It's always tough to say goodbye but the Cubs made several non-tender decisions, including Albert Almora Jr. and Kyle Schwarber, while tendering Kris Bryant, among others. With Almora being the sixth overall pick and Schwarber the fourth overall in their respective drafts, were they busts for the Cubs? David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss both players' careers and what being non-tendered could mean for the two. Later in the podcast, Gordon describes in detail what the Cubs' financial situa...
Dec 04, 2020•33 min•Ep. 417
The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss who Jed Hoyer should look at to hire as his GM now that he has been promoted. But, did the Cubs miss out on Kim Ng after possibly knowing Theo Epstein was on his way out? The crew debates the missed opportunity and if Ng was on their radar. Later in the podcast the crew discusses the upcoming tender date (not Tinder) as the Cubs have some difficult choices to make on who stays and who goes. (1:40) - Jed Hoyer begins his...
Dec 02, 2020•34 min•Ep. 416
The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by veteran MLB executive for the White Sox, Dodgers, Cubs and others, Dan Evans. With his many years of experience, Evans provides great insight into what new Cubs president of baseball ops Jed Hoyer will be up against and what fans should look for. The group also discusses the Marlins hiring Kim Ng as GM, her connection to Chicago and what her hiring could mean for the future of baseball. (1:44) - How will the new C...
Nov 27, 2020•46 min•Ep. 415
Jed Hoyer is now the Cubs president of baseball operations and is leading them into a new era. What is his vision for the team? How will he conduct his GM search? Does he think this Cubs team can win? Host David Kaplan and the Cubs content team of Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee and Tim Stebbins discuss the new era of Cubs baseball and what they expect of Hoyer. Later in the pod, the crew discusses what they are thankful for in baseball and their favorite Thanksgiving food. (1:27) - Jed Hoyer sign...
Nov 25, 2020•36 min•Ep. 414
With Theo Epstein gone, it's time to look at the future of the Cubs and the direction they will be going. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss where new Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer should lead the team and if there is a chance the Cubs can win the World Series next season. The crew also gets into Wrigley Field being named a national landmark and what that could mean for the organization. (1:27) - Wrigley Field being named a national landmark could impact the organizatio...
Nov 20, 2020•34 min•Ep. 412
Theo Epstein has officially stepped down as Cubs president of baseball operations and will be succeeded by general manager Jed Hoyer. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee and Tim Stebbins discuss Epstein's resignation, what led to Theo ultimately stepping down, and what his legacy in Chicago will look like. (1:30) - How surprising is Theo's resignation? (6:26) - Tom Ricketts' thinking going forward with Jed Hoyer (9:30) - Theo Epstein's legacy as Cubs president (19:0...
Nov 18, 2020•42 min•Ep. 411
On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss his recovery from COVID-19, what a typical day is like for him, what turned Yu Darvish’s fortunes around in Chicago and how Darvish broke out a pitch against the White Sox he hadn’t thrown in three years. Later in the podcast, Hottovy explains how Craig Kimbrel turned his season around and the chance Jon Lester returns to the Cubs. (01:30) - Hottovy on his recovery from...
Nov 13, 2020•44 min•Ep. 410
On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss the NL Manager of the Year award voting, the job David Ross did in 2020, and Gordon discusses the criteria he used to cast his vote in the NL Cy Young Award race. (1:30) - David Ross finishes third in NL Manager of the Year voting (8:00) - What Ross had to overcome in 2020 to be successful (12:45) - Could Yu Darvish win the NL Cy Young Award? (20:00) - Was this Darvish’s best season as a starter in...
Nov 11, 2020•34 min•Ep. 409
On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer talk to former Cub Mark Prior about winning the World Series as the Dodgers pitching coach, his relationship with Dusty Baker, how he got into coaching and watching the 2016 Cubs win the championship. (1:30) - On clinching the World Series (4:00) - On clinching a playoff spot with the Cubs in 2003 (6:00) - On not being around family during the season (8:00) - On Justin Turner's positive COVID test during Game 6 (10:30) ...
Nov 06, 2020•36 min•Ep. 408
The Cubs are in uncertain times this offseason and fans have questions. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee and Tim Stebbins answer Cubs fans' questions about the roster, the impact the pandemic has had on the club financially and which player/players they think will be traded. (2:50) - Will there be coaching changes on David Ross' staff? (8:16) - Will players take less money due to the financial climate? (13:11) - How are the Cubs affected by having no fans in atte...
