Cubs Weekly

The injuries just keep coming for the Cubs. Cody Bellinger, Kyle Hendricks and Drew Smyly are all on the IL now and young players like Alexander Canario, Matt Mervis and Pete Crow-Armstrong will have to step up for the team.Yet, the Cubs just keep right on winning. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki analyze the aftermath of the Cubs' recent string of injuries and what comes next for the team. Plus, former Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler stops by to chat about what he's seen from Hendricks during the early-season struggles and how players inside an MLB clubhouse react and deal with injuries to key players. Fowler also reminisces on 2016 memories, including how that team bonded as a group and why they were able to carry that chemistry onto the field.

The Cubs wrapped up a tough - but successful - road trip in which they went 5-4 against a trio of playoff contenders.Joe Girardi joins Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki to dissect the road trip and how it can be a galvanizing stretch for a group that has been ravaged by injuries lately.What comes next for the Cubs with Seiya Suzuki expected to miss a month? What has been the key behind Christopher Morel's turnaround defensively? Our panel analyze these topics and more, including Kyle Hendricks' early season struggles and why Héctor Neris is so important to this ballclub.

Ryan Sweeney joins the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki about the team's tough loss in San Diego on Monday and how the group turns the page after such a game. The panel also chats about encouraging signs from the first couple weeks of the season, including Craig Counsell's impact, Ben Brown's first few outings and Michael Busch's emergence in the lineup.Plus, the ripple effects from Julian Merryweather's injury and how the Cubs manage their bullpen over the next couple months.

The first week of the 2024 Cubs season is in the books and we've seen the Craig Counsell effect already. Our panel of Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki explain how the new skipper is impacting the team early in the schedule and also analyze the ripple effects of the Justin Steele injury. Plus, the plan for Ben Brown, the Christopher Morel Experience at third base and Nick Madrigal proving his worth in the early going.Martínez and Andracki also explain why the lineup and rotation have impressed so far while also previewing the big weekend series with the Dodgers in town that will draw attention from around the world.

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.