Recapping a slow, yet impactful trade deadline
The trade deadline came and went with the Cubs making just three moves — trading for Nate Pearson, Isaac Paredes and minor leaguers Ben Cowles and Jack Neely and sending out Mark Leiter Jr., Christopher Morel, Hunter Bigge and three minor-leaguers. Elise Menaker and Andy Martínez broke down the three deals and why the Cubs were relatively quiet this deadline and whether or not the team is punting on 2024.The crew broke down why Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer executed the deals he did and if they were successful in accomplishing their goals of building for 2025 and beyond. While the Morel trade might have been a bit of a shock, Menaker and Martínez discussed why the Cubs were OK parting ways with him and what made Paredes such a target for the Cubs.They discuss why the Cubs didn’t move players like Jameson Taillon, Héctor Neris and Drew Smyly and how Neely could factor into the equation for the Cubs down the stretch.
1 Aug 202425min
Breaking down the Cubs' fascinating - and surprising - deadline moves
Many around baseball expected the Cubs to be sellers at the 2024 MLB trade deadline but their first 2 moves actually enhanced the big-league roster.From the Christopher Morel for Isaac Paredes deal to acquiring pitcher Nate Pearson, the Cubs have improved their roster for 2024 and also beyond. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki break down the moves, why the Cubs dealt away Morel and how Paredes represents a clear upgrade at third base. Plus, what are the Cubs getting in Paredes and Pearson?
29 Juli 202421min
Threading the needle
The Cubs are in an interesting position entering the 2024 MLB trade deadline. What should they do? Joe Girardi, Taylor McGregor, Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki discuss all the options in front of the Cubs and how they see things playing out for Jed Hoyer's front office. Our panel also reacts to Hoyer's public comments about his approach to the deadline, break down the homestand (including a tough series against the Brewers) and weigh in on what players could be traded away from Chicago. Plus, Girardi provides a perspective as a former manager on how players and teams handle the trade deadline rumors inside the clubhouse.
25 Juli 202426min
Behind the Cubs' 2024 MLB Draft
Vice president of scouting Dan Kantrovitz joins the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with Lance Brozdowski and Tony Andracki about the team's 2024 MLB Draft.From top pick Cam Smith to 2nd-rounder Cole Mathis to some surprises along the way, Kantrovitz explains the Cubs' approach to this year's Draft and how it played out for the organization. Plus, we look back on past drafts, as Kantrovitz analyzes the careers of former 1st-rounders Matt Shaw and Cade Horton plus other scouting "wins" in the organization in recent years.
18 Juli 202423min
A unique perspective on the state of baseball
Journeyman pitcher Dan Straily joined Lance Brozdowski on the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast. Straily is a veteran pitcher currently pitching for the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate in Iowa.The former Cub was part of several big trades in franchise history - once acquired in the Jeff Samardzija/Addison Russell deal with the Oakland A's and later traded for Dexter Fowler.Straily chats about the place analytics has in baseball today, how he has seen the sport change over this 15-year career and what he would adjust if he were the MLB commissioner.
17 Juli 202425min
Sutcliffe, Sandberg, Shota and Steele
Former Cy Young winner Rick Sutcliffe stopped by the Cubs Weekly Podcast with hosts Tony Andracki and Andy Martínez. The “Red Baron” reflected on Ryne Sandberg’s new statue unveiled at Gallagher Way. Sutcliffe shared stories about his former teammate, including car rides to Wrigley Field and spending time in meetings with Lou Piniella after their playing days ended.The 1979 Rookie of the Year then discussed this year’s team — including what he’s thought of rookie phenom Shota Imanaga and who it reminds him of. Later in the pod, Sutcliffe shares a fun story about Justin Steele ahead of his first career complete game and a behind-the-scenes anecdote with Ian Happ.
11 Juli 202425min
A historic moment
Elise Menaker joins Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki on the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast to discuss her career journey to this point and being a part in a historic Cubs broadcast on Marquee. Plus, why does it feel like every Cubs game is Groundhog Day right now? What does the offense do to get out of this 2-month-long funk? Our panel analyzes the recent stretch and what to make of this team over halfway into the season.
4 Juli 202427min
Assessing the 2024 Cubs at the midpoint
As the Cubs reach the midpoint in the 2024 season, the Cubs Weekly Podcast tries to answer a critical question — is this who the Cubs are? Andy Martínez and Joe Girardi discuss what the Cubs can do to right the ship. The pair break down some of the Cubs’ offensive woes and how a good stretch can help turn a team.Girardi offers some insight of the benefits and downsides of trying to fire up a team by throwing things or yelling. The duo also discusses Ryne Sandberg’s statue, his legacy in Chicago and Girardi’s memories playing with the Hall of Famer.Later in the podcast, the pair discuss Kyle Hendricks’ resurgence, the role Miguel Amaya played in it and what moving on from a veteran like Yan Gomes can do to a team. Girardi offers some insight on Pete Crow-Armstrong’s struggles at the plate and what he can do to turn around his game offensively.
27 Juni 202428min
