Cubs Talk Podcast

The Cubs begin their first round postseason series Wednesday against the Miami Marlins and Brandon Kintzler, a former Cub. Kintzler joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer and gives his thoughts on the Cubs roster, the Marlins’ comeback season from a COVID-19 outbreak and his time with the Cubs. Later on in the podcast, the Cubs content team of Jeff Nelson, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins discusses the matchup. (1:46) - The Marlins have been on lockdown after they had an early-season coronavirus outbreak (7:00) - How did the Marlins make the playoffs with the league's worst run differential? (14:14) - Kintzler on if he believed the season would be completed (19:00) - How do the Marlins pitchers match up with the Cubs offense? (23:20) - Kintzler on his experience as a Cub (30:48) - Jeff Nelson, Tim Stebbins, and Maddie Lee breakdown the Cubs-Marlins matchup

As the postseason nears, it's time to start looking at potential matchups for the Cubs. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined former Cub and broadcaster for the Dodgers Jerry Hairston Jr. They discuss the upcoming postseason and compare the Dodgers and Cubs this season and for the future. The crew also discusses Hairston's career as a Cub. (2:52) - The Dodgers' deep pitching rotation (9:53) - Is this the year the Dodgers finally win the World Series? (16:25) - Hairston describes his time as a Cub (21:36) - What was it like playing for Dusty Baker? (25:46) - Where does Kris Bryant rank among third basemen?

Kyle Schwarber was benched by David Ross for misplaying a ball that ended up being a triple in Sunday's game vs the Twins. Was David Ross wrong for pulling Schwarber? Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer have a heated debate on the situation and compare the managerial styles of David Ross and former manager Joe Maddon. Later on, Gordon updates the status of Jose Quintana and what the Cubs pitching rotation would look like in a playoff scenario. (1:30) - David Ross pulls Kyle Schwarber for not hustling to a ball in the outfield (6:16) - Should Joe Maddon and David Ross have benched Javy Baez for not hustling after a hit? (12:14) - Which managerial style works best? (16:36) - Should managers/coaches be more strict in their styles in 2020? (23:42) - Jose Quintana's status

Jon Lester was one of the biggest free agent signings in Chicago sports history and his contract is up at the end of the season, which could mean he may have pitched his final game at Wrigley Field. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss and debate Lester’s Cubs career and if he is the most impactful Cub ever. Later on in the pod, the guys discuss a tough offseason ahead for the Cubs and if they should continue forward with their core or prepare for a rebuild. (1:45) - Is Jon Lester the most impactful Cub of all-time? (9:25) - Will Lester make the Hall of Fame? (15:00) - Tough offseason ahead for the Cubs (22:25) - Has Kris Bryant’s Cubs career been disappointing?

Now that the regular season is nearing its end, the Cubs are in prime position to make the playoffs. How do they stack up against teams they might play in October? Host Davis Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the Cubs’ playoff scenarios and who they might see. Later in the pod, they go over the details of the MLB’s bubble, which starts after the first-round series are over. Plus, who on the Cubs is ready to have a breakout postseason run? (1:20) - MLB’s plan to put teams in a bubble (7:38) - Which Cub is going to have a breakout postseason? (15:04) - Which NL team has the best chance to go to the World Series? (21:06) - How will pitchers be able to workout in the bubble? (24:56) - Jason Heyward proved he deserved that contract

In an unexpected scenario, Cubs pitcher Alec Mills threw a no-hitter on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers, the day before the anniversary of former star Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano’s no-no on September 14th, 2008. Carlos joins David Kaplan as they discuss Mills' no-hitter and relive his 2008 no-hitter vs. the Houston Astros. Then, the NBCS Chicago Cubs coverage team of Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins discuss Mills’ no-hitter and the team’s reaction after the momentous game. (1:50) - No one saw this no-hitter coming from Alec Mills (6:05) - Cubs have been on a roll lately (10:00) - Mills' sinking pitches were on point (14:56) - Carlos Zambrano joins the podcast (16:14) - Zambrano on watching Alec Mills throw a no-hitter (22:00) - Zambrano on what pitching a no-hitter is like

