Cubs Talk Podcast

Host David Kaplan and NBCS Chicago Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer, discuss the different opinions given by the players on if the MLB should rush to try and start the 2020 season. Later on, they remember and discuss the 2 lives of the Cubs family that were lost this week, Jim Frey and Glenn Beckert. (2:10) - Players discuss the potential plan of playing baseball in empty stadiums (6:35) - There is a split amongst people who want baseball now and people who want to wait (11:44) - If baseball does start this will boost the morale of the country (17:55) - Remembering former Cubs manager Jim Frey (25:17) - Stories of former Cub Glenn Beckert

In an NCAA tournament-style bracket, the Cubs Talk pod crew of Jeff Nelson, Nate Poppen, and Tim Stebbins discuss and rank the best Cubs pitchers in the last 20 years. How would you rank them and who would you take at the end? (2:00) - Which pitcher gets to be the number 1 seed in the tournament? (7:40) - Ryan Dempster vs Jeff Samardzija (15:25) - Kerry Wood vs Greg Maddux (21:50) - Jake Arrieta vs Matt Clement (28:35) - Jon Lester vs Mark Prior (32:54) - Championship Round

Host David Kaplan is joined by NBCS Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer as they take questions from fans including, could the Cubs have traded for Justin Verlander, is Anthony Rizzo the greatest 1st basemen in Cubs history, and is Jon Lester a hall of famer pitcher. All those and more on the Cubs Talk podcast. (2:04) - As Lester's career closes, is he on his way to Cooperstown? (7:50) - Could MLB start the season with a fan only vote All-Star game? (11:40) - Will the Cubs add to the team next offseason if the MLB salary cap is frozen? (21:45) - Should Cubs fans be excited about the season? (24:15) - Is Rizzo the greatest 1st basemen in Cubs history (27:40) - Could the Cubs have gotten Justin Verlander?

In for David Kaplan, Jeff Nelson is joined by Luis Medina, Danny Rocket, and Michael Cerami of Outside the Ivy as they discuss creative ways Major League Baseball can start its season, how has this impacted baseball fans everywhere, and will the new rules the MLB will use will benefit new manager David Ross. (1:20) - Staying busy with no baseball to talk about (8:00) - How will David Ross manage in his 1st year? (14:00) - How can baseball start without fans? (21:20) - Electronic strike zones possibility (27:00) - Mic'ing players up who would sit in the stands

Filling in for host David Kaplan, NBCS Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer is joined by White Sox beat writer Vinnie Duber to discuss Major League Baseball trying to find ways to start the season. But what are the issues they have to consider before starting? Gordon and Vinnie discuss those issues including a possible shortened season and what these issues could mean for a re-tooling Cubs team and a rebuilding White Sox team. (2:48) - What are the possible benefits with starting the season in Arizona for Cubs/Sox (9:55) - Could a DH be used in the NL & AL this year? (17:55) - Did the Cubs benefit by not giving out large extensions this off season? (24:00) - Nico Hoerner can benefit from a shortened season (29:00) - Is the winning window for the Cubs still open due to a shortened season?

The 2016 Cubs World Series win was as epic a game 7 as any, but was it the greatest game 7 ever? Host David Kaplan is joined by NBCS Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer as they debate the Cubs World Series win. (1:50) - Is it an overreaction to say the Cubs World Series win was a great game? (5:45) - Does the importance of the Cubs winning make it the greatest ever? (8:20) - Comparisons to other game 7s across sports

In for host David Kaplan, Jeff Nelson, Tim Stebbins, and Nate Poppen discuss and rank the best position players for the Cubs since the year 2000 in an NCAA style tournament. Did your favorite make the cut? (2:01) - Rankings 1-16 (7:00) - (5) Alfonso Soriano vs (12) Sammy Sosa (14:40) - (3) Kris Bryant vs (14) Jason Heyward (22:26) - (2) Javier Baez vs (15) Giovanni Soto (33:58) - The tournament final

David Kaplan is joined by NBC Sports Chicago's new Cubs Insider, Gordon Wittenmyer. They discuss where it all went wrong for cubs pitching and what the 2020 team vibe was like when Gordon was with them at Spring Training in Arizona. 2:50- Vibe at Cubs Spring Training before it was suspended 4:30- Was getting rid of Joe Maddon the right choice? 12:50- Do the Cubs need to make a move to get under the luxury tax?

