As Cubs spring training continues in Mesa, Arizona, a position battle to look out for is second base. Nico Hoerner is one candidate, but David Bote and Ildemaro Vargas are in the picture as well. Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Mesa, joins David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins to discuss the Cubs' second base picture and whether Hoerner can win the job. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses the Cubs' need for a more diverse lineup and how they feel about being projected to finish near the b...
Feb 25, 2021•26 min•Ep. 448
In Tuesday's spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer and Maddie Lee discuss the sights and sounds from Mesa, Ariz. in Day 2 of Cubs camp. Gordon and Maddie discuss the big topic of the day — Cubs pitcher Adbert Alzolay — who says he is ready for the opportunity to prove he belongs in the starting rotation. Later, they discuss Ian Happ's start to spring training and his thoughts on Kevin Mather's comments on service time, with Happ being the Cubs' players union representative. Make sure to subs...
Feb 24, 2021•14 min•Ep. 447
Today is the first installment of the Cubs spring training report, featuring David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Maddie Lee. Anthony Rizzo spoke to the media for the first time since last season, and he had thoughts. The Cubs Talk crew reacts to Rizzo discussing his contract situation, his thoughts on Kevin Mather's incriminating comments about bad-faith industry practices and explains why this Cubs team needs to prove that they can win to the fans.
Feb 23, 2021•17 min•Ep. 445
With Fernando Tatis Jr. receiving a HUGE extension to remain a Padre up until I become a Padre (producer Tony here), San Diego has a payroll comparable to teams in big markets like Chicago. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Tatis' deal and compare it to how the Cubs are managing their budget and roster. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses who on the Cubs could be in line for an extension. Javy Báez? Anthony Rizzo? Kris Bryant? The cr...
Feb 19, 2021•34 min•Ep. 444
Spring training is underway and there are questions about the Cubs' 2021 outlook. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and manager David Ross addressed the media as camp opened to discuss how they view the team, if they are done adding to the roster and if trades could still be on the table for a few core players, most notably former MVP Kris Bryant. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins discuss Hoyer and Ross' remarks and debate who had it the...
Feb 17, 2021•38 min•Ep. 443
Jake Arrieta, the last Cubs pitcher to win a playoff game, is coming back to Wrigleyville on a one-year, $6 million dollar deal, NBC Sports Chicago confirmed. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Arrieta's return to the Cubs and what he can bring to enhance the starting rotation. The crew also dives into whether the Cubs will add more pitching in free agency, if they have enough money to sign another pitcher and if this enough to win the division. (1:18...
Feb 13, 2021•26 min•Ep. 442
Will Anthony Rizzo have his greatest season ever? Will the Cubs sign another starting pitcher and if so, who will they get? There are still questions around the Cubs as they get ready to start spring training. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer go over their predictions for spring training and discuss what they expect to happen before the regular season starts. The crew dives into a possible Kris Bryant trade to the Mets (yes, another KB trade rumor), the Cubs' 2021 ga...
Feb 12, 2021•32 min•Ep. 441
In the 1986-87 offseason, Andre Dawson made a move that changed baseball, joining the Cubs in free agency after battling collusion. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer sit down with Dawson to discuss that tough time and how he managed the era of collusion in baseball. They also discuss the importance of the black baseball players and the impact the black athlete has in America and the world. Later in the pod, the group discusses Dawson's time in the Marlins front office and the craziness of playi...
Feb 10, 2021•51 min•Ep. 440
The Cubs' biggest offseason move was upstaged by the Cardinals, but are there other moves they can make to round out the roster? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss which areas of the roster the Cubs still need to address and how they can do so. Get your shopping lists out and let's see what we can find. (1:38) - The Cubs have young pitchers in the pipeline nearly ready for the big leagues, but they need to add at least one more veteran starter. (6:15) - If the Cubs need an...
Feb 05, 2021•22 min•Ep. 439
Spring training is set to start on time in a couple of weeks but there are still uncertainties between the players and owners. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the union rejecting MLB's alternate plan for a delayed 154-game season, potential issues that still lie ahead before Opening Day on April 1, and what the relationship between the players and owners is like. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses the Cardinals' big trade for superstar Nolan Arenado. D...
Feb 03, 2021•29 min•Ep. 438
The Cubs finally made a significant offseason addition by signing outfielder Joc Pederson. According to David Kaplan, the Ricketts family expanded the Cubs' 2021 budget enough for Jed Hoyer to make the move. They're also looking to bring in more pitching and are scouting Jake Arrieta and Jeff Samardzija. Are the Cubs officially announcing they are going for the division? Can they win the division with their current roster? David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the...
