Cubs Talk Podcast

Ep. 95: What is going on with Kris Bryant?

Kris Bryant is out of the lineup for the fourth straight game Friday afternoon after getting hit in the face with a 96 mph pitch Sunday in Colorado. Is there any cause for long-term concern? Doug Glanville, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss the latest with Bryant, who is making some changes to his in-game protection after this incident. Plus, Glanville explains how a player gets over the mental hurdle after a traumatic experience like this and steps back into the box to face 97-98 mph pitches on a regular basis.

Ep. 94: Does Javy Baez have an MVP in his future?

David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki sit down and discuss Cubs star Javy Baez and his transformation from Puerto Rican HS star to MLB star and the trials and tribulations he has faced and still faces as one of baseball's flashiest players.

Ep. 93: Capping off a crazy Cubs week

It was a wild week in the world of Cubdom that included wacky weather, a comeback for the ages, some drama with the Pirates and a debate about who should be the leadoff hitter - Ian Happ or Albert Almora Jr. The NBC Sports Chicago crew of David Kaplan, Kelly Crull, Leila Rahimi and Tony Andracki break down all things Cubs and give their prediction on how the next week will play out.

Ep. 92 : What’s wrong with Yu Darvish?

David Kaplan and David DeJesus recap Yu Darvish’s Wrigley Field debut and try to figure out what’s wrong with the newly signed pitcher. Should he focus on his fastball or slider? Plus, the guys discuss the Javy Baez-Clint Hurdle back-and-forth after Joe Maddon weighed in.`

Ep. 91: “I bust my ass.” Reacting to Javy Baez responding to Clint Hurdle

Doug Glanville, Leila Rahimi and Jon Graff are joined by Tony Andracki at Wrigley Field after Javy Baez unloads on the Pirates Manager.

Ep. 90: Silver linings for the Cubs after a strange opening series in Miami

Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki break down the Cubs’ four-game series against the Marlins to open the 2018 season, including the finale Sunday in which the Cubs were shut out despite having a fantastic day at the plate. Plus, what is there to make of the pitching staff so far with a lack of length from the starters and a surprising stress on the bullpen? What positives are there to take with this team as they head into Cincinnati for a brief two-game series with the Reds?

Ep. 89: 2018 Cubs preview and predictions

David Kaplan, Kelly Crull, Tony Andracki and Jon Graff get together to preview the Cubs' 2018 season while providing their predictions for how the season will play out. Will the Cubs win the division and if so, by how many games? Will Kyle Schwarber hit more than 30 homers? Who will be the Cubs' team MVP? What starting pitcher will emerge as the team's ace by season's end?

Ep. 88: Do the 2018 Cubs have the best rotation in Chicago baseball history? MLB Network’s Dan Plesac weighs in

After acquiring free agent starters Yu Darvish and Tyler Chatwood, do the 2018 Cubs have the best rotation in Chicago baseball history? Dan Plesac from MLB Network joins Luke Stuckmeyer on the latest CubsTalk Podcast to discuss that and more before the season starts on Thursday.

Ep. 87: Jed Hoyer on the thought process behind the Cubs’ renovated pitching staff

Between more power in the rotation and more strike-throwing in the bullpen, the Cubs were decisive in how they wanted to remake their pitching staff entering the 2018 season. GM Jed Hoyer sits down with David Kaplan to explain the thought process of the front office over the winter.

Ep. 86: David Kaplan sits down with the Cubs’ unofficial captain

Anthony Rizzo sits down with The Kapman and dishes on such topics as the tough times facing his hometown, World Series expectations in 2018, how this Cubs team compares to the Blackhawks dynasty and his shocking pick for the Cubs pitcher with the best stuff.