Host David Kaplan is joined by Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer and Cubs beat writer Maddie Lee to discuss the Cubs’ recent series against the Cardinals and Reds. They also discuss how there isn't a magic number for the Cubs to clinch the division right now despite being in first place. Later, they passionately debate the future of Kris Bryant with the Cubs and if he should be in Chicago long term. (1:20) - No magic number for the Cubs yet (8:40) - Do the Cubs have enough money to go after big pitching during the offseason? (13:40) - Should Jed Hoyer be the new president of baseball operations for the Cubs? (19:05) - Should Kris Bryant be traded ASAP?! (34:30) - Will the Cubs call up their top pitching prospect, Brailyn Marquez, to the majors this season?

The Cubs remain in first place in the division and are almost a lock to make the playoffs, but will players like Yu Darvish be recognized for their individual efforts this season? Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by award voters Jesse Rogers of ESPN 1000, David O'Brien of the Athletic, and Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register as they have a roundtable discussion about who wins the Cy Young, MVP, and other awards in the NL. (1:25) - Will Yu Darvish win the NL Cy Young award? (6:00) - Can a pitcher win MVP in a shortened season? (12:00) - Will Ian Happ get votes for MVP this year? (21:35) - Who wins the Cy Young for the NL? (29:45) - NL Rookie of the Year

Ian Happ gets hit in the eye, José Quintana is on the injured list and the Cubs are about to play their biggest rivals in a very important division-defining series. Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the Cubs’ injuries, preview the Cubs-Cardinals series and if the Cubs have enough to take a bigger lead in the division, and discuss the state of the Cubs for the next 3 seasons. (1:30) - Can the Cubs overcome their injuries to finish the Cardinals? (6:35) - Cardinals have injuries as well (9:40) - Will the Cubs move a core player after the season is over? (14:20) - How does having Marquee impact baseball moves in the next season? (18:25) - Will Theo Epstein return to the Cubs after his contract is up?

The Cubs sought to fill needs at the trade deadline and they certainly did, adding five new players to bolster the bullpen and bench. They were aggressive and now look to make a strong push for another World Series run. Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the trades the Cubs made, how they will impact the team, and if they have enough to make a deep playoff run. (1:20) - Cubs were able to get creative at the deadline (8:20) - Did the Cubs finally fix the bullpen? (17:20) - The NL Central is catching up with the Cubs (24:00) - Have the Cubs finally moved past their "Lovable Losers" name?

In an act of solidarity with many of the Black athletes across baseball and other sports in America, Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward chose to not play vs. the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. Heyward encouraged his teammates to play without him and do what they felt was right. Host David Kaplan is joined by the NBCS Cubs coverage team of Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins as they discuss if Heyward's teammates should have joined him, and how Heyward came to the decision to not play. Later on in the podcast, the crew assess the Cubs season at the halfway mark. (1:40) - Historic day in sports (10:00) - Should the players have sat with Jason Heyward? (22:00) - David Ross, Anthony Rizzo, and Jason Heyward speak after the game (30:40) - Do the Cubs have enough to make a playoff run?

The Cubs are leading the NL Central and are doing so in part because the pitching staff is holding up. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy to discuss the first place pitching staff, Hottovy's journey to the majors and his thoughts on potentially adding a pitcher at the trade deadline. (1:16) - Alec Mills' performance vs the Detroit Tigers (8:30) - Hottovy on how the Cubs are addressing the pandemic (12:25) - The growth of Yu Darvish in a Cub uniform (19:16) - Getting Tyler Chatwood and José Quintana back from injury (28:20) - Will the Cubs make any additions to the pitching staff before the trade deadline?