Nov 04, 2020•38 min•Ep. 407
Host David Kaplan is joined by Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins as they discuss the White Sox hiring longtime Cubs managerial rival Tony La Russa and if he will add fuel to the Cubs-White Sox rivalry fire. Later in the pod, the crew discusses how MLB should handle the aftermath of Justin Turner's positive COVID-19 test result and what precautions the league should put in place in the future. Plus, should analytics be reevaluated after the Rays' move to pull pitcher Blake Snell in ...
Oct 30, 2020•41 min•Ep. 406
Host David Kaplan is joined by NBCS Chicago's entire Cubs content team of Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins, as they give their bold predictions for what they think the Cubs will do this offseason. The crew debates if/when Kris Bryant will be traded, will Theo Epstein move on with one year left on his contract, if the Cubs will empty the cupboard and trade everyone, and if the Cubs will start over by trading everyone but Javy Báez and sign Francisco Lindor next winter. You don't wa...
Oct 28, 2020•43 min•Ep. 405
The Cubs have made a lot of organizational layoffs due to the pandemic, reaching as far as baseball operations. With a smaller staff, how will they proceed with building the on-field product? Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the layoffs and their impact on how the Cubs offseason. They also discuss potential free agents the Cubs should look at including Trevor Bauer, and a review of the farm system of the Cubs. (1:18) - Cubs layoffs continued into baseball operations (...
Oct 23, 2020•34 min•Ep. 404
At the height of the Cubs' run under Theo Epstein, they were the model organization and were the standard for other teams to follow. Now, the Cubs are searching for stability to the roster and organization and need a model to replicate to get them back on track. Which path should they take? David Kaplan is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins to discuss which team in the World Series the Cubs should replicate to get them back to prominence: the big-spending Dodgers, or the analytical and...
Oct 21, 2020•38 min•Ep. 403
One of the issues the Cubs need to address is the lack of depth in the farm system, but what do they already have there? Host David Kaplan and Maddie Lee discuss the Cubs' minor league system. Is there any talent that will be on the major league team in the future or is the cupboard bare and needing to be replenished completely? Later on in the pod, Kap and Maddie discuss which current Cubs player should be moved to gain assets and when they think they will be traded. (1:20) - The lack of homegr...
Oct 16, 2020•23 min•Ep. 402
In his first year as manager, David Ross led the Cubs to a division title and a playoff spot, but could he have done better? David Kaplan and Cubs beat reporter Maddie Lee discuss how well Ross performed in his first year managing and where he can improve. Later on, Kap and Maddie dissect the Cubs roster and rank how well each player did. (1:32) - What letter grade would Ross get for his first season? (8:50) - The Cubs bullpen rankings (15:46) - Is Wilson Contreras a better offensive player than...
Oct 14, 2020•35 min•Ep. 401
It seems like the run may be over for the Cubs as we currently know them as they begin to restructure the front office and soon the roster. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss moves the Cubs made so far and front office restructuring that could come in the future. Later in the pod, the crew discusses new rules implemented by MLB for the shortened season and debate which ones they would like to see stay and which ones they would love to see go. (1:28) - Cubs start making front...
Oct 09, 2020•27 min•Ep. 400
Theo Epstein spoke to the media on Monday and has made it clear that the Cubs are still going to try to win, but changes are coming to the roster and possibly the front office. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the important offseason for the Cubs, what may lie ahead for their championship core, and who might be gone before next year. (3:20) - Massive changes may be coming to the Cubs (10:23) - Theo doesn't want to be hereafter his contract is up (18:30) - Goal for next yea...
Oct 07, 2020•41 min•Ep. 399
The 2020 season is over for the Cubs after a Game 2 loss and sweep to the Marlins. Will Theo Epstein and Cubs ownership commence major changes to the core roster? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the series loss and what they expect to happen to the core roster in the offseason. (1:47) - First takeaways from the series loss (7:56) - Will the Cubs try and compete next year or rebuild? (14:45) - David Kaplan believes that major changes are coming to the Cubs this offseason...
Oct 03, 2020•32 min•Ep. 398
The Cubs lost Game 1 of their three-game series with the Miami Marlins and now face a must-win Game 2 in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. David Kaplan is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins as they discuss the loss, the Cubs’ lack of offense and what's next for Game 2. (1:22) - Biggest takeaway from Game 1 (7:30) - Stunned that the Cubs bats didn't show up in Game 1? (11:30) - Who is more important to Game 2, Yu Darvish or "Bryzzo"? (17:20) - How confident should Cu...
