Cubs Talk Podcast

Labor lawyer Eugene Freedman on the state of the MLB lockout

The MLB lockout is going on with hopes that the season will start on time in the balance. On today's pod, union expert, lawyer, and baseball labor writer Eugene Freedman joins Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer to provide a detailed breakdown of what the players union is seeking in the new CBA, how will future negotiations go, and more.(4:00) - What does it mean when the owners lock out the players?(14:20) - Can the players do anything to push the owners their way?(29:00) - Can tanking be fixed?(38:16) - Where will negotiations go from here?

Cubs VP of Player Personnel Matt Dorey on the health of the farm system

As it stands today the Cubs are slowly creeping up the farm system rankings if you haven't noticed as the influx of young talent continues to grow. Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by VP of Player Personnel for the Cubs Matt Dorey to discuss the changes that the Cubs have enacted and the players that are leading the charge for the new era of Cubs baseball.(2:00) - Dorey discusses the changes in his role in the organization(8:20) - Cubs are showing progress with their jump in the farm system rankings(18:00) - How have the players continued to get better despite missing a year due to the pandemic(28:00) - Has attention been shifted from the big league team to the minors?(38:25) - When should Cub fans expect to see Brennen Davis

How close are the owners and players to a new CBA?

The lockout continues and but the owners and players have come to the table a few times. What are they discussing and are they getting close to an agreement? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss and provide updates to what's going on at the negotiating table. They also discuss worst-case scenarios for the upcoming season and how far each side is willing to go to get what they want.(2:15) - Updates from the negotiating table(11:40) - How far are the owners and players willing to go to get what they want?(19:00) - What will the reaction be if the season is significantly delayed?(23:20) - Should there be any optimism about the current negotiations?

Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens are off the Hall of Fame ballot

The last chance for the biggest names in the steroid era to get in the Hall of Fame on the writer's ballot is officially over without letting Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens in. Will they ever get in? Will the BBWAA ever change the way they vote? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss and debate the steroid era players and if they will ever get in. They also discuss Ian Happ's suggestions that players with 10 years of experience should get a vote and if changes need to be made in the voting process.(2:00) - Is it hypocritical for David Ortiz to get in the Hall of Fame?(7:30) - What should be done about the steroid era players?(14:00) - Should players vote for the Hall of Fame?(20:00) - Is Sammy Sosa a Hall of Famer?

Dr. Robert Citronberg on how the pandemic will impact the 2022 season

As of right now, there is no season, but once the players and owners come to an agreement the boys in blue will be back at Wrigley but will the pandemic still impact the way the players, media, and fans interact? Dr. Robert Citronberg of Aurora Advocate Health joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss the impact the pandemic will have on the season, the changes that will happen since last year, have we improved since last year, and a lot more.

Can the Cubs still sign Carlos Correa after he signs with Scott Boras?

Well, this certainly puts a wet blanket on things. Superstar shortstop Carlos Correa just signed with super-agent Scott Boras and I can hear the collective sigh of all Cuba fans. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss what does this mean for the Cubs and if they still have a chance at signing him. Later in the pod, the guys take more of your fan questions.(2:00) - Good, bad, or doesn't matter that Carlos Correa signs with Scott Boras(9:28) - Dylan Cease also signs with Scott Boras(17:00) - Can the Cubs convince players to sign early to team friendly deals?(26:30) - Is it possible to resign Willson Contreras and Carlos Correa?(31:20) - When will Brennen Davis make his debut?

MLB CBA updates and the impact of another delayed season

It was less than an hour and they left the table. The players and owners are still nowhere close to coming to an agreement and there is a real possibility the season can be delayed again. Will fans still stick around with the same energy? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the latest updates to the CBA and dive into the issues that are keeping the two sides apart. Later, the guys break down where the Cubs are financially and if they are legitimately losing money or just crying poor. (1:45) - Players and owners meet but nothing gets done(8:00) - Will fans push back if the season is delayed again?(16:20) - Will the minimum wage in baseball change?(19:00) - Ranking the strongest teams financially in baseball. Are the Cubs at the top?

🚨 Cubs legend Jon Lester on his retirement and career in Chicago🚨

In an emergency edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by Cubs legend and World Series winner, Jon Lester as he discusses his retirement from baseball, his 16-year career in the big leagues, his career as a Cub and how he became a Cub, stories about his Cubs career, and a lot more! Congrats Jon and thank you for the memories.

Cubs Mailbag: Playoffs, changing the MLB draft, could Theo run the Bears?

Cubs fans you got to take over the podcasts with questions and you delivered. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer answer your questions about the Cubs and baseball including, should there be an MLB draft anymore, Cubs shortstop options, can Theo Epstein be an NFL executive, will the Bears play at Wrigley, will the Cubs make the playoffs before the White Sox win the World Series and a lot more!(1:30) - Should the MLB get rid of the draft to avoid teams tanking?(10:20) - If you had to make a Cubs tv channel what would be on it?(16:00) - Instead of going after Correa, what if the Cubs signed a cheaper option?(20:20) - Will the Bears play at Wrigley Field?(23:45) - Who's better Nico Hoerner or Nick Madrigal?

10 year anniversary of the Anthony Rizzo trade

Former Cub first baseman Anthony Rizzo was traded to the Cubs from the San Diego Padres 10 years ago January 6th, 2012 for pitcher Andrew Cashner and outfielder Kyung-Min Na, and you can guess who won that trade. David Kaplan, Tima Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss how impactful that trade was, where are the Cubs now, and Rizzo's legacy as a Cub.(2:20) - What do you remember about Anthony Rizzo as a Cub(7:20) - Where does Rizzo rank among the players of the Theo and Jed era?(14:20) - Should Anthony Rizzo still be here?(20:55) - What is Rizzo's signature Cubs moment?