Cubs Talk Podcast

Can Nico Hoerner claim Cubs’ second base job in spring training?

As Cubs spring training continues in Mesa, Arizona, a position battle to look out for is second base. Nico Hoerner is one candidate, but David Bote and Ildemaro Vargas are in the picture as well.Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Mesa, joins David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins to discuss the Cubs' second base picture and whether Hoerner can win the job. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses the Cubs' need for a more diverse lineup and how they feel about being projected to finish near the bottom of the division this season.(2:00) - Is second base Nico Hoerner's job to lose?(6:30) - Is David Bote getting overlooked at second base?(11:06) - The over/under for the Cubs this season has been set at 79 wins. Is that too low?(16:00) - How do Cubs players feel about low outside expectations for this season?(20:10) - Jed Hoyer could have tough decisions to make if the Cubs start off slow

Adbert Alzolay is ready to start for the Cubs | Cubs spring training daily report

In Tuesday's spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer and Maddie Lee discuss the sights and sounds from Mesa, Ariz. in Day 2 of Cubs camp. Gordon and Maddie discuss the big topic of the day — Cubs pitcher Adbert Alzolay — who says he is ready for the opportunity to prove he belongs in the starting rotation.Later, they discuss Ian Happ's start to spring training and his thoughts on Kevin Mather's comments on service time, with Happ being the Cubs' players union representative. Make sure to subscribe for daily spring training reports.

Anthony Rizzo says Cubs ”have to prove it” to fans | Cubs spring training daily report

Today is the first installment of the Cubs spring training report, featuring David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Maddie Lee. Anthony Rizzo spoke to the media for the first time since last season, and he had thoughts. The Cubs Talk crew reacts to Rizzo discussing his contract situation, his thoughts on Kevin Mather's incriminating comments about bad-faith industry practices and explains why this Cubs team needs to prove that they can win to the fans.

Padres extend Fernando Tatis Jr., will the Cubs re-sign any core players?

With Fernando Tatis Jr. receiving a HUGE extension to remain a Padre up until I become a Padre (producer Tony here), San Diego has a payroll comparable to teams in big markets like Chicago.The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Tatis' deal and compare it to how the Cubs are managing their budget and roster. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses who on the Cubs could be in line for an extension. Javy Báez? Anthony Rizzo? Kris Bryant? The crew also breaks down if there are any more pitching additions on the horizon for the Cubs.(1:43) - Fernando Tatis Jr. reaches massive extension with San Diego. Do you like the deal? But also, how in the hell do the Padres have two players signed for over $300 million?(6:16) - Fourteen years is a long time. The deal is good for baseball, but the length could be risky. What is a normal deal for someone at Tatis' skill level? (16:00) - If the number to extend Rizzo is $175 million for seven years, are you doing it?(22:20) - Are Cubs done adding pitchers?(26:25) - Is the bullpen strong enough to win?(29:57) - Does Pedro Strop make the Cubs roster?

Jed Hoyer, David Ross address media as Cubs open Spring training

Spring training is underway and there are questions about the Cubs' 2021 outlook. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and manager David Ross addressed the media as camp opened to discuss how they view the team, if they are done adding to the roster and if trades could still be on the table for a few core players, most notably former MVP Kris Bryant. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins discuss Hoyer and Ross' remarks and debate who had it the toughest taking over the Cubs: 2012 Theo Epstein or 2021 Jed Hoyer.(1:25) - Is the team coming to spring training the final roster, or are they looking to make more moves?(6:00) - Jake Arrieta is bringing a competitive fire the Cubs have been missing since he's been gone(12:00) - Which job is tougher: Theo Epstein taking over in 2012 and building the Cubs up to a World Series contender, or 2021 Jed Hoyer working through a rebuild?(25:35) - Jed Hoyer intends on sitting down with the core to discuss their futures. Who stays and who goes?(34:00) - Will Joc Pederson be the Cubs' leadoff hitter or will Ian Happ have that spot?

