Cubs Talk Podcast

7 Cubs offseason questions fans should answer

The Cubs Talk pod is back for the new year and to start, David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the top 7 questions about the Cubs during this offseason lockout. They discuss what would they want during the lockout if they were an MLB owner, when will the lockout end, will David Ross sign an extension, and a lot more.(1:50) - What MLB team would you buy and how would you approach the lockout if you were an owner?(8:40) - How long will the lockout be?(13:20) - Will the Cubs reach an agreement on an extension for David Ross?(17:40) - How much more will the Cubs add this season?(21:10) - How much money will Carlos Correa get?(28:30) - Which ex-Cub will sign first after the new CBA?(32:40) - Will the Cubs be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline next year?

In-depth with Cubs prospect Jordan Nwogu

The Cubs are in the midst of a rebuild/retool so during this lockout we are catching you up on prospects in the organization that could be key players when it's winning time for the Cubs. The next prospect you should know about is outfielder Jordan Nwogu. Jordan joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss his unique story about how he got into baseball, his thoughts on the other prospects in the organization, his growth so far with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and a lot more.(3:00) - Getting an engineering scholarship to Michigan and walking on the baseball team(9:00) - Jordan describes how scary his draft day was(18:00) - Other Cubs prospects in the organization(22:24) - How are things changing for minor league players

Can Owen Caissie be the star the Cubs are looking for?

For those who don't know, this week marks the 1yr anniversary of the Cubs trading pitcher Yu Darvish to the San Diego Padres, thus starting the rebuild. One of the pieces that came back to the Cubs in the deal was outfielder Owen Caissie and so far he has shown some potential, but can he be a key piece moving forward for the organization? David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the young prospect and break down who they think he can be at the major league level. Later in the pod, Gordon got some time with the prospect and talked to him 1-on-1 to discuss being in the Cubs organization and what he's working on to be the best he can be.

Cubs mailbag part 2: Are the Cubs spenders or pretenders?

The Cubs talk crew is back to answer more of your questions including if the Cubs are ready to spend money on free agents or will they be conservative? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the Cubs offseason spending, they answer questions about the lockout, other potential offseason moves, and a lot more.(2:20) - How will the pandemic impact the broadcast team this year, and how long until the owners and players come to a decision?(11:10) - Is shortstop still a priority or will the Cubs use the money to get another pitcher?(14:55) - Are the Cubs spenders or pretenders after signing Marcus Stroman(22:40) - Do the Cubs already have their closer or do they need to find one?(27:20) - Are the Cubs making a big play for Carlos Correa?

Cubs mailbag: What is next for the Cubs and when will they contend?

It's mailbag time! In this episode, the crew of David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins takes your questions and listen to your comments on the Cubs as the lockout continues. The guys take questions on free-agent spending, will they find another starting pitcher, have there been changes in the way the Cubs do things since Theo left, the long-term plan for the Cubs at third base, and a LOT more!(2:10) - Will the Cubs make a big move in free agency, or will they choose to stay financially flexible?(9:20) - Which player would be best, Correa, Story, or Castellanos?(13:20) - Have there been philosophical changes since Theo left?(18:30) - What is the plan for 3rd base and the outfield?(27:10) - When will the players and owners agree to a new CBA?

Cubs class-A affiliate General Manager Kristin Call on her rise in baseball

Cubs fans, meet Kristen Call! A rising star in baseball and someone you should know and pay attention to. Kristen was named the General Manager of the Cubs class-A affiliate, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans this month making her one of the only woman executives in baseball. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss with Kristin, her career so far, how she got into baseball, her philosophies in running a team, and what her future looks like in MLB.

Is there an opening for a Kris Bryant return to the Cubs?

Although the lockout is underway, the Cubs are still in the rumor mill. According to some reports, the Cubs may be open to a Kris Bryant return in free agency. But are there any facts to this? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the Bryant rumors and if there could be a return for the former MVP. Later in the pod, the guys also discuss what the players and owners are looking for as they try to come to an agreement.(3:40) - Rumors are starting that the Cubs could bring back Kris Bryant(10:00) - At this point in his career what position should Kris Bryan play?(16:00) - What can the Cubs do while the league is in lockout?(22:40) - What are the rules being debated on between the players and owners?

Bob Kendrick on Cubs pioneer Buck O’Neil’s election to Hall of Fame

Another great Cub has gotten into the Hall of Fame. Legendary scout and coach Buck O'Neil joins the pantheon of baseball greats and it's time to do a deep dive into the pioneer of Cubs baseball. Bob Kendrick of the Negro League Baseball Museum joins David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins to discuss who Buck was and why he deserved to go into the Hall. Bob details which players were impacted by Buck and you won't believe who those players were.(2:00) -Reaction to Buck O'Neil finally getting into the Hall of Fame(9:10) - Billy Williams almost quit baseball but didn't due to Buck O'Neil(23:30) - Is Ernie Banks a Cub or in the majors at all without Buck?(29:20) - Buck O'Neil was the first Black coach in MLB history(33:30) - Minnie Miñoso makes it to the Hall of Fame

Marcus Stroman signs 3yr deal with the Cubs

Hey Chicago what do you say the Cubs signed a guy today! Jed Hoyer pulls it off at the buzzer signing big time pitcher Marcus Stroman right before the lockout began. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the signing and what else could be on the Cubs radar after an agreement with the players and owners gets done.

Will Cubs make a key move before it’s too late?

As of right now there is no splash move the Cubs have made as big contracts and deals get done before the work stoppage begins in baseball. Why haven't the Cubs made any big moves after proclaiming they were ready to spend? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the lack of big time moves for the Cubs and will they be more aggressive after a new CBA is finalized. They guys also discuss Javy Baez's new contract with the Detroit Tigers and if the Cubs could have signed him for the same amount or were they out on him. All that and more on the Cubs Talk podcast!