (8:25) - Bright spots in the loss to the Pirates (13:10) - Francisco Lindor got PAID! What does it mean for Javy Báez?

Opening Day for the Cubs is this Thursday, and that means it's time to preview the season and make bold predictions. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer predict if the Cubs will win the division, if any players will be re-signed, who will have the better season between Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester, and a lot more. (1:44) - How many games will the Cubs win? (10:26) - How many plate appearances will Joc Pederson get against lefties? (16:00) - How many starts will left-handed pitchers make for the Cubs? (22:00) - Who has the better season: Jon Lester or Jake Arrieta? (29:00) - How many Cubs will get an MVP vote? (32:00) - Who will be the first Cub to re-sign with the team?

Anthony Rizzo has expressed his desire to remain a Cub long term, but with extension talks stalled, the first baseman instructed his agents to halt negotiations so he can focus on the season. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer break down Monday's news and discuss if they think Rizzo will be a Cub after this season and if there will be strong pushback from fans if Rizzo isn't back in 2022. (2:00) - Gordon Wittenmyer: "He got low-balled. And I think that is…shocking to me, tone-deaf to me, with all the things they talked about. Not to mention what this guy’s done on the field. You can’t do market value with him?" (5:15) - If the Cubs don't re-sign Rizzo, will that impact future negotiations with younger Cubs players? (9:55) - Is it surprising that the Cubs didn't extend a single player this offseason? (14:30) - Will the Cubs extend any player this season? (19:00) - Anthony Rizzo has shut down negotiations publicly and privately

Who are your favorite play-by-play announcers? Who are your favorite radio hosts? Who are your favorite sports writers? Did you name a woman? Women across the sports landscape are making strides every day to bring unique and interesting perspectives to the games we love and we should make sure spaces are being made to normalize women in a majority male field. NBCS Cubs insider Maddie Lee is joined by Cortney Hall of NBC-5 and the Chicago Bulls, Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times, Julie DiCaro of Deadspin, and Leila Rahimi radio host of the Bernstein & Rahimi show, to discuss why sports coverage should have more women and how women have improved sports culture. So ask yourself, why don't you want more women in sports?

From worries about his pitch framing to becoming one of the best catchers in baseball, Willson Contreras has been through a lot and has learned a lot. Maddie Lee sat down with the All-Star catcher, discussing his process in working with new pitchers, how he learned from veteran pitchers, and his thoughts on robot umps. Gordon Wittenmyer joins to react to Contreras' comments. Plus, Maddie and Gordon discuss news that the Cubs are expected to have increased capacity at Wrigley Field.

Our Gordon Wittenmyer reported Tuesday that, following a grievance heard by an arbitrator, Cubs pitcher Adbert Alzolay has a fourth minor-league option remaining. The grievance was filed by the players union over unresolved issues from the 2020 season. Gordon and Maddie Lee discuss what the decision means for Alzolay, how it could impact the way the Cubs use him this season, and what it means for the overall roster.

With a little over a week until the season begins, David Ross officially named Kyle Hendricks the Cubs' Opening Day starter. Gordon Wittenmyer sits down with Hendricks to discuss his role with the team and his thoughts on the direction of the franchise. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, Maddie Lee, and Gordon break down the interview and Ross' announcement and discuss how they view Hendricks.

Javy Báez is seeking a contract extension to remain a Cub and is part of the upcoming free-agent class full of some of the game's best shortstops. Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer listen and react to Gordon's interview with Baez. Báez lays out his expectations for his contract, his relationship with the organization and Jed Hoyer, and where he thinks he is on the list of best shortstops in the game today.

Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel has been trying to find his groove in spring training and it seems like he has found it. Live from Arizona, Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the recent outings of Craig Kimbrel and if it can be sustained. They also dive into some NCAA Tournament talk around David Ross and the Cubs, and they also dive into the outings of Pedro Strop as he tries to make the roster with limited work from the bullpen.

Spring training is nearing completion and the Cubs have some key decisions to make. Maddie Lee, live from Arizona, joins Tim Stebbins to break down what's on the docket for the Cubs, from the rotation to the bullpen to second base. They also break down the possibility that the Cubs will only have one left-hander on the pitching staff, and some history that was made during Saturday's Cubs broadcast.

Gordon Wittenmyer sits down with first baseman Anthony Rizzo to discuss his Cubs career. Is it coming to an end? Will he retire a Cub? Rizzo also discusses whether he's underrated, the legacy of the 2016 Cubs, and the uncertainty surrounding the 2021 season for not only him but some of his teammates. David Kaplan joins Gordon to preview and recap the interview. (1:45) - David and Gordon discuss Rizzo's headspace in an uncertain season (9:15) - Gordon's interview with Anthony Rizzo (10:20) - Rizzo comes to grips with the possibility of not being a Cub anymore (14:00) - Rizzo on if management and ownership are serious about winning anymore with this group (18:30) - Rizzo discusses if he's an underrated player (20:48) - David and Gordon break down Rizzo's comments

Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Mesa, Ariz., sits down with Cubs president Jed Hoyer. The two discuss the state of the Cubs, Hoyer taking over for Theo Epstein, his friend, and being the one that may have to break up the Cubs core in order for the organization to move forward. Gordon and NBC Sports Chicago's Maddie Lee break down the interview. (6:44) - Interview with Hoyer begins; What is it like taking over Theo Epstein? (10:35) - The battle at second base this spring (15:20) - Pedro Strop being held from camp due to safety violations (19:50) - Working through player options in a pandemic season (21:30) - Jed on having to break up the core one day (26:45) - Are the Cubs still trying to win as many games as possible this year? (31:25) - Gordon and Maddie break down the interview

You can argue Kris Bryant is one of the most misunderstood athletes in Chicago sports. In a special episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast Gordon Wittenmyer talks with Bryant (socially distant) in Arizona about his time as a Cub. Also during this episode, the Cubs Talk crew of Gordon, David Kaplan, Maddie Lee and Tim Stebbins discuss what they took from the conversation. (1:27) - Biggest takeaway from the sit-down with Kris Bryant (9:14) - Gordon goes 1-on-1 with Bryant (10:15) - Bryant on how he got to the "I don't give a sh**" mentality (13:40) -Bryant on fighting to find the fun in baseball (17:40) - Bryant on how he wants his time in Chicago to be remembered (19:10) - Bryant details his relationships with Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer (22:00) - Understanding an open and honest Kris Bryant with the Cubs Talk crew

Tim Stebbins is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer live from Mesa, Ariz. as they give updates from Cubs spring training. In Monday's edition, Javy Báez discusses his willingness to negotiate a contract extension past Opening Day. Plus, the guys provide an update on Nico Hoerner, who missed Sunday's game with back tightness and break down Alec Mills' Monday outing.

Maddie Lee is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer live from Mesa, Arizona as they give updates from Cubs spring training. In today's edition, the crew dives into the Cubs closer situation and why Craig Kimbrel isn't performing well. They also discuss if the Cubs have another plan should Kimbrel continue to struggle. Later in the pod, they provide injury updates on the team.

On Saturday's Cubs spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer — live in Arizona — is joined by Tim Stebbins. The guys discuss an ongoing grievance filed by the MLBPA that could make a difference in whether Cubs pitcher Adbert Alzolay makes the Opening Day roster. They also discuss Craig Kimbrel's down start to spring training and new outfielder Jake Marisnick, who spoke to reporters in Arizona after making his Cubs debut Saturday.

Among all the storylines from Cubs spring training, one of the biggest is whether fan-favorite Anthony Rizzo and the team will reach a contract extension. Rizzo spoke about his extension talks on Friday. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer — live from Cubs camp — discuss Rizzo's comments and his future with the Cubs. Later in the pod, the crew looks back on the day sports shut down in March 2020 due to COVID-19. (1:35) - If you could only choose one, would you extend Javy Báez, Kris Bryant or Anthony Rizzo? (5:05) - Anthony Rizzo, speaking to the media, feels optimistic about getting an extension done with the Cubs (7:40) - Would it be surprising if none of the core guys are extended this spring? (10:25) - A year ago Friday, sports came to a pause (14:35) - Maddie Lee describes covering the Utah Jazz-Oklahoma City Thunder game that was the starting point to sports shutting down (18:10) - David Ross looks back on sports shutting down last March

New Cubs outfielder Joc Pederson has gotten off to a big start offensively in the first few weeks of spring training, and that continued Thursday. Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Arizona, joins Maddie Lee to discuss Pederson's play. They also dive into the leadership of Jason Heyward and how he's showing it this spring training.

In a packed episode, the Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee and Tim Stebbins discusses the Cubs' loss Wednesday vs. the San Francisco Giants, the second base position battle, and Joc Pederson's impact on the team so far. The crew also dives into news that the Texas Rangers will fill their stadium at 100-percent capacity on Opening Day when other clubs are not doing so because of the pandemic. Plus, a discussion on Craig Kimbrel's early spring outings and whether they're a concern. At the end of the pod, the crew debates which ballpark food is the best. (2:10) - Updates on position battles and the impact Joc Pederson is having on the Cubs (4:30) - Texas Rangers plan to host fans at 100-percent capacity on Opening Day. Could players opt out of playing vs. the Rangers? (12:25) - Craig Kimbrel's early spring outings and what they mean for the Cubs (16:50) - Is the Cubs starting rotation starting to round into shape? (21:46) - Favorite sports stadium food

When you see the word selfish, you may have an idea of what it means, but the Cubs are using it to get back to form offensively. Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer, live in Arizona, discuss the Cubs' philosophy and hear from Kris Bryant and what it means to him. Maddie and Gordon also talk about newcomer Joc Pederson's hot play recently and if he is making headway to be an everyday starter. "Joc-tober begins in Peder-March?" Just listen to the podcast to understand.