It's been a long time since Chicago's baseball teams played meaningful games against each other but that time has come. Host David Kaplan is joined by Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss the upcoming Crosstown series with Chuck Garfien and Adam Hoge of the White Sox Talk podcast. Who will take the first series of 2020? Get ready for a matchup you're not going to want to miss. (1:45) - The Cubs and Sox are playing meaningful baseball for the first time in a long time (8:30) - Would the White Sox want to be the Cubs the last 5 years? (14:00) - One White Sox and Cubs hitter that each team should fear the most (18:00) - Who is the better player Javy Baez or Tim Anderson? (20:00) - Will the White Sox move on from Renteria like the Cubs did?

The Cubs have had a rough stretch recently but avoid losing 5 in a row. Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the losing streak along with analyzing Kris Bryant's production or lack thereof at the lead-off spot. They also dive into the hottest topic in baseball, Padres star player Fernando Tatis Jr.'s grand slam and the "unwritten" rules of baseball. (1:28) - Kris Bryant is not producing at leadoff (7:49) - Was Tatis Jr. wrong for hitting a grand slam? (12:40) - Cubs avoid losing their 5th in a row (17:00) - Has Yu Darvish been better than Jake Arrieta so far? (25:00) - Cubs vs White Sox series

The Cubs continue to win and win in dominating fashion but can they keep it up? David Kaplan is joined by Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer, and Cubs beat writer Maddie Lee as they discuss the Cubs winning ways, and discuss a scenario where Cleveland star Francisco Lindor is a Cub. Later on in the pod, David Kaplan is joined by Connor McKnight, host of the Baseball from Home Podcast on the House of L Network as they discuss the future of baseball after the 60 game season. (1:20) - Cubs dominate Cleveland (12:40) - Can Francisco Lindor be a Cub in the future? (21:30) - Connor McKnight joins the podcast (25:40) - The future of baseball and entertainment (31:00) - Who will be the future stars of baseball

With the Cardinals being shutdown by MLB for a coronavirus outbreak in the organization, the Cubs had an impromptu 4 days off after stringing together one of the best records in baseball so far. Will having the days off help or hurt them going forward? David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the delay for the Cubs, they also discuss Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger breaking protocol and going out in Chicago, and they discuss a what if scenario that could have changed the Cubs getting Aroldis Chapman in 2016. (1:20) - Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger breaking safety protocol to go out in Chicago (7:09) - Cubs get 4 days off due to Cardinals coronavirus outbreak (9:30) - Is David Ross following in the steps of Joe Maddon with some of his methods? (16:00) - How will MLB fix the missing games teams will have at the end of the season? (18:40) - Cubs wanted Andrew Miller initially, not Aroldis Chapman in 2016

The Cubs are 10-2 but they still have a glaring issue that needs to be addressed in order to make a significant run to the playoffs, the closer. Host David Kaplan is joined by NBCS Chicago Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer as they discuss ways and options the Cubs can help their closing situations. Later on, they discuss did Theo Epstein take a shot at Joe Maddon and how the Cubs are leading the charge in baseball for safety protocols. (1:20) - Should Jose Quintana be the closer? (7:05) - Are the Cubs as good as their record (13:00) - Debate on the 3 batter rule for pitching changes (17:00) - Cubs are among one of the safest teams in the MLB (22:00) - Did Theo Epstein take a shot at Joe Maddon?

The Cubs have the second best record in baseball, but the biggest story is that a second team has had an outbreak of the coronavirus in the Cardinals who the Cubs play this weekend. David Kaplan is joined by the NBCS Chicago Cubs coverage team of Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins as they discuss the Cardinals outbreak and what MLB is doing to combat it. Later on in the pod the crew discusses the hot start by the Cubs and if their record is a result of a soft early schedule. (1:30) - 13 Cardinals contract the coronavirus (6:29) - MLB's response to a second team's outbreak (12:30) - How real is the Cubs record? (19:30) - Is there something more to the Cubs core than we thought? (26:40) - Is Rizzo the face of the Cubs?

