Cubs Talk Podcast

Ep. 53: Maddon is not to blame for Game 1 loss

Ep. 52: Attempting to make sense of a bonkers Game 5

Kelly Crull, Luke Stuckmeyer and Tony Andracki do their best to try to make sense of what will go down as one of the craziest, weirdest games in baseball history. What were the moments that each reporter will remember for the rest of their lives? Who were some of the underrated heroes that helped the Cubs advance to their third straight NLCS? Plus, did Joe Maddon really win it for the Cubs in the NLDS or did Dusty Baker truly lose it for his team? The trio analyzes that question and looks ahead ...

Ep. 51: NLDS X-factors

Patrick Mooney, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki break down all the news ahead of the Cubs-Nationals NLDS showdown beginning Friday night in Washington D.C. The Cubs rotation is set, but how will that impact the series? Have fans seen the last of Jake Arrieta in a Cubs uniform? Are the Nationals fully healthy with question marks surrounding Bryce Harper and Max Scherzer? Plus, the trio gives their X-factors for the series for both teams.

Ep. 50: Clinch parties and playoff rotations

Insider Patrick Mooney and producers Jeff Nelson and Scott Changnon to describe their unique experiences to watching the Cubs clinch the 2017 National League Central Wednesday night while taking a look at how far the Cubs have come over the last few years in the rivalry with the St. Louis Cardinals. And with attention now focused on the postseason, who will the Cubs insert into their playoff rotation and in what order? Was this John Lackey’s last appearance in a Cubs uniform? And how will the bu...

Ep. 49: Postseason math and breaking down the Cubs’ biggest regular-season series in at least a decade

Kelly Crull, Jeff Nelson, Nate Poppen and Tony Andracki run down the math and scenarios for the Cubs entering the last week-and-a-half of the season. Plus, is this showdown with the Milwaukee Brewers the biggest series the Cubs have played since 2003? At the very least, the panel agrees it’s the most important/impactful series since that four-game set against the San Francisco Giants in August 2015. Plus, Insider Patrick Mooney chats with Cubs bench coach Davey Martinez on Joe Maddon, Wade Davis...

Ep. 48: The fickle nature of championship windows in baseball

My how the Mets have fallen in two years, going from the team that steamrolled the Cubs in the 2015 NLCS to just counting down the days until 2017 is up. That’s why the Cubs need to take advantage of every opportunity they have to make the postseason, as Jon Lester and Anthony Rizzo know full well. Newsday Mets writer Marc Carig discusses how the Mets have fallen on hard times in the last couple seasons, including the scary uncertainty of pitching health. Plus, Kelly Crull, Jeff Nelson and Tony ...

Ep. 47: Jose Quintana or John Lackey plus the psychology of Dillon Maples

Assuming the Cubs make the playoffs, who will be their fourth starter – Jose Quintana or John Lackey? Patrick Mooney, Jeff Nelson, Scott Changnon and Tony Andracki debate plus who to trust in the bullpen down the stretch and how the Cubs have moved from having one of the worst World Series hangovers ever to a point where they’re now the best defending champs we’ve seen since 2010. Plus Cubs reliever Dillon Maples joins the podcast and discusses his journey to the big leagues after beginning 2017...

Ep. 46: Should Cubs be more scared of Brewers or Cardinals in season’s final month?

On the latest edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Vinnie Duber, Patrick Mooney and Jeff Nelson talk about the Cardinals’ “white-flag” trade and how it affects the National League Central race, wondering whether the Cubs should be more concerned with the Cardinals or the Brewers over the season’s final month. Plus, when will Addison Russell return from the disabled list and how much play will he get in a crowded middle infield? And the guys look at what Anthony Rizzo has done to become the face of ...

Ep. 45: Cubs on a hot streak against last-place teams

On the latest edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Vinnie Duber, Nate Poppen and Jon Graff discuss the Cubs’ current hot streak against last-place teams and taking advantage of a soft schedule. Plus, when will Addison Russell and Willson Contreras return to the Cubs’ lineup? And how concerning is Jon Lester’s injury?

Ep. 44: What Jon Lester’s injury means for Cubs; Kyle Hendricks on finding his groove

Cubs Insider Patrick Mooney and Tony Andracki discuss Jon Lester’s injury from Thursday’s game and what it means for the Cubs moving forward. The guys break down how the rotation could play out and the effect Lester has on the team even on days he doesn’t pitch. Kyle Hendricks also stops by the podcast to talk about how he feels right now as he finds his groove coming off a hand injury. Plus, Mooney and Andracki break down the Cubs’ bullpen while Carl Edwards Jr. explains his confidence level af...

Ep. 43: Willson Contreras injury aftermath and Brian Duensing on bullpen shenanigans

Patrick Mooney, Jeff Nelson, Nate Poppen and Tony Andracki weigh in on the Willson Contreras injury and what the next steps are for a Cubs team still searching for its identity and consistency. But there is reason for optimism for the Cubs moving forward, with or without Contreras. Plus, Brian Duensing joins the podcast to discuss bullpen shenanigans, rain-delay dance-offs and life as an under-the-radar-middle reliever.

