Cubs Talk Podcast

NBC Sports Chicago’s own Kelly Crull and videographer Scott Changnon recalled what All-Star week in the nations capitol was like from their point of view.

Where does MLB Network's Dan Plesac place the Cubs in his current power rankings and what's the key to their World Series dreams? Plus, which three star athletes mix to make Javier Baez? The conductor of the Big Blue train is back for a mid-summer breakdown of the Northsiders with Luke Stuckmeyer on this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast presented by Wintrust.

Kelly Crull spoke with both Javy Baez and Kyle Schwarber after an electric and entertaining show they put on at the 2018 Home Run Derby in Washington, DC.

David DeJesus, Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki discuss Kyle Schwarber’s bid for the Home Run Derby alongside teammate Javy Baez and explain why Cubs fans shouldn’t worry about the possible negative effects on either player’s swing. Will the Cubs have any tricks up their sleeves as Jon Lester and Willson Contreras watch their teammates swing for the fences? Plus, the crew discusses what they’d like t...

Luke Stuckmeyer and Matt Buckman are joined by Mick Gillispie, the voice of the Tennessee Smokies, to discuss Kris Bryant’s rehab stint and his thoughts on Bryant not making his 2nd consecutive All Star game. He also provides a scouting report on some very interesting pitching prospects on the AA team including Monday’s winning pitcher, Matt Swarmer.

David Kaplan, David DeJesus and Doug Glanville discuss what's next after Yu Darvish's latest setback.

Doug Glanville, David DeJesus and Tony Andracki discuss whether or not Javy Baez should enter the Home Run Derby in D.C. next month. His swing is built for it and he oozes swag, but could the event cause him to slump or wear down as the Cubs enter the stretch run toward the postseason?

Kelly Crull, Luke Stuckmeyer and Tony Andracki analyze the Cubs’ recent rash of injuries and what it means for the team moving forward. Is there a silver lining to Kris Bryant’s first career trip to the disabled list? Does Yu Darvish have a major mental hurdle to get over before he can return? Either way, it’s a good thing the season is only half over.

David Kaplan and Matt Buckman are joined by Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register to get the full scouting report on Duane Underwood Jr. ahead of his Major League Debut in Los Angeles. Birch talks about Underwood’s early innings struggles, his rise to the big leagues, his stuff, and of course his command which has left him at times this season.

The Cubs have been a different team the last six weeks, looking a lot more like the resilient bunch from 2016 than the sluggish 2017 squad that lacked energy. After some wacky circumstances Monday and a tough loss in Game 1 of Tuesday’s doubleheader, the Cubs came out and showed what they’re made of in the last two games of the series against the Dodgers, the team that knocked them out of postseas...

On the latest CubsTalk Podcast Scott Changnon and Tony Andracki discuss the state of the Cubs offense, the value of Javy Baez and Addison Russell and what it means now that the starting rotation looks to be finding its form.

The Cubs head to St. Louis this weekend firmly in second place in the National League Central after dropping 2 of 3 to the Brewers in Milwaukee where they didn’t score a run for the final 18 innings. What’s going on with the offense? Is it time to start panicking about the lack of power? What more does Mike Montgomery need to do to stick in the rotation? Kelly Crull, Jon Graff and Tony Andracki di...

JJ Stankevitz of NBC Sports Chicago and Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald look at an important week ahead for the Cubs with series in Milwaukee and St. Louis. They wonder if it really feels like the Cubs are a dozen games over .500 with 100 games left in the season.

Kelly Crull sits down with Jake Arrieta to discuss his emotions during his return to Wrigley Field. Jake talks about missing out on facing his former team and reuniting with all his buddies. Plus, Kelly chats with Brennen Davis, the Cubs' second round pick of the MLB draft.

A discussion with NBC Sports Chicago Cubs content braintrust Jeff Nelson, Scott Changnon, Nate Poppen, Jon Graff and Tony Andracki on how to consume the rest of the Cubs’ 2018 season with increased expectations surrounding the team. Is the Cubs fanbase spoiled? Is it OK for fans to ride the daily roller coaster even if players and coaches don’t?

A discussion with Doug Glanville, David DeJesus, Kelly Crull, Luke Stuckmeyer and Tony Andracki on how to consume the rest of the Cubs’ 2018 season with increased expectations surrounding the team. Is the Cubs fanbase spoiled? Is it OK for fans to ride the daily roller coaster even if players and coaches don’t?

Albert Almora Jr. joins Kelly Crull on the CubsTalk Podcast to weigh in on a variety of topics, including his budding bromance with rumored Cubs target Manny Machado, his expanded role and how he spends his time off away from the ballpark. Plus, Almora has a surprise pick for the organization’s unsung hero, stating the Cubs would’ve never won the World Series without this guy.

Luke Stuckmeyer, David Kaplan, and Doug Glanville break down a solid 4-2 road trip for the Cubs. Plus who would you rather have long-term: Bryce Harper or Manny Machado?

Siera Santos, Kelly Crull, and David DeJesus go into the audio archives to break down the biggest games for the Cubs in Cincinnati. David DeJesus gives us his top 3 ballgames with such gems as The Schwarber Game, The Kris Bryant Game, Starlin Castro’s debut, and Jake Arrieta’s 2nd no hitter.

David Kaplan, Chris Kamka and Tony Andracki discuss the latest rumors that the Cubs could emerge as frontrunners to trade for Manny Machado, but if any deal like that came to fruition, how could the Cubs reasonably part with Addison Russell for only a few months of Machado? The panel debates whether the Cubs should take the risk or not and if there would be some possible way to acquire Machado wit...

Kelly Crull and Tony Andracki break down the Cubs’ 5-2 homestand where they easily could’ve gone 7-0. As the team heads on a road trip to Atlanta and Cincinnati, Kelly and Tony weigh in on the underlying problems that face the 2018 Cubs and could spell doom down the line if they aren’t corrected. On a positive note, the offense looked fantastic the whole week at Wrigley with Willson Contreras, Kri...

In honor of the Crosstown Classic, Chuck Garfien and David Kaplan are joined by Ozzie Guillen and David DeJesus to discuss the Cubs-White Sox series. Guillen and DeJesus tell stories of their playing days, what their crosstown experience was like, and share their favorite memories. Guillen also recalls a radio incident with Mike North of 670 The Score at the time after a crosstown game in May 2007...

The Cubs swept the Marlins at Wrigley Field scoring double-digits in two of the three wins. David Kaplan, Jeff Nelson, and Tony Andracki break down the much needed home cooking and look ahead to the Crosstown showdown with the White Sox.

The Cubs were just swept in a weekend series in St. Louis, with the last two games coming on walk-off home runs. This is easily the lowest point in the 2018 season, with breakdowns in every facet of the game, including head-scratching defensive woes and an anemic offense that hasn't hit well for two weeks. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times joins Tony Andracki on the CubsTalk Podcast to br...

David Kaplan hosts this episode alongside David DeJesus and Jeff Nelson. The guys talk about the incredible streak Cubs starting pitching has been on over the last week. Plus, what's up with Anthony Rizzo's struggles? Finally, they discuss the new dugouts at Wrigley.