In the first installment of the NL Central round table, David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer were joined beat writers from the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers. In part two they discuss the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Pirates with Derrick Goold lead Cardinals beat writer for St. Louis Post-Dispatch and John Perrotto Pirates beat writer. The group discusses the early standings of the NL central and will the season be able to continue if there's another outbreak like the Marlins. (2:00) - Early thoughts on the Cubs, Cards, and Pirates (9:19) - Chances the MLB finishes the season (23:00) - Will the championship be legitimate if the season finishes? (27:10) - Could a team be dropped from the league if there is another outbreak (31:55) - Should Rob Manfred still be the MLB Commissioner?

The Cubs are off to a great start in the 60 game sprint and look like they are well on their way to the playoffs. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the fantastic start the Cubs are on, the pitching rotation and how long they can hold up, and they dive into the Marlins coronavirus outbreak and what that can mean for the rest of the league. (1:20) - Marlins outbreak (5:20) - Issues with the Cubs bullpen (15:20) - Kris Bryant isn't as hot at the plate right now (22:00) - Nico Hoerner is looking like a nice draft pick (27:00) - Are the Cubs following the safety protocols

David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by David Axelrod, former advisor to Barack Obama, and now senior contributor to CNN to talk baseball and the Cubs. They dive into finally getting baseball back, the Cubs coming to the White House, and Axelrod tells stories of the split Obama household of Cub and Sox fans and his own personal connection to baseball and the Cubs. (1:45) - Axelrod's love of baseball and Chicago baseball (9:00) - The Cubs visit the White House (14:00) - MLB using its platform to promote social justice (22:30) - What it was like when all of sports had to stop (33:20) - Running a campaign vs managing a baseball team (43:40) - Could Theo Epstein run for office one day?

With the season just about underway, the NL Central is up for grabs and it looks like it's going to be a tight race all the way through. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by 2 representatives of MLB.com, Mark Sheldon beat writer for the Cincinnati Reds, and Adam McCalvy beat writer for the Milwaukee Brewers. The roundtable debates the NL Central rosters, and who has the best chance to come out on top as king of the division. (1:30) - Who is the favorite to win the NL Central division? (11:10) - How do the rosters match up in the division? (19:10) - Thoughts on the piped in crowd noise in stadiums (27:00) - Which team in the MLB is ready to make noise right now? (29:00) - Will the season be able to finish?

In a mashup for the ages, the Cubs Talk Pod and the White Sox Talk pod join together to preview the 2020 MLB season as both the Cubs and Sox prepare to start. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Maddie Lee are joined by Chuck Garfien and Vinnie Duber of the White Sox Talk podcast as they compare rosters, rank the best players between the two teams, and come to a decision on who they think will have the best season in 2020. Let's play some baseball! (2:16) - How confident are you that the season will start and finish (7:20) - Comparing the best players between the two teams (11:40) - Who will be playing for a playoff spot at the end of the season? (22:05) - Who will have the better record this year

In the most unprecedented season in MLB history, teams must go through a tough shortened season in possibly the most difficult run in baseball history. Host David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the level of difficulty for teams to win a championship this year and they discuss the anniversary of the Ryan Dempster trade and the details that surrounded it. In the second half of the podcast, Kaplan interviews Joan Ryan author of the Book Intangibles all about the importance of team chemistry in difficult times. (1:51) - Is coronavirus testing for the Cubs improving? (7:10) - Yu Darvish speaks on the playing in the pandemic (11:30) - Ryan Dempster trade anniversary (19:15) - Joan Ryan interview (20:40) - Importance of team chemistry in winning (26:00) - Analytics vs chemistry

