The MLB lockout is going on with hopes that the season will start on time in the balance. On today's pod, union expert, lawyer, and baseball labor writer Eugene Freedman joins Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer to provide a detailed breakdown of what the players union is seeking in the new CBA, how will future negotiations go, and more. (4:00) - What does it mean when the owners lock out the players? (14:20) - Can the players do anything to push the owners their way? (29:00) - Can tanking be fix...
Feb 09, 2022•41 min•Ep. 565
As it stands today the Cubs are slowly creeping up the farm system rankings if you haven't noticed as the influx of young talent continues to grow. Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by VP of Player Personnel for the Cubs Matt Dorey to discuss the changes that the Cubs have enacted and the players that are leading the charge for the new era of Cubs baseball. (2:00) - Dorey discusses the changes in his role in the organization (8:20) - Cubs are showing progress with their jump in the f...
Feb 04, 2022•41 min•Ep. 564
The lockout continues and but the owners and players have come to the table a few times. What are they discussing and are they getting close to an agreement? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss and provide updates to what's going on at the negotiating table. They also discuss worst-case scenarios for the upcoming season and how far each side is willing to go to get what they want. (2:15) - Updates from the negotiating table (11:40) - How far are the owners and players willi...
Feb 02, 2022•27 min•Ep. 563
The last chance for the biggest names in the steroid era to get in the Hall of Fame on the writer's ballot is officially over without letting Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens in. Will they ever get in? Will the BBWAA ever change the way they vote? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss and debate the steroid era players and if they will ever get in. They also discuss Ian Happ's suggestions that players with 10 years of experience should get a vote and if changes need...
Jan 28, 2022•27 min•Ep. 562
As of right now, there is no season, but once the players and owners come to an agreement the boys in blue will be back at Wrigley but will the pandemic still impact the way the players, media, and fans interact? Dr. Robert Citronberg of Aurora Advocate Health joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss the impact the pandemic will have on the season, the changes that will happen since last year, have we improved since last year, and a lot more.
Jan 26, 2022•21 min•Ep. 561
Well, this certainly puts a wet blanket on things. Superstar shortstop Carlos Correa just signed with super-agent Scott Boras and I can hear the collective sigh of all Cuba fans. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss what does this mean for the Cubs and if they still have a chance at signing him. Later in the pod, the guys take more of your fan questions. (2:00) - Good, bad, or doesn't matter that Carlos Correa signs with Scott Boras (9:28) - Dylan Cease also signs with Scott...
Jan 21, 2022•39 min•Ep. 560
It was less than an hour and they left the table. The players and owners are still nowhere close to coming to an agreement and there is a real possibility the season can be delayed again. Will fans still stick around with the same energy? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the latest updates to the CBA and dive into the issues that are keeping the two sides apart. Later, the guys break down where the Cubs are financially and if they are legitimately losing money or just cr...
Jan 19, 2022•32 min•Ep. 559
In an emergency edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer are joined by Cubs legend and World Series winner, Jon Lester as he discusses his retirement from baseball, his 16-year career in the big leagues, his career as a Cub and how he became a Cub, stories about his Cubs career, and a lot more! Congrats Jon and thank you for the memories.
Jan 12, 2022•28 min•Ep. 558
Cubs fans you got to take over the podcasts with questions and you delivered. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer answer your questions about the Cubs and baseball including, should there be an MLB draft anymore, Cubs shortstop options, can Theo Epstein be an NFL executive, will the Bears play at Wrigley, will the Cubs make the playoffs before the White Sox win the World Series and a lot more! (1:30) - Should the MLB get rid of the draft to avoid teams tanking? (10:20) - If you had...
Jan 12, 2022•33 min•Ep. 557
Former Cub first baseman Anthony Rizzo was traded to the Cubs from the San Diego Padres 10 years ago January 6th, 2012 for pitcher Andrew Cashner and outfielder Kyung-Min Na, and you can guess who won that trade. David Kaplan, Tima Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss how impactful that trade was, where are the Cubs now, and Rizzo's legacy as a Cub. (2:20) - What do you remember about Anthony Rizzo as a Cub (7:20) - Where does Rizzo rank among the players of the Theo and Jed era? (14:20) - Sh...
