The Cubs Talk podcast takes a look at the 2024 season, evaluating the biggest successes, including the development of Michael Busch and the emergence of Shota Imanaga, and the biggest failures as the team once again misses the playoffs. The crew then evaluates the road ahead for 2025, with free agency and the trade market both serving as avenues for a team with postseason aspirations. Finally, the group says its farewells to NBC Sports Chicago and to the fans who made the network special.
Sep 27, 2024•41 min•Ep. 746
It's been quite the ride for the Chicago Cubs this week, and James Neveau and Leila Rahimi break it all down on Cubs Talk. Shota Imanaga and the Cubs combine for a no-hitter, but did Craig Counsell make the right call in pulling him, and just how amazing has the hurler's season been? Leila and James then discuss the return of Anthony Rizzo to Wrigley Field, asking whether the decision to trade him in 2021 was the right one and whether he belongs on the Cubs' Mount Rushmore. Finally, they talk ab...
Sep 06, 2024•39 min•Ep. 745
The Chicago Cubs are fresh off a sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Guardians, leaving Leila Rahimi and James Neveau to ask where things stand with a quarter of the season remaining. The duo chat about missed opportunities in Cleveland, how moral victories at this stage of the year have lost meaning, and whether there is any hope at all of the Cubs getting together a late-season surge. Leila and James then break down comments made by Jed Hoyer about the Cubs potentially exceeding the luxury tax...
Aug 16, 2024•43 min•Ep. 744
In a post-trade deadline edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau break down all the moves the Cubs made in the leadup to deadline. Isaac Paredes arrives on the North Side of Chicago, but is the upgrade worth the cost the Cubs gave up in losing Christopher Morel? And do Paredes' statistics paint a stark picture of what he can achieve in Wrigleyville? Later, the duo discusses Mark Leiter Jr. and whether the Cubs made the right choice in acquiring a pair of prospects from th...
Jul 31, 2024•51 min•Ep. 743
On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, host James Neveau is joined by Greg Huss, host of the Cubs on Deck Podcast and co-founder of NorthsideBound.com, to dive deep into the Cubs' strategy and future. They discuss potential trade deadline moves (1:55), emphasizing that any decisions need to keep next year’s competition in mind. Greg breaks down why Pete Crow-Armstrong has struggled this season (4:15) and debates whether the Cubs handled his development properly (7:18). The duo highlights the positives...
Jul 26, 2024•33 min•Ep. 742
On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and Nate Poppen dive into the Cubs' selection of Cam Smith from Florida State with the 14th pick and whether he's truly a third baseman (0:54). They tackle the issue of having too many young bats without a defensive position (4:00) and discuss the Cubs' draft strategy (5:25). Leila argues the importance of drafting players with a set position (6:54). Later, the duo debates their trust in the Jed Hoyer- Carter Hawkins regime (8:40), how Paul Skenes' r...
Jul 17, 2024•36 min•Ep. 741
James Neveau and Leila Rahimi run through a jampacked week in Cubs baseball, starting with Shota Imanaga's selection to the All-Star Game. The duo chats about his incredible rookie season, and shares a surprising comp for Michael Busch's campaign so far. Later, Leila and James discuss the unfortunate injury for Brennen Davis, and react to Colten Brewer breaking his hand after punching a dugout wall, complete with a stroll down memory lane with Sammy Sosa's sneezes and Kerry Wood's hot tub. Final...
Jul 09, 2024•45 min•Ep. 740
Leila Rahimi and James Neveau break down the Cubs' series loss against the Milwaukee Brewers and the sad state of the team as July begins. They discuss the lackluster performances of key players, the team's failed free agent acquisitions and trades heading into the 2024 season, and whether the team can actually pull out of their current tailspin. They get into more upbeat news with injury updates on Javier Assad, Mark Leiter Jr. and others, but then evaluate whether or not the Cubs are the most ...
Jul 02, 2024•39 min•Ep. 739
The Cubs Talk podcast takes another look at the struggling North Siders as they drop three-of-four to the Giants and hit the halfway mark of their season. James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the shoddy bullpen and the shocking resurgence of Kyle Hendricks before getting into their midseason awards. Shota Imanaga is likely the team’s first-half MVP, but James also offers up a couple of unexpected options. The guys also talk about the disappointing campaigns of Dansby Swanson and Hector Neris, ...
