Cubs Talk Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Kris Bryant interview on Cubs tenure, perception, legacy Mar 16, 2021

Show notes

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 to the "I don't give a sh**" mentality

(13:40) -Bryant on fighting to find the fun in baseball

(17:40) - Bryant on how he wants his time in Chicago to be remembered

(19:10) - Bryant details his relationships with Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer

(22:00) - Understanding an open and honest Kris Bryant with the Cubs Talk crew

Cubs’ Javy Báez talks possible contract extension | Cubs spring training daily report Mar 15, 2021

Show notes

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.

How Cubs evaluate closer Craig Kimbrel’s struggles | Cubs spring training daily report Mar 14, 2021

Show notes

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.

How Cubs’ Adbert Alzolay could be kept off opening roster by grievance case Mar 13, 2021

Show notes

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.

Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo optimistic about getting contract extension done Mar 12, 2021

Show notes

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 one, would you extend Javy Báez, Kris Bryant or Anthony Rizzo?

(5:05) - Anthony Rizzo, speaking to the media, feels optimistic about getting an extension done with the Cubs

(7:40) - Would it be surprising if none of the core guys are extended this spring?

(10:25) - A year ago Friday, sports came to a pause

(14:35) - Maddie Lee describes covering the Utah Jazz-Oklahoma City Thunder game that was the starting point to sports shutting down

(18:10) - David Ross looks back on sports shutting down last March

Joc Pederson proving himself and Jason Heyward’s leadership | Cubs spring training daily report Mar 11, 2021

Show notes

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.

Should Cubs be worried about Craig Kimbrel’s early spring outings? Mar 10, 2021

Show notes

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're a concern.

At the end of the pod, the crew debates which ballpark food is the best.

(2:10) - Updates on position battles and the impact Joc Pederson is having on the Cubs

(4:30) - Texas Rangers plan to host fans at 100-percent capacity on Opening Day. Could players opt out of playing vs. the Rangers?

(12:25) - Craig Kimbrel's early spring outings and what they mean for the Cubs

(16:50) - Is the Cubs starting rotation starting to round into shape?

(21:46) - Favorite sports stadium food

Kris Bryant on the theory of being selfish | Cubs spring training daily report Mar 09, 2021

Show notes

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.

Cubs fans returning to Wrigley Field on Opening Day | Cubs spring training daily report Mar 08, 2021

Show notes

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.

Pedro Strop held out of camp for safety protocols violation | Cubs daily spring training report Mar 07, 2021

Show notes

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 spring training start.

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