Cubs Talk Podcast

Javy Báez back to work after scary injury | Cubs spring training daily report

Javy Báez was hit by a pitch on the forearm Friday, causing him to leave the game. On Saturday's spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Phoenix, joins Tim Stebbins to discuss Báez and his return to team activities. The guys also dive into pitcher Shelby Miller making his first start in spring training and provide updates on the hottest position battle in spring training: second base.

Cubs’ Nico Hoerner continues to dominate in spring training

As spring training rolls on for the Cubs, Nico Hoerner continues to make a strong impression in the second base competition. Live from Arizona, Gordon Wittenmyer joins Maddie Lee to discuss Hoerner's hot bat and if second base is his job to lose.Later in the podcast, Gordon and Maddie talk possible vaccines for the players that could be available soon, an injury update on Javy Báez, and more news and nuggets from Cubs camp.(1:40) - What has gotten into Nico Hoerner? Teams are having a hard time getting him out(6:55) - Can Hoerner produce close to this for a full regular season?(12:55) - Back end of the starting rotation hasn't been solidified. Can Alec Mills make a statement?(18:40) - Ian Happ on whether players will be eligible to get the vaccine soon(26:00) - Injury update on Javy Báez

Comparing Cubs, Dodgers competitive windows | Cubs spring training daily report

In today's spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Glendale, Ariz., joins Maddie Lee to discuss and break down how the Cubs and Dodgers have fared in recent years while comparing their respective competitive windows. They also discuss Kris Bryant getting reps in left field, the addition of Eric Sogard, and what it means for Nico Hoerner, and Gordon reports on the return of alternate sites in 2021.

Pedro Strop is happy to be back in Chicago | Cubs spring training daily report

Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Arizona, joins Maddie Lee to discuss the still undefeated Cubs, whose game against the Mariners on Wednesday ended in a tie under the new spring training rules. They also discuss the return of longtime Cubs reliever Pedro Strop, who spoke to the media and is excited to be back with the team and show Cubs fans what he can do.

Cubs’ Nico Hoerner makes strong impression in spring debut

The Cubs won their second spring training game, picking up a 3-2 win over the Royals on Tuesday that featured a near no-hitter. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss Adbert Alzolay's pitching performance, Nico Hoerner's impressive first game as he seeks to claim the everyday second baseman job, how the Cubs are using their pitching staff in spring games, and more news and nuggets from Arizona.(2:00) - Does a no-hitter in spring training count?(4:26) - Nico Hoerner looks great in his first game(8:00) - Cubs are being extremely cautious with their pitchers(11:50) - Pitching arms are being treated with extreme care in today's game(15:00) - News and nuggets from Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Arizona

Cubs win first spring game | Cubs spring training daily report

The Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 1-0 in their first spring training game. Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Peoria, Ariz. and Tim Stebbins break down the game, including Kyle Hendricks' pitching performance, what the environment was like with some fans in the stadium, and if Javy Báez will have a bounce back year from 2020 when the pandemic season's conditions seemed to take a toll on his game.

Cubs prepare for first spring training game | Cubs spring training daily report

In today's Cubs spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer and Maddie Lee debate Gordon's fly ball skills after David Ross critiqued his outfield abilities. They also get into the rules of spring training games and what the Cubs are preparing for before Monday's matchup when Kyle Hendricks takes the mound. Plus, they discuss how teams are filling rosters and working out pitching arms without having the ability to use minor leaguers this year due to the pandemic.

Willson Contreras is confident that he can perform with any team he’s on

On today's Cubs spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Mesa, Ariz., is joined by Tim Stebbins. Willson Contreras spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on offseason trade rumors, possible extension talks, and his improved pitch framing. Gordon and Tim also discuss David Bote's thoughts on the club's second base competition. Plus, Pedro Strop has joined Cubs camp.

Will Cubs, Javy Báez get a contract extension done?

With the Cubs nearing the end of their first week of spring training, Javy Báez and Joc Pederson addressed the media.David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss if Báez will have a comeback season and land the contract extension to stay in Chicago like he desires. Plus, Joc Pederson wants to prove he's an everyday player. Will he get the opportunity to do so? All that and more on the Cubs Talk Podcast!(1:50) - Javy Báez is excited for the upcoming season(4:40) - Báez wants to be a Cub long term and does not want to go to another team(9:50) - Was 2016 the outlier year for this core Cubs group?(14:50) - With the Cubs struggling offensively at times the last few years, was changing hitting coaches so many times a mistake?(16:04) - Joc Pederson is looking to prove he's an everyday player(20:04) - How do the Cubs handle Pederson if he isn't producing against lefties?

Kyle Hendricks to start spring opener | Cubs spring training daily report

In today's Cubs spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Mesa, Ariz., and Maddie Lee discuss the Cubs announcing Kyle Hendricks will start their opening spring training game. Does that mean Hendricks will be the team's Opening Day starter? They also discuss Jake Arrieta throwing live batting practice and Kris Bryant taking him deep. Plus, updates on injuries and position battles.