As the pause on baseball continues, host David Kaplan takes to Twitter and answers fan questions. Kap discusses everything from his starstruck interview to the season suspension and Kris Bryant’s contract. Follow Kap on Twitter @thekapman to send him your questions for future mailbag episodes. (1:48) Ernie Banks Interview (8:40) If Kap could pick a statue at Wrigley what would it be? (12:08) Kris Bryant’s contract (14:32) Why do the Cubs keep holding onto Kyle Schwarber?

As baseball takes a pause on the season, Jeff Nelson, Nate Poppen, and Tim Stebbins discuss their favorite memories of Cubs baseball to lightened up the mood. Later on, they discuss the Bulls Rewind on NBCS Chicago and discuss a 23 returning to Cubs baseball, hall of famer Ryne Sandberg. (1:30) - Response to David Kaplan on his favorite shortstops in Chicago baseball history (3:50) - Small memories that make Cubs fans smile (8:00) - Cubs vs White Sox series (17:20) - Michael Jordan un-retires and Ryne Sandberg un-retires (24:00) - Reliving other great Cubs moments

Host David Kaplan is cooped up inside as well but still takes your questions and comments on the Cubs and what the season will look like in 2020. Make sure to check this episode out, he may have answered your question. Follow Kap on twitter @thekapman to send him your questions for future mailbag episodes. (1:34) - Does a shorter season help out an old pitching staff? (3:45) - Will there be any baseball played in 2020? (7:02) - Will it be difficult for David Ross to manage guys he's played with (9:10) - Favorite Mark Grace moment as a Cub (13:05) - With the break baseball is on, does that leave more room to extend Kris Bryant

By all accounts, Kris Bryant seemed to be one of the best defending 3rd basemen in the league, but could we be wrong? To discuss this, David Kaplan is joined by NBCS Chicago's number cruncher Chris Kamka, and Mark Simon of Sports Info Solutions to discuss how to measure the defensive play in baseball. And don't worry, Javy Baez is still the best shortstop in baseball. (1:45) - Why were the Cubs so bad at defense last season (7:20) - Should the defensive metrics change along with the game (12:55) - What does defensive runs saved (DSR) mean? (17:40) - Is Kris Bryant a good or bad defender? (23:35) - Does the eye test still tell you what a baseball player is (29:55) - Where can fans keep up with DSR during the season?

Host Davis Kaplan is live from Arizona and gives updates on how Cubs Spring training is going. He discusses the starting rotation, a Brandon Morrow injury setback and what that could mean for the Cubs bullpen, and the progression of the Cubs hitters. (1:10) - Starting rotation update, Yu Darvish skips an outing (3:12) - Bullpen update, Brandon Morrow will miss 1st month of action (5:41) - Hitter's update, Jason Kipnis is getting every chance to start at 2nd base (8:20) - Cubs are trying to move to the "next frontier"

Even though the Cubs had a lackluster offseason, the roster wold suggest that they can still make noise in the NL Central. Filling in for host David Kaplan, Jeff Nelson and Nate Poppen play sound from Jed Hoyer and Nico Hoerner to discuss the expectations for this season, and relive the mic'd up Anthony Rizzo experience. (1:56) - Jed Hoyer on this season's expectations (5:10) - Reaction to Jed Hoyer's comments on expectations (9:20) - Nico Hoerner on being called up and expectations for this year (12:00) - Finding playing time for Hoerner and the outfield (16:00) - Can Kyle Schwarber's defense improve? (21:00) - Cubs get mic'd up

NBCS Chicago is celebrating Black History Month with special episodes to discuss the impact of the black athlete in sports. In the final episode of the series, Laurence Holmes is joined by his "Football Aftershow" teammate and former Chicago Bear Alex Brown to discuss, making coaching in the NFL more diverse, is the Rooney Rule helping, and the common practice of moving black quarterbacks to other positions. (4:20) - Alex Brown on being pushed to not play quarterback in high school (9:15) - Jalen Hurts asked would he be willing to change positions in the NFL (17:03) - Alex Brown on playing in a Super Bowl that featured 2 black head coaches (22:12) - Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy not being mentioned for a head coaching job (26:00) - Does the Rooney Rule work? (40:35) - Overcoming unfairness (44:28) - Watching a NFL where there are successful black quarterbacks