Jan 30, 2021•23 min•Ep. 437
Now former Mets GM Jared Porter was recently implicated in a sexual harassment scandal, sending a number of lewd and explicit pictures and text messages to a foreign reporter in 2016 — when he was working in the Cubs front office. The Mets fired Porter soon after ESPN reported the scandal, and the Cubs are conducting an investigation. But is that enough, and why is the sports media environment historically conducive to this behavior? NBCS Cubs reporter Maddie Lee is joined by a panel of veteran ...
Jan 29, 2021•43 min•Ep. 436
The Baseball Hall of Fame voting is in, and no one will be elected in the class of 2021 as controversy still surrounds several of the steroid era players, along with Curt Schilling. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Hall of Fame voter Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the hotly debated topic of who should and shouldn't get into the Hall and the voting process. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses whether spring training will be delayed. (1:40) - Nobody elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame for class ...
Jan 27, 2021•38 min•Ep. 435
The Cubs have a never-ending list of celebrity fans, including TV host and personality Steve Wilkos. Wilkos joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss his lifelong fandom of the Cubs. The crew dives into the Cubs' 2021 offseason, the origin of Wilkos' famous bald head look, his favorite Cub players and Cubs moments, and how he was sitting close to Steve Bartman during that infamous playoff game. (1:40) - Steve Wilkos discusses his passion for the Cubs and the disappointment of the rebui...
Jan 22, 2021•36 min•Ep. 434
In 2016, Jared Porter — then a member of the Cubs front office — sent a number of unsolicited, explicit text messages to a female reporter. The Mets fired Porter for his actions on Tuesday. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss Porter's Cubs tenure, how much the Cubs knew about this incident, and the Cubs' investigation into the situation. The crew also dives into the issues in sports culture that make it unwelcoming for women and how it must improve. (2:3...
Jan 20, 2021•29 min•Ep. 433
On this emergency Cubs Pod, Jon Lester, one of the greatest free-agent signings in Chicago sports history seemingly goes to finish his career with the Washington Nationals with teammate Kyle Schwarber. But, according to David Kaplan on this podcast, Jon Lester made it clear he wanted to stay a Cub. Did the Cubs not want Jon Lester? Kaplan is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer as they discuss what happened that Jon Lester went east, what money was Lester looking for, and what are the Cubs thinking in no...
Jan 19, 2021•28 min•Ep. 432
Well, that didn't take long. Theo Epstein, the former Cubs president, now sets his sights on larger pursuits, joining MLB as a consultant to the commissioner's office. Epstein will help evaluate potential rule changes to improve the game's entertainment value, which he takes some responsibility for hurting. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins discuss Theo's move and what could be in store for the former Cubs president in the future. (1:40) - First ...
Jan 15, 2021•22 min•Ep. 431
Due to the pandemic, there will be no Cubs Convention this year. But after all the changes the Cubs have made, what would be your one question to the Ricketts family at the annual fan festival? We shot that question to Cubs fans and they responded. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss and try and answer those questions and statements while discussing what impact the White Sox signing Liam Hendriks has on the Cubs. (2:45) - Comparing the White Sox offseason to the...
Jan 13, 2021•41 min•Ep. 430
Without a doubt, the top free agent in baseball this offseason just so happens to also be the most polarizing and interesting in Trevor Bauer. To discuss his free agency and the person that is Trevor Bauer, the Cubs Talk podcast is joined by his agent Rachel Luba. Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer have a deep and interesting conversation about the state of free agency for not just Bauer, but for the rest of the players during a pandemic, what Bauer is looking for in a team to sign him, his social...
Jan 08, 2021•51 min•Ep. 429
Happy New Year, Cubs fans! In the first episode of 2021, the Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins make some bold predictions for the upcoming season. Will the Cubs win the division? Which Cubs will have the breakout year? Which Cubs will perform better than Yu Darvish? Theo freakin' Epstein will save baseball?!! With all the fiery takes this episode produces, you are not going to want to miss it. (1:40) - The Cubs will win the NL Central (6:00) - The Pa...
Jan 06, 2021•40 min•Ep. 428
Jed Hoyer on trading Yu Darvish and Wilson Contreras' future After trading Yu Darvish to the Padres, Cubs president Jed Hoyer spoke to the media about the organization's direction. The Cubs Talk team of David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins discuss Hoyer's comments and where they think the Cubs are headed, not only in 2021 but the future — including rumors the Cubs are shopping catcher Wilson Contreras. Later in the podcast, the crew answers your questions and concerns ab...
