Cubs Talk Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Should players be willing to do what it takes to play baseball again? Apr 17, 2020

Show notes

Host David Kaplan and NBCS Chicago Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer, discuss the different opinions given by the players on if the MLB should rush to try and start the 2020 season. Later on, they remember and discuss the 2 lives of the Cubs family that were lost this week, Jim Frey and Glenn Beckert.

(2:10) - Players discuss the potential plan of playing baseball in empty stadiums

(6:35) - There is a split amongst people who want baseball now and people who want to wait

(11:44) - If baseball does start this will boost the morale of the country

(17:55) - Remembering former Cubs manager Jim Frey

(25:17) - Stories of former Cub Glenn Beckert

Who is the best Cub pitcher since 2000 Apr 15, 2020

Show notes

In an NCAA tournament-style bracket, the Cubs Talk pod crew of Jeff Nelson, Nate Poppen, and Tim Stebbins discuss and rank the best Cubs pitchers in the last 20 years. How would you rank them and who would you take at the end?

(2:00) - Which pitcher gets to be the number 1 seed in the tournament?

(7:40) - Ryan Dempster vs Jeff Samardzija

(15:25) - Kerry Wood vs Greg Maddux

(21:50) - Jake Arrieta vs Matt Clement

(28:35) - Jon Lester vs Mark Prior

(32:54) - Championship Round

The Kaplan mailbag: Is Jon Lester a Hall of Famer? Apr 10, 2020

Show notes

Host David Kaplan is joined by NBCS Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer as they take questions from fans including, could the Cubs have traded for Justin Verlander, is Anthony Rizzo the greatest 1st basemen in Cubs history, and is Jon Lester a hall of famer pitcher. All those and more on the Cubs Talk podcast.

(2:04) - As Lester's career closes, is he on his way to Cooperstown?

(7:50) - Could MLB start the season with a fan only vote All-Star game?

(11:40) - Will the Cubs add to the team next offseason if the MLB salary cap is frozen?

(21:45) - Should Cubs fans be excited about the season?

(24:15) - Is Rizzo the greatest 1st basemen in Cubs history

(27:40) - Could the Cubs have gotten Justin Verlander?

The Outside the Ivy crew explores ways to start the season Apr 09, 2020

Show notes

In for David Kaplan, Jeff Nelson is joined by Luis Medina, Danny Rocket, and Michael Cerami of Outside the Ivy as they discuss creative ways Major League Baseball can start its season, how has this impacted baseball fans everywhere, and will the new rules the MLB will use will benefit new manager David Ross.

(1:20) - Staying busy with no baseball to talk about

(8:00) - How will David Ross manage in his 1st year?

(14:00) - How can baseball start without fans?

(21:20) - Electronic strike zones possibility

(27:00) - Mic'ing players up who would sit in the stands

What does a shortened season mean for Chicago baseball in 2020? Apr 08, 2020

Show notes

Filling in for host David Kaplan, NBCS Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer is joined by White Sox beat writer Vinnie Duber to discuss Major League Baseball trying to find ways to start the season. But what are the issues they have to consider before starting? Gordon and Vinnie discuss those issues including a possible shortened season and what these issues could mean for a re-tooling Cubs team and a rebuilding White Sox team.

(2:48) - What are the possible benefits with starting the season in Arizona for Cubs/Sox

(9:55) - Could a DH be used in the NL & AL this year?

(17:55) - Did the Cubs benefit by not giving out large extensions this off season?

(24:00) - Nico Hoerner can benefit from a shortened season

(29:00) - Is the winning window for the Cubs still open due to a shortened season?

Did the Cubs have the greatest game 7 of all time? Apr 03, 2020

Show notes

The 2016 Cubs World Series win was as epic a game 7 as any, but was it the greatest game 7 ever? Host David Kaplan is joined by NBCS Cubs insider Gordon Wittenmyer as they debate the Cubs World Series win.

(1:50) - Is it an overreaction to say the Cubs World Series win was a great game?

(5:45) - Does the importance of the Cubs winning make it the greatest ever?

(8:20) - Comparisons to other game 7s across sports

Best Cubs position player since 2000 tournament Apr 01, 2020

Show notes

In for host David Kaplan, Jeff Nelson, Tim Stebbins, and Nate Poppen discuss and rank the best position players for the Cubs since the year 2000 in an NCAA style tournament. Did your favorite make the cut?

(2:01) - Rankings 1-16

(7:00) - (5) Alfonso Soriano vs (12) Sammy Sosa

(14:40) - (3) Kris Bryant vs (14) Jason Heyward

(22:26) - (2) Javier Baez vs (15) Giovanni Soto

(33:58) - The tournament final

Gordon Wittenmyer joins David Kaplan for his first Cubs Talk Podcast Mar 27, 2020

Show notes

David Kaplan is joined by NBC Sports Chicago's new Cubs Insider, Gordon Wittenmyer. They discuss where it all went wrong for cubs pitching and what the 2020 team vibe was like when Gordon was with them at Spring Training in Arizona.

2:50- Vibe at Cubs Spring Training before it was suspended

4:30- Was getting rid of Joe Maddon the right choice?

12:50- Do the Cubs need to make a move to get under the luxury tax?

Cubs mailbag: Kap has the answers his fans have been waiting for Mar 25, 2020

Show notes

As the pause on baseball continues, host David Kaplan takes to Twitter and answers fan questions. Kap discusses everything from his starstruck interview to the season suspension and Kris Bryant’s contract. Follow Kap on Twitter @thekapman to send him your questions for future mailbag episodes.

(1:48) Ernie Banks Interview

(8:40) If Kap could pick a statue at Wrigley what would it be?

(12:08) Kris Bryant’s contract

(14:32) Why do the Cubs keep holding onto Kyle Schwarber?

Memorable Cubs moments from Cubs fans Mar 20, 2020

Show notes

As baseball takes a pause on the season, Jeff Nelson, Nate Poppen, and Tim Stebbins discuss their favorite memories of Cubs baseball to lightened up the mood. Later on, they discuss the Bulls Rewind on NBCS Chicago and discuss a 23 returning to Cubs baseball, hall of famer Ryne Sandberg.

(1:30) - Response to David Kaplan on his favorite shortstops in Chicago baseball history

(3:50) - Small memories that make Cubs fans smile

(8:00) - Cubs vs White Sox series

(17:20) - Michael Jordan un-retires and Ryne Sandberg un-retires

(24:00) - Reliving other great Cubs moments

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