As the season draws closer, it's time to discuss every player that will be on the final roster on opening day. We start with Cubs veteran pitcher Jon Lester. Jeff Nelson sits in for David Kaplan and his he joined by NBCS Cubs writer Tim Stebbins and NBCS producer Nate Poppen to debate can Jon Lester help stabilize the starting rotation for at least 1 more season, and where do you place him in the rotation. (1:37) - One word to describe Jon Lester (5:42) - Lester didn't start his Cubs career very well (10:40) - Lester eventually proved why he got the contract (14:40) - How will the relationship change between Jon Lester and David Ross (19:00) - Lester's inability to throw to 1st base (23:00) - Projections for Lester in the 2020 season

As new manager David Ross takes over for Joe Maddon, he intends to tweak the culture of the Cubs and set his own mark on the team. Filling in for host David Kaplan, Jeff Nelson is joined by Outside the Ivy and Bleacher Nation's Michael Cerami to discuss what kind of impact David Ross will have on the 2020 Cubs, what should be expected from the pitching staff and bullpen, and the uncertainty of who plays in the outfield. (1:36) - What does Ross' impact look like? (8:28) - Concerns with the pitching staff (16:00) - Will Craig Kimbrel be better this year? (20:00) - Will Kris Bryant have enough rope to get use to being lead-off? (25:05) - Who do you trust to play the outfield everyday?

NBCS Chicago is celebrating Black History Month with special episodes to discuss the impact of the black athlete in sports. Chicago Sun Times feature story writer Evan F. Moore sits down with former Blackhawk and analyst for NBCS Chicago Jamal Mayers to discuss being a black athlete in hockey and what he's doing to help grow hockey in non traditional hockey communities. (3:00) - Why was it important for Jamal to write about his life in his book (10:58) - Ray Emery's impact on hockey (16:00) - Describes what the NHL and the Blackhawks are doing to grow the game (21:37) - The Devante Smith-Pelly incident at the United Center (36:10) - Reasons that hockey hasn't addressed social issues (40:06) - Addressing ignorance in hockey

Kris Bryant has been deemed the lead-off hitter for your Chicago Cubs for the 2020 season. Will he be the key to unlock the offense for the Cubs this season? Does this fix the problems the Cubs have had as lead-off? Host David Kaplan is joined by the Chicago Tribune's Mark Gonzales as they discuss the Cubs putting Bryant at lead-off, they also discuss will Theo Epstein's future with the Cubs, and the back and forth between Joe Maddon and Theo Epstein. (1:40) - Can Kris Bryant be successful at lead-off? (6:00) - What does the order look like with Bryant at lead-off? (9:35) - Will Theo Epstein stay past his contract? (13:30) - Was the rest of the league surprised the Cubs didn't make a move? (16:05) - Joe Maddon philosophy vs Theo Epstein philosophy?

Despite a disappointing off season the Cubs still have a competitive team for the 2020 season. Host David Kaplan has a round table discussion with the NBCS Chicago Cubs content team of Jeff Nelson, Danny Rocket, and Tim Stebbins to discuss how they see this team performing in the 2020 season and the subtle jabs at former manager Joe Maddon. (1:30) - Where is the excitement level for the 2020 season (4:14) - Cubs might perform better than expected this year (9:09) - Theo Epstein telling manager candidates that Cubs will take a step back in 2020 (14:00) - Cubs still have to reset this year financially (17:20) - Theo vs Joe

Pitchers and catchers have reported and the realization that the Cubs won't make any needed moves until Kris Bryant is traded is starting to become reality. Host David Kaplan is joined by Outside the Ivy Cubs postgame show and Bleacher Nation's Luis Medina to discuss the quiet off-season and what to expect in the 2020 season. (1:40) - Surprisingly disappointed at the Cubs this off-season (4:00) - Cubs won't give Bryant the extension he's looking for (8:00) - Can this core if left unchanged win another championship? (13:25) - Joe Maddon vs Theo Epstein, war of words

Host David Kaplan is live from the auto show with 670 the Score host David Haugh to discuss Kris Bryant's future as a Cub, still no acquisitions made by the Cubs, and the Cubs refusal to enter this season in the luxury tax. (1:36) - Is Kris Bryant a Cub opening day? (4:07) - Cubs have added 0 impact talent (8:10) - Starting lineup for the Cubs right now (11:35) - Cubs will not go into the luxury tax (14:00) - Cubs need to get rid of Jose Quintana

