North Side Territory: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the latest news from Cubs camp, where Boyd returned after his stint with Team USA. The Athletic’s Cubs beat writers explain why naming the Opening Day starter was a relatively straightforward decision and what that means moving forward. Plus a look at Pete Crow-Armstrong’s World Baseball Classic highlight reel and how that can propel him tow...

As spring training continues and the World Baseball Classic entertains, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with some nuggets from their notebooks. Leading off, do the results in spring training matter for a Gold Glove shortstop with a $177 million contract? Actually, yes, to a degree, given the changes that Swanson made this offseason. Plus what to make of the latest o...

Is there another Brad Keller surprise in camp for the Cubs this spring? How would Nico Hoerner's ability to play shortstop impact the team's chances of extending him? What's the plan for Ben Brown? Sahadev empties the mailbag and answers these questions and more. Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team USA’s unbelievable collection of talent includes two Cubs stars who could play prominent roles in this global event. Alex Bregman and Pete Crow-Armstrong are constantly talked about, but this is a huge moment for both players, and a sign of Chicago’s progress over the last several years. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss Bregman’s influence on th...

What’s the current timeline for Justin Steele as the All-Star pitcher comes back from elbow surgery? And should you be concerned about Jameson Taillon and Shota Imanaga at this point? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have the latest information from Arizona, plus a look at how Michael Busch has finally filled the club’s post-Anthony Rizzo void at first base. For r...

The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with their roster projections and insights from the Arizona complex. Tyler Austin’s unfortunate injury and Michael Conforto’s arrival have somewhat changed the picture. How are the Cubs planning to start the season? At this point, their rotation appears to be healthy while at least one bullpen job seems to be up for grabs....

Spring training is fully underway, but the Cubs haven’t stopped making moves. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get you up to speed with the latest from Arizona, where the Cubs will be welcoming a one-time All-Star outfielder. Moisés Ballesteros has also arrived in camp after visa-related delays. Where does the rookie fit in now? Plus a look at Seiya Suzuki’...

The Tony Clark scandal hovered over spring training as union officials visited Cubs camp on Wednesday in Arizona. Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney with a full report from Mesa. The Athletic beat writers then give a very encouraging update on Cade Horton, who after an awesome rookie season already looks like a potential Cy Young Award contender and Game 1 playoff starter. Plus details on a subtr...

In what’s become an annual tradition, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts separately addressed the team and the Chicago media covering spring training in Arizona. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give Cubs fans the most important takeaways from that session with the club’s owner. How should Marquee Sports Network be judged at this point? What does the league’s TV fut...

What is Pete Crow-Armstrong working on this year? And how will Alex Bregman help the young star reach that next level? Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney with his early impressions from Arizona. The Athletic beat writers discuss the risk-reward approach to trying to change Crow-Armstrong’s game as well as Bregman’s influence within the clubhouse, which is already apparent. Follow Nort...

After the first formal workout for Cubs pitchers and catchers in Arizona, Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney for a rundown of the sights and sounds in Mesa. The Athletic beat writers capture the new expectations surrounding the team and wonder if we’ll see a different Craig Counsell this year (doubt it). Nevertheless, the Cubs manager made headlines with his preliminary plan for the ninth i...

After a rough stretch of Chicago winter filled with snow, ice and bone-chilling temperatures, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are looking forward to pitchers and catchers reporting to Arizona. The Athletic writers explain why the offseason still doesn’t feel over yet in February, what they’ll be paying attention to in Mesa and how the pitching staff will have to come together (or not...

Although another move or two could still be out there, the Cubs checked a lot of boxes this winter, adding to a roster that will be expected to win 90-plus games, a division title and multiple playoff rounds. With spring training right around the corner, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney hand out their offseason grades, reviewing what the Cubs got right and pointing out what c...

With so many good questions from listeners, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney broke up their latest mailbag into two parts. In this episode, the beat writers analyze the possibility of long-term deals for Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner, and outline the plans for Moisés Ballesteros. Plus, a rundown of some of their favorite interviews over the years at Wrigley Fiel...

With spring training rapidly approaching, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with a pitching-centric mailbag, answering questions from listeners about which free agents are still in play, how Craig Counsell will manage the bullpen and whether the Cubs will go with a six-man rotation. Listen all year round for the latest information from the North Side. See omnystudio.c...

As subzero weather grips Chicago, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are looking forward to spring training in Arizona and what’s next for the Cubs. In this episode, the two beat writers analyze the Peralta deal and what it means for the Brewers and the rest of the National League. Another Cooperstown election and the 10-year reunion of the 2016 World Series team prompts...

It could be nothing. But this is a front office that is always willing to listen, never viewing a player as untouchable. And the Cubs are clearly signaling that they’re not yet done with their offseason moves. So where does that leave Shaw and Hoerner now that the Cubs have a potential surplus of infielders after the addition of Alex Bregman? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick M...

Now that the Tucker saga has a predictable ending – the top free agent is heading to Dodger Stadium – The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give some insights into why the Cubs seemed to move on a long time ago. Closing Alex Bregman’s five-year, $175 million deal certainly took a lot of heat off the Cubs organization leading into its annual winter convention. But...

What an introduction to Chicago for the two-time World Series champion who purposely chose No. 3 for his new jersey. Yes, Bregman wants a third World Series ring to add to his collection. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the significance of this moment, how the five-year, $175 million deal came together and where Bregman is planning to make an impact, on and off the f...

On an electric night for Chicago sports fans, the Cubs reminded the city and the baseball world that they are still a big-market force, closing a five-year, $175 million deal with Bregman before the Bears roared back for a playoff victory over the Packers. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain why the Cubs have been so enamored with the All-Star third baseman and what Breg...

After trading for Edward Cabrera and upgrading their starting rotation, the Cubs have a clear need for another hitter and a genuine opportunity to level up their roster. With the free-agent market moving slowly, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain where the Cubs are at with Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker, analyzing their potential fits both on...

The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down all the angles to Chicago’s biggest offseason move thus far – what the Cubs see in Cabrera, why Owen Caissie was dealt to the Marlins and where the front office goes from here. For detailed scouting reports and behind-the-scenes insights, listen to North Side Territory all winter and throughout the season. See omnystudio...

Happy New Year from North Side Territory, the show that covers all the offseason angles involving the Cubs. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to sketch out what the Cubs might do now that Tatsuya Imai has decided to sign with the Astros. Look for certain names to resurface in free agency, and expect more trade rumors to pop up. Plus, an explainer on what the Cubs have...

The Imai sweepstakes ended with the Japanese pitcher picking an unexpected team and settling for a smaller contract than projected. The Astros took on some risk, but they could also be rewarded with a very good pitcher. Why didn’t the Cubs sign Imai? And where do they go from here? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break it all down on North Side Territory, the show for...

Looking ahead to a new season, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney see a playoff-caliber team that’s approaching a cliff. With so many key players close to reaching free agency – and questions about the farm system and the baseball budget – this should be a fascinating year around the Cubs. Who stays? Who goes? What’s different from the organization’s last cliff? And why do some of th...