Ep. 42: Big Z on hitting bombs and breaking down what the Cubs may see in the NL West

In the latest the edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast Scott Changnon and Jeff Nelson talk about the potential impact of Justin Wilson and Alex Avila on the Northside. Patrick Mooney sits down with Diamondbacks Pregame and Postgame host Mike Ferrin to discuss Arizona's "Plan" in search of a title. Plus, a look back at the best of Carlos Zambrano on Cubs Postgame Live with David Kaplan and David DeJesus.

Ep. 41: Kris Bryant flips out, Anthony Rizzo vs. John Lackey and Justin Verlander trade buzz

Patrick Mooney, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki break down the top Cubs storylines of a wacky week, including Kris Bryant's first (and maybe only) career ejection, and a "heated conversation" in the dugout between Anthony Rizzo and John Lackey in Tuesday night's game. Is the pressure wearing on Bryant? Is there a concern over the Rizzo-Lackey interaction? Plus, what is there to make of the Cubs trade rumors, particularly the Justin Verlander smoke? Also, Kelly talks to Jason Heyward about what typ...

Ep. 40: Derrick Goold on the state of the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry and what lies ahead

Double-A Tennessee broadcaster Mick Gillespie joins the podcast to chat with Patrick Mooney about what prospects the Cubs have left in the farm system and how Dillon Maples could make an impact on the big league club as soon as this year. Cardinals beat writer Derrick Goold also stops by to chat with Mooney about the landscape of the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry and previewing the weekend series at Wrigley.

Ep. 39: The aftermath of Cubs’ shocking trade for Jose Quintana

The CSNChicago.com team breaks down the Cubs-White Sox shocking blockbuster trade that sent Jose Quintana to Chicago’s North Side. Tony Andracki and Vinnie Duber react to the deal, plus hear analysis from Insiders Patrick Mooney and Dan Hayes as well as Yahoo’s Jeff Passan and an explanation from the man himself – Theo Epstein – on why the Cubs went all-in on Quintana and gave up the Cubs’ top two prospects (Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease).

Ep. 38: Revisiting the whole idea of the Cubs as a dynasty

Cubs coach Mike Borzello joins the CubsTalk Podcast with Patrick Mooney, providing a fresh perspective on the Cubs as a “dynasty” given Borzello was a staffer on the New York Yankees in the late ‘90s as they won four World Series from 1996-2000. Borzello also compares Kris Bryant to Derek Jeter and takes a big-picture view on the 2017 Cubs season. Elsewhere, Jeff Nelson, Scott Changnon and Tony Andracki sum up the first half and answer the burning questions ahead of the season’s second half, inc...

Ep. 37: What’s next for Kyle Schwarber and the Cubs?

As the All-Star Break approaches, the Cubs recalled Kyle Schwarber to the big leagues Thursday. Hear from Schwarber, Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon on the move, plus listen to Patrick Mooney and Tony Andracki break down the return of Schwarbombs and where the left-handed slugger fits in the Cubs lineup. Plus, do the Cubs need a consistent leadoff hitter and will they ever find one this season? And why the All-Star Break is coming at the absolute best possible time for Maddon and Co.

Ep. 36: Groundhog Day for Cubs and why Bryce Harper wants to play in a market like Chicago

Cubs Insider Patrick Mooney is joined by Nationals Insider Mark Zuckerman and talks about the type of person Bryce Harper is and why the superstar slugger is perfectly suited for markets like Chicago, New York or Boston. Zuckerman has covered Harper since his inception into Major League Baseball and knows it won’t just be about the money. CSNChicago’s Tony Andracki and Jeff Nelson also break down the “Groundhog Day” type feeling that surrounds the Cubs this year, between a Cubbie Occurrence like...

Ep. 35: Reacting to Kyle Schwarber’s demotion and Mike Montgomery on how he’s evolved

Tony Andracki, Scott Changnon and Jeff Nelson react in real time to the breaking news that Kyle Schwarber was demoted to the minor leagues. Plus, the trio play around with expansion drafts and who the most indispensable players on the Cubs are. Patrick Mooney also goes 1-on-1 with Cubs swingman southpaw Mike Montgomery about the lanky lefty’s role and how he got here.

Ep. 34: What if the turnaround never happens?

Chicago Sun-Times Cubs Insider Gordon Wittenmyer joins CSNChicago.com’s Patrick Mooney for a “Riding in Cabs with Beat Writers” segment in New York as the two discuss Joe Maddon’s rise to one of the top voices in the game of baseball and how the Cubs offense will play out over the next three-and-a-half months of the 2017 season. Kelly Crull, Scott Changnon and Tony Andracki also break down the Cubs lineup, from Anthony “Greatest Leadoff Hitter of All-Time” Rizzo to Kyle Schwarber and Ben Zobrist...