BREAKING: Cubs, Jake Arrieta agree to 1-year deal

Jake Arrieta, the last Cubs pitcher to win a playoff game, is coming back to Wrigleyville on a one-year, $6 million dollar deal, NBC Sports Chicago confirmed. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Arrieta's return to the Cubs and what he can bring to enhance the starting rotation. The crew also dives into whether the Cubs will add more pitching in free agency, if they have enough money to sign another pitcher and if this enough to win the division.(1:18) - Reactions to the Cubs signing Arrieta. What will they get from him?(7:30) - Is there a serviceable guy left on the market to add to the rotation?(11:50) - If this is the Opening Day team, are they good enough to win 85 games?(16:05) - Rank the top four trades of the Theo Epstein/Jed Hoyer Cubs era(24:00) - Where does Arrieta slot in the rotation?

Cubs predictions entering spring training

Will Anthony Rizzo have his greatest season ever? Will the Cubs sign another starting pitcher and if so, who will they get? There are still questions around the Cubs as they get ready to start spring training.David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer go over their predictions for spring training and discuss what they expect to happen before the regular season starts. The crew dives into a possible Kris Bryant trade to the Mets (yes, another KB trade rumor), the Cubs' 2021 game times being announced, and if Jake Arrieta has a chance to return to the North Side.(2:05) - PECOTA has the Cubs winning more games than the White Sox(5:52) - Do the Cubs have any more payroll flexibility?(10:43) - SNY's Andy Martino reports the Cubs and Mets are re-engaged on Kris Bryant trade talks. The Cubs are looking to get a very good player in the deal, but the Mets are not biting yet.(17:19) - Afternoon baseball is back at Wrigley with 47 afternoon home games scheduled this season!(19:31) - Pitchers and catchers report to camp this coming Tuesday. Are there any position battles or storylines that fans need to pay attention to?(26:04) - Any chance Jake Arrieta or James Paxton signs with the Cubs?

Cubs legend Andre Dawson, collusion and changing baseball

In the 1986-87 offseason, Andre Dawson made a move that changed baseball, joining the Cubs in free agency after battling collusion. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer sit down with Dawson to discuss that tough time and how he managed the era of collusion in baseball. They also discuss the importance of the black baseball players and the impact the black athlete has in America and the world. Later in the pod, the group discusses Dawson's time in the Marlins front office and the craziness of playing the Cubs in the 2003 postseason.(2:00) - Dawson discusses how he became a Cub and the collusion he was up against(11:20) - The similarities between his time as a free agent and the seemingly collusive time for free agents in recent years(18:30) - The impact black baseball players can have on kids looking to play baseball(31:50) - Any regrets in Dawson's career or anything he would have done differently?(35:30) - Cubs vs. Marlins in 2003 postseason and how he felt about the Cubs winning the World Series in 2016

2 weeks ’til spring training to-do list

The Cubs' biggest offseason move was upstaged by the Cardinals, but are there other moves they can make to round out the roster? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss which areas of the roster the Cubs still need to address and how they can do so. Get your shopping lists out and let's see what we can find.(1:38) - The Cubs have young pitchers in the pipeline nearly ready for the big leagues, but they need to add at least one more veteran starter.(6:15) - If the Cubs need and are looking for veteran pitching, why didn't they make an offer to Jon Lester sooner?(9:45) - Based on what the Cubs have now, should they have brought José Quintana back? Who else is out there?(13:50) - Who plays second base: Nico Hoerner, or should they look for a veteran?(17:40) - Will the government get involved in making sure players get vaccinated?

2021 MLB season set to start on time, Cardinals acquire Nolan Arenado

Spring training is set to start on time in a couple of weeks but there are still uncertainties between the players and owners. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the union rejecting MLB's alternate plan for a delayed 154-game season, potential issues that still lie ahead before Opening Day on April 1, and what the relationship between the players and owners is like. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses the Cardinals' big trade for superstar Nolan Arenado. Did the Cards just become the favorite to win the NL Central?(1:40) - Players say no to the owners' proposal, so there will be a 162-game season that is scheduled to start on time(6:35) - COVID-19 is not going away during the 2021 season, so MLB may not reach 162 games anyway and will try to play as many games as they can.(11:00) - The universal DH should be here already. Owners are using it as a bargaining tool to obtain expanded playoffs. DH would benefit everyone -- teams and players.(13:40) - Why fans should be on the players' side(25:40) - Are the Cards division favorites after acquiring Nolan Arenado?