Oct 01, 2020•27 min•Ep. 397
The Cubs begin their first round postseason series Wednesday against the Miami Marlins and Brandon Kintzler, a former Cub. Kintzler joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer and gives his thoughts on the Cubs roster, the Marlins’ comeback season from a COVID-19 outbreak and his time with the Cubs. Later on in the podcast, the Cubs content team of Jeff Nelson, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins discusses the matchup. (1:46) - The Marlins have been on lockdown after they had an early-season coronavirus o...
Sep 30, 2020•44 min•Ep. 396
As the postseason nears, it's time to start looking at potential matchups for the Cubs. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined former Cub and broadcaster for the Dodgers Jerry Hairston Jr. They discuss the upcoming postseason and compare the Dodgers and Cubs this season and for the future. The crew also discusses Hairston's career as a Cub. (2:52) - The Dodgers' deep pitching rotation (9:53) - Is this the year the Dodgers finally win the World Series? (16:25) - Hairston describes his time...
Sep 25, 2020•32 min•Ep. 395
Kyle Schwarber was benched by David Ross for misplaying a ball that ended up being a triple in Sunday's game vs the Twins. Was David Ross wrong for pulling Schwarber? Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer have a heated debate on the situation and compare the managerial styles of David Ross and former manager Joe Maddon. Later on, Gordon updates the status of Jose Quintana and what the Cubs pitching rotation would look like in a playoff scenario. (1:30) - David Ross pulls Kyle Schw...
Sep 23, 2020•27 min•Ep. 394
Jon Lester was one of the biggest free agent signings in Chicago sports history and his contract is up at the end of the season, which could mean he may have pitched his final game at Wrigley Field. David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss and debate Lester’s Cubs career and if he is the most impactful Cub ever. Later on in the pod, the guys discuss a tough offseason ahead for the Cubs and if they should continue forward with their core or prepare for a rebuild. (1:45) - Is Jon Lester the most...
Sep 18, 2020•31 min•Ep. 393
Now that the regular season is nearing its end, the Cubs are in prime position to make the playoffs. How do they stack up against teams they might play in October? Host Davis Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the Cubs’ playoff scenarios and who they might see. Later in the pod, they go over the details of the MLB’s bubble, which starts after the first-round series are over. Plus, who on the Cubs is ready to have a breakout postseason run? (1:20) - MLB’s plan to put teams in a bubble (7:38) - ...
Sep 16, 2020•29 min•Ep. 392
In an unexpected scenario, Cubs pitcher Alec Mills threw a no-hitter on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers, the day before the anniversary of former star Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano’s no-no on September 14th, 2008. Carlos joins David Kaplan as they discuss Mills' no-hitter and relive his 2008 no-hitter vs. the Houston Astros. Then, the NBCS Chicago Cubs coverage team of Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee, and Tim Stebbins discuss Mills’ no-hitter and the team’s reaction after the momentous game. (...
Sep 14, 2020•29 min•Ep. 391
Host David Kaplan is joined by Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer and Cubs beat writer Maddie Lee to discuss the Cubs’ recent series against the Cardinals and Reds. They also discuss how there isn't a magic number for the Cubs to clinch the division right now despite being in first place. Later, they passionately debate the future of Kris Bryant with the Cubs and if he should be in Chicago long term. (1:20) - No magic number for the Cubs yet (8:40) - Do the Cubs have enough money to go after big pit...
Sep 11, 2020•40 min•Ep. 390
The Cubs remain in first place in the division and are almost a lock to make the playoffs, but will players like Yu Darvish be recognized for their individual efforts this season? Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by award voters Jesse Rogers of ESPN 1000, David O'Brien of the Athletic, and Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register as they have a roundtable discussion about who wins the Cy Young, MVP, and other awards in the NL. (1:25) - Will Yu Darvish win the NL...
Sep 09, 2020•36 min•Ep. 389
Ian Happ gets hit in the eye, José Quintana is on the injured list and the Cubs are about to play their biggest rivals in a very important division-defining series. Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the Cubs’ injuries, preview the Cubs-Cardinals series and if the Cubs have enough to take a bigger lead in the division, and discuss the state of the Cubs for the next 3 seasons. (1:30) - Can the Cubs overcome their injuries to finish the Cardinals? (6:35) - Cardinals have ...
Sep 04, 2020•23 min•Ep. 388
The Cubs sought to fill needs at the trade deadline and they certainly did, adding five new players to bolster the bullpen and bench. They were aggressive and now look to make a strong push for another World Series run. Host David Kaplan and Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the trades the Cubs made, how they will impact the team, and if they have enough to make a deep playoff run. (1:20) - Cubs were able to get creative at the deadline (8:20) - Did the Cubs finally fix the bullpen? (17:20)...
Sep 02, 2020•31 min•Ep. 387
