Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan, Tony Andracki, and Kelly Crull get together to discuss and debate everything going on with the Cubs. Topics include the squad's struggles on the road this season (2:30), Steve Cishek's weird injury and his playful relationship with Brandon Kintzler (8:45), how many Cubs could end up in Cleveland for the All-Star game (12:45), and Kyle Schwarber's performance in the leadoff role (17:15).
Luke Stuckmeyer is joined by The Athletic's Jon Greenberg to discuss his new book, "If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the Chicago Cubs Dugout, Locker Room, and Press Box." Jon shares a great deal about the book, including why he decided to start it at the 2004 season (3:45), the antics and hilarity of the Lou Piniella Era (7:30), why 2013 could be viewed as a turning point in the franchise's quest for a World Series title (12:30), and wraps up by discussing how much The Athletic has grown ...
In a jam-packed episode, Kelly Crull catches up with David Bote after his record-setting 7 RBI performance earlier this week against Colorado (1:20) before also chatting with Carlos Gonzalez, who had quite an eventful first week with the Cubs (6:40). Then, Leila Rahimi talks with Peter Gammons, who discusses the Cubs' 2019 draft class, the tough NL Central, and his Hot Stove Cool Music fundraiser (12:00).
Hear the entire press conference from Friday at Wrigley Field, where Craig Kimbrel met the media for the first time as a Cub alongside Theo Epstein. Kimbrel discusses his workout regimen while he was unsigned (2:30), which current & former Cubs helped sway him toward Chicago (8:20), what a realistic timeline for his debut will be (12:30), and why he's excited to pitch in front of the Wrigley Field crowd (23:00).
Luke Stuckmeyer is joined by MLB Network's Dan Plesac to discuss whether this move makes the Cubs favorites in the NL Central, and the mental makeup of closers (1:00). Then, Luke welcomes David Kaplan and David DeJesus to debate where Kimbrel ranks among active relievers and what the Cubs' ideal bullpen looks like moving forward (10:00). Finally, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki chime in from Wrigley Field on how the clubhouse has reacted to the Kimbrel news and what a realistic timeline is for Kim...
Get to know the hosts of the new NBC Sports Chicago show "Outside the Ivy," as David Kaplan goes in-depth with Michael Cerami, Danny Rockett, and Luis Medina. The guys detail how their paths brought them to this point (1:30), the depth of the Cubs' fan base both online and off (5:00), when they all knew that Theo Epstein's grand plan was going to work (10:00), and Kap's surprising connection to one of the Outsiders (15:45).
Luke Stuckmeyer, David DeJesus and Doug Glanville talk all things Craig Kimbrel after a rumor-filled weekend about the free agent closer. First, Doug and David share memories of their respective draft days as the 2019 MLB amateur draft gets underway (1:20). Then, the guys discuss how badly the Cubs need to be in on Kimbrel (6:00), why the Cubs need to take advantage during a win-now season (9:00), what makes Kimbrel one of the best closers in MLB (12:00), and why Kimbrel remains a free agent (14...
Hear Albert Almora speak about Wednesday's foul ball incident (1:20) before Luke Stuckmeyer, Doug Glanville, and David DeJesus discuss the nuances of the league's safety problem (6:30), the Iowa Cubs already planning to extend their netting next season (10:00), and if either David or Doug ever worried about their safety while they were playing (12:00).
In this special edition of the podcast, we dip into the archive to bring you an epic comeback from 11 years ago. Re-live the May 30, 2008 game against the Rockies, including commentary from Mark DeRosa, who hit the decisive homer late in the game. DeRosa discusses how the wind played such a crucial role that day (1:30), the mindset on the bench after going down 8 runs (3:30), and what was running through his mind during his final at-bat (8:45). Also included are DeRosa's postgame comments from t...
Luke Stuckmeyer is joined by David Kaplan and Tony Andracki to give a progress report on the Cubs at the 1/3 mark of their season. The trio discuss the many positives about the team so far as well as the starting rotation (1:15), the areas where the team needs to improve (4:00), the price to acquire an impact bullpen arm (9:00), and the Tyler Chatwood closer experiment (12:00). Then, the guys marvel at the kids of former MLB players like Vladimir Guerrero and Craig Biggio starting to enter the b...
