On a post-convention edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Peter Marzano and James Neveau welcome Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times to talk about the North Siders. Cody Bellinger's future is first up to bat, with Shota Imanaga's pitch arsenal and potential adjustments to big league life next up. The group discusses the ongoing trade flirtations between the Guardians and Cubs over Emmanuel Clase, and then dives into how Craig Counsell will run the ship now that he's in the Chicago dug...
Jan 17, 2024•48 min•Ep. 716
On a special "THEY FINALLY DID A THING" edition of Cubs Talk, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen break down the reported signing of Shōta Imanaga (00:33). They examine how his pitch arsenal could play in the big leagues and if they have any concerns before wrapping up with a quick chat about how his contract could allow the Cubs additional flexibility in free agency. Later, they discuss the Cubs Convention's lineup poster, which drew plenty of attention on social media (18:11). Finally, ...
Jan 10, 2024•37 min•Ep. 715
It may be 2024, but things are feeling an awful lot like 2023 for the Cubs, as Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Peter Marzano talk about the lack of action on the free-agent market for the North Siders. The trio talks about some minor league pitching signings, including Colten Brewer, but also discusses what avenues the Cubs still have to potentially add impact pieces. They also look at pitching coach Tommy Hottovy's wishlist and the realistic options the team has to fulfill those requests.
Jan 05, 2024•37 min•Ep. 714
On this episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the Cubs' continued quiet offseason. With the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees adding outfielders, are the Cubs the best fit for Cody Bellinger, and how much could his contract cost? The trio also discusses other avenues for the Cubs' free agency plans and whether the team could still strike in the pitching market. Finally, the group addresses their New Year's resolutions for the Cubs as 2023 com...
Dec 27, 2023•45 min•Ep. 713
Cubs fans are understandably feeling a bit Scrooge-like this holiday season, with the team biding their time before making any sort of freea gent moves. Leila Rahimi, Peter Marzano, Nate Poppen and James Neveau discuss the team's quiet offseason and discuss whether they're making a mistake in not being more aggressive in negotiating with players like Cody Bellinger or Matt Chapman. Later, the quartet discusses the trade market and whether the Cubs need to focus on pitchers like Shane Bieber or a...
Dec 22, 2023•45 min•Ep. 712
In this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, James Neveau, Peter Marzano and Nate Poppen react to Shohei Ohtani landing with the Dodgers. Are the Dodgers the team to beat in the National League? What should the Cubs' priorities be after missing out on the superstar? Is a reunion with Cody Bellinger now a priority, or should they transition to other options at first base? Finally, should they be in the market for top-flight pitching free agents? Those answers, and more on how the Cubs will react mov...
Dec 14, 2023•42 min•Ep. 711
On a new Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau break down the news, or lack thereof, from baseball's winter meetings. With Shohei Ohtani still making a decision, the Cubs seemingly out on Juan Soto and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and still inquiring about Tyler Glasnow, there is plenty of uncertainty on the North Side, and the duo tries to make sense of an uneventful week.
Dec 07, 2023•39 min•Ep. 710
In a special Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano kick their feet up by the fire and recap their favorite moments from the 2023 season. Christopher Morel's walkoff against the White Sox, Ian Happ's defensive heroics against the Brewers, and Mike Tauchman's incredible catch against the Cardinals all get the memory lane treatment, but which one came out on top? We share our top moments, and ask that you share yours as well this Thanksgiving holiday season.
Dec 03, 2023•30 min•Ep. 708
Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and James Neveau have your full preview of baseball's Winter Meetings. The trio discusses the latest news connecting Shohei Ohtani to the Cubs and whether they think the biggest free agent in baseball history could actually call the North Side home (1:31). Later, they discuss other potential options for the Cubs, including reports that the team has explored trades for Tyler Glasnow and Shane Bieber (18:39), as well as a free-agent pact with closer Josh Hader (28:59). Fi...
Nov 30, 2023•45 min•Ep. 709
On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and Peter Marzano recap Craig Counsell’s introductory press conference. They also discuss Craig Counsell finishing second in the NL Manager of the Year voting and how he can impact the Cubs in 2024. They also talk about who they think are the best managers in the MLB. Later, they discuss James Triantos winning Arizona Fall League Player of the Year. Finally, they talk about who the Cubs would have to give up to get Juan Soto.
