The Cubs are back home, and James Neveau and Peter Marzano are breaking down their recent West Coast road trip. Series victories over Seattle and Arizona are broken down, as is the performance of the team's starting rotation and bullpen amid a series of injury concerns (1:15). The guys then discuss the latest on Kyle Hendricks' poor start to the year, and debate how much wiggle room the veteran hurler has (10:00). Injury woes mount as Seiya Suzuki hits the IL, but which Cubs injury poses the biggest issue to the team (20:04)? Finally, Peter and James break down Michael Busch's strong April, and whether he can continue his hot hitting (28:30).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the team's 5-1 homestand, with big wins over the Rockies and Dodgers (1:00). They evaluate the team's plate approach so far this season, and heap praise on Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki and other contributors (4:00). The guys also discuss Shota Imanaga's first two starts, and how the team's pitching has been a key to their success (11:00). Injuries are still impacting the Cubs, with updates on Patrick Wisdom, Julian Merryweather and Jameson Taillon emerging this weekend (16:00). Finally, the guys talk about Shane Bieber and Spencer Strider's injuries, and how the Cubs should approach their pitching development amid an uptick in injuries to pitchers (19:40).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On a special edition of Cubs Talk, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau are live from Wrigley Field ahead of Opening Day. They discuss the Cubs' rotation after Justin Steele's injury, and break down the opening series against the Rangers. They also discuss Shota Imanaga's debut, Christopher Morel's hot start and the opening homestand against the Rockies and Dodgers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The wait is over! Dive into the ultimate breakdown of the 2024 Cubs season with the Cubs Talk Podcast! Join James Neveau and Peter Marzano as they dissect every aspect of the team's potential triumph. From pitching prowess to batting brilliance, they leave no base untouched (2:30). Expect heated debates on strategic decisions and potential game-changers (15:37), plus bold predictions on homerun kings and divisional domination (20:45).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Nate Poppen react to Craig Counsell's decision to include Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad in the team's Opening Day rotation. They set their expectations for both hurlers and share insight on why Assad nabbed the last job over Drew Smyly. The guys also discuss Shota Imanaga amid a strikeout-filled spring, and give their take on what they expect him to produce in his first Major League season. James and Nate also chat about Seiya Suzuki's hot spring and whether he can carry that into the season, and finally talk about the startling news surrounding Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau talk to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune about all the latest happenings in Mesa. Meghan breaks down the latest injury news on Jameson Taillon (4:53), and evaluates the Cubs' options as they look to put together their 2024 rotation (13:18). Later, the crew discusses which players have stood out this spring, including the role Michael Busch could play on the squad and where he fits into the Cubs' lineup. Finally, Craig Counsell takes center stage, as Meghan reveals insight into his approach to managing, and why he may be just what the Cubs need to take steps forward in the new campaign (20:30).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss Cody Bellinger's debut at Spring Training and the plan for him this season (1:07). Later on in the pod, they break down the Cubs prospects they are keeping an eye on including Alexander Canario, Owen Caissie and the biggest question mark of them all, Pete Crow-Armstrong (11:43). Leila and James dives into the injuries that are challenging the Cubs depth (27:20) and finally, they ask themselves what happened to David Bote (31:50).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On a new Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Peter Marzano and Nate Poppen discuss the implications of Cody Bellinger's signing with the Cubs and how the deal got done (1:09). Later, they discuss Jed Hoyer's relationship with Scott Boras and his clients and how players' relationships with the teams are continuing to decline (7:26). Finally, the trio discusses the Cubs' bullpen and the need for a left-hander (17:00).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On a special episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the return of Cody Bellinger. The duo chats about the structure of the deal, what it tells us about Jed Hoyer's negotiating and spending habits, and how they feel the process played out. The guys also get into what impacts it could have on the team's roster, including on the futures of Matt Mervis, Pete Crow-Armstrong and many others.