The Cubs end up splitting a much needed series with the Milwaukee Brewers. With the Cubs now sitting near the bottom of the NL Central, does that mean they will be sellers at the deadline? James Neveau and Nate Poppen break down the important series and what will it mean for this season. The crew also breaks down Marcus Stroman not pitching in the All-Star game and discuss if the Cubs are making the right decision to not give Stroman an extension right now. Later in the pod, they discuss the mou...
Jul 07, 2023•40 min•Ep. 686
Could the Cubs be buyers, not sellers, at the trade deadline this year? In a season where nobody expected them to be competitive, the Cubs currently sit just below .500 and only 3.5 games back from the first-place Cinncinati Reds. Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau discuss whether Cubs should be sellers or buyers at the trade deadline. Who would the Cubs trade if they are sellers? Who would should the Cubs acquire if they are buyers?
Jun 28, 2023•46 min•Ep. 685
The Cubs are on a streak after taking 2-of-3 against the Baltimore Orioles and sweeping the NL Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates. Can they keep it up as they head to London? Leila Rahimi and James Neveau break down the Cubs' month of June. Later, they talk about Marcus Stroman's fantastic start to the season, in which he leads the National League with a 2.28 ERA. Although Stroman is likely in contention to be the starter representing the National League in this year’s All-Star game, could his b...
Jun 22, 2023•47 min•Ep. 684
On the latest weekly Cubs Talk Podcast, the crew of James Neveau and Peter Marzano break down a couple of essential topics on the Cubs. The crew breaks down the return of Cody Bellinger and what it might mean for the roster. The guys also break down the Cubs' lack of engagement with Marcus Stroman on getting an extension done. Do they plan on trading him? Lastly, they discuss the trade rumors the Cubs might be involved in and whether they'll be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.
Jun 16, 2023•37 min•Ep. 683
NBC Chicago writer Peter Marzano joins Leila Rahimi and Nate Poppen to discuss the biggest question surrounding the Cubs right now, what is wrong with the offense? They talk about what's going on with the offense and whether or not they will be able to fix it. Later, they revisit Kyle Hendricks' first few starts this season and discuss if he is trending in the right direction. Finally, they discuss what they think the Cubs should do with Cody Bellinger at the trade deadline.
Jun 07, 2023•38 min•Ep. 682
Pitcher Marcus Stroman is in the final year of his contract, and this season, he has shown how valuable he is to the Cubs rotation. Leila Rahimi and Nate Poppen discuss Stroman's stellar performance so far this season and if they think Jed Hoyer will want to make him a key piece in the rebuild or if he will trade him at the deadline for future assets. They also discuss whether the Cubs should be buyers, sellers, or stayers at the trade deadline.
Jun 02, 2023•31 min•Ep. 681
On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau break down Christopher Morel's historic start at the plate and discuss if sending him to the minors to start the season was the wrong decision. Later, they talk about how close pitcher Kyle Hendricks is to returning to the mound and what his role will be when he returns.
May 25, 2023•39 min•Ep. 680
The Cubs have hit a lull after a hot start. What’s been plaguing them and how can David Ross and the players get back? Joining Nate Poppen and James Neveau is Luis Medina, Cubs analyst for Bleacher Nation and former host of NBCS Chicago’s "Outside the Ivy." They discuss problems in the bullpen and the hitting lows of Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki. Later in the pod, the guys discuss the excitement around Christopher Morel and the other young Cubs prospects.
May 18, 2023•41 min•Ep. 679
After a hot start to the season, the Cubs are sliding, losing 2 of 3 to the Cardinals, who were in disarray heading into the series. What is going wrong, and can they fix it? Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss the Cubs' losing skid, and they can get back on track. Later, they discuss the decision to bring up Christopher Morel and the Cardinals' decision to make Willson Contreras a DH instead of a catcher. Finally, the crew remembers Kerry Wood's 20-strikeout game.
May 11, 2023•40 min•Ep. 678
On the newest edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen review the first month of the season for the Cubs and discuss the reasons why they are playing so well. Later in the pod, the crew breaks down the dominant start for the team's pitching staff, and they get into when will Matt Mervis and Christopher Morel be brought up.
