Cubs Weekly
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195 episodes
The 2024 MLB season is upon us and it's time for our annual prediction podcast. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki analyze Cubs camp in Arizona and how the Opening Day roster shook out after a bunch of injuries and position battles. Martínez and Andracki also provide their season predictions for a number of categories, including: -Under-the-radar players to keep an eye on this season -What will be the biggest surprise of the year? -2024 Cubs breakout player -2024 Cubs MVP -2024 Cubs Cy Young -What series on the 2024 Cubs schedule are you circling? -What minor leaguer that has not yet made their MLB debut will have the biggest impact in 2024? -Bold prediction for the 2024 Cubs season -Bold prediction for the 2024 MLB season -How many wins will the Cubs finish with?
Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly stopped by the Cubs Weekly Podcast in Mesa, Ariz. to chat with hosts Elise Menaker and Andy Martínez. Kelly shared how he doesn’t follow Spring Training numbers too closely, focusing on the process rather than the results. He then talks about Seiya Suzuki and how the right fielder can carry over his success from last season and spring into the regular season. Kelly was reunited with Cody Bellinger and shared how he found out about his return to the team and what excites him about working with him again. The second year hitting coach provides more insight on Michael Busch, who he worked with in 2020 at the Dodgers’ alternate site during the COVID season. Later in the podcast, Kelly breaks down some swing adjustments for Canario, a fun Patrick Wisdom anecdote and what it’s like working with new manager Craig Counsell. Menaker and Martínez assess Spring Training as the Cubs’ time in Arizona nears an end, including their impressions of Counsell and what the rotation could look like to start the season.
Former Cubs catcher Geovany Soto stopped by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat from the 2024 Convention. Soto reflected on his time in Chicago, including playing for a playoff team in 2008. Soto recalled what it was like to catch Carlos Zambrano and some history that he made after catching his no-hitter. He reflected on his post playing career, too and what it was like to participate in Home Run Derby X last year.
Cubs pitcher Jordan Wicks stopped by the Cubs Weekly Podcast this week to chat to hosts Elise Menaker and Andy Martínez. Wicks talked about his debut and what was dubbed “the greatest mound visit in baseball history.” He discussed his journey through pro ball, what adjustments he had to make when he reached the majors and what it’s like to pitch in a pennant race. Later in the podcast, Wicks shared his first time pitching at Wrigley, what he’s learned from Kyle Hendricks and a fun tidbit about his favorite pitch from a pitcher in the Cubs’ system. To wrap up the pod, Menaker and Martinez discuss the Spring Breakout game, Jameson Taillon’s injury and the impact that’ll have on the Cubs’ rotation.
Former Cubs catcher Jody Davis stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat from the 2024 Convention. Davis reflects on the 1984 season, what it was like with a firsthad view of Ryne Sandberg on a daily basis and what made Rick Sutcliffe so special during his time in a Cubs uniform. Plus, Davis ranks himself among all-time Cubs catchers and how he was able to flourish both defensively and offensively.
Relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. drops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with Elise Menaker and Tony Andracki during Spring Training. Leiter explains his initial impressions of new manager Craig Counsell, what he learned during his first full season as a big-league reliever and gets into his family history and how growing up as the son and nephew of big-league pitchers sealed his fate. Later, Menaker and Andracki analyze the Cubs' 40-man roster conundrum that features several intriguing non-roster players in camp. Plus, how some of the changes Counsell has made are paying dividends and the one player that has impressed the most in camp.
Cody Bellinger is back in the fold with the Cubs, which has major ripple effects up and down the roster. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki weigh in from sunny Arizona with their takeaways from Bellinger's (re)introductory press conference and how his return impacts Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch and the rest of the Cubs lineup. Sportsbooks are giving the Cubs an extra game in the win column with Bellinger back and the panel explains why they're bullish on the team finishing over that mark in 2024. Plus, the ceiling for this Cubs offense and other top storylines from camp, including some intriguing bullpen developments.
Shota Imanaga threw his first live batting practice Wednesday at Cubs camp and stole the show. The Cubs Weekly Podcast recapped the session and the first week of full-squad workouts from Mesa, Ariz. Elise Menaker and Andy Martínez discussed what they’ve seen from camp and what their takeaways have been. The duo breaks down the Cubs latest additions — David Peralta and Dom Smith on minor league deals and what their signing means for the roster and for a potential Cody Bellinger return. Menaker and Martínez discuss some of the roster questions the Cubs are facing, including their center fielder and fourth outfielder, Christopher Morel at third base and more.