Former Cub and now mental skills coach for the Cubs, John Baker joins the podcast with David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss the mental aspect the players are going through in the return to play plan. They dive into keeping players focused, how the lessons of Cubs psychologist, the late Ken Ravizza still impacts the Cubs, and how the Cubs are operating under the new guidelines. (2:23) - Biggest mental challenges Cubs players are dealing with (10:55) - Ken Ravizza's lessons still impact the Cubs (19:46) - Getting Cubs players to be in the moment when playing (25:00) - Kaplan and Baker exchange tattoo stories (30:30) - Not having fans around has been tough

The Cubs and the MLB seem to have a shortage of testing materials to test players for coronavirus after it was agreed upon by the players and the owners. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Maddie Lee discuss the issue and what could it mean for the season. They also dive into the lack of Cubs pitching with Jose Quintana being sidelined, and they make predictions on how many games the Cubs will win in the shortened season. (1:26) - How is baseball going to happen if there aren't enough tests for the players (6:40) - Do the Cubs have enough on the roster to win it this year (12:45) - The pitching staff for the Cubs is light if Quintana can't play (17:46) - How many games will the Cubs win this year? (23:42) - Will Kris Bryant sign an extension with the Cubs?

While trying to get the season going, the MLB and baseball as a whole is starting to address another problem, the lack of diversity. NBCS Cubs reporter Maddie Lee is joined by former Cub and professor Doug Glanville, host Laurence Holmes, and Eugene McIntosh of Its the Bigs media to discuss ways MLB and baseball needs to address the issues and how they can benefit from it. (2:00) - Ian Desmonds comments really struck a chord in baseball (12:06) - Youth baseball for young black athletes (26:09) - Doug Glanville remembers being the only Black athlete on teams in the MLB (30:14) - Current Black players in majors are still dealing with racism (32:26) - Ways Theo Epstein is trying to help find solutions to the lack of diversity in baseball

As the start to the season looms closer, there are still things to consider before the first pitch gets thrown. David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer discuss potential hurdles MLB could face and the different scenarios the League should be looking at. Later on in the pod, they dive into comments made by Rockies infielder Ian Desmond on the state of race and inclusion in baseball and in America. (1:30) - Could the Cubs play the White Sox in the "Field of Dreams" game (7:39) - Ian Desmond's Instagram post on race and inclusion (21:30) - Will more minor leaguers play this season (26:04) - Potential issues teams have to deal with this season (31:40) - Kris Bryant says "I want to be a Cub the rest of my career "

David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by Cub Ian Happ as they discuss why the negotiations got so ugly between the players and owners and what will baseball look like for the 2020 season and beyond. Later on, Kaplan and Gordon talk about how can baseball proceed after a slew of positive Coronavirus tests from the Phillies. (1:42) - Happ on what baseball looks like to the public after ugly negotiations (6:10) - Will some players not participate this season due to health concerns? (10:15) - Where do the players and owners stand now after an ugly back and forth (15:30) - Can MLB provide a safe environment to play baseball (20:20) - Removal of racist statues at the University of Cincinnati (28:55) - Realistic expectations for the Cubs in 2020

Baseball is back and ready to start. David Kaplan and the NBCS Cubs coverage team of Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss what the 60 game season will look like, how the will the Cubs perform under the new conditions, and David and Gordon have a heated debate on the Jose Quintana trade. (1:40) - Could this have been worked out earlier to get in more games? (7:40) - After the back and forth between the players and owners, who has come out as the winner? (13:40) - If fans are allowed in games with 20% capacity, would you attend? (23:41) - Was Jose Quintana worth trading for? (31:10) - Will fans be too jaded to enjoy the season?

Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the report that a deal was in place between the MLB owners and the players, but was a deal actually ready? TheY discuss what remains an issue, the meeting between Commissioner Rob Manfred and Players Union director Tony Clark, and later on in the pod, they discuss a trade that could have been between the Cubs and the Rockies for a swap with Kris Bryant and Nolan Arenado. (1:18) - What are both sides (Players & Owners) saying about the reported "deal" (5:54) - Is the new "deal" a win for the owners (11:01) - With the shortened season, is it possible to get a Cubs/Sox World Series? (14:24) - Cubs considered trading Javy Baez to the Sox (21:56) - Kris Bryant could have been traded to the Rockies in February

Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer, discuss the infamous 1998 MLB home run chase between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire with former Cubs catcher and current Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais. Later on in the podcast, Cubs writers for NBCS Chicago Maddie Lee and Tim Stebbins join the podcast to discuss MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's comments that he's not confident that there will be a season. (4:31) - Servais on was Sosa selfish as a teammate (7:50) - Did Sosa take steroids? (13:43) - Servais tells the story of catching during the game McGwire broke the record (19:30) - Panel discussion - Why did Manfred say he's not confident that there will be a season? (30:10) - Do the players have to yield to the owners eventually?

David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss drafting Ed Howard and Anthony Rizzo’s new workout plan, plus Leila Rahimi talks with former Cub Matt Szczur about his Sammy Sosa-inspired artwork and what it was like having Mark McGwire as his hitting coach. 1:30 Reaction to drafting Mt. Carmel’s Ed Howard in the first round 4:45 If there was a baseball season, would Howard have been on the board at 16? 7:00 MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says “100 percent” we’re going to play.. Do you believe him? 9:30 Are negotiations headed in the right direction? 12:00 Expectations on how many regular season games will be played 13:00 Will the coronavirus shutdown ultimately be good for Anthony Rizzo’s health 15:45 Matt Szczur on painting inspired by The Last Dance 16:45 Memories of the Cubs championship parade 19:00 On his Sosa/McGwire paintings and his memories from the home run race 20:15 Szczur on being coached by Mark McGwire 21:30 Memories of Sammy Sosa 24:00 Matt’s inspiration for Sosa/McGwire painting & other Cubs inspirations 28:00 Matt on art being therapeutic 29:00 Matt on his foundation

On this Cubs Talk Podcast David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer debate if Sammy Sosa will return to Wrigley Field and the chances of baseball returning in 2020. 1:30 Sammy Sosa says he wants to return to the Cubs 3:30 Would bringing Sammy back to Wrigley be the feel-good story we need right now? 6:00 Gordon won’t vote for Sosa for the Hall of Fame 10:30 St. Louis Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt says MLB isn’t very profitable 13:15 Is the latest MLB proposal a step towards playing baseball in 2020? 16:00 Will animosity between players & owners affect negotiations for the next CBAt? 19:00 There is too much at stake to not play baseball in 2020 20:00 Will baseball be better hiring people of color in the coming years? 24:00 The lack of sense of urgency on both sides to make a deal to play baseball 26:45 Theo Epstein would be a great commissioner of baseball

Former Cub and now field coordinator for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bobby Scales joins the podcast with host David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss the racial injustice in America, and the experience of a black baseball player in the MLB. (1:55) - America is in a dark place right now (9:40) - Racial issues in the MLB (16:20) - There is a reason protests are going on around the country (24:58) - Making front offices more diverse in the MLB (31:46) - Reaction to Dexter Fowler's comments on being black in baseball and in America

Host David Kaplan is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Eugene McIntosh co-founder of "The Bigs" sports media, to have an open and honest discussion about the murder of George Floyd, the many protests around the country, and how can we all impact change all through the lens of baseball.

Host David Kaplan is joined by the NBCS Cubs coverage team of Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins to discuss the negotiations between the MLB owners and players that have seemingly broken down. They also dive into the Cubs' financial situation and how the pandemic is impacting them and could it mean they start parting ways with key pieces. (1:37) - Where are the negotiations headed? (5:50) - How can you bridge the gap if they are so far apart? (11:11) - Are the Cubs at fault for the financial situation that they are in? (17:32) - Can baseball recover if there isn't a season? (23:42) - Will the Cubs move money off the books?