May 03, 2023•43 min•Ep. 677
The Cubs have an above .500 record despite having a challenging schedule to start the season. Can they keep playing this way and make a push for the playoffs? Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau discuss the teams’ chances and what they must address to make it happen.
Apr 26, 2023•42 min•Ep. 676
The Cubs are on a heater right now. The pitching is electric and the bats are hot, but can they keep it up? Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau break down how the first month of the season has gone for the Cubs. They also discuss former Cubs manager Joe Maddon's comments about how his tenure with the Cubs ended and why he believes his team had it in them to win another World Series.
Apr 19, 2023•46 min•Ep. 675
On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, James Neveau and Leila Rahimi have injury updates on Kyle Hendricks and Seiya Suzuki and discuss will they might return to the team. The crew also examines a rumor that the Cubs could be a sleeper team for Shohei Ohtani and debate if the Cubs should try to re-sign Marcus Stroman. And are fans and Cubs players feeling the new lights at Wrigley? 2:31 - Kyle Hendricks update and status on return 10:50 - David Ross on the plan for Seiya Suzuki and when he wi...
Apr 12, 2023•42 min•Ep. 674
On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, James Neveau and Nate Poppen break down the first few games of the season. They discuss early bright spots, like Dansby Swanson, and problems the Cubs need to address. They also react to MLB's new rules and discuss if they have impacted how they watch baseball.
Apr 05, 2023•36 min•Ep. 673
On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, the crew gets you set for the 2023 season. Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen break down Nico Hoerner contract extension and discuss how it impacts Ian Happ's chance to get one. They also preview and make some predictions about the upcoming season. How many games will the Cubs win this season? Who will win the NL Central? Who will be the next World Series Champions? And more. 2:26 - Nico Hoerner gets his extension 13:30 - Will Ian Happ get an ext...
Mar 29, 2023•45 min•Ep. 672
The season is just one week away, and it’s time to wrap up the preseason. The full crew of Leila Rahimi, James Neveau, and Nate Poppen discuss the WBC championship game and the greatness of Shohei Ohtani. They break down the position battles on the Cubs as they set the final roster. They also discuss the Cubs having only one player on ESPN’s list of top 100 MLB players. 2:48 - WBC championship game and tournament breakdown 9:46 - Shohei Ohtani could be baseball's Michael Jordan 15:44 - Cubs rost...
Mar 24, 2023•46 min•Ep. 671
The Cubs are in a good place this off-season, and there are positive signs fans should be happy with how it’s gone this far. On this edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss the current and former Cubs players impacting the World Baseball Classic. They also dive into why fans should be optimistic about the organization and the team this year.
Mar 15, 2023•35 min•Ep. 670
On this edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Nate Poppen give you the latest on Cubs' spring training. The two discuss the World Baseball Classic and some familiar faces playing in the tournament. They also break down the positive impact Dansby Swanson is already having on the team, and later, they discuss their spring training standouts.
Mar 10, 2023•39 min•Ep. 669
The Cubs have suffered a little setback with Seiya Suzuki and Patrick Wisdom suffering injuries. When will they return? How will the Cubs prepare without them? Nate Poppen, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss how the Cubs will work through those injuries. Later, the crew debates who they think should be the fifth starter. Finally, they break down the Cubs' pitching depth and discuss the organization's minor league pitching development.
Mar 03, 2023•39 min•Ep. 668
On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau discuss Tom Ricketts' comments about how the first half of the season will impact the Cubs' spending. The group also discusses the Cubs signing third baseman Edwin Ríos. Finally, should the Cubs go after Shohei Otani or Manny Machado, and if not, where could they land? 1:51 - Tom Ricketts speaks on the budget of the Cubs 13:42 - Manny Machado is going to opt out. Should the Cubs be interested? 21:44 - Shohei Ota...