Jan 07, 2022•26 min•Ep. 556
The Cubs Talk pod is back for the new year and to start, David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the top 7 questions about the Cubs during this offseason lockout. They discuss what would they want during the lockout if they were an MLB owner, when will the lockout end, will David Ross sign an extension, and a lot more. (1:50) - What MLB team would you buy and how would you approach the lockout if you were an owner? (8:40) - How long will the lockout be? (13:20) - Will the Cubs ...
Jan 05, 2022•38 min•Ep. 555
The Cubs are in the midst of a rebuild/retool so during this lockout we are catching you up on prospects in the organization that could be key players when it's winning time for the Cubs. The next prospect you should know about is outfielder Jordan Nwogu. Jordan joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss his unique story about how he got into baseball, his thoughts on the other prospects in the organization, his growth so far with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and a lot more. (3:00) - Gett...
Dec 31, 2021•26 min•Ep. 554
For those who don't know, this week marks the 1yr anniversary of the Cubs trading pitcher Yu Darvish to the San Diego Padres, thus starting the rebuild. One of the pieces that came back to the Cubs in the deal was outfielder Owen Caissie and so far he has shown some potential, but can he be a key piece moving forward for the organization? David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the young prospect and break down who they think he can be at the major league level. Later in the pod, Gordon got s...
Dec 29, 2021•37 min•Ep. 553
The Cubs talk crew is back to answer more of your questions including if the Cubs are ready to spend money on free agents or will they be conservative? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the Cubs offseason spending, they answer questions about the lockout, other potential offseason moves, and a lot more. (2:20) - How will the pandemic impact the broadcast team this year, and how long until the owners and players come to a decision? (11:10) - Is shortstop still a priority o...
Dec 22, 2021•33 min•Ep. 552
It's mailbag time! In this episode, the crew of David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins takes your questions and listen to your comments on the Cubs as the lockout continues. The guys take questions on free-agent spending, will they find another starting pitcher, have there been changes in the way the Cubs do things since Theo left, the long-term plan for the Cubs at third base, and a LOT more! (2:10) - Will the Cubs make a big move in free agency, or will they choose to stay financially flexible? (9:20) ...
Dec 17, 2021•30 min•Ep. 551
Cubs fans, meet Kristen Call! A rising star in baseball and someone you should know and pay attention to. Kristen was named the General Manager of the Cubs class-A affiliate, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans this month making her one of the only woman executives in baseball. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss with Kristin, her career so far, how she got into baseball, her philosophies in running a team, and what her future looks like in MLB.
Dec 15, 2021•27 min•Ep. 550
Although the lockout is underway, the Cubs are still in the rumor mill. According to some reports, the Cubs may be open to a Kris Bryant return in free agency. But are there any facts to this? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the Bryant rumors and if there could be a return for the former MVP. Later in the pod, the guys also discuss what the players and owners are looking for as they try to come to an agreement. (3:40) - Rumors are starting that the Cubs could bring back...
Dec 10, 2021•32 min•Ep. 549
Another great Cub has gotten into the Hall of Fame. Legendary scout and coach Buck O'Neil joins the pantheon of baseball greats and it's time to do a deep dive into the pioneer of Cubs baseball. Bob Kendrick of the Negro League Baseball Museum joins David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins to discuss who Buck was and why he deserved to go into the Hall. Bob details which players were impacted by Buck and you won't believe who those players were. (2:00) -Reaction to Buck O'Neil finally g...
Dec 08, 2021•42 min•Ep. 548
Hey Chicago what do you say the Cubs signed a guy today! Jed Hoyer pulls it off at the buzzer signing big time pitcher Marcus Stroman right before the lockout began. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the signing and what else could be on the Cubs radar after an agreement with the players and owners gets done.
Dec 02, 2021•21 min•Ep. 547
As of right now there is no splash move the Cubs have made as big contracts and deals get done before the work stoppage begins in baseball. Why haven't the Cubs made any big moves after proclaiming they were ready to spend? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the lack of big time moves for the Cubs and will they be more aggressive after a new CBA is finalized. They guys also discuss Javy Baez's new contract with the Detroit Tigers and if the Cubs could have signed him for t...