NBCS Chicago is celebrating Black History Month with special episodes to discuss the impact of the black athlete in sports. To start the series Laurence Holmes interviews former Cub, now baseball analyst Doug Glanville as they discuss his experience in baseball, and the change that black athletes have brought in baseball. (0:53) - The legacy of black history and sports (5:47) - Should an athlete speak on social issues? (10:00) - Doug Glanville on his parents weren't comfortable with him playing baseball (14:20) - The diversity of baseball (17:00) - Black interest in baseball (23:00) - Current black baseball players still dealing with issues

Host David Kaplan is joined by Cubs content producer for NBCS Chicago Jeff Nelson, and White Sox content producer Ryan McGuffey as they discuss the PECOTA projections for the 2020 Cubs and who would make the ALL-CHICAGO team from the Cubs and Sox. (1:35) - PECOTA projections for the Cubs pitching staff (4:20) - Position players PECOTA projections/How teams view Kris Bryant (6:45) - Start of the ALL-CHICAGO team (11:03) - Debate on if the Cubs loss the Quintana trade (14:18) - Cubs didn't grow any pitcher this entire time (16:00) - What does the PECOTA projections mean?

Host David Kaplan provides clarity on the reason why Kris Bryant hasn't been traded yet. Along with NBCS Chicago's Cubs content producer Jeff Nelson, Kaplan explains what he's hearing from sources around the league about Kris Bryant, and what he's been told about what happened with the Joe Maddon/Cubs breakup after last season. (2:54) - Kaplan discusses how the league views Kris Bryant from sources (7:23) - Cubs fans will compare potential Bryant trade to when the Bulls traded Jimmy Butler (10:28) - Cubs didn't let Joe Maddon go, Joe Maddon didn't want to come back (14:42) - Cub fans found out that winning 1 wasn't enough (16:32) - Cubs need help in other areas of the team

Host David Kaplan is joined by the Denver Posts' Rockies beat writer, Patrick Saunders to discuss the rumor and possibility that the Cubs would swap out Rockies star Nolan Arenado, for Kris Bryant. You can follow Patrick on Twitter @psaundersdp. (1:14) - Do the Rockies have the Kris Bryant trade on the table? (3:10) - Who is the better player, Kris Bryant or Nolan Arenado? (4:49) - How is Nolan Arenado in the locker room? (6:00) - Arenado's home/road splits concerns are overblown (7:50) - Prediction on what happens to Arenado this season

The Kris Bryant grievance has been decided and the Cubs win out. Or do they? NBC Sports Cubs content producers Jeff Nelson and Nate Poppen are with host of Baseball Night in Chicago's Leila Rahimi to discuss what does finally getting an answer to this means for Kris Bryant and the Cubs. (1:23) - Reaction to Kris Bryant losing his grievance case (4:45) - Does Bryant finally get traded for Arenado now? (10:04) - Cubs need to save money (12:26) - Should Cubs trade for prospects instead? (15:00) - Should Cubs package Bryant with another player to create more space? (18:12) - The NL Central is still a 3 team race

The long off-season for the Cubs continues as they haven't made any significant moves so far and have watched players from last year's roster move on. Host David Kaplan is joined by NBC Sports Chicago producers Jeff Nelson and Nate Poppen as they discuss the lack luster off-season, expectations fans should have, Kaplan gives an exclusive update on the Kris Bryant grievance and the chances that the NL adopts the designated hitter. (1:21) - Cubs have done nothing but watch players leave this off-season (5:49) - The current roster is still pretty good (8:55) - Kaplan gives exclusive update on Kris Bryant grievance (11:12) - The Cubs still have a chance to win the division (13:56) - What should Cubs fans expect this season (16:12) - How does the designated hitter in the NL in 2021 effect the Cubs?

This has been the offseason of Kris Bryant rumors and with his grievance still unresolved Cubs fans can only speculate what will happen to the MVP. Is Kris Bryant trying to change the system like Curt Flood did? Host David Kaplan is joined by ESPN Chicago's Jesse Rogers to discuss Bryant's future as a Cub, and the lackluster offseason the Cubs have had. (1:50) - Why the Cubs have not made any moves so far (3:32) - Is Kris Bryant the new Curt Flood? (6:26) - Cubs need upgrades, specifically in the bullpen (9:10) - Will the Cubs make a big move before the season starts? (11:30) - Does Javy Baez get the big extension? (14:45) - Will the Cubs get to 86 wins this year?

