Cubs Talk Podcast

Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo halts extension talks to focus on season

Anthony Rizzo has expressed his desire to remain a Cub long term, but with extension talks stalled, the first baseman instructed his agents to halt negotiations so he can focus on the season.David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer break down Monday's news and discuss if they think Rizzo will be a Cub after this season and if there will be strong pushback from fans if Rizzo isn't back in 2022.(2:00) - Gordon Wittenmyer: "He got low-balled. And I think that is…shocking to me, tone-deaf to me, with all the things they talked about. Not to mention what this guy’s done on the field. You can’t do market value with him?"(5:15) - If the Cubs don't re-sign Rizzo, will that impact future negotiations with younger Cubs players?(9:55) - Is it surprising that the Cubs didn't extend a single player this offseason?(14:30) - Will the Cubs extend any player this season?(19:00) - Anthony Rizzo has shut down negotiations publicly and privately

Why don’t you want more women in sports coverage? | Women’s History Month panel

Who are your favorite play-by-play announcers? Who are your favorite radio hosts? Who are your favorite sports writers? Did you name a woman? Women across the sports landscape are making strides every day to bring unique and interesting perspectives to the games we love and we should make sure spaces are being made to normalize women in a majority male field. NBCS Cubs insider Maddie Lee is joined by Cortney Hall of NBC-5 and the Chicago Bulls, Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times, Julie DiCaro of Deadspin, and Leila Rahimi radio host of the Bernstein & Rahimi show, to discuss why sports coverage should have more women and how women have improved sports culture. So ask yourself, why don't you want more women in sports?

Cubs’ Willson Contreras interview on growing to be one of league’s best

From worries about his pitch framing to becoming one of the best catchers in baseball, Willson Contreras has been through a lot and has learned a lot. Maddie Lee sat down with the All-Star catcher, discussing his process in working with new pitchers, how he learned from veteran pitchers, and his thoughts on robot umps.Gordon Wittenmyer joins to react to Contreras' comments. Plus, Maddie and Gordon discuss news that the Cubs are expected to have increased capacity at Wrigley Field.

What Adbert Alzolay’s 4th minor-league option means for Cubs | Cubs daily spring training report

Our Gordon Wittenmyer reported Tuesday that, following a grievance heard by an arbitrator, Cubs pitcher Adbert Alzolay has a fourth minor-league option remaining. The grievance was filed by the players union over unresolved issues from the 2020 season.Gordon and Maddie Lee discuss what the decision means for Alzolay, how it could impact the way the Cubs use him this season, and what it means for the overall roster.

Cubs’ Kyle Hendricks interview on status as staff ace, team’s future

With a little over a week until the season begins, David Ross officially named Kyle Hendricks the Cubs' Opening Day starter. Gordon Wittenmyer sits down with Hendricks to discuss his role with the team and his thoughts on the direction of the franchise. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, Maddie Lee, and Gordon break down the interview and Ross' announcement and discuss how they view Hendricks.

Cubs’ Javy Báez interview on possible extension, status among top shortstops

Javy Báez is seeking a contract extension to remain a Cub and is part of the upcoming free-agent class full of some of the game's best shortstops. Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer listen and react to Gordon's interview with Baez. Báez lays out his expectations for his contract, his relationship with the organization and Jed Hoyer, and where he thinks he is on the list of best shortstops in the game today.

Craig Kimbrel shows signs that he can be back

Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel has been trying to find his groove in spring training and it seems like he has found it. Live from Arizona, Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the recent outings of Craig Kimbrel and if it can be sustained. They also dive into some NCAA Tournament talk around David Ross and the Cubs, and they also dive into the outings of Pedro Strop as he tries to make the roster with limited work from the bullpen.

Cubs roster questions still left to address | Cubs spring training daily report

Spring training is nearing completion and the Cubs have some key decisions to make. Maddie Lee, live from Arizona, joins Tim Stebbins to break down what's on the docket for the Cubs, from the rotation to the bullpen to second base. They also break down the possibility that the Cubs will only have one left-hander on the pitching staff, and some history that was made during Saturday's Cubs broadcast.

Anthony Rizzo interview on Cubs career, future

Gordon Wittenmyer sits down with first baseman Anthony Rizzo to discuss his Cubs career. Is it coming to an end? Will he retire a Cub? Rizzo also discusses whether he's underrated, the legacy of the 2016 Cubs, and the uncertainty surrounding the 2021 season for not only him but some of his teammates. David Kaplan joins Gordon to preview and recap the interview.(1:45) - David and Gordon discuss Rizzo's headspace in an uncertain season(9:15) - Gordon's interview with Anthony Rizzo(10:20) - Rizzo comes to grips with the possibility of not being a Cub anymore(14:00) - Rizzo on if management and ownership are serious about winning anymore with this group(18:30) - Rizzo discusses if he's an underrated player(20:48) - David and Gordon break down Rizzo's comments

Cubs’ Jed Hoyer interview on state of franchise

Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Mesa, Ariz., sits down with Cubs president Jed Hoyer. The two discuss the state of the Cubs, Hoyer taking over for Theo Epstein, his friend, and being the one that may have to break up the Cubs core in order for the organization to move forward. Gordon and NBC Sports Chicago's Maddie Lee break down the interview.(6:44) - Interview with Hoyer begins; What is it like taking over Theo Epstein?(10:35) - The battle at second base this spring(15:20) - Pedro Strop being held from camp due to safety violations(19:50) - Working through player options in a pandemic season(21:30) - Jed on having to break up the core one day(26:45) - Are the Cubs still trying to win as many games as possible this year?(31:25) - Gordon and Maddie break down the interview