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
Are the Cubs in their Redemption Era?
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 organization that can help out.Alex Cohen - the Triple-A Iowa Cubs broadcaster - also joins the pod to help shed a light on some intriguing pitchers in the minor leagues that could impact the Chicago bullpen at some point this year. Plus, what is the latest with outfield prospects Owen Caissie, Alexander Canario and Brennen Davis?
20 Juni 202427min
Searching for solutions
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 Hoyer's front office address needs at the trade deadline?
13 Juni 202427min
The slugging situation
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 catching situation and the one thing the team needs to do in order to make the playoffs.
6 Juni 202426min
Ben Brown and his 'angry' fastball
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 and how to balance expected statistics vs. what is actually happening on the field.
30 Maj 202425min
The Hendricks Conundrum
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 important injury updates.
23 Maj 202427min
A game of Jenga
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 start and how advice from his rookie season with the Cubs in 2006 can apply to young pitchers like Ben Brown and Hayden Wesneski.
16 Maj 202427min
Return to health
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 about his experiences with Craig Counsell during their playing days and how an unconventional bit of advice helped Ryan Dempster in his career and might be able to translate to helping Adbert Alzolay now.
9 Maj 202426min
