Anthony Rizzo has expressed his desire to remain a Cub long term, but with extension talks stalled, the first baseman instructed his agents to halt negotiations so he can focus on the season. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer break down Monday's news and discuss if they think Rizzo will be a Cub after this season and if there will be strong pushback from fans if Rizzo isn't back in 2022. (2:00) - Gordon Wittenmyer: "He got low-balled. And I think that is…shocking to m...
Mar 29, 2021•22 min•Ep. 478
Who are your favorite play-by-play announcers? Who are your favorite radio hosts? Who are your favorite sports writers? Did you name a woman? Women across the sports landscape are making strides every day to bring unique and interesting perspectives to the games we love and we should make sure spaces are being made to normalize women in a majority male field. NBCS Cubs insider Maddie Lee is joined by Cortney Hall of NBC-5 and the Chicago Bulls, Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times, Julie DiC...
Mar 26, 2021•48 min•Ep. 477
From worries about his pitch framing to becoming one of the best catchers in baseball, Willson Contreras has been through a lot and has learned a lot. Maddie Lee sat down with the All-Star catcher, discussing his process in working with new pitchers, how he learned from veteran pitchers, and his thoughts on robot umps. Gordon Wittenmyer joins to react to Contreras' comments. Plus, Maddie and Gordon discuss news that the Cubs are expected to have increased capacity at Wrigley Field.
Mar 25, 2021•22 min•Ep. 476
Our Gordon Wittenmyer reported Tuesday that, following a grievance heard by an arbitrator, Cubs pitcher Adbert Alzolay has a fourth minor-league option remaining. The grievance was filed by the players union over unresolved issues from the 2020 season. Gordon and Maddie Lee discuss what the decision means for Alzolay, how it could impact the way the Cubs use him this season, and what it means for the overall roster.
Mar 24, 2021•16 min•Ep. 475
With a little over a week until the season begins, David Ross officially named Kyle Hendricks the Cubs' Opening Day starter. Gordon Wittenmyer sits down with Hendricks to discuss his role with the team and his thoughts on the direction of the franchise. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, Maddie Lee, and Gordon break down the interview and Ross' announcement and discuss how they view Hendricks.
Mar 23, 2021•34 min•Ep. 474
Javy Báez is seeking a contract extension to remain a Cub and is part of the upcoming free-agent class full of some of the game's best shortstops. Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer listen and react to Gordon's interview with Baez. Báez lays out his expectations for his contract, his relationship with the organization and Jed Hoyer, and where he thinks he is on the list of best shortstops in the game today.
Mar 22, 2021•22 min•Ep. 473
Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel has been trying to find his groove in spring training and it seems like he has found it. Live from Arizona, Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the recent outings of Craig Kimbrel and if it can be sustained. They also dive into some NCAA Tournament talk around David Ross and the Cubs, and they also dive into the outings of Pedro Strop as he tries to make the roster with limited work from the bullpen.
Mar 22, 2021•13 min•Ep. 472
Spring training is nearing completion and the Cubs have some key decisions to make. Maddie Lee, live from Arizona, joins Tim Stebbins to break down what's on the docket for the Cubs, from the rotation to the bullpen to second base. They also break down the possibility that the Cubs will only have one left-hander on the pitching staff, and some history that was made during Saturday's Cubs broadcast.
Mar 20, 2021•15 min•Ep. 471
Gordon Wittenmyer sits down with first baseman Anthony Rizzo to discuss his Cubs career. Is it coming to an end? Will he retire a Cub? Rizzo also discusses whether he's underrated, the legacy of the 2016 Cubs, and the uncertainty surrounding the 2021 season for not only him but some of his teammates. David Kaplan joins Gordon to preview and recap the interview. (1:45) - David and Gordon discuss Rizzo's headspace in an uncertain season (9:15) - Gordon's interview with Anthony Rizzo (10:20) - Rizz...
Mar 19, 2021•25 min•Ep. 470
Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Mesa, Ariz., sits down with Cubs president Jed Hoyer. The two discuss the state of the Cubs, Hoyer taking over for Theo Epstein, his friend, and being the one that may have to break up the Cubs core in order for the organization to move forward. Gordon and NBC Sports Chicago's Maddie Lee break down the interview. (6:44) - Interview with Hoyer begins; What is it like taking over Theo Epstein? (10:35) - The battle at second base this spring (15:20) - Pedro Strop being ...