On the day of the Cubs' first official workout for pitchers and catchers, Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki discuss the vibe around camp, where nearly every position player has shown up early. It's Craig Counsell's first camp as Cubs manager and he's already making his presence known in Arizona. As Jed Hoyer, Carter Hawkins and Counsell kicked off the start of spring with a press conference and players began to meet with the media, one name continues to surface: Cody Bellinger. What is the update on Bellinger's situation and how are the Cubs pivoting as he remains a free agent? Hoyer left the door open for potentially more additions to the roster but the Cubs are also banking on internal improvements. Who are some players that could take the next step in 2024? Plus, are external projections for win totals for the Cubs accurate?
Former Cubs outfielder Brian McRae drops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to reflect on his career, including his 3 seasons in Chicago. McRae tells stories of his time with the Cubs, how often he keeps up with his former teammates, why the Chicago fans are so special and his approach to the leadoff spot in the lineup. Plus, McRae explains why he considers himself a Cubs fan and how he dealt with the emotions and stress watching the 2016 team bring home the World Series trophy.
The 1984 Cubs hold a special spot in the hearts of many Cubs fans. The center fielder and lead-off hitter for that team, Bobby Dernier understands and appreciates that. The former Cub caught up with Andy Martínez and Bruce Levine at Cubs Convention to reminisce about the team. Dernier recalled the “Sandberg Game”, which really put the Cubs in the spotlight that season and playing with Sandberg that season. The righty shared stories of that team, including having Rick Sutcliffe, who he had played with in high school, join the Cubs midway through that season. Later in the podcast, Dernier discusses how crucial a leadoff hitter is for a team and how much he enjoyed watching Dexter Fowler in 2016 in that role and Mike Tauchman in 2023. Then, he shares his 2016 story — where he was when the Cubs finally won it all and what his emotions were.
The Cubs added some reinforcements to the bullpen over the weekend with the reported signings of Hector Neris and Carl Edwards Jr. (on minor league deal). Marquee Sports Network player development analyst Lance Brozdowski stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki about what Neris and Edwards bring to this team. With the pair of pitchers in the fold, the podcast panel analyzes how the Cubs bullpen has come together this winter. Plus, what are their overall feelings on the Cubs' offseason after the latest relief additions? There's some optimism on a reunion with Cody Bellinger and the trio explains why a Matt Chapman signing might not be in the cards for the Cubs. Brozdowski also provides his thoughts on the Cubs farm system drawing national acclaim and what to expect from Michael Busch in Chicago.
Iconic Cubs third baseman and newest member of the Cubs Hall of Fame Aramis Ramírez stops by the podcast. He explains what it means to be inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame and how he found out about the honor right before he was introduced to the crowd at the 2024 Cubs Convention. Ramírez also reflects on his career with the Cubs, including the franchise-altering trade that brought him to Chicago alongside Kenny Lofton. 2003 ranks as one of the most interesting years in Cubs history and Ramírez shares his perspective of that season, including the playoffs and the aftermath. Plus, Ramírez shares his favorite moments in a Cubs uniform, describes what it's like to hit a walk-off home run and explains what made Derrek Lee such a great teammate. Ramírez also details his last career game, which ironically came against the Cubs in the 2015 playoffs.
2016 World Series MVP Ben Zobrist drops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki about a wide array of topics, including being back at Cubs Convention and interacting with fans. Zobrist tells the story about his free agency journey to the Cubs, what Joe Maddon meant to him as both a player and a person and how the team dealt with the organization's World Series drought. Of course, there was plenty of Game 7 talk, as Zobrist broke down his championship-winning hit and what he remembers about those epic moments that will echo throughout eternity for the Cubs franchise. The 14-year MLB veteran also reflected back on some of the highlights of his playing days, including the unique way he ended his career.
