Cubs Talk Podcast

Cubs-Marlins series preview with Brandon Kintzler

The Cubs begin their first round postseason series Wednesday against the Miami Marlins and Brandon Kintzler, a former Cub. Kintzler joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer and gives his thoughts on the Cubs roster, the Marlins’ comeback season from a COVID-19 outbreak and his time with the Cubs. Later on in the podcast, the Cubs content team of Jeff Nelson, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins discusses the matchup. (1:46) - The Marlins have been on lockdown after they had an early-season coronavirus outbreak (7:00) - How did the Marlins make the playoffs with the league's worst run differential? (14:14) - Kintzler on if he believed the season would be completed (19:00) - How do the Marlins pitchers match up with the Cubs offense? (23:20) - Kintzler on his experience as a Cub (30:48) - Jeff Nelson, Tim Stebbins, and Maddie Lee breakdown the Cubs-Marlins matchup

Can the Cubs match up with the Dodgers with Jerry Hairston Jr.

As the postseason nears, it's time to start looking at potential matchups for the Cubs. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined former Cub and broadcaster for the Dodgers Jerry Hairston Jr. They discuss the upcoming postseason and compare the Dodgers and Cubs this season and for the future. The crew also discusses Hairston's career as a Cub. (2:52) - The Dodgers' deep pitching rotation (9:53) - Is this the year the Dodgers finally win the World Series? (16:25) - Hairston describes his time as a Cub (21:36) - What was it like playing for Dusty Baker? (25:46) - Where does Kris Bryant rank among third basemen?

Was David Ross wrong for benching Kyle Schwarber?

Kyle Schwarber was benched by David Ross for misplaying a ball that ended up being a triple in Sunday's game vs the Twins. Was David Ross wrong for pulling Schwarber? Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer have a heated debate on the situation and compare the managerial styles of David Ross and former manager Joe Maddon. Later on, Gordon updates the status of Jose Quintana and what the Cubs pitching rotation would look like in a playoff scenario.(1:30) - David Ross pulls Kyle Schwarber for not hustling to a ball in the outfield(6:16) - Should Joe Maddon and David Ross have benched Javy Baez for not hustling after a hit?(12:14) - Which managerial style works best?(16:36) - Should managers/coaches be more strict in their styles in 2020?(23:42) - Jose Quintana's status

Is Jon Lester the most impactful Cub ever?

Jon Lester was one of the biggest free agent signings in Chicago sports history and his contract is up at the end of the season, which could mean he may have pitched his final game at Wrigley Field. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss and debate Lester’s Cubs career and if he is the most impactful Cub ever. Later on in the pod, the guys discuss a tough offseason ahead for the Cubs and if they should continue forward with their core or prepare for a rebuild. (1:45) - Is Jon Lester the most impactful Cub of all-time? (9:25) - Will Lester make the Hall of Fame? (15:00) - Tough offseason ahead for the Cubs (22:25) - Has Kris Bryant’s Cubs career been disappointing?

How do the Cubs matchup in the playoffs?

Now that the regular season is nearing its end, the Cubs are in prime position to make the playoffs. How do they stack up against teams they might play in October? Host Davis Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the Cubs’ playoff scenarios and who they might see. Later in the pod, they go over the details of the MLB’s bubble, which starts after the first-round series are over. Plus, who on the Cubs is ready to have a breakout postseason run? (1:20) - MLB’s plan to put teams in a bubble (7:38) - Which Cub is going to have a breakout postseason? (15:04) - Which NL team has the best chance to go to the World Series? (21:06) - How will pitchers be able to workout in the bubble? (24:56) - Jason Heyward proved he deserved that contract

Emergency Podcast: Carlos Zambrano on Alec Mills’ no hitter

In an unexpected scenario, Cubs pitcher Alec Mills threw a no-hitter on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers, the day before the anniversary of former star Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano’s no-no on September 14th, 2008. Carlos joins David Kaplan as they discuss Mills' no-hitter and relive his 2008 no-hitter vs. the Houston Astros. Then, the NBCS Chicago Cubs coverage team of Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins discuss Mills’ no-hitter and the team’s reaction after the momentous game. (1:50) - No one saw this no-hitter coming from Alec Mills (6:05) - Cubs have been on a roll lately (10:00) - Mills' sinking pitches were on point (14:56) - Carlos Zambrano joins the podcast (16:14) - Zambrano on watching Alec Mills throw a no-hitter (22:00) - Zambrano on what pitching a no-hitter is like

Should the Cubs trade Kris Bryant ASAP?

Host David Kaplan is joined by Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer and Cubs beat writer Maddie Lee to discuss the Cubs’ recent series against the Cardinals and Reds. They also discuss how there isn't a magic number for the Cubs to clinch the division right now despite being in first place. Later, they passionately debate the future of Kris Bryant with the Cubs and if he should be in Chicago long term. (1:20) - No magic number for the Cubs yet (8:40) - Do the Cubs have enough money to go after big pitching during the offseason? (13:40) - Should Jed Hoyer be the new president of baseball operations for the Cubs? (19:05) - Should Kris Bryant be traded ASAP?! (34:30) - Will the Cubs call up their top pitching prospect, Brailyn Marquez, to the majors this season?

NL awards predictions and round table discussion

The Cubs remain in first place in the division and are almost a lock to make the playoffs, but will players like Yu Darvish be recognized for their individual efforts this season? Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by award voters Jesse Rogers of ESPN 1000, David O'Brien of the Athletic, and Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register as they have a roundtable discussion about who wins the Cy Young, MVP, and other awards in the NL. (1:25) - Will Yu Darvish win the NL Cy Young award? (6:00) - Can a pitcher win MVP in a shortened season? (12:00) - Will Ian Happ get votes for MVP this year? (21:35) - Who wins the Cy Young for the NL? (29:45) - NL Rookie of the Year

Will the Cubs be healthy enough to beat the Cardinals?

Ian Happ gets hit in the eye, José Quintana is on the injured list and the Cubs are about to play their biggest rivals in a very important division-defining series. Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the Cubs’ injuries, preview the Cubs-Cardinals series and if the Cubs have enough to take a bigger lead in the division, and discuss the state of the Cubs for the next 3 seasons. (1:30) - Can the Cubs overcome their injuries to finish the Cardinals? (6:35) - Cardinals have injuries as well (9:40) - Will the Cubs move a core player after the season is over? (14:20) - How does having Marquee impact baseball moves in the next season? (18:25) - Will Theo Epstein return to the Cubs after his contract is up?

Cubs add 5 new players at the trade deadline

The Cubs sought to fill needs at the trade deadline and they certainly did, adding five new players to bolster the bullpen and bench. They were aggressive and now look to make a strong push for another World Series run. Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the trades the Cubs made, how they will impact the team, and if they have enough to make a deep playoff run. (1:20) - Cubs were able to get creative at the deadline (8:20) - Did the Cubs finally fix the bullpen? (17:20) - The NL Central is catching up with the Cubs (24:00) - Have the Cubs finally moved past their "Lovable Losers" name?