Host David Kaplan is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss and update the back and forth between the MLB owners and players, and just how far are the two sides are in coming to a deal. Later on, Gordon Wittenmyer interviews the author of the book "The Wax Pack", Brad Balukjian to discuss his book about baseball cards and the players connected to them. (1:25) - If a deal gets done, it should happen this week (5:15) - Are the Cubs/MLB owners exaggerating the potential losses? (10:20) - If a deal doesn't get done, will the players take the blame (17:05) - Interview with Brad Balukjian author of "The Wax Pack"

Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by Dr. Robert Citronberg Director of infectious disease for Lutheran General Hospital to discuss the updated plan by the MLB to start the season and the potential hurdles the league will have to clear in order to play. (1:30) - Any plan should have the health and safety of the players first (5:23) - Could the MLB plan work in other sports or businesses (10:10) - MLB safety rules that impact the game of baseball (15:25) - Based on the safety plan, should the MLB go forward with the season? (19:52) - How does the new safety rules impact the Cubs

Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer talk with former Cub Ryan Theriot on the 2008 Cubs, the difficult decision the players face in trying to return to start the season, his potential career in broadcasting, and his thoughts on the Cubs/Cards rivalry. (3:45) - Emotional for Theriot watching the 2016 Cubs win the World Series (7:50) - Thoughts on what the players union should do (13:40) - The difference between the Cubs and Cards (18:40) - Could Lou Piniella have done a better job in 2008?

MLB agent Scott Boras joins David Kaplan to discuss the issues plaguing baseball during the coronavirus, what is preventing the players and owners from coming to an agreement, and what will baseball look like once it's back. Later on in the podcast, The NBC Sports Chicago Cubs coverage team of Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discusses the state of baseball with new member Maddie Lee. (1:25) - The players and owners have been working on a resolution since March (6:06) - Both the owners and players want baseball, just having trouble finding a solution (12:18) - Why did Kris Bryant say no to an early extension (18:56) - Getting to know new Cubs writer Maddie Lee (23:34) - Will the season start on July 4th like the league wants? (27:35) - Baseball can take advantage of the hunger for sports right now

Chicago in the '90s was all about Michael Jordan and the Bulls, so what was it like for the other major teams during that time? Host Laurence Holmes discusses this with four coaches who led teams in the shadow of the Bulls during that time. From the Blackhawks former coach Craig Hartsburg, from the Cubs Jim Riggleman, from the White Sox Gene Lamont, and from the Bears Dave Wannstedt, all come together to discuss one of the most important times in Chicago sports history. (0:43) - During the early '90s the White Sox had a shot at a World Series (7:02) - Are there universal rules across sports to coaching a great player like Jordan (14:34) - Was there pressure for Jim Riggleman and the Cubs to win because of the Bulls (21:55) - Difficulties coaching in the same building as the Bulls for then new Blackhawks coach Craig Hartsburg (28:15) - Favorite Jordan story or moment

As the owners send another proposal to the players to try and start the season, there is a chance this all could help the Cubs. Host David Kaplan is joined by NBCS Chicago Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer as they discuss the new proposal by the owners, how this stalled season can help the Cubs, and David Kaplan predicts what Theo Epstein with pursue after he reaches his 10 years with the Cubs. (1:40) - Chances the players pass the owners proposal (5:45) - Are the Cubs in a tough spot financially? (11:50) - Will there be a flurry of trades once the season starts (17:30) - Theo Epstein's next challenge (25:28) - Do the Cubs go all in and try to win the World Series in 2020

As Major League Baseball plans to send another proposal to the Players Union to try and prepare for a season, maybe they should take some extra precautions before agreeing. Host David Kaplan is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer and they talk with Dr. Robert Citronberg, Director of infectious disease for Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, and he discusses his concerns about MLB wanting to start a season as soon as possible. Later on in the podcast, Kap and Gordon discuss former Cub Starlin Castro and could his march to 3,000 hits be in jeopardy because of the coronavirus. (2:02) - When is the right time to start baseball? (8:24) - Should MLB consider coming back too soon might cause a mutation to the coronavirus (13:47) - This disease is going to change sports forever (17:43) - Remembering when Starlin Castro got called up to the majors (20:42) - Baez extension talks have been put on hold (25:10) - Baseball might have a revenue problem coming up

