North Side Territory: A Chicago Cubs Podcast

After exchanging extension proposals around the start of the season, Cubs officials and Pete Crow-Armstrong’s camp decided to hold off and focus on the season. What went into that decision? Who are the comps for Crow-Armstrong? And how did each side feel the process was handled? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer those questions and discuss another bullpen meltdown in the late...

The bad news coming out of Dodger Stadium overshadowed the Cubs winning two of three games against the defending World Series champs. All-Star pitcher Justin Steele is scheduled to undergo major surgery. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have the latest information from the team’s current West Coast trip, including insights into Steele’s situation and how the rotation plans are taki...

With the Cubs on the West Coast, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from fans about what’s next. The Athletic writers have the latest from Dodger Stadium on Justin Steele and how his injury could force the team to scramble. Will Jed Hoyer’s front office be more aggressive ahead of the trade deadline? Are there any standouts at Triple-A Iowa? And what is the buzz around Cade Horton?...

A good start has been interrupted by the injury news regarding an All-Star pitcher. Still, the Cubs are in decent shape after the season’s first homestand at Wrigley Field. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic give you their latest information, more insight on Matt Shaw and a robust offense, and a preview of what could be a brutal West Coast trip.   Go to harrys.com/FOUL for a $3 Tria...

The impact of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 14-year, $500 million megadeal will be felt in Chicago as Kyle Tucker has already started to put together a potential monster season. The Blue Jays finally locking up a star with a contract extension will put more pressure on the Cubs. After the club enjoyed a very good opening weekend at Wrigley Field, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney sit down...

Shota Imanaga again pitched like an ace in the franchise’s 150th home opener. Kyle Tucker continues to show why he might be the sport’s No. 1 free agent next winter. The closer situation is becoming a thing. Ten games into the season, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic discuss the team’s emerging identity as well as the sights and sounds in Wrigleyville. Two easy ways to support the...

The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney dig into the franchise’s situation, which has impacted the rebuild the Cubs once refused to call a rebuild. Why does the franchise with the third-highest revenue in Major League Baseball spend like an ordinary team? How did so many National League teams surpass the Cubs in this area? With the gates reopening for another season at Wrigley Field, a lo...

After a circuitous road trip to start the season, the Cubs return to Wrigley Field with some momentum and the type of player they’ve been lacking in recent seasons. The home opener will be a chance for Tucker to take in the Friendly Confines and learn more about what it’s like to play in Chicago. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get into the impact of Tucker’s hot start, what they’...

After their disappointing showing in the Tokyo Series, the Cubs restarted their regular season with a much-needed win over the Diamondbacks. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney from Phoenix, where the Cubs showed attention to detail and some of the little things that can add up over the course of a 162-game season. Plus panic meters for Justin Steele and Ryan Pressly, and the Cody B...

The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney sit down for the insiders’ look at how this year could unfold in Wrigleyville. Who’s on the hot seat? What are the names you need to know? Which team is becoming the true rival within the division? All that and more predictions in this season-preview show. Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/FOUL ! #trueclassicpod Two e...

The Cubs wrapped up spring training with a series of roster decisions and an 0-2 record in real games. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, The Athletic’s Cubs beat writers, bring you the latest from Arizona, where Justin Steele will try to get back on track against the Diamondbacks. Why is Ben Brown making the rotation such a big deal? And is it too soon to start second-guessing Craig Counsell’s li...

With the Tokyo Series behind them, the Cubs are already back to work in Arizona. Looking ahead, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down a brutal schedule to start the season, the latest on Nico Hoerner, and some more roster maneuvering. Also, have you seen what Cam Smith is doing in Houston’s camp? Cubs fans and the Chicago media will be talking about the Kyle Tucker trade for...

It wasn’t an accident that the Cubs were picked for the Tokyo Series. While the Dodgers are still the preeminent team in Japan, the Cubs have spent years building up their international presence, which has already paid off with the signings of Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga. How did Yu Darvish give the Cubs credibility in this space? And who are some of the next players positioned to make a jump t...

The Cubs’ opener was a little sloppy and kind of boring, but this event is truly more than just a game. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney from Japan, where it feels like Shohei Ohtani is everywhere and the atmosphere is electric. How the Cubs come out of this international trip will be telling. Visit MINTMOBILE.com/Territory to shop premium wireless plans starting at 15 bucks a mo...

Craig Counsell has made it clear from the start of spring training that the Cubs are going to use their Japan trip as a bonding experience. Finally here and close to playing games, that's exactly what they've done early on. Sahadev Sharma shares what the team has done to grow closer, then answers questions about the Cubs pursuit of more pitching depth, whether there is concern for some poor pitchi...

And so has Sahadev Sharma, who’s on the ground in Tokyo, joining Patrick Mooney ahead of a showcase event for Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball. The Athletic writers wrap up Phase 1 of spring training, dig into more roster decisions and describe the vibes around the team. The Cubs are genuinely excited for Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, and looking forward to the electric atm...

After a few twists and turns, the Cubs landed on bringing their top prospect to Japan and almost certainly making him a big part of their Opening Day roster. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss all the roster ramifications and how things set up for the Tokyo Series. How much does the club believe in Rule 5 draft pick Gage Workman? And what to make of Brad Keller’s spring showi...

As Opening Day comes into focus, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from listeners. Once again, the Cubs’ spending pattern is a topic of conversation for fans, media and even people who work for the team. Would winning the division this year change the financial equation? Or are there larger forces at play? Turning their attention back to the field, The Athletic writers also get in...

Spring training has largely gone according to plan for a Cubs team that has high expectations. But those vibes are always subject to change. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the roster discussions before the Cubs soon leave for Japan. One pitcher in particular has opened eyes and likely forced his way onto the roster while third base, the No. 5 starter and the final benc...

The dynamic center fielder known as “PCA” is an elite defender with a lot of self-awareness and some interesting hairstyles. How good can he be? And should the Cubs push to sign him to a long-term contract extension right now? Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic weigh the risks and the rewards with those types of deals, and analyze what the front office and the player’s side are thin...

In an intriguing development on Chicago’s South Side, billionaire investor Justin Ishbia could be in line to take over the White Sox and reimagine that crosstown franchise. Jon Greenberg, The Athletic columnist who first broke this story, gives Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney the inside scoop. From an infusion of new money to a potential stadium project to future TV opportunities, the rivalry wo...

What if Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw aren’t ready for the Tokyo Series? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the roster options and ponder what this lineup could look like against the mighty Dodgers. Plus more on why Kevin Alcántara is opening eyes in camp, what ownership wants out of the front office (if changes are coming), and the best and worst parts of covering spring tra...

With two weeks until the team is scheduled to leave for Japan, the Cubs are closely monitoring their pitchers and thinking about the shape of the Opening Day roster. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic keep you updated with the latest from spring training in Arizona. Sharma shares some new and exclusive information about Ben Brown’s mysterious injury last season, which now appears to...

This is a smaller move that could have a much bigger impact. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down where the 40-year-old fits in the lineup, how his postseason experience can influence the clubhouse and why Cubs players are so excited about the addition. Plus a look back at the 2021 deadline now that Alexander Canario, a prospect from the Kris Bryant trade, has been designate...

The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney field questions from listeners and give answers with insights collected at the start of spring training. Is there a disconnect between Seiya Suzuki and Craig Counsell? Does ownership trust the front office to make long-range decisions? In a pivotal year, the entire organization has a lot to prove. Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by...