Cubs Talk Podcast

Ep. 73: The Director of Morale debates all things Cubs with Kap

Frederic - aka the Cubs' Director of Morale (DOM) - takes part in the first edition of #BattleKap, debating David Kaplan on all things Cubs, from Jason Heyward to Jake Arrieta to Yu Darvish to Kyle Schwarber.

Ep. 72: Who will be the next player to go into the Hall of Fame with a Cubs hat on?

With the Hall of Fame taking the baseball world by storm, the trio of David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss who might be the next Cubs player to enter the game's most prestigious club.

Ep. 71: Do the Cubs need to make another move before spring training?

Another week has gone by and still no flurry of signings in Major League Baseball. The Cubs have added some catching depth, but beyond that, their roster appears set until the top three pitchers on the market – Jake Arrieta, Yu Darvish and Alex Cobb – finally reach an agreement with a team. But will that happen before spring training? And are the Cubs guaranteed to get one of those top starters? David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki weigh in on the latest CubsTalk Podcast, while also delivering a couple bold predictions for the season ahead.

Ep. 70: How the new coaching staff may help ensure Joe Maddon’s tactics won’t get stale

ESPN’s Jesse Rogers stops by the CubsTalk Podcast to chat with Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki about his new book on Joe Maddon. The trio also debate whether Maddon’s tactics get stale and how the new coaching staff will affect the season.Plus, who should hit leadoff? Fans are all in on Albert Almora Jr., but that might not be the best option. And whose side do you take in the Willson Contreras-Yadier Molina tiff?

Ep. 69: Main takeaways from Convention and players primed for a 2018 breakout

The NBCS Chicago Cubs team of Kelly Crull, Tony Andracki, Jon Graff, Matt Buckman and Scott Changnon rattle off their main takeaways from the weekend’s Cubs Convention, including the funniest moments and how the players engaged with fans and each other throughout the three days at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.Plus, which players – besides Kyle Schwarber – made the most of the offseason and primed for a breakout in 2018? The crew gives their take, with options including Albert Almora Jr., Ian Happ and Jason Heyward.

Ep. 68: Separating fact from fiction with offseason rumors

Did the Cubs really offer Jake Arrieta $110 million? Is Alex Cobb truly searching for an $80 million deal? Are the Miami Marlins out of their minds with what they want for Christian Yelich? David Kaplan, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss these rumors and more from the coldest offseason in recent memory. The trio also chat about baseball's luxury tax and who will cave first - the owners or the agents/players.

Ep. 67: Arrieta’s market and the Cubs’ shortstop controversy

Is the slow-moving market playing right into the Cubs' favor? Should the Cubs extend themselves and give Jake Arrieta an extra year on a contract just to keep him from going to a rival? Should Javy Baez and Addison Russell switch positions for the 2018 season?A panel of David Kaplan, Tony Andracki, Scott Changnon, Nate Poppen and Eric Strobel discuss those topics and more on the latest CubsTalk Podcast.

Ep. 66: The year in review with Len Kasper & who the Cubs will face in the 2018 World Series

Jon Graff, Eric Strobel and Luke Stuckmeyer are joined by Len Kasper to wrap up 2017. The voice of the Cubs discusses the lukewarm Hot Stove, the Cubs’ pitching additions, the mental fortitude of Kyle Schwarber, and whether the recent World Series triumphs on the North Side and in Houston will impact the current White Sox rebuild. Plus, Len has a deep cut for his favorite moment of 2017 and also gives us his lightning-round predictions for the 2018 season.

Ep. 65: Why Jim Deshaies is excited for this new Cubs rotation

Cubs broadcaster Jim Deshaies stops by the CubsTalk Podcast to break down the Cubs’ pitching moves this offseason and why he believes the starting rotation will feature five guys who could all wind up as the ace of the staff in 2018.Plus, Deshaies chats with Kelly Crull, Tony Andracki and Jon Graff about being reunited with one of his former minor-league teammates with the Cubs and how he dodged an emotional bullet during the World Series this fall.

Ep. 64: Dreaming on Christian Yelich and how Boras navigates a slow market

Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss the impact of the Marlins' trades and daydream on how Christian Yelich would be a perfect fit atop the Cubs order if Miami ever decided to move him. Plus, where do the Cubs stand with free agent pitchers and is a Wade Davis return still possible?Crull also chats 1-on-1 with MLB super-agent Scott Boras about Jake Arrieta's value and how to navigate a slow-moving free agent market.