Cubs Convention wrapped up over the weekend and there was one name talked about more than any others … Cody Bellinger. The Cubs Weekly Podcast crew recaps the Bellinger love that happened at Cubs Convention. Then, Tony Andracki, Andy Martínez and Tim Stebbins discussed whether Bellinger would return and what impact he would have on the roster. The trio breaks down some of the moves that did actually go down over the weekend — the signing of pitcher Shōta Imanaga and the trade for Michael Busch and reliever Yency Almonte. They discuss how Imanaga fits on the roster and what that means for the Cubs rotation going forward. Andracki, Martínez and Stebbins also discuss Christopher Morel — who missed out on Cubs Convention because of visa issues — and his role on the team and Pete Crow-Armstrong and where he’ll start the 2024 season.
Bruce Levine stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with Tony Andracki about Shōta Imanaga and how the Japanese southpaw could fit in Chicago. Also, what's the latest on the Cody Bellinger market? Are things trending in a positive direction for a potential reunion with the Cubs? Plus, what other moves could Jed Hoyer make this offseason? Levine and Andracki also preview the 2024 Cubs Convention, including the people they're most interested in hearing from and the panels they can't wait to watch.
Former Cubs reliever Justin Grimm joins the podcast, chatting with Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki about what he's been up to lately and his journey in baseball. Grimm reflects on his career, which included 263 appearances over 5 years with the Cubs. He tells stories from the epic 2015-16 Cubs seasons, shares the moment he knew the team was going to win it all, what it was like playing for Joe Maddon and much more. Grimm also reveals his favorite teammates and why Anthony Rizzo meant so much to him personally.
Recapping the year that was on the Cubs Weekly Podcast as Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki discuss the best moments and interviews. Snippets include: -Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon reading funny Tweets -Former Cubs reliever Pedro Strop on the time he homered off Anthony Rizzo -Miguel Montero on the 9th and 10th inning of Game 7 -Ted Lilly's favorite Ryan Dempster story -Mike Fontenot chronicles Aramis Ramírez's epic walk-off in 2007 -Kyle Farnsworth shares his perspective on viral fight with Paul Wilson -Adbert Alzolay's mentality out of Cubs bullpen -Dexter Fowler on playing for both sides of the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry -VP of scouting Dan Kantrovitz on the Cubs' 1st round pick Matt Shaw -Thomas Ian Nicholas (aka Henry Rowengartner) describes filming "Rookie of the Year" at Wrigley Field -Carlos Peña analyzes Seiya Suzuki's hot end to the season -Bruce Levine and Andy Martínez explain why the Cubs made the switch to Craig Counsell as manager -Jon "Boog" Sciambi on his favorite part of the job
The Cubs have been extremely quiet this offseason so we examine the fit for a pair of intriguing free agents: Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki explain why Chapman might not make the most sense for the Cubs in the long-term, even though he would be a big upgrade in the near future. A big part of that is because of what the Cubs have in house to cover third base - both already in the major leagues and coming up through the farm system. The panel also debates where Mike Tauchman fits on the 2024 Cubs as well as how a pair of active teams this offseason (Diamondbacks, Pirates) affect the Cubs moving forward. Plus, we look back at the Top 10 Cubs games of the 2023 season, which air on Marquee Sports Network each night from Dec. 22-31.
In the days since Shohei Ohtani landed a $700 million deal with the Dodgers, we've learned a lot about the contract and how it impacts the rest of the offseason. That includes ripple effects on the Cubs' winter. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki analyze the Plan B for Jed Hoyer's front office, including how the trade market is materializing and why Ohtani's quirky contract means some bad news for the Cubs. Plus, what's the latest with Cody Bellinger and a potential reunion in Chicago? What does the offseason look like for the Cubs now? What does the future hold for Christopher Morel and will we see a big league move for the Cubs before the end of 2023?
Now that Shohei Ohtani signed with the Dodgers, what comes next for the Cubs? Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki analyze the Plan B for Jed Hoyer's front office, including ideal candidates in the free agent and trade markets. What does the offseason look like for the Cubs now? Plus, what happens with Christopher Morel this winter and what is the timeline for Cubs transactions this winter? Will we see a move before the end of 2023?