Jun 28, 2024•46 min•Ep. 738
For the first time in a month, the Cubs have won a three-game series, and James Neveau, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano break it all down. Kyle Hendricks’ dramatic improvement in June is showcased, along with Ian Happ’s recent surge in extra-base hits and impactful moments. The guys then discuss swing tweaks made by Dansby Swanson, and evaluate whether Hector Neris should remain as the team’s closer after multiple blown saves. Finally, they pay tribute to the incredible legacy of Willie Mays, and ...
Jun 21, 2024•45 min•Ep. 737
In a subdued Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano ask the question that's on everybody's minds: Can the 2024 Cubs pull out of their tailspin and make the playoffs? The guys break down the loss to the Rays, question Jed Hoyer's decision-making in constructing this year's roster, and wonder if the team's offense can break out of its slump. The guys then make predictions for the Cardinals series, and explain how guys like Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger must bring the star power if t...
Jun 14, 2024•33 min•Ep. 736
On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and Peter Marzano review and break down the Brewers series and the issues that are being exposed including the lack of consistent hitting (1:00). Have the Cubs prioritized defense too much in building this team and not enough offense (10:39)? Leila and Peter also discuss Pete Crow-Armstrong's return to the Cubs and if the Cubs will find him consistent at-bats (13:00). Later in the podcast, the duo debate if this is an offensive slump or if this is wh...
May 31, 2024•36 min•Ep. 735
In this edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss the offensively challenged Cubs after a painful week against the Pirates and Braves. Cody Bellinger, Ian Happ and Michael Busch are all under the microscope as Craig Counsell's lineup faces scrutiny, but are the team's struggles reversible like they were in May 2023? The duo also discusses Kyle Hendricks' demotion to the bullpen, but ends the show on a positive note as they examine whether or no the Dunkin-loving Sho...
May 24, 2024•39 min•Ep. 734
On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and Peter Marzano dive into the Cubs' injury woes, highlighting their impact on the team's performance. From Dansby Swanson's placement on the injured list to the importance of depth in navigating a challenging season, they explore the team's struggles and potential moves to be made upon players' return (4:00). Additionally, they review the Cubs vs. Braves series, discussing its significance as a measuring stick for the team (18:09). They al...
May 16, 2024•36 min•Ep. 733
In today's episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau try to figure out what to think of the team after a homestand of mixed results. They praise the team's dominant starting pitching, but also ask questions about the struggles of players like Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson. The duo also talks about the improving health of the Cubs, with Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki aiming to make an impact, but they also heap praise upon Shota Imanaga and Javier Assad, and discuss how their...
May 09, 2024•44 min•Ep. 732
The Cubs split a riveting four-game series in New York against the Mets that exposed some of the team's most notable strengths and weaknesses. Peter Marzano and Leila Rahimi recap four games in the Big Apple while breaking down struggles within the Cubs bullpen. Leila and Peter then discuss how the Cubs can use more out of Dansby Swanson amid recent injury woes before getting into an historic start to the season for Shota Imanaga ahead of a pivotal series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
May 03, 2024•39 min•Ep. 731
Peter Marzano and Nate Poppen talk recent roster moves that include Kyle Hendricks heading to the injured list and a callup of first base prospect Matt Mervis as the Cubs wrap up their homestand, while discussing Hendricks' potential role on the team once he returns. The guys then discuss which players have caught their eyes with the hot and cold starts before breaking down the Cubs' upcoming schedule and how the team can best position themselves in the NL Central before taking on the Milwaukee ...
Apr 24, 2024•44 min•Ep. 730
The Cubs are back home, and James Neveau and Peter Marzano are breaking down their recent West Coast road trip. Series victories over Seattle and Arizona are broken down, as is the performance of the team's starting rotation and bullpen amid a series of injury concerns (1:15). The guys then discuss the latest on Kyle Hendricks' poor start to the year, and debate how much wiggle room the veteran hurler has (10:00). Injury woes mount as Seiya Suzuki hits the IL, but which Cubs injury poses the big...
Apr 18, 2024•38 min•Ep. 729
In today's Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the team's 5-1 homestand, with big wins over the Rockies and Dodgers (1:00). They evaluate the team's plate approach so far this season, and heap praise on Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki and other contributors (4:00). The guys also discuss Shota Imanaga's first two starts, and how the team's pitching has been a key to their success (11:00). Injuries are still impacting the Cubs, with updates on Patrick Wisdom, Julian Merryweather ...