Jan 01, 2021•41 min•Ep. 427
In a surprise to everyone but David Kaplan, the Cubs are trading starting pitcher Yu Darvish and catcher Victor Caratini to the San Diego Padres for prospects. Kaplan is joined by the rest of the Cubs Talk crew of Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins to discuss and break down the trade. The group discusses if the Cubs are starting a rebuild if the prospects they're getting will be meaningful players and who could be the next Cub traded. (1:58) - Gordon Wittenmyer: "The Cubs are tankin...
Dec 29, 2020•39 min•Ep. 426
In a special edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, the crew of Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins discuss what would be on the Cubs' wish for Christmas, some new rules to baseball that might impact the game, and what Cubs fans should expect from new President Jed Hoyer. Later in the podcast, the crew gets into heated debates over the greatest Christmas movies of all time. (2:00) - Cub fans Christmas wishes (6:40) - Wishing for Cubs to have a better financial situation (12:15) -Wish list...
Dec 25, 2020•34 min•Ep. 425
Agent Scott Boras represents some of MLB's greatest players, including former MVP Kris Bryant. Boras sits down with Gordon Wittenmyer and Maddie Lee to discuss where Bryant stands with the Cubs in the ongoing conversation about whether he will be with the team long term. Gordon, Maddie, and Boras also discuss the loaded 2021 free-agent class, the financial situation the Cubs find themselves in, and what could be a very contentious CBA between the players and owners. (2:20) - Where does Kris Brya...
Dec 23, 2020•44 min•Ep. 424
In his Winter Meetings media session, David Ross was asked if he believes the Cubs can win right now. Without hesitation, Ross confirmed he thinks this roster can and will compete. Host David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Maddie Lee discuss if the Cubs can retool and win at the same time or if Ross is doing coach speak. The group also discusses Anthony Rizzo's future as a Cub. Later, following MLB reclassifying the Negro Leagues a major league, Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseb...
Dec 18, 2020•50 min•Ep. 423
In his annual December meeting with the media, baseball super-agent Scott Boras discussed the state of baseball and his clients, including Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant — who is seemingly the subject of trade talks every day. Host David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins discuss Boras' comments on Bryant and the new regime led by Jed Hoyer in ways that only Boras can. Later in the podcast, the crew discusses the still uncertain 2021 MLB schedule and if the Cubs are looking ...
Dec 16, 2020•38 min•Ep. 422
Jed Hoyer, the new Cubs president of baseball operations, makes his first appearance on the Cubs Talk Podcast in his new role. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss his vision for the Cubs, the search for his GM, what he thinks of his roster, and if the Cubs are in a rebuild. The crew also discusses how the Cubs are operating in a pandemic and how will the league adjust when the season starts up again. (1:24) - Balancing the long-term future and the good chance this roster can ...
Dec 10, 2020•29 min•Ep. 421
On the third day of the Winter Meetings, the Cubs still have been quiet. So, the Cubs talk crew of David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss and relive some of the trades or almost trades of Cubs past, including details on how Nomar Garciaparra became a Cub, and how the Cubs dealt Milton Bradley. Later in the podcast, the crew interviews new Cubs third base coach Willie Harris, discussing his playing career with the White Sox and what he plans to bring to the Cubs. (1:30) - A lot o...
Dec 09, 2020•31 min•Ep. 420
On Day 2 of the Winter Meetings, Jed Hoyer and the Cubs remain quiet and haven't made any moves so far. Host David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Maddie Lee discuss the NL Central not being competitive this season and how that could benefit the Cubs in making the 2021 playoffs. Later, Kevin Youkilis joins the pod and breaks down the Cubs. The group discusses the differences in today's game, Kevin's thoughts on Theo Epstein admitting he was part of the problem in "boring" baseball and how Jed can ...
Dec 08, 2020•30 min•Ep. 419
The 2020 Winter Meetings have begun and everyday this week, the Cubs Talk Podcast will be dropping an episode to keep fans up to date on the Cubs. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Maddie Lee discuss what the Cubs are looking to do during the Winter meetings and this offseason, and how they Cubs' farm system looks. Later in the podcast, the crew talks with Matt Dorey, the Cubs VP of player development, about if any of the Cubs prospects could be on the move, how the curre...
Dec 07, 2020•30 min•Ep. 418