Nov 15, 2023•42 min•Ep. 707
On this episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen offer their thoughts on Craig Counsell, and what it tells us about the Cubs (1:21). They also discuss Jed Hoyer's ruthless approach and what the future holds for David Ross (8:59). The trio gets into salty comments made by Brewers owner Mark Attanasio about Counsell's exit to Chicago (20:15), and finally, they each share their free agent wish list, and the one player they believe will be in a Cubs uniform by the...
Nov 08, 2023•56 min•Ep. 706
On an emergency edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano react to the Cubs' hiring of Craig Counsell as their new manager. They discuss what it means for the franchise, as well as whether the Cubs did right by David Ross in firing him. Leila Rahimi discusses the move with MLB Network's Dan Plesac, and finally, James and Peter discuss what could come next for the North Siders.
Nov 06, 2023•31 min•Ep. 705
On this episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss the return of former hitting coach John Mallee. The duo also discusses upcoming free agency, and how the team should approach their spending when it comes to Jeimer Candelario and others. Cody Bellinger's NL Comeback Player of the Year Award is dissected, and the two finally discuss the most likely scenarios we could see play out in the coming days, including Marcus Stroman's contract option.
Nov 03, 2023•44 min•Ep. 704
On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano discuss the MLB playoffs and a pair of Game 7's in the LCS (1:26). They then transition to Cubs news, with Kyle Hendricks negotiating an extension with the team (10:51), and whether the Cubs should explore other options as they evaluate their finances for free agency (19:10). Finally, they discuss how the Cubs could replace Craig Breslow in their front office (31:07), and James offers a hot take o...
Oct 25, 2023•47 min•Ep. 703
On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Peter Marzano and Nate Poppen discuss the Cubs' Gold Glove nominations (1:16). They also talk about Cubs' Assistant General Manager/Vice President and Director of Pitching Craig Breslow interviewing for the Red Sox General Manager position (13:40). How big of an impact has Breslow had on the Cubs' current pitching staff? Later, they talk about the Cubs parting ways with game strategy coach Craig Driver and bullpen coach Chris Young (22:55)....
Oct 19, 2023•43 min•Ep. 702
In the latest edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, James Neveau, Peter Marzano and Nate Poppen discuss the nine Cubs players eligible for arbitration. While Justin Steele will naturally be back, what about Patrick Wisdom, Nick Madrigal, Mark Leiter and more? Later, the guys discuss the MLB playoffs, and which teams have impressed and which have disappointed them in October.
Oct 11, 2023•52 min•Ep. 701
In today's Cubs Talk podcast, the crew discusses the team's late season collapse. They also react to Jed Hoyer's comments on David Ross and Cody Bellinger, and ponder reports linking Pete Alonso and the Cubs. 1:30 - Cubs end of season collapse and missing the playoffs 21:42 - The crew reacts to Jed Hoyer's end of season comments on David Ross, Cody Bellinger and the team this year 36:45 - Cubs will be interested in Pete Alonso
Oct 04, 2023•54 min•Ep. 700
In this episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Peter Marzano break down the final week of the 2023 season for the Cubs. Can they reach the playoffs? Who will help get them there? Who would be the ideal opponent for a wild card matchup? Those topics and much more as we enter the most important week of the season.
Sep 26, 2023•45 min•Ep. 699
The Cubs have lost 8 of their last 10 games, including their most recent three-game series loss to the Diamondback. On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rehimi and James Neveau break down what went wrong during that series. Later, they debate if they think the Cubs can save their season and make it to the playoffs. Finally, they discuss David Ross' job security and what will happen if the Cubs don't make the playoffs this year.
Sep 19, 2023•51 min•Ep. 698
In a jam-packed Cubs Talk, we examine the Cubs' playoff chances with 15 games left, Justin Steele's chances at a Cy Young Award, and the debut of Pete Crow-Armstrong. The group also discusses speculation of Carter Hawkins and a leadership role with the Red Sox.