Ep. 33: Inside the Cubs draft room

Director of amateur scouting Matt Dorey takes Patrick Mooney inside the Cubs draft room ahead of the MLB event next week and how the organization can help supplement their stable of young hitters or add those elusive pitching prospects. Plus, take a look back at how the recent Cubs first-rounders - Ian Happ, Kyle Schwarber, Kris Bryant, Albert Almora Jr. and Javy Baez - have impacted the team of late and how much the team meeting was a factor in the latest turnaround following an 0-6 road trip.

Ep. 32: Good vibes and behind the scenes on Kolt Kyler’s day at Wrigley

On a special edition of the CubsTalk Podcast, producers Scott Changnon and Jon Graff take you behind the scenes of "Field of Dreams Come True," the story of 9-year-old Kolt Kyler and his family as they turned a viral moment of joy into a once in a lifetime experience at Wrigley Field. Scott and Jon discuss how the feature came about, their favorite parts of the day and how they determined how to edit down more than 10 hours of footage for a 13-minute feature. Plus, hear some stories on how Cubs ...

Ep. 31: John Baker on how to mentally prepare for playing at Wrigley Field

Former catcher and current Cubs mental skills coordinator John Baker (@manbearwolf on Twitter) joins Patrick Mooney to discuss Baker's role with the defending world champs and how the psychological aspect of the game impacts the play on the field. Mooney, Tony Andracki and Scott Changnon also dissect the Cubs' 0-6 West Coast trip, what Joe Maddon can do for his team right now and how Dexter Fowler's return to Wrigley looms over the weekend.

Ep. 30: Analyzing Ian Happ’s long-term impact and learning from the Giants’ World Series hangover

NBC Sports Bay Area Giants Insider Alex Pavlovic joins Patrick Mooney on the CubsTalk Podcast to explain the World Series hangover, how last year's playoff loss lingered in San Francisco, Johnny Cueto's quirks, the legend of Madison Bumgarner and Jeff Samardzija's ups and downs. Plus, Kelly Crull, Jeff Nelson and Tony Andracki break down the Cubs’ defensive struggles this year compared to a historic 2016 and how Ian Happ fits into the Cubs’ lineup in both the short- and long-term.

Ep. 29: Jason McLeod on Ian Happ, Dylan Cease and Cubs draft

Cubs senior vice president of scouting and player development Jason McLeod sits down with Patrick Mooney to discuss the upcoming MLB Draft as well as top prospects Ian Happ - who is having a big first week in the majors - and pitcher Dylan Cease. McLeod also discusses how the Wrigley Field renovations are impacting the team and where the Cubs as a franchise go from here.

Ep. 28: Fergie Jenkins and why there’s no need to panic…yet

Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins pops by the CubsTalk Podcast to chat about his experience watching the 2016 championship team and the emotions he felt as the Cubs finally shed the “Lovable Losers” label and ended a 108-year World Series drought. Patrick Mooney and Tony Andracki also break down the sense of panic and frustration filtering through the Cubs fanbase and why that’s a kneejerk reaction…for now. Plus, what is there to make of Eddie Butler’s opportunity in the rotation and just how ...

Ep. 27: Analyzing the first month of the 2017 season

Kelly Crull, Patrick Mooney, Jeff Nelson and Tony Andracki break down the first month of the Cubs’ 2017 season, examining the struggles of the starting rotation – particularly Brett Anderson – and the offense, including Kyle Schwarber in the leadoff spot. The crew also takes a closer look at the success of the bullpen with a pair of eye-popping stats. Plus, why does Joe Maddon love Jon Jay so much?

Ep. 26: Prospect update with Mick Gillispie

Mick Gillispie - the broadcaster for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies as well as the Cubs' spring training broadcaster - joins Tony Andracki to break down some of the organization's top prospects, analyzing the beginning of the 2017 season for guys Ian Happ, Duane Underwood, Eloy Jimenez, Chesny Young, Victor Caratini and Trevor Clifton. Mick also explains the wackiest game in Smokies history, how a winning culture has disseminated throughout the Cubs minor-league teams and what the World Series r...

Ep. 25: Addison Russell on his potential and bat flips; Anthony Rizzo talks PEDs

Addison Russell joins the CubsTalk Podcast to talk about his offensive potential, how the league has shifted to hitting the ball in the air and bat flips' place in the game. Anthony Rizzo also sounds off to the Chicago media on PEDs while Tony Andracki and Scott Changnon break down how Starling Marte's 80-game suspension will impact the NL Central. Plus, Tony and Scott discuss the sense of panic that surrounded the reigning champs after a four-game losing streak and how one win can change the mo...

Ep. 24: Andre Dawson, Albert Almora and turning the page after championship celebrations

David DeJesus, Jeff Nelson and Scott Changnon join Tony Andracki to break down the Cubs’ championship celebrations this week at Wrigley Field. Plus, DeJesus breaks down how the new outfield and bullpens (or lack thereof) will play at “The Friendly Confines.” Tony also sits down with Andre Dawson to gauge the Hall of Famer’s reaction to the Cubs winning it all last fall. Then, Kelly Crull chats with Albert Almora Jr. ahead of yet another standout defensive performance from the young outfielder.