Cubs Talk Podcast

Ep. 215: Kerry Wood’s 20 K Flashback

In a special episode, we celebrate the 21st anniversary of Kerry Wood's record-setting 20-strikeout performance with an audio retrospective of that historic game. Hear all the key calls as they were broadcast in 1998, as well as commentary at key points from Kerry himself as he watched the game with us two decades later. 1:50 - Start of WGN broadcast of Cubs vs. Astros at Wrigley Field on May 6th, 19983:38 - Ricky Gutiérrez spoils the no-hitter in the top of the 3rd on controversial play4:53 - Wood throws two nasty sliders in the 4th to get Jeff Bagwell to strikeout7:32 - Wood gets strikeout number ten and eleven9:23 - Rain begins to fall in the 7th inning, giving Wood a slight edge against the Astros hitters as he strikes out the side14:56 - 9th inning begins as Wood is set to make history17:20 - "Here comes the hook!" - Chip Caray calls the historic 20th strikeout of Kerry Wood18:39 - Wood recalls his nervous interview with Steve Stone and Chip Caray after the game

Ep. 214: The red-hot Cubs take their place atop the NL Central

Tony Andracki and Cam Ellis recap the weekend at Wrigley where the Cubs swept the Cardinals in dominating fashion to move into first place in the National League Central. Also, Kelly Crull goes 1-on-1 with former Cubs “you go, we go” leadoff hitter, Dexter Fowler.

Ep. 213: Rivalry homestand begins with ’The Professor’ throwing a gem

After Kyle 'The Professor' Hendricks lived up to his name tossing just 81 pitches to complete a shutout vs the rival Cardinals. Hear Hendricks and Maddon's postgame comments after the Maddux like game. Prior to first pitch, Luke Stuckmeyer sat down with Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong who is off to a good start in St. Louis and grew up in the area, attending Illinois State University. Last but not least, Luke sat down with Fergie Jenkins who gave a great story about the late Ron Santo.1:20 - Paul DeJong interview6:10 - Hendricks interview with Kelly Crull postgame 7:40 - Maddon postgame on Hendricks9:55 - Fergie Jenkins interview

Ep. 212: Cubs blooming in May? Difficult decisions ahead

Luke, Kelly and Tony talk about the Cubs resurgence on offense and in the bullpen. Other topics include Addison Russell's role, or lack thereof, and if his days as a full-time player are already over. Plus they play a game of "Cubs Stock Watch."0:00 - Cubs blooming heading into May? A chance for the offense to reach full potential in 2019.2:45 - What would be Addison Russell's role if he returns to the big league club? Could the door be closed on Russell being a full-time player with the Cubs?9:52 - Bullpen goes from huge question mark to best in baseball, but there are some tough decision to be made pretty soon.16:20 - Cubs 'stock watch': Time to sell on Brandon Morrow? Whose stock are you buying? Bryzzo, Darvish or Schwarber. Buy or sell? Heyward or Maddon.

Ep. 211: A roller coaster first month... and an epic rant

Luke Stuckmeyer and David DeJesus break down the first month of the Cubs 2019 season. Is the offense "fixed"? How safe is Joe Maddon's job after 26 games? Plus, Luke and Kap chat with Les Grobstein about Lee Elia's epic rant from April 29, 1983 (which we play in its entirety):23 - Cubs finally coming together, right in the thick of the N.L. Central Division1:10 - Is the Cubs offense "fixed"?2:20 - David Bote coming through as a big piece that gets big hits.3:30 - Ben Zobrist pulls a "Rudy" and asks Maddon to start Bote in his place.6:01 - Javy still being Javy. Baez is having a better season than 2018.8:00 - A look at the N.L. Central. The Cardinals bullpen is getting pretty taxed right now.9:45 - Cubs offense could be special once "Bryzzo" breaks out.10:53 - The entire "Lee Elia" rant from April 29, 1983 (bleeped)14:00 - Les Grobstein joins Luke & Kap to talk about Lee Elia's epic rant. Les was the only person who recorded the rant.15:26 - How did Elia not get fired after the rant? Les tells a story about Dallas Green's reaction to the rant.17:15 - Les explains why Elia was mad in the first place, and what question was asked that set him off on his tirade.

Ep. 210: Jon Lester returns and Addison Russell’s future with the Cubs

Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss Lester's return, the upcoming road trip, plus Addison Russell talks about his suspension.01:00 Lester looked good in his return to the rotation03:30 Bullpen getting help from unexpected sources05:00 Was Almora's hair the reason he wasn't hitting homers?06:45 Kris Byrant looking better at the plate09:30 Cubs get ready for game at Arizona and Seattle10:30 Addison Russell's future with the Cubs18:30 Will Russell be with the Cubs on May 3rd when eligible?

Ep. 209: Rick Monday Flashback and Lester Returns

Luke Stuckmeyer catches up with former Cub Rick Monday on the anniversary of his infamous flag-saving episode at Dodger Stadium in 1976 (2:15). Rick takes us through the entire incident, and gives some insight into why he felt compelled to act on that day 43 years ago. Then, we'll hear from Joe Maddon on what to expect from Jon Lester's 1st start since April 8th (10:40) before Luke is joined by David Kaplan to discuss Lester's return to the rotation after over two weeks on the Injured List (11:30).

Ep. 208: The Tyler Chatwood/Yu Darvish podcast

On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Luke Stuckmeyer talks with Tyler Chatwood, Kelly Crull catches up with Yu Darvish, and David Kaplan and David DeJesus weigh in on the starting rotation.01:00 - Tyler Chatwood on his outing on Sunday02:25 - Chatwood on difference from last year6:00 - Yu Darvish talks about his season so far7:15 - Joe Maddon thinks Darvish has another gear8:00 - Why the starters have been so good lately9:30 - What adjustments has Tyler Chatwood made on the mound this season?11:20 - Could Chatwood be effective out of the Cubs bullpen?12:00 - Is Darvish making progress?

Ep. 207: David Bote’s wild ride and a huge test for Cubs pitchers

Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki break down the Cubs’ series win over the Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field, which capped off with yet another David Bote walk-off and a surprising performance from Tyler Chatwood. They also break down where this Cubs team is at as they get set to welcome the high-powered Dodgers offense into Chicago later in the week.:30 – The Kelly Effect1:00 – David Bote’s wild ride2:00 – El Mago’s magic pays off for Cubs yet again3:30 – Bote’s adjustments6:40 – Chatwood’s big day8:50 – What’s next for Chatwood?10:10 – Lester’s return is right around the corner11:30 – Cubs pitching firing on all cylinders12:00 – Did Kap jinx Strop?13:30 – Dodgers pose a big challenge for Cubs pitching staff

Ep. 206: Flashback to Jake Arrieta’s 2nd No-Hitter

Luke Stuckmeyer takes a trip down memory lane on the 3rd anniversary of Jake Arrieta's no-hitter against the Reds in Cincinnati. You'll hear all the biggest calls of the game from Len & JD, plus Jake's immediate reaction after tossing his second no-no in a span of 11 regular season starts.