Feb 23, 2023•38 min•Ep. 667
It smells like baseball is in the air, as pitchers and catchers report, it's time for baseball. On this week's episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, James Neveau, Leila Rahimi and Nate Poppen discuss the news of the day in Arizona for the Cubs. Jed Hoyer speaks to the media about a potential contract extension for Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner. He also reacts to the PECOTA record projections for the Cubs. Finally, the crew reacts to the new rule changes and discusses whether they agree with them. 2:12 -...
Feb 16, 2023•42 min•Ep. 666
On the latest episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Nate Poppen discuss Jon Morosi reporting that Cubs minor league star Pete Crow-Armstrong could be in the majors before the end of the 2023 season. Later in the pod, the guys also discuss their biggest storylines before pitchers and catchers report next week, and they break down the possibility of an MLB realignment that would put the Cubs and Sox in the same division. 2:17 - Biggest storylines headed into spring training 11:20 - Bi...
Feb 09, 2023•34 min•Ep. 665
The Cubs find themselves in the news this week, and Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen are here to keep you up to date. They discuss Dexter Fowler retiring from baseball and his impact on the Cubs' World Series win. They react to Jed Hoyer speaking candidly about the breakup of the 2016 Cubs, and then grade the Cubs 2023 offseason so far. 1:09 - Dexter Fowler retires. What was his impact as a Cub? 9:47 - Jed Hoyer speaks on the 2016 Cubs and the current state of the Cubs 23:07 - The Athl...
Feb 02, 2023•33 min•Ep. 664
In this episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau break down the newest Cub, Trey Mancini and what he can bring to the team. The crew also discusses Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks and what they think his role will be this season and if the Cubs are looking to trade Nick Madrigal and if they are, will they trade him to the White Sox. All that and much more on the Cubs Talk Podcast. 1:14 - Trey Mancini signs with the Cubs 15:22 - What role will Kyle Hendricks play o...
Jan 25, 2023•37 min•Ep. 663
Introducing the new Cubs Talk podcast team: Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen! They react to everything that went down at the Cubs Convention and break down Leila’s one-on-one with Cubs owner Tom Ricketts. They also discuss the rest of the offseason and what they think the Cubs roster will look on Opening Day. All that and much more on the Cubs Talk Pod!
Jan 18, 2023•33 min•Ep. 662
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Cubs, Tom Ricketts, sat down with NBC Chicago's Leila Rahimi for a one-on-one interview at the Cubs Convention. Ricketts talked about the upcoming season, the new additions to Wrigley Field, and more. You can watch this episode on our YouTube channel by clicking HERE .
Jan 16, 2023•18 min•Ep. 661
The Cubs made another offseason addition, agreeing to a deal with veteran first baseman and World Series champion Eric Hosmer. Tim Stebbins and James Neveau break down the move and what it means for Matt Mervis and the Cubs' first base situation. The guys also discuss whether the Cubs are done in free agency, what new catcher Tucker Barnhart brings to the table and much more!
Jan 06, 2023•35 min•Ep. 660
The new year has just started and spring training is six weeks away, but it's never too early to look ahead. On the first episode of the new-look Cubs Talk Podcast, hosts Tim Stebbins and James Neveau discuss some of the biggest questions around the 2023 Cubs, including Kyle Hendricks' status, what's in store for Cody Bellinger, the potential for an Ian Happ contract extension, and much more!
Jan 04, 2023•35 min•Ep. 659
The Cubs didn’t make the playoffs but a lot happened in 2022. On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins look back the 2022 season, including Jed Hoyer’s performance as team president and the Cubs’ free agent moves this offseason. The guys also discuss their favorite moments from 2022 and projections for 2023 and beyond. Later in the pod, David Kaplan and Gordon Wittenmyer reminisce about their time on the Cubs Talk Podcast.
Dec 30, 2022•37 min•Ep. 657
Carlos Correa remains a free agent amid a second team's concerns over an old injury. What's next for him, and if he reenters the market, could it open the door for a long-shot deal with the Cubs? David Kaplan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Tim Stebbins discuss on this episode of the Cubs Talk podcast. The guys also discuss if the Cubs were in an NCAA bowl game, which one would they play in. Plus, what's next for the Cubs this offseason?
Dec 28, 2022•30 min•Ep. 656