Sep 15, 2023•45 min•Ep. 697
It's a big day for Cubs fans, as top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong will join the team for the stretch run. James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss PCA's call-up, how he'll be used and what players could potentially be moved out to create room for an exciting new addition to the mix.
Sep 11, 2023•23 min•Ep. 696
On this edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the reports that Cody Bellinger could be one of the most sought after free agents this winter after Shohei Ohtani and will the Cubs make it a priority to bring him back. They also discuss how HOT the Cubs are as they make their playoff push, the pitching performances of Justin Steele and Jordan Wicks, and Anthony Rizzo shutting down for the season after talking with David Ross. 1:10 - Cubs are rolling ...
Sep 07, 2023•54 min•Ep. 695
In this episode of Cubs Talk, James Neveau, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano break down the Cubs' series win over the Brewers. They discuss how Cody Bellinger, Adbert Alzolay and many other Cubs are coming through in clutch moments, how confident they are in the ability of Jordan Wicks, and whether the Cubs should be active on the waiver wire.
Aug 31, 2023•45 min•Ep. 694
On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, James Neveau, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano discuss the Cubs' performance over the last few weeks and how the rest of the NL Central as the season winds down. Will the Cubs get that coveted playoff spot? Later, they break down the current struggles of pitcher Drew Smyly and discuss if they should keep him in the rotation. Finally, are the Cubs in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes? If so, what does that mean for Cody Bellinger? 2:02 - Cubs continue to fight f...
Aug 24, 2023•44 min•Ep. 693
On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Peter Marzano and James Neveau break down the CrossTown Classic and the epic walk-off by Christopher Morel. Will the win continue to propel the Cubs to the playoffs? Later, they discuss Marcus Stroman’s rib cartilage fracture and talk about if it will significantly impact the Cubs’ season. Finally, they dive into prospect Pete Crow-Armstong and debate if he will make his big league debut this season. 0:47 - CrossTown Classic recap 15:05 - M...
Aug 18, 2023•42 min•Ep. 692
On the latest edition of the Cubs Talk pod, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen discuss their optimism (and pessimism) for the Cubs as they try and make a run to the playoffs after breaking their series win streak. The crew also discuss the Cubs moving Drew Smyly to the bullpen and the impact it will have on the Cubs and they preview the next few series and if this team will take advantage of the softer schedule.
Aug 11, 2023•45 min•Ep. 691
The Cubs didn’t make big moves but may have made the right moves as the trade deadline ends. On this edition of the Cubs Talk pod, Leila Rahimi and Nate Poppen break down the few moves the Cubs made at the deadline and talk about Jed Hoyer choosing to buy, not sell, and add players to help make a push for the playoffs this year. They also discuss the direction the Cubs are going in and if fans should be excited about the organization's future.
Aug 02, 2023•35 min•Ep. 690
The Cubs are on a roll and leaving teams in their dust. On today's edition of the Cubs Talk Pod, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano break down the first game of the Cardinals series. Did the Cards overreact to the Willson Contreras injury? The guys break down the Crosstown series win over the Sox and they discuss if the Cubs have done enough for Jed Hoyer to add to this team.
Jul 29, 2023•37 min•Ep. 689
With how the Cubs have played so far this season, they aren't bad enough to get high draft picks and not good enough to make a playoff run. Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen talk about how Jed Hoyer has constructed this team and if they can start winning with this roster. Later, they discuss what questions need to be asked to the front office about what the hell is going on. 2:30 - What direction are the Cubs heading? 11:30 - Does "buying" or "selling" matter with the Cubs? 26:00 - Cub ...
Jul 19, 2023•36 min•Ep. 688
Now that the All-Star game has come and gone, the real conversations are happening with the Cubs. Will they trade players away for future assets, or will they acquire players that can help them right now? The Cubs Talk crew of James Neveau, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano break down the options the Cubs have and what direction they believe the Cubs should go in. Later in the podcast, the crew also discusses what they expect from the Cubs in the second half of the year. 1:47 - Will the Cubs be buye...
Jul 14, 2023•31 min•Ep. 687
