Cubs Talk Podcast

Ep. 85: Would you rather: Jake Arrieta’s current deal or Yu Darvish’s?

With Jake Arrieta inking a three-year deal worth $75 million, should the Cubs have tried for that same contract for the 2015 NL Cy Young Winner? Or are the Cubs still in a perfect spot with the Yu Darvish deal?Plus, who will be the Cubs’ 2018 MVP and what will the exact Opening Day lineup look like?

Ep. 84: WWJD – What will Jake do?

Just three weeks away from opening and Jake Arrieta needs a home. Who’s the leader in the clubhouse to sign the former Cubs CY Young Award winner? Jon Graff, Chris Kamka and Kelly Crull are weighing the odds for Arrieta’s potential landing spot with the help of Bovada’s Head Oddsmaker Pat Morrow. (Courtesy of Bovada.lv)Who will Jake Arietta sign his next MLB contract with?Milwaukee Brewers 7/4 Washington Nationals 5/2 San Diego Padres 11/4 Philadelphia Phillies 9/2 Minnesota Twins 8/1

Ep. 83: Attempting to piece together the Cubs lineup puzzle

How will Joe Maddon find enough playing time for everybody in the Cubs lineup in 2018? With Ian Happ doing his best to force the issue, does that mean Jason Heyward could find himself on the bench more often? David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss the Cubs’ roster puzzle – from the lineup to the bullpen to the potential for a six-man starting rotation. Plus, the crew gives its take on where and when Jake Arrieta finally signs with a team.

Ep. 82: Jon Lester’s not ready to pass on the torch to Kyle Hendricks

The Cubs super rotation has been set and Jon Lester receives the honor of starting opening day. David Kaplan and Kelly Crull discuss if the Cubs starting 5 is not only the best in franchise history, but the best in baseball right now. Plus after watching Joe Maddon’s crew up close and personal for 2 weeks in Mesa, Kelly discusses the refreshed focus and hunger the Cubs are displaying on a daily basis

Ep. 81: Sitting down with new Cubs coaches Chili Davis and Jim Hickey

Spring training baseball games are up around the bend, but before boys of summer get into organized action Kelly Crull sat down with 2 of the team’s new coaches Chili Davis and Jim Hickey.Vinnie Duber joined Kelly to discuss these baseball conversations including the memorable first words of Kyle Schwarber to Chili Davis, “I don’t suck!”

Ep. 78: Discussing 5-man unit and where Montgomery fits into Cubs’ plans

Jon Lester has arrived at Cubs camp, and he’s pleased with the new-look rotation full of potential aces. Kelly Crull and Vinnie Duber discuss the 5-man unit, and where Mike Montgomery fits into the Cubs’ plans. Plus, Kelly and Vinnie talk Jason Heyward and Kyle Schwarber, along with the continuing free agent stalemate surrounding Jake Arrieta.

Ep. 77: Kelly Crull and Jesse Rogers talk about day 2 at Cubs camp

Day 2 is in the books and Cubs players continue to react to the acquisition of Yu Darvish. Kelly Crull and Jesse Rogers discuss the Yu Darvish effect and the fact that teammates and coaches believe the best of Darvish is yet to come.Plus the odd-man out in the starting rotation Mike Montgomery deals with losing his opportunity to be a regular member of the Starting 5.

Ep: 76: Kelly Crull, Jesse Rogers, and David Kaplan discuss the arrival and introduction of Yu Darvish at Cubs Camp

A brand new era is underway for the Chicago Cubs after introducing Yu Darvish the new ace of their staff. Kelly Crull, Jesse Rogers, and David Kaplan give their instant reaction to the newly signed 6-year contract.Kelly and Jesse take a deep dive into the financials that help ink the Cubs new strikeout machine, and The Kapman talks about the massive chip that Darvish has on his shoulder after his subpar World Series performance.

Ep. 75: Jim Deshaies breaks down the Cubs winning the Yu Darvish sweepstakes

“There Yu go Cub Fans!” that’s what Jim Deshaies tweeted after learning the Cubs agreed to a deal with Yu Darvish. The NBC Sports Chicago Cubs color analyst joins David Kaplan and Jon Graff to discuss the major move made by Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer.JD also discusses his top storylines for the Cubs entering spring training including who will be the Cubs everyday centerfielder. Plus in our entertaining lighting round, Jim talks about who will start opening day, who will be the team MVP, and if a hot dog is a sandwich.

Ep. 74: Debating the Top 5 Cubs of all-time

Who are the Top 5 Cubs players of your lifetime? David Kaplan, Kelly Crull, Tony Andracki and Jon Graff provide their lists, with names like Sammy Sosa, Mark Grace, Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg and Ernie Banks cracking the list. How would this list look 20 years in the future? The panel also tries to predict the Top 5 Cubs of all-time if the list were being made in 2038.