After the Cubs Convention, fans left still uncertain about the team headed into the 2020 season. Host David Kaplan and Cubs writer for NBC Sports Chicago Tim Stebbins discuss what they took from Cubs Con, the culture change that is coming to the organization, and a realistic possibility that the Cubs are looking into disgruntled star Nolan Arenado. (1:18) - Takeaway from Cubs Con (3:34) - Culture change for the Cubs is coming (6:37) - Nothing happens before Kris Bryant's grievance (9:42) - Good possibility the Cubs try and get Nolan Arenado

Jeff Nelson, Tim Stebbins, and Tony Andracki fill in for host David Kaplan as they discuss how different this year's Cubs convention will be compared to previous year's and how awkward it will be for Kris Bryant and other players who could be traded before the season. They also get into baseball's cheating issue, and Tony Andracki makes a huge announcement. (1:08) - Different feel at Cubs Con (3:10) - Cubs putting Kris Bryant in an awkward spot (4:44) - Anthony Rizzo says he might not be a Cub long term (6:33) - How will Cubs fans show displeasure at Cubs Con (10:24) - What will it take for Sammy Sosa to be accepted by the Cubs (13:54) - Baseball's cheating scandal is spreading (20:07) - Tony Andracki's BIG announcement

The Cubs are still mulling over trading star Kris Bryant. Host David Kaplan discusses the 50/50 chance that Bryant is traded with editor of Bleacher Nation Brett Taylor. They also get into the Cubs trying to get under the luxury tax, and predictions on how the 2020 season will play out. (1:50) - What are the Cubs doing? (3:20) - 2020 team is worse on paper than the 2019 team (7:40) - Hard to imagine Bryant returning to the Cubs (9:35) - Cubs really care about avoiding the luxury tax (13:10) - Cubs didn't develop enough (14:40) - What if Cubs had done what the Astro's did to win (19:00) - Predictions for the 2020 season

The Cubs avoid arbitration by signing MVP Kris Bryant but now what? NBC Sports Chicago Cubs insider Tony Andracki is joined by Cubs content producer Nate Poppen to discuss what does the this signing mean, is Bryant still going to be traded and if he is, what can they get for him. (1:22) - Cubs sign all 6 players before arbitration (3:56) - What does this mean for Bryant's service time grievance? (5:40) - The Cubs aren't just going to trade him to trade him (Bryant) (8:27) - Not just Bryant but all 6 signees could be traded (12:30) - Some hope that Bryant could still be a Cub (15:58) - Other reasons why the Cubs would trade Bryant

Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider for NBC Sports Chicago Tony Andracki are joined by Cubs pitching Tommy Hottovy as they discuss the Cubs current starting rotation, how to build a winning bullpen, and how he struck out NBC Sports Cubs analyst David DeJesus. (1:31) - The Cubs have unfinished business this year (2:35) - Jon Lester at this stage in his career (12:12) - Getting David DeJesus out 3 days in a row (15:02) - Working under David Ross (18:15) - Building a winning bullpen (26:42) - Sign stealing is a cat and mouse game

Host David Kaplan is joined by Jeff Nelson, Nate Poppen, and Tim Stebbins to discuss the only real news the Cubs have been apart of this offseason, how close the Cubs are in trading MVP Kris Bryant. (1:13) - The Cubs have been quiet all offseason (3:53) - After trading Bryant, could Cubs go after Nolan Arenado? (6:00) - Who would you rather have, Bryant or Arenado? (9:25) - Which current Cub would make a great manager? (13:25) - Top 10 memories of the 2019 season

Former Cub Moisés Alou joins David Kaplan and Tony Andracki to discuss his time as a Cub and his time in the MLB. (1:53) - Favorite memory in Chicago (2:46) - Game 6 Cubs vs Marlins (4:28) - A lot of weird things that happened in Cubs vs Marlins series (6:19) - Feelings when the Cubs won the World Series in 2016 (8:31) - Favorite teammates (9:24) - Facing Kerry in the 20 strikeout game

NBC Sports Chicago's all-decade Cubs team is out and the crew goes over the list. With host David Kaplan out, Jeff Nelson, Nate Poppen, and Chris Kamka fills in and discusses the guys who made the team and the guys who just missed out. (1:57) - Starting pitchers (7:21) - Catcher (10:03) - 1st base (12:20) - 2nd base (15:13) - Shortstop (18:13) - 3rd base (21:17) - Utility/bench (23:29) - Outfield (33:58) - Relief/closer

