The word of the day is "redemption" for the Chicago Cubs. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki break down the Cubs' big series win over the Giants and how they got to that point, including clutch performances from Kyle Hendricks and Dansby Swanson. The offense is showing signs of life, the starting rotation continues to excel but the bullpen has been a pain point, especially lately. Martínez and Andracki analyze where the Cubs go from here with the bullpen, including potential pitchers in the...

On the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast, Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki address the biggest issues facing the Chicago Cubs over the last month-plus. When is it time for fans to panic and when does it stop being "too early" to draw conclusions about a team? Our podcast duo drills down on the Cubs' offensive inconsistencies, the bullpen concerns, the collective fielding slump and how all aspects of the game are intertwined. Plus, what are the solutions for the Cubs and can Jed...

Former big-league catcher and manager Joe Girardi drops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast for a chat on the Wintrust Crosstown Series and a refreshing attitude from the current players on the rivalry. Girardi shared some of his best pranks as a manager and his memories of Ryne Sandberg, plus his overall thoughts on the 2024 Cubs during the first two months of the season. Girardi and Tony Andracki also break down the lineup's up-and-down nature, Christopher Morel's underlying metrics, the Cubs...

Rookie pitcher Ben Brown stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast for a conversation about his big-league career to date, including his historic start Tuesday night in Milwaukee. Brown touched on a variety of topics from the unique ways he works to recover and keep himself healthy to the players that have had an impact on him early in his career and the advice they've shared that has stuck. Plus, Taylor "Queen of BABIP" McGregor and Tony Andracki break down the Cubs' offensive struggles in May...

The Chicago Cubs are moving Kyle Hendricks to the bullpen, creating a bit of an awkward situation around a veteran who has pitched so many big games for the franchise in the last decade-plus. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki analyze the move and what it means for the rest of the Cubs pitching staff. Plus, what will the team do to fix the slumping offense and what can Luis Vázquez provide the big-league club? All that and more, including information on the plan for Pete Crow-Armstrong and...

The Cubs are playing a game of Jenga with their bullpen lately, searching for any combination of healthy arms that doesn't cause the precarious structure to topple.   Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki are joined by former pitcher Sean Marshall to discuss the potential avenues for how the Cubs can resolve their bullpen concerns and what the team can do to rise above the insane number of injuries it is facing right now.   Plus, Marshall provides his thoughts on Shota Imanaga's incredible...

It was a big week for the Cubs as they welcomed back both Justin Steele and Cody Bellinger from the IL while Seiya Suzuki is not far behind. Our panel of Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki analyze what Bellinger's return means for the Cubs lineup, how the team's rotation has been performing lately - particularly Shota Imanaga - and what to make of the bullpen. Plus, Doug Glanville stops by the podcast to provide his takeaways from the first 6 weeks of the Cubs season. He also shared stories...

The Cubs had the most wins in an April since 2016 while dealing with plenty of adversity. The team has put up a successful month despite everything and the Cubs Weekly Podcast breaks it all down. As the calendar turns to May, the Cubs face offensive and defensive struggles, seven players on the injured list but continue to churn out wins. Andy Martínez and Cliff Floyd discuss the effect manager Craig Counsell has had in leading the Cubs to success amidst all that. The pair discuss the way...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...