Mar 18, 2021•35 min•Ep. 469
You can argue Kris Bryant is one of the most misunderstood athletes in Chicago sports. In a special episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast Gordon Wittenmyer talks with Bryant (socially distant) in Arizona about his time as a Cub. Also during this episode, the Cubs Talk crew of Gordon, David Kaplan, Maddie Lee and Tim Stebbins discuss what they took from the conversation. (1:27) - Biggest takeaway from the sit-down with Kris Bryant (9:14) - Gordon goes 1-on-1 with Bryant (10:15) - Bryant on how he got ...
Mar 17, 2021•31 min•Ep. 468
Tim Stebbins is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer live from Mesa, Ariz. as they give updates from Cubs spring training. In Monday's edition, Javy Báez discusses his willingness to negotiate a contract extension past Opening Day. Plus, the guys provide an update on Nico Hoerner, who missed Sunday's game with back tightness and break down Alec Mills' Monday outing.
Mar 16, 2021•14 min•Ep. 467
Maddie Lee is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer live from Mesa, Arizona as they give updates from Cubs spring training. In today's edition, the crew dives into the Cubs closer situation and why Craig Kimbrel isn't performing well. They also discuss if the Cubs have another plan should Kimbrel continue to struggle. Later in the pod, they provide injury updates on the team.
Mar 15, 2021•12 min•Ep. 466
On Saturday's Cubs spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer — live in Arizona — is joined by Tim Stebbins. The guys discuss an ongoing grievance filed by the MLBPA that could make a difference in whether Cubs pitcher Adbert Alzolay makes the Opening Day roster. They also discuss Craig Kimbrel's down start to spring training and new outfielder Jake Marisnick, who spoke to reporters in Arizona after making his Cubs debut Saturday.
Mar 14, 2021•19 min•Ep. 465
Among all the storylines from Cubs spring training, one of the biggest is whether fan-favorite Anthony Rizzo and the team will reach a contract extension. Rizzo spoke about his extension talks on Friday. The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer — live from Cubs camp — discuss Rizzo's comments and his future with the Cubs. Later in the pod, the crew looks back on the day sports shut down in March 2020 due to COVID-19. (1:35) - If you could only choose on...
Mar 13, 2021•20 min•Ep. 464
New Cubs outfielder Joc Pederson has gotten off to a big start offensively in the first few weeks of spring training, and that continued Thursday. Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Arizona, joins Maddie Lee to discuss Pederson's play. They also dive into the leadership of Jason Heyward and how he's showing it this spring training.
Mar 12, 2021•16 min•Ep. 463
In a packed episode, the Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, Maddie Lee and Tim Stebbins discusses the Cubs' loss Wednesday vs. the San Francisco Giants, the second base position battle, and Joc Pederson's impact on the team so far. The crew also dives into news that the Texas Rangers will fill their stadium at 100-percent capacity on Opening Day when other clubs are not doing so because of the pandemic. Plus, a discussion on Craig Kimbrel's early spring outings and whether they'r...
Mar 11, 2021•27 min•Ep. 462
When you see the word selfish, you may have an idea of what it means, but the Cubs are using it to get back to form offensively. Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer, live in Arizona, discuss the Cubs' philosophy and hear from Kris Bryant and what it means to him. Maddie and Gordon also talk about newcomer Joc Pederson's hot play recently and if he is making headway to be an everyday starter. "Joc-tober begins in Peder-March?" Just listen to the podcast to understand.
Mar 10, 2021•14 min•Ep. 461
Cubs fans will be allowed back at Wrigley Field at 20-percent capacity on Opening Day! Maddie Lee and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the news and how it will impact Cubs players and the organization. Later, Maddie and Gordon provide updates on the status of Pedro Strop, who's being held out of Cubs camp after violating COVID-19 protocols. Plus, a certain Cubs player heats up again after a slight slump.
Mar 09, 2021•16 min•Ep. 460
On Sunday's Cubs spring training report, Maddie Lee is joined by Gordon Wittenmyer, live in Arizona. The two discuss pitcher Pedro Strop violating MLB's COVID-19 safety protocols, having dinner inside recently with players from other teams. Strop will quarantine and be held from team activities. Gordon and Maddie discuss how the Cubs are handling the situation and if Strop will have enough time to prove he can make the team. Later in the podcast, Maddie and Gordon discuss Jake Arrieta's first sp...