Host David Kaplan is flying solo to discuss the financial situation the Cubs find themselves in this offseason and more importantly, the very real possibility that they might have to trade their MVP Kris Bryant. David Kaplan explains why in this episode of Cubs Talk. (1:28) - The Cubs in a financial bind (4:56) - Cubs tried to sign extensions with every player they want long term (6:36) - The likelihood Kris Bryant gets traded (7:48) - Replacement options for Kris Bryant (10:45) - There isn't one player that can fix the Cubs problems

Host David Kaplan and Cubs beat reporter Tony Andracki discuss the culture change that new manager David Ross wants to bring to the clubhouse, trade rumors on Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber, and they discuss the fan complaints on lack of spending by the Cubs. (1:57) - Ross wants to bring accountability to the clubhouse (7:51) - Teams that are inquiring about Cubs MVP Kris Bryant (10:04) - Yankees are rumored to want Kyle Schwarber (12:37) - Fans saying the Cubs aren't spending enough

The crew wraps up the week for the Cubs on the final day of the Winter Meetings in San Diego David Kaplan and Tony Andracki are joined by Jim Callis, MLB.com writer on the pipeline beat to discuss gthe Cubs trying to replenish the farm system that is bare (1:30). They also talk about some potential deals the Cubs get make and the returns by trading catcher Wilson Contreras (7:20), or former MVP Kris Bryant (14:30).

The Cubs Talk podcast comes your way from Day 3 of the Winter Meetings in San Diego. Former Cubs GM Jim Hendry joins Kap. They reminisce about the day Hendry signed Ted Lilly before undergoing a heart procedure (1:00) and he discusses his new role working in the Yankees front office. (3:00) Plus, Kap asks him how much pride does he have seeing two of his draft picks — Javy Baez and Willson Contreras — become all-stars (10:00) and Hendry discusses the biggest trade that almost happened and how it would have affected the 2008 season. (11:40) Then Tony Andracki joins Kap with the latest Cubs news... or lack thereof. (20:00)

Kap and Tony are in San Diego for Day 2 of the Winter Meetings. Theo Epstein met the media for the first time Monday night. Kap and Tony react to his comments on how free agency affects his team's ability to make a trade. (1:00). Plus Theo discusses all the talk about his payroll limitations and how Yu Darvish's performance at the end of 2019 helps that. (6:00) Will Jose Quintana be wearing a different uniform in 2020? The guys discuss that. (10:00) Joe Girardi joins Kap to discuss the state of the Phillies, former Cub Jake Arrieta and the state of catching with robot umps a possibility in the future. (13:00)

Kap and Tony are at the Winter Meetings in San Diego. 1:30- The Cubs have already shed a lot of payroll but they still have a ways to go. How is that possible? Tony crunched the numbers to find out. 5:00 - Tony and Kap react to Tom Ricketts' comments to the Sports Business Journal about the team's inability to develop pitching and how the Wrigley Field renovations have affected the budget. 9:30- Will the Cubs trade a member of their core this week? Tony says don't get your hopes up, Cubs fans. Kap is a little more optimistic. Plus would the Cubs be better off dealing Jose Quintana now as he enters the final season of his deal? (17:30) 21:00- The Cubs farm system isn't what it used to be. Tony talks about the prospects that are there now that might help the big league club. 22:30- Is the door closed on Nicholas Castellanos returning to Wrigley? Tony says there's a light bit of an opening. He explains why.

On this edition of the podcast, Tony Andracki, Nate Poppen and Tim Stebbins wonder: What are the Brewers doing this winter? The trio also discuss the latest moves by the Braves and Phillies and how the Cubs fit into the National League playoff race at the moment. Plus, they react to rumors regarding Willson Contreras and Nicholas Castellanos and weigh in on whether or not Nico Hoerner should be the Opening Day second baseman. 01:00 - What are the Milwaukee Brewers doing so far this winter? What does the Omar Narváez trade haul say for the market for Willson Contreras? 06:30 - Get ready for every Cubs trade rumor this winter to be linked to the Angels and Joe Maddon. 08:00 - Are the Brewers the 4th best team in the N.L. Central right now? 10:30 - After the Cole Hamels and Zack Wheeler signings, where do the Cubs stack up against the rest of the contenders in the National League? 13:00 - How will Cole Hamels be viewed by Cubs fans after spending just a season and a half at Wrigley Field. 14:40 - The Cubs are rumored to still be "interested" in Nicholas Castellanos. How would he fit in the outfield long term? What would signing Castellanos allow the Cubs to do with the rest of their roster? 18:45 - Should Nico Hoerner be on the Cubs roster out of Spring Training? What would Hoerner making the team mean for the construction of the roster and infield depth?