Cubs fans will be allowed back at Wrigley Field at 20-percent capacity on Opening Day! Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the news and how it will impact Cubs players and the organization. Later, Maddie and Gordon provide updates on the status of Pedro Strop, who's being held out of Cubs camp after violating COVID-19 protocols. Plus, a certain Cubs player heats up again after a slight slump.

On Sunday's Cubs spring training report, Maddie Lee is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer, live in Arizona. The two discuss pitcher Pedro Strop violating MLB's COVID-19 safety protocols, having dinner inside recently with players from other teams. Strop will quarantine and be held from team activities. Gordon and Maddie discuss how the Cubs are handling the situation and if Strop will have enough time to prove he can make the team. Later in the podcast, Maddie and Gordon discuss Jake Arrieta's first spring training start.

Javy Báez was hit by a pitch on the forearm Friday, causing him to leave the game. On Saturday's spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Phoenix, joins Tim Stebbins to discuss Báez and his return to team activities. The guys also dive into pitcher Shelby Miller making his first start in spring training and provide updates on the hottest position battle in spring training: second base.

As spring training rolls on for the Cubs, Nico Hoerner continues to make a strong impression in the second base competition. Live from Arizona, Gordon Wittenmyer joins Maddie Lee to discuss Hoerner's hot bat and if second base is his job to lose. Later in the podcast, Gordon and Maddie talk possible vaccines for the players that could be available soon, an injury update on Javy Báez, and more news and nuggets from Cubs camp. (1:40) - What has gotten into Nico Hoerner? Teams are having a hard time getting him out (6:55) - Can Hoerner produce close to this for a full regular season? (12:55) - Back end of the starting rotation hasn't been solidified. Can Alec Mills make a statement? (18:40) - Ian Happ on whether players will be eligible to get the vaccine soon (26:00) - Injury update on Javy Báez

In today's spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Glendale, Ariz., joins Maddie Lee to discuss and break down how the Cubs and Dodgers have fared in recent years while comparing their respective competitive windows. They also discuss Kris Bryant getting reps in left field, the addition of Eric Sogard, and what it means for Nico Hoerner, and Gordon reports on the return of alternate sites in 2021.

Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Arizona, joins Maddie Lee to discuss the still undefeated Cubs, whose game against the Mariners on Wednesday ended in a tie under the new spring training rules. They also discuss the return of longtime Cubs reliever Pedro Strop, who spoke to the media and is excited to be back with the team and show Cubs fans what he can do.

The Cubs won their second spring training game, picking up a 3-2 win over the Royals on Tuesday that featured a near no-hitter. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss Adbert Alzolay's pitching performance, Nico Hoerner's impressive first game as he seeks to claim the everyday second baseman job, how the Cubs are using their pitching staff in spring games, and more news and nuggets from Arizona. (2:00) - Does a no-hitter in spring training count? (4:26) - Nico Hoerner looks great in his first game (8:00) - Cubs are being extremely cautious with their pitchers (11:50) - Pitching arms are being treated with extreme care in today's game (15:00) - News and nuggets from Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Arizona

The Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 1-0 in their first spring training game. Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Peoria, Ariz. and Tim Stebbins break down the game, including Kyle Hendricks' pitching performance, what the environment was like with some fans in the stadium, and if Javy Báez will have a bounce back year from 2020 when the pandemic season's conditions seemed to take a toll on his game.

In today's Cubs spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer and Maddie Lee debate Gordon's fly ball skills after David Ross critiqued his outfield abilities. They also get into the rules of spring training games and what the Cubs are preparing for before Monday's matchup when Kyle Hendricks takes the mound. Plus, they discuss how teams are filling rosters and working out pitching arms without having the ability to use minor leaguers this year due to the pandemic.

On today's Cubs spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Mesa, Ariz., is joined by Tim Stebbins. Willson Contreras spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on offseason trade rumors, possible extension talks, and his improved pitch framing. Gordon and Tim also discuss David Bote's thoughts on the club's second base competition. Plus, Pedro Strop has joined Cubs camp.

With the Cubs nearing the end of their first week of spring training, Javy Báez and Joc Pederson addressed the media. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss if Báez will have a comeback season and land the contract extension to stay in Chicago like he desires. Plus, Joc Pederson wants to prove he's an everyday player. Will he get the opportunity to do so? All that and more on the Cubs Talk Podcast! (1:50) - Javy Báez is excited for the upcoming season (4:40) - Báez wants to be a Cub long term and does not want to go to another team (9:50) - Was 2016 the outlier year for this core Cubs group? (14:50) - With the Cubs struggling offensively at times the last few years, was changing hitting coaches so many times a mistake? (16:04) - Joc Pederson is looking to prove he's an everyday player (20:04) - How do the Cubs handle Pederson if he isn't producing against lefties?

In today's Cubs spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Mesa, Ariz., and Maddie Lee discuss the Cubs announcing Kyle Hendricks will start their opening spring training game. Does that mean Hendricks will be the team's Opening Day starter? They also discuss Jake Arrieta throwing live batting practice and Kris Bryant taking him deep. Plus, updates on injuries and position battles.