The 2023 MLB Winter Meetings are over and it was a quiet week for the Cubs - and for the Shohei Ohtani market. The game's greatest player remains unsigned but there was some drama that followed him around throughout the week in Nashville. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki have you covered on the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast, breaking down all the MLB news and notes. As time goes on, it looks more and more like the Cubs will be active in the trade market this winter, but who could they acquire and who would they give up? Plus, a variety of other updates: -What's the latest on Cody Bellinger? -Does the Juan Soto trade affect Bellinger's status? -Christopher Morel's future -Plans for Drew Smyly, Hayden Wesneski and Keegan Thompson
Rumors were swirling around at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn. and the Cubs Weekly Podcast helps sort through what was fact and fiction. Host Andy Martínez and Marquee Sports Network contributor Bruce Levine discuss where the Cubs stand in the race for superstar Shohei Ohtani. The pair then discuss where Christopher Morel stands in trade talks and who the Cubs are targeting in that department. Later in the podcast, the pair discuss their takeaways from Jed Hoyer, Carter Hawkins and Craig Counsell’s availabilities this week.
The voice of the Cubs Jon "Boog" Sciambi stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast. Sciambi chats with Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki on how his offseason is going as well as one of his favorite hobbies - his collection of around 150 pairs of shoes. Sciambi reflects back on his first 3 years in the booth for Cubs broadcasts, including his favorite part of the job and memorable moments. He also evaluates the 2023 Cubs season and where he sees the team moving forward. Sciambi - who has known Craig Counsell since 1997 - fills fans in on what to expect from the new Cubs manager and why he's so good at leading teams on the field. Plus, Sciambi provides his thoughts on the MLB Hot Stove season and how he consumes all the rumors and news throughout the winter.
Craig Counsell was introduced as the 56th manager in Cubs franchise history Monday at Wrigley Field. What did we learn from the press conference? Chris Emma joins Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki on the Cubs Weekly Podcast to provide their main takeaways from the press conference. Topics include why Counsell chose the Cubs, first impressions of the new manager, how this pairing came to be and how Counsell can directly - and indirectly - impact the Cubs' position in the standings in 2024 and beyond. Plus, what comes next for the Cubs? There are many decisions to be made on Counsell's coaching staff at a time where player acquisition is also paramount during the offseason.
The Cubs have a new manager in Craig Counsell as the offseason kicks off and the Cubs Weekly Podcast broke it all down. Andy Martínez and Bruce Levine share why Jed Hoyer felt now was the time to pull the trigger and hire Counsell as their skipper. The pair discuss why the Cubs felt he was the right choice and how difficult it was to part ways with David Ross. Later in the podcast, the pair recap agent Scott Boras’ press conference, share some of his best one-liners and discuss the Cubs’ interest in Cody Bellinger. Levine offers some insight on the Cubs’ offseason plans. They also assess Christopher Morel’s move to first base in the Dominican Winter League.
A shocking managerial move leads to an emergency Cubs Weekly Podcast. Tim Stebbins and Tony Andracki break down the coaching swap as Craig Counsell is in and David Ross has been relieved of his duties as Cubs manager. Why did the Cubs make this move? What does this mean for the organization moving forward? How will this shake up the NL Central? Will the rest of the Cubs coaching staff be affected by the change? We analyze all the ripple effects of the aggressive move while Joe Girardi also lends his perspective as a former manager.
Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast, joining Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki to discuss how he's experiencing Chicago in the offseason, a chat on fantasy football and the Bears plus his approach to the winter. Taillon detailed his journey to the Cubs, from the No. 2 overall selection in the 2010 MLB Draft (just behind Bryce Harper and ahead of Manny Machado) to pitching in New York with Anthony Rizzo, who sang praises of what it's like to play for the organization. In a couple fun segments to finish off the podcast, Taillon builds the perfect Cubs pitcher from individual traits and then plays a new game called Best of 7.
Fans submitted their burning questions for the Cubs' 2023-24 offseason in the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki answer questions ranging from Cody Bellinger's future to top priorities for the Cubs this winter. Who are realistic free agent targets for the Cubs? What would a trade package for Pete Alonso or Juan Soto look like? How do the Cubs improve in clutch situations? Will Patrick Wisdom return in 2024? We answer these and more, including a rapid fire round of fun questions at the end of the podcast.
The MLB playoffs are heating up and there is much to learn from how October has played out. Is securing a first-round bye actually an advantage? Will the success of the Phillies and Rangers motivate other teams to be more aggressive in free agency to build their rosters? And there is one important lesson the Cubs could take away from this postseason in how the best lineups are constructed. Plus, where do Hayden Wesneski and Keegan Thompson slot in on the 2024 Cubs? And among the most intriguing position groups this offseason, here's why first base/center field and the bullpen are the units that bear watching the most over the winter.