Dec 01, 2021•34 min•Ep. 546
***PODCAST WAS RECORDED BEFORE STEVEN MATZ SIGNS WITH THE CARDINALS*** The Cubs are making moves to rebuild the roster and they start with looking for starting pitching. David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss possible starting pitching free agents, hall of fame voting, and the philosophies of Jed Hoyer and Rick Hahn as both attempt to build championship rosters in Chicago.
Nov 24, 2021•37 min•Ep. 545
The Cubs and Cardinals rivalry is one of the best in sports. Constantly in battles for supremacy over the NL Central. But how has each organization built playoff-bound teams over the years and is one method more effective than the other? Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch joins Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss the two organizations, the outlook of the NL Central, and the important facts about the business of baseball that fans should know this offseason.
Nov 19, 2021•53 min•Ep. 544
With the new CBA coming up, some teams and players are making deals before a presumed work stoppage happens with big names like Noah Syndergaard and José Berríos. Should the Cubs also be aggressive? Tim Stebbins and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the offseason movement so far and if the Cubs should also be aggressive early in free agency or wait out the CBA.
Nov 17, 2021•39 min•Ep. 543
The GM Meetings have been filled with rumors, surprises, and updates. Gordon Wittenmyer live from San Diego joins David Kaplan and Tim Stebbins to discuss all the newest updates from conversations with Super agent Scott Boras, press conferences with Jed Hoyer, and various topics with other national and local beat writers about things involving or impacting the Cubs and their future.
Nov 12, 2021•25 min•Ep. 542
The GM Meetings are here and the rumors and talks are heating up. David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and live from San Diego, Gordon Wittenmyer break down the GM Meetings and what is being said about the free agency of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, and Craig Kimbrel. Later in the pod, the guys also discuss the upcoming CBA and the chances of a work stoppage.
Nov 11, 2021•25 min•Ep. 541
The Chicago Cubs have a lot of work to do to rebuild the team but what should be o the top of the list and where should they start? The Cubs Talk crew of David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the top questions the Cubs need to address this offseason, including should they bring back Javy Baez, should Nick Castellanos be on the free-agent radar of the Cubs, how much of a priority should the Cubs make Willson Contreras as he enters his final year under his deal, and a lot more....
Nov 05, 2021•45 min•Ep. 540
On this day in Cubs history, the World Series was won and Cubs fans everywhere rejoiced. Where is that team now and how do fans remember it after 5 years? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss the anniversary and how things turned out 5 years later. They also discuss the current World Series and former Cub Jorge Soler's contribution to the Atlanta Braves, they talk about the possibility of no Winter Meetings this year and discuss what they remember from Game 7 of the 2016 Wor...
Nov 03, 2021•33 min•Ep. 539
The Cubs are still in the conversation in the World Series as Dusty Baker makes reference to his Cubs teams. Are Cubs fans still upset about the 2003 Cubs? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer, and Tim Stebbins discuss Dusty's 2003 Cubs team and compares that team and his work on that team to the current Astros. Later in the podcast, the guys break down some potential harsh truths about the upcoming contract negotiations between the players and owners that could eventually lead to a work stoppage and...
Oct 29, 2021•31 min•Ep. 538
The offseason is close as the World Series has begun. Where will former Cubs stars Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Anthony Rizzo land? David Kaplan, Tim Stebbins, and Gordon Wittenmyer discuss the offseason for these prominent former Cubs and what they expect to happen. The crew also discusses the World Series and if they are still going against the Astros for the cheating scandal and they discuss Dusty Baker's return to the World Series and what it means for his legacy.
Oct 27, 2021•37 min•Ep. 537
Ryan "The Riot" Theriot knows how to win and what it takes to do so. Theriot joins David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer to discuss his journey to the league through the help of longtime scout Jim Crawford, who passed away recently. They also discuss Theriot's experience as a World Series winner, where he envisions the game of baseball going in the future, the Cubs rebuild and trading away their stars. (2:00) - Catching up with Ryan Theriot (8:00) - Theriot discusses his relationship with Anthony R...
Oct 22, 2021•40 min•Ep. 536