Apr 08, 2024•46 min•Ep. 728
On a special edition of Cubs Talk, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau are live from Wrigley Field ahead of Opening Day. They discuss the Cubs' rotation after Justin Steele's injury, and break down the opening series against the Rangers. They also discuss Shota Imanaga's debut, Christopher Morel's hot start and the opening homestand against the Rockies and Dodgers.
Apr 01, 2024•30 min•Ep. 727
The wait is over! Dive into the ultimate breakdown of the 2024 Cubs season with the Cubs Talk Podcast! Join James Neveau and Peter Marzano as they dissect every aspect of the team's potential triumph. From pitching prowess to batting brilliance, they leave no base untouched (2:30). Expect heated debates on strategic decisions and potential game-changers (15:37), plus bold predictions on homerun kings and divisional domination (20:45).
Mar 28, 2024•50 min•Ep. 726
On today's Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Nate Poppen react to Craig Counsell's decision to include Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad in the team's Opening Day rotation. They set their expectations for both hurlers and share insight on why Assad nabbed the last job over Drew Smyly. The guys also discuss Shota Imanaga amid a strikeout-filled spring, and give their take on what they expect him to produce in his first Major League season. James and Nate also chat about Seiya Suzuki's hot spring an...
Mar 22, 2024•40 min•Ep. 725
On today's Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau talk to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune about all the latest happenings in Mesa. Meghan breaks down the latest injury news on Jameson Taillon (4:53), and evaluates the Cubs' options as they look to put together their 2024 rotation (13:18). Later, the crew discusses which players have stood out this spring, including the role Michael Busch could play on the squad and where he fits into the Cubs' lineup. Finally, Craig Counsell t...
Mar 13, 2024•33 min•Ep. 724
On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss Cody Bellinger's debut at Spring Training and the plan for him this season (1:07). Later on in the pod, they break down the Cubs prospects they are keeping an eye on including Alexander Canario, Owen Caissie and the biggest question mark of them all, Pete Crow-Armstrong (11:43). Leila and James dives into the injuries that are challenging the Cubs depth (27:20) and finally, they ask themselves what happened to David ...
Mar 07, 2024•42 min•Ep. 723
On a new Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Peter Marzano and Nate Poppen discuss the implications of Cody Bellinger's signing with the Cubs and how the deal got done (1:09). Later, they discuss Jed Hoyer's relationship with Scott Boras and his clients and how players' relationships with the teams are continuing to decline (7:26). Finally, the trio discusses the Cubs' bullpen and the need for a left-hander (17:00).
Mar 01, 2024•46 min•Ep. 722
On a special episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the return of Cody Bellinger. The duo chats about the structure of the deal, what it tells us about Jed Hoyer's negotiating and spending habits, and how they feel the process played out. The guys also get into what impacts it could have on the team's roster, including on the futures of Matt Mervis, Pete Crow-Armstrong and many others.
Feb 25, 2024•33 min•Ep. 721
On a new Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss and break down Cubs owner Tom Ricketts' media availability. They discuss the most glaring statements made by Ricketts (1:15), react to his comments about Cody Bellinger's free agency situation (8:54), and discuss the Cubs' lack of spending on free agents (13:45). They also discuss which players they are watching in spring training (31:30). All that and more!
Feb 21, 2024•45 min•Ep. 720
Cubs Spring Training is set to begin and to get you prepped and ready the Cubs Talk crew is joined by NBC 5 Sports anchor Mike Berman from Scottsdale, Arizona. The crew discusses new manager Craig Counsell's impact on the team so far (1:00), how will he manage the bullpen (10:16) and the young players like Pete Crow-Armstrong (13:40). They also dive into if the Cubs are missing Cody Bellinger and if the Cubs would look into bringing in Matt Chapman (24:48) and much more!
Feb 16, 2024•36 min•Ep. 719
In today's Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA projections for the 2024 Cubs. Do they buy the Cubs as an 80-win team, and are they really second-best behind the Cardinals in the National League Central? Should Shota Imanaga and Hector Neris give them more of a boost? They discuss those questions, and also evaluate whether it's time to throw a bag of money at Cody Bellinger ahead of spring training, with the center fielder still on the market. Fin...
Feb 09, 2024•35 min•Ep. 718
On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano discuss the most recent free agent signings and what it means for the Chicago Cubs. They break down Rhys Hoskins signing with the Brewers (:30). They also lament the Cubs missing out on relief pitcher Robert Stephenson (10:00) and why they DFA’d Codi Heuer (15:48). Later, they examine the latest news about the Hall of Fame class and the players that were snubbed (27:27).
Jan 25, 2024•42 min•Ep. 717