On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan, Tony Andracki and Jeff Nelson discuss the end of the Addison Russell era, how the Reds may now be the favorites in the NL Central, and where Cole Hamels may pitch in 2020. 01:00Should the Cubs have gotten rid of Addison Russell a year ago? 06:00Javy Baez' took his game to the next level while filling in for Russell 07:30Any chance Kris Bryant gets moved this offseason? 11:00Could Cole Hamels be pitching on theother side of town next year? 15:30Are the Reds now the favorite in the NL Central? 19:00Changes in the Cubs coaching staff 21:00Strange memories from past Winter Meetings

01:00 - Is Javy Baez going to be the first Cubs "core" player to sign a new contract extension? 04:00 - Could a potential Baez deal be the first domino to fall for the Cubs this winter? 06:30 - There could be some actual news at the Winter Meetings - Taking a quick look at the Brewers offseason outlook. 10:30 - Was Craig Kimbrel a cautionary tale? Will another team wait again to sign a pitcher in order to not give up a draft pick? 14:30 - There are still plenty of things to be thankful for when it comes to the Cubs.

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan gives his thoughts on what a Javier Báez extention could look like. He also discusses how Yasmani Grandal signing with the White Sox increases Willson Contreras' trade value. 1:25 - Will Cubs and Javy Báez agree on a contract extension? 3:44 - If Báez doesn't want to commit long term, do Cubs trade him now? 6:15 - Kap gives his proposed deal that Báez could accept. 8:41 - Will Cubs lock up other key players with same type of mentality? 10:52 - Will Cubs be willing to trade Willson Contreras? 11:55 - With Grandal to the White Sox, teams might be more willing to part with their best prospects with Contreras in a deal.

02:00 Jeff Passan predicts a significant trade or two for the Cubs this winter 03:00 Passan says the Cubs will be retooling, not rebuilding, because they still have good players 04:00 Kris Bryant and Willson Contreras are the most likley to be traded 05:00 Passan explains the perception of Contreras around the league 07:00 How active will the Cubs be in free agency? 08:00 Any chance the DH will come to the NL soon? 09:00 What would a Cubs team with Anthony Rendon look like (even thought it's very unlikely) 12:00 What are you more disappointed in? The haul the Cubs gave up to the White Sox or the results they have gotten from Jose Quintana? 19:00 Is Willson Contreras the most likely Cubs player to be traded this winter? 21:00 If the DH is eventually coming to the National League, is it worth hanging on to Kyle Schwarber even longer?

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Tony Andracki, Jeff Nelson, Nate Poppen and Tim Stebbins discuss where the Cubs stand after the GM meetings, if the Cubs could get equal value back in a trade involving Kris Bryant, and how the Astros allegedly stealing signs affected Yu Darvish. 01:00Takeaways from the GM Meetings 03:00Addition of Andy Green as bench coach 07:00Adding Mike Napoli to David Ross' coaching staff 09:00Astros allegedly stealing signs 11:00How the alleged sign stealing affected Yu Darvish 17:00The Scott Boras circus at the GM Meetings 19:00The trade market for Kris Bryant 23:00Is Willson Contreras the most likley candidate to be traded this offseason 27:00Reliever Will Smith off the market 29:00Could Brandon Morrow be back in the organization in 2020?

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan talks with former Cubs front office executive and Dodgers GM Ned Colletti on how to fix a major league roster, when to deal a player who is heading into free agency, and how a trade he didn't make with LA helped bring 01:30How he moved from MLB to being a scout in the NHL 04:30How to fix a major league roster 06:40On building the roster when other teams know your weaknesses 09:30When to deal a player who is facing free agency 11:30Balancing trying to win now vs. building a team for a sustained run 14:30On how a GM can't depend only on signing a big free agent 18:00On his time with the Cubs in the 1980's 19:45On how a GM deals with Scott Boras 22:00On how a GM deals with talk radio and the media 26:00On how he almost got CC Sabathia on the Dodgers for 2008 playoff run 28:00On how not trading for Ryan Dempster helped bring Kyle Hendricks to the Cubs