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On a new Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss and break down Cubs owner Tom Ricketts' media availability. They discuss the most glaring statements made by Ricketts (1:15), react to his comments about Cody Bellinger's free agency situation (8:54), and discuss the Cubs' lack of spending on free agents (13:45). They also discuss which players they are watching in spring training (31:30). All that and more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cubs Spring Training is set to begin and to get you prepped and ready the Cubs Talk crew is joined by NBC 5 Sports anchor Mike Berman from Scottsdale, Arizona. The crew discusses new manager Craig Counsell's impact on the team so far (1:00), how will he manage the bullpen (10:16) and the young players like Pete Crow-Armstrong (13:40). They also dive into if the Cubs are missing Cody Bellinger and if the Cubs would look into bringing in Matt Chapman (24:48) and much more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA projections for the 2024 Cubs. Do they buy the Cubs as an 80-win team, and are they really second-best behind the Cardinals in the National League Central? Should Shota Imanaga and Hector Neris give them more of a boost? They discuss those questions, and also evaluate whether it's time to throw a bag of money at Cody Bellinger ahead of spring training, with the center fielder still on the market. Finally, the guys pick their favorite Cubs promo items of the year, as Pat Hughes and Christopher Morel both are immortalized in some unique ways.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano discuss the most recent free agent signings and what it means for the Chicago Cubs. They break down Rhys Hoskins signing with the Brewers (:30). They also lament the Cubs missing out on relief pitcher Robert Stephenson (10:00) and why they DFA’d Codi Heuer (15:48). Later, they examine the latest news about the Hall of Fame class and the players that were snubbed (27:27). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On a post-convention edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi, Peter Marzano and James Neveau welcome Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times to talk about the North Siders. Cody Bellinger's future is first up to bat, with Shota Imanaga's pitch arsenal and potential adjustments to big league life next up. The group discusses the ongoing trade flirtations between the Guardians and Cubs over Emmanuel Clase, and then dives into how Craig Counsell will run the ship now that he's in the Chicago dugout. Finally, Pete Crow-Armstrong takes center stage, with Maddie breaking down his place on the roster pending the Bellinger decision, and how he's approaching his 2024 season.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On a special "THEY FINALLY DID A THING" edition of Cubs Talk, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Nate Poppen break down the reported signing of Shōta Imanaga (00:33). They examine how his pitch arsenal could play in the big leagues and if they have any concerns before wrapping up with a quick chat about how his contract could allow the Cubs additional flexibility in free agency. Later, they discuss the Cubs Convention's lineup poster, which drew plenty of attention on social media (18:11). Finally, they update their thoughts on how the Cubs can make their offseason a success, and which players are key to that effort (28:29).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It may be 2024, but things are feeling an awful lot like 2023 for the Cubs, as Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Peter Marzano talk about the lack of action on the free-agent market for the North Siders. The trio talks about some minor league pitching signings, including Colten Brewer, but also discusses what avenues the Cubs still have to potentially add impact pieces. They also look at pitching coach Tommy Hottovy's wishlist and the realistic options the team has to fulfill those requests.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the Cubs' continued quiet offseason. With the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees adding outfielders, are the Cubs the best fit for Cody Bellinger, and how much could his contract cost? The trio also discusses other avenues for the Cubs' free agency plans and whether the team could still strike in the pitching market. Finally, the group addresses their New Year's resolutions for the Cubs as 2023 comes to a closeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cubs fans are understandably feeling a bit Scrooge-like this holiday season, with the team biding their time before making any sort of freea gent moves. Leila Rahimi, Peter Marzano, Nate Poppen and James Neveau discuss the team's quiet offseason and discuss whether they're making a mistake in not being more aggressive in negotiating with players like Cody Bellinger or Matt Chapman. Later, the quartet discusses the trade market and whether the Cubs need to focus on pitchers like Shane Bieber or available position players to bolster their roster. Finally, the Cubs Convention and the absence of panels involving the Ricketts family and Crane Kenney is up for debate, and the crew throws some humorous ideas out to potentially spice up the yearly fan festival. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, James Neveau, Peter Marzano and Nate Poppen react to Shohei Ohtani landing with the Dodgers. Are the Dodgers the team to beat in the National League? What should the Cubs' priorities be after missing out on the superstar? Is a reunion with Cody Bellinger now a priority, or should they transition to other options at first base? Finally, should they be in the market for top-flight pitching free agents? Those answers, and more on how the Cubs will react moving forward from Ohtani.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On a new Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau break down the news, or lack thereof, from baseball's winter meetings. With Shohei Ohtani still making a decision, the Cubs seemingly out on Juan Soto and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and still inquiring about Tyler Glasnow, there is plenty of uncertainty on the North Side, and the duo tries to make sense of an uneventful week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.