Mar 07, 2021•15 min•Ep. 459
Javy Báez was hit by a pitch on the forearm Friday, causing him to leave the game. On Saturday's spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Phoenix, joins Tim Stebbins to discuss Báez and his return to team activities. The guys also dive into pitcher Shelby Miller making his first start in spring training and provide updates on the hottest position battle in spring training: second base.
Mar 07, 2021•16 min•Ep. 458
As spring training rolls on for the Cubs, Nico Hoerner continues to make a strong impression in the second base competition. Live from Arizona, Gordon Wittenmyer joins Maddie Lee to discuss Hoerner's hot bat and if second base is his job to lose. Later in the podcast, Gordon and Maddie talk possible vaccines for the players that could be available soon, an injury update on Javy Báez, and more news and nuggets from Cubs camp. (1:40) - What has gotten into Nico Hoerner? Teams are having a hard tim...
Mar 06, 2021•30 min•Ep. 457
In today's spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Glendale, Ariz., joins Maddie Lee to discuss and break down how the Cubs and Dodgers have fared in recent years while comparing their respective competitive windows. They also discuss Kris Bryant getting reps in left field, the addition of Eric Sogard, and what it means for Nico Hoerner, and Gordon reports on the return of alternate sites in 2021.
Mar 05, 2021•15 min•Ep. 456
Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Arizona, joins Maddie Lee to discuss the still undefeated Cubs, whose game against the Mariners on Wednesday ended in a tie under the new spring training rules. They also discuss the return of longtime Cubs reliever Pedro Strop, who spoke to the media and is excited to be back with the team and show Cubs fans what he can do.
Mar 04, 2021•13 min•Ep. 455
The Cubs won their second spring training game, picking up a 3-2 win over the Royals on Tuesday that featured a near no-hitter. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss Adbert Alzolay's pitching performance, Nico Hoerner's impressive first game as he seeks to claim the everyday second baseman job, how the Cubs are using their pitching staff in spring games, and more news and nuggets from Arizona. (2:00) - Does a no-hitter in spring training count? (4:26) - Nico Hoern...
Mar 03, 2021•19 min•Ep. 454
The Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 1-0 in their first spring training game. Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Peoria, Ariz. and Tim Stebbins break down the game, including Kyle Hendricks' pitching performance, what the environment was like with some fans in the stadium, and if Javy Báez will have a bounce back year from 2020 when the pandemic season's conditions seemed to take a toll on his game.
Mar 01, 2021•13 min•Ep. 453
In today's Cubs spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer and Maddie Lee debate Gordon's fly ball skills after David Ross critiqued his outfield abilities. They also get into the rules of spring training games and what the Cubs are preparing for before Monday's matchup when Kyle Hendricks takes the mound. Plus, they discuss how teams are filling rosters and working out pitching arms without having the ability to use minor leaguers this year due to the pandemic.
Feb 28, 2021•13 min•Ep. 452
On today's Cubs spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Mesa, Ariz., is joined by Tim Stebbins. Willson Contreras spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on offseason trade rumors, possible extension talks, and his improved pitch framing. Gordon and Tim also discuss David Bote's thoughts on the club's second base competition. Plus, Pedro Strop has joined Cubs camp.
Feb 27, 2021•20 min•Ep. 451
With the Cubs nearing the end of their first week of spring training, Javy Báez and Joc Pederson addressed the media. David Kaplan, Maddie Lee, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss if Báez will have a comeback season and land the contract extension to stay in Chicago like he desires. Plus, Joc Pederson wants to prove he's an everyday player. Will he get the opportunity to do so? All that and more on the Cubs Talk Podcast! (1:50) - Javy Báez is excited for the upcoming season (4:40) - Báez...
Feb 26, 2021•26 min•Ep. 450
In today's Cubs spring training report, Gordon Wittenmyer, live from Mesa, Ariz., and Maddie Lee discuss the Cubs announcing Kyle Hendricks will start their opening spring training game. Does that mean Hendricks will be the team's Opening Day starter? They also discuss Jake Arrieta throwing live batting practice and Kris Bryant taking him deep. Plus, updates on injuries and position battles.
Feb 26, 2021•11 min•Ep. 449