Kelly Crull goes 1-on-1 with the Cubs' Kyle Ryan and covers a lot of ground with the lefty reliever, including whether he feels established with the team yet (1:30), how his experiences with the Tigers earlier in his career shaped the pitcher he is today (3:00), and how the dynamic in this season's clubhouse and how a veteran like Brandon Kintzler helps Ryan out (5:15).
Luke Stuckmeyer is joined by the Cubs Postgame Live team of David Kaplan and David DeJesus to break down all the various redemption stories on the 2019 Cubs, ranging from Kris Bryant returning from an injury-plagued campaign to Tyler Chatwood becoming a legitimate weapon out of the bullpen (1:00). Then, the guys discuss how well Kyle Schwarber is performing out of the leadoff spot over the last week (11:45).
Hear from Jake Arrieta after his first start as a visitor at Wrigley Field, including his thoughts on facing his former teammates and the standing ovation he received during his first at-bat (1:30). Then, Luke Stuckmeyer is joined by MLB Network's Mark DeRosa to discuss the Cubs' leadoff spot, the team outperforming expectations so far, and much more (8:15).
Luke Stuckmeyer is joined by NBC Sports Chicago Cubs producers Eric Strobel and Nate Poppen to break down Monday night's big matchup between former Cub Jake Arrieta and Yu Darvish. The trio discuss the history and dynamics behind the matchup (2:00), the statistical comparison between the two pitchers over the past two seasons and their potential going forward (4:00), the difference in mental makeup between Jake and Yu (11:00), and Jake's massively important place in Cubs history (17:30).
Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan, Kelly Crull, and Tony Andracki discuss the similarities between the red-hot 2019 Cubs and 2016 World Champions. Chief amongst those parallels are the superb performances of Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lester, as well as the entire pitching staff (2:30). Also similar are MVP-caliber play from Kris Bryant, and a resurgent Willson Contreras (12:45). Finally, the panel discloses one area where the 2019 team comes up short: defense (18:15).
Get to know David DeJesus: Luke sits down with the Cubs Pregame/Postgame studio analyst to discuss baseball, life and... "Survivor." 0:33 - David grew up in New Jersey, so was he a Mets fan or a Yankees fan as a kid? 1:31 - Originally drafted out of high school, David decided to go play college ball at Rutgers. 4:40 - David discusses when he started playing baseball in the backyard with his dad. 8:11 - DeJesus also played soccer growing up. He and Luke talk about specialization in youth sports a...
Cubs even the season series with the Brewers after Sunday night's win and are off to Cincinnati followed by a weekend series in Washington D.C. Kelly Crull and Jared Wyllys break down the Brewers series and preview the Cubs next opponents in the Reds and Nationals. Later in the podcast, Kelly sat down with Willson Contreras who has been on a tear as of late, already matching the 10 home runs he hit in all of 2018. 1:00 - Kelly and Jared recap the successful homestand. 3:15 - Tyler Chatwood has b...
In this jam-packed episode, Luke Stuckmeyer catches up with Christian Yelich to get the reigning MVP's thoughts on the Cubs-Brewers rivalry and his new piece for The Players' Tribune (1:30). Then Kelly Crull gets the inside story from Taylor Davis on how his friends and family reacted to his huge grand slam last weekend (8:00) before producer Eric Strobel interviews former Cub Carlos Pena about Joe Maddon's unique managerial style, and how his former teammate Yu Darvish can unlock his vast poten...
On the heels of Addison Russell coming back from his suspension, our NBC Sports Chicago team covers all the angles of what his return to the Cubs means going forward. First, hear remarks from Theo Epstein and Russell himself prior to his first game back with the Cubs (1:30). Then, Luke Stuckmeyer is joined by David Kaplan and David DeJesus to debate whether bringing Russell back at all was the right move, as well as whether the team might still move on from the infielder in the future (7:00). Th...
Ben Zobrist fields questions from Cubs fans, David Bote talks about all the hard work he does before the game starts, and Starlin Castro remembers the feeling of making his Major League debut 9 years ago. 00:45 - Luke 1-on-1 with Starlin Castro Topics: Anniversary of MLB debut (May 7, 2010), Looking back on his time with the Cubs, and what he thinks of Anthony Rizzo still using his walkup song. 6:31 - Ben Zobrist Q&A with Cubs fans. Topics: What went through his head when Rajai Davis hit tha...