In a special bonus episode of the Cubs Talk podcast NBCS Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer, discusses the 65 year anniversary of the dropped ball by Hall of Famer Willie Mays off the bat of Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks. Gordon is joined by author of the Willie Mays biography "24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid", John Shea as they discuss that play, the friendship of Mays and Banks, and the career of one of baseball's greatest players, Willie Mays. (2:08) - Willie Mays dropped 2 balls doing the "basket catch" and 1 was against the Cubs (10:00) - The media's coverage of the dropped ball after the game (17:20) - The famously missing Willie Mays bat and glove (24:28) - Willie Mays had a profound impact on other players (30:00) - Willie Mays' jaw-dropping stats against the Cubs

As Major League Baseball figures out when and how they will start their season, baseball's agent of the stars, Scott Boras writes his solution to start baseball, but is it viable? Host David Kaplan and NBCS Chicago Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Boras' plan, and could it work. They also discuss the passing of former Cubs executive Eldred "Salty" Saltwell. (1:22) - Scott Boras says teams should restart spring training right now (10:05) - Details of Boras' plan (14:57) - Teams want MLB to provide more direction during this time (21:10) - Remembering Cubs executive Eldred R. "Salty" Saltwell (25:40) - Kaplan tells a story about being fired as a vendor by Cubs GM Dallas Green

World Series champion and former Cubs manager Joe Maddon joins host David Kaplan and NBCS Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer as they discuss how he connects with players, how will baseball be different when it returns, and does he have a similar philosophy to coaching as NBA Champion Phil Jackson. (5:06) - Learning how to manage people to get the most out of them (11:28) - Comparing Maddon's style to Phil Jackson's style of coaching (17:10) - Maddon describes how different it was managing Tommy La Stella (23:00) - Maddon's plan on addressing players after the pandemic (31:50) - Drawing parallels between Jackson's career and Maddon's career

Host David Kaplan is joined by NBCS Chicago Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer and Lance McAlister, host at 700 WLW in Cincinnati, as they discuss the spending spree of the Reds this offseason including former Cub Nick Castellanos, will the Reds compete with the rest of the NL division, and should Pete Rose finally be able to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame. (1:54) - Will there be baseball in 2020 (5:10) - The Reds were ready to fight for a division title this year (11:00) - Should Pete Rose go into the Hall of Fame (20:20) - Top 4 favorite players to watch all-time (23:25) - Is baseball a dying sport

The 2020 Cubs roster is mired in uncertainty. There are players are up for extensions and deals, and management figuring out is this still a team with a winning window. It sounds similar to another Chicago team, the 1998 Last Dance Bulls. Host David Kaplan and NBCS Chicago Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the similarities of the 2 teams. Later in the podcast, they get into the financial uncertainty of MLB and how teams will move forward as a result of the pandemic. (2:12) - Are we looking at the Last Dance for this Cubs team (7:40) - Cubs already fired their Phil Jackson after not keeping Joe Maddon (13:55) - Cubs don't have an MJ, he's with Joe Maddon in Los Angeles (21:28) - How will free agents react to a unique offseason (25:00) - Should Mookie Betts take a long term deal

In 2015 the Cubs were riding high and on their way to the 1st playoff game in years and the start of the consecutive playoff trips for the current Cubs. Jeff Nelson, Tim Stebbins, and Nate Poppen discuss all the details about that win and some details you may not have known about that game. (2:25) - Why were the Cubs in the Wildcard game seemingly too early in the rebuild (10:00) - Tommy La Stella started at 3rd base and not Kris Bryant (15:58) - The Schwar-BOMB to put the Cubs up early in the game (24:00) - Jake Arrieta gets out of a bases loaded jam (33:00) - Jake Arrieta gets the complete game shutout