Cubs Talk Podcast

Cubs’ losing streak continues, is it time for a change?

The Cubs find themselves in the abyss as the losing continues in a bad stretch for them. Can they find a way out or is it time for Jed Hoyer to move on from this roster? David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the current losing streak and what, if anything, can they do to get out of it. The crew also debates how big of a rebuild are the Cubs looking at and can it be turned around quickly so the team can be in contention again?(1:50) - The Cubs have lost 10 straight games. Can they find a way out?(7:40) - Were there signs that the Cubs could be this bad earlier?(16:05) - How much blame should David Ross get?(22:04) - Which traded All-star stings the most, Darvish, Schwarber, or Castellanos?(26:00) - Could the Cubs get a good haul for Craig Kimbrell?

Jake Arrieta’s job security questioned as Cubs’ slide continues

The Cubs have slipped to six games back in the NL Central and things look bleak. Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta is struggling to put together solid outings. Is it time to remove him from the rotation?David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Arrieta and what the Cubs should do. The crew also discusses the increase in offense around the game since MLB cracked down on "sticky stuff" and the Cubs' lack of movement as the trade deadline gets closer.(1:30) - Is Jake Arrieta's Cubs career over?(7:00) - What should the Cubs do with Arrieta's rotation spot if they replace him?(12:40) - Cubs' lack of movement to trade for or trade away(18:30) - Improved offense all around the game with no "sticky stuff"(28:00) - Can the Cubs turn the season around?

Are the Cubs’ playoff chances over?

David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the current state of the Cubs at the end of a tough June schedule. Is the season over? The crew also discusses if there is a plan to keep and re-sign any of the current Cubs up for contracts this offseason. Later, they discuss the differences between the Cubs' and Dodgers' competitive windows, as well as Clayton Kershaw's thoughts on the topic.(1:45) - David Kaplan believes the Cubs' season is over(7:00) - Are the Cubs going to re-sign any of the players up for new contracts this winter?(21:00) - Clayton Kershaw on how Dodgers have sustained success Cubs could not(28:00) - Differences between the Dodgers and the Cubs

Wilson Inoa: The Chicago Cubs’ MVP you’ve never heard of

Wilson Inoa was a Cubs prospect with great potential to make the show, but one injury changed the course of his life, and now he's part of the team in a different way as the Cubs lead groundskeeper in Mesa, Arizona. Not every prospect's path to a big-league field looks the same. This is Wilson Inoa's strange, twisting, and inspiring road less traveled.

How will Cubs handle the toughest stretch of the season?

The Cubs' next 6 games are against the defending champs and against a division rival. How will they fair? David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins break down the upcoming road trip and what they expect from the Cubs. Also in the podcast, the crew discusses the recent play of Jake Arietta and Jason Heyward and if it's good enough for them to play regularly, should the Cubs trade for another starting pitcher who is on a 1yr deal and try to re-sign him, and a lot more.(1:50) - How will the Cubs play against the Dodgers(7:50) - If Jake Arietta isn't good enough, will a bullpen arm have to step up and start?(13:30) - Is this the toughest road trip of the year for the Cubs?(17:40) - How long should the Cubs wait to trade for a pitcher that can help them right now?(23:40) - Should the Cubs trade for a star pitcher with 1yr left of team control?

David Ross benches Javy Báez for baserunning mistake vs. Cleveland

Cubs manager David Ross benched shortstop Javy Báez for a baserunning mistake vs. Cleveland. Was the benching Ross' attempt to send a message to the team? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Maddie Lee discuss the Báez benching, the Cubs' struggling offense, whether the Cubs will re-sign Baez, and more.(1:30) - Reactions to the Báez benching(7:00) - The Cubs lead MLB in outs on the bases the last four years(14:30) - During a challenging June schedule, the Cubs lost their series vs. the Marlins. Can they stay in first place?(21:05) - Is Kris Bryant just in a slump or is it more to it?

‘True impact’ and ‘generous heart’: How Ian Happ’s dad inspired

On this Father's day, the Cubs Talk podcast releases a very special and heartfelt episode featuring Ian Happ. NBCS Chicago Cubs beat writer Maddie Lee is joined by Ian Happ as he discusses the impact his late father, Keith Happ, had on him including the positive outlook and use of positive mental health strategies. Happ lost his father to brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 58, but Happ continues to be inspired by his father every day and uses one of his dad's key lessons of mental health in his everyday life. Happy Father's Day to everyone.

Where Jacob deGrom’s dominance ranks after Cubs start

David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer break down Jacob deGrom's start against the Cubs and debate if he is the best at his craft in sports right now. Later, the crew discusses the importance of beating playoff-caliber teams in the regular season and describes the feeling around the Cubs only a few weeks away from the trade deadline.(2:00) - Is Jacob deGrom better at his craft than any athlete in sports right now?(14:10) - If a pitcher is dominating your team, would you want to see history or your team to get a hit?(20:20) - Do regular season wins vs. playoff teams matter?(30:30) - Cubs need to right the ship soon as the deadline approaches

MLB cracks down on ”sticky stuff” with suspensions

MLB is stepping up measures and plans to suspend pitchers for using substances to get more control of the ball. How will this impact baseball? David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the newly enforced rule and if Cubs pitchers are using it and how will this impact the Cubs specifically. (1:40) - Pitchers who violate ‘sticky stuff’ rules will face 10-game suspensions, MLB says(10:14) - How will MLB even enforce the rule?(15:00) - Are the Cubs using "sticky stuff"?(18:50) - Are the Cubs still too home run reliant?(25:26) - Will Anthony Rizzo re-sign with the Cubs?

Cubs beat Yu Darvish to cap off West Coast road trip

After struggling in the beginning, the Cubs capped off their West Coast road trip by beating Yu Darvish to secure a series win over the World Series-contending Padres. Now the Cubs look to take advantage of a banged-up Cardinals team in their upcoming series.David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee and Tim Stebbins discuss the road trip and the Padres series, also previewing the Cardinals series. The crew also breaks down the Cubs' vaccination numbers and if it will be a problem going forward.(1:50) - Cubs beat Yu Darvish and get the series win over the Padres(8:30) - Do the Cubs have enough on the pitching staff to win in the playoffs?(15:30) - Did fans expect the Cubs to be in first place at this point in the season?(22:00) - Will Wilson Contreras even want to sign an extension with the Cubs?(26:50) - Cubs-Cardinals preview