In a special episode, we celebrate the 21st anniversary of Kerry Wood's record-setting 20-strikeout performance with an audio retrospective of that historic game. Hear all the key calls as they were broadcast in 1998, as well as commentary at key points from Kerry himself as he watched the game with us two decades later. 1:50 - Start of WGN broadcast of Cubs vs. Astros at Wrigley Field on May 6th, 1998 3:38 - Ricky Gutiérrez spoils the no-hitter in the top of the 3rd on controversial play 4:53 -...
Tony Andracki and Cam Ellis recap the weekend at Wrigley where the Cubs swept the Cardinals in dominating fashion to move into first place in the National League Central. Also, Kelly Crull goes 1-on-1 with former Cubs “you go, we go” leadoff hitter, Dexter Fowler.
After Kyle 'The Professor' Hendricks lived up to his name tossing just 81 pitches to complete a shutout vs the rival Cardinals. Hear Hendricks and Maddon's postgame comments after the Maddux like game. Prior to first pitch, Luke Stuckmeyer sat down with Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong who is off to a good start in St. Louis and grew up in the area, attending Illinois State University. Last but not least, Luke sat down with Fergie Jenkins who gave a great story about the late Ron Santo. 1:20 - Pa...
Luke, Kelly and Tony talk about the Cubs resurgence on offense and in the bullpen. Other topics include Addison Russell's role, or lack thereof, and if his days as a full-time player are already over. Plus they play a game of "Cubs Stock Watch." 0:00 - Cubs blooming heading into May? A chance for the offense to reach full potential in 2019. 2:45 - What would be Addison Russell's role if he returns to the big league club? Could the door be closed on Russell being a full-time player with the Cubs?...
Luke Stuckmeyer and David DeJesus break down the first month of the Cubs 2019 season. Is the offense "fixed"? How safe is Joe Maddon's job after 26 games? Plus, Luke and Kap chat with Les Grobstein about Lee Elia's epic rant from April 29, 1983 (which we play in its entirety) :23 - Cubs finally coming together, right in the thick of the N.L. Central Division 1:10 - Is the Cubs offense "fixed"? 2:20 - David Bote coming through as a big piece that gets big hits. 3:30 - Ben Zobrist pulls a "Rudy" a...
Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss Lester's return, the upcoming road trip, plus Addison Russell talks about his suspension. 01:00Lester looked good in his return to the rotation 03:30Bullpen getting help from unexpected sources 05:00Was Almora's hair the reason he wasn't hitting homers? 06:45Kris Byrant looking better at the plate 09:30Cubs get ready for game at Arizona and Seattle 10:30Addison Russell's future with the Cubs 18:30Will Russell be with the Cubs on May 3rd when eligible?...
Luke Stuckmeyer catches up with former Cub Rick Monday on the anniversary of his infamous flag-saving episode at Dodger Stadium in 1976 (2:15). Rick takes us through the entire incident, and gives some insight into why he felt compelled to act on that day 43 years ago. Then, we'll hear from Joe Maddon on what to expect from Jon Lester's 1st start since April 8th (10:40) before Luke is joined by David Kaplan to discuss Lester's return to the rotation after over two weeks on the Injured List (11:3...
On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Luke Stuckmeyer talks with Tyler Chatwood, Kelly Crull catches up with Yu Darvish, and David Kaplan and David DeJesus weigh in on the starting rotation. 01:00 - Tyler Chatwood on his outing on Sunday 02:25 - Chatwood on difference from last year 6:00 - Yu Darvish talks about his season so far 7:15 - Joe Maddon thinks Darvish has another gear 8:00 - Why the starters have been so good lately 9:30 - What adjustments has Tyler Chatwood made on the mound this season? ...
Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki break down the Cubs’ series win over the Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field, which capped off with yet another David Bote walk-off and a surprising performance from Tyler Chatwood. They also break down where this Cubs team is at as they get set to welcome the high-powered Dodgers offense into Chicago later in the week. :30 – The Kelly Effect 1:00 – David Bote’s wild ride 2:00 – El Mago’s magic pays off for Cubs yet again 3:30 – Bote’s adjustments 6:40 – Chatwood’s big da...
Luke Stuckmeyer takes a trip down memory lane on the 3rd anniversary of Jake Arrieta's no-hitter against the Reds in Cincinnati. You'll hear all the biggest calls of the game from Len & JD, plus Jake's immediate reaction after tossing his second no-no in a span of 11 regular season starts.
