Recapping a Cubs series win that also was a missed opportunity

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 what excites him about working with him again. The second year hitting coach provides more insight on Michael Busch, who he worked with in 2020 at the Dodgers’ alternate site during the COVID season. Later in the podcast, Kelly breaks down some swing adjustments for Canario, a fun Patrick Wisdom anecdote and what it’s like working with new manager Craig Counsell.Menaker and Martínez assess Spring Training as the Cubs’ time in Arizona nears an end, including their impressions of Counsell and what the rotation could look like to start the season.

21 Mars 202425min

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.

18 Mars 202421min

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 about his favorite pitch from a pitcher in the Cubs’ system. To wrap up the pod, Menaker and Martinez discuss the Spring Breakout game, Jameson Taillon’s injury and the impact that’ll have on the Cubs’ rotation.

14 Mars 202427min

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.

11 Mars 202425min

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 non-roster players in camp. Plus, how some of the changes Counsell has made are paying dividends and the one player that has impressed the most in camp.

7 Mars 202429min

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 in 2024.Plus, the ceiling for this Cubs offense and other top storylines from camp, including some intriguing bullpen developments.

29 Feb 202425min

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. Menaker and Martínez discuss some of the roster questions the Cubs are facing, including their center fielder and fourth outfielder, Christopher Morel at third base and more.

22 Feb 202427min

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 update on Bellinger's situation and how are the Cubs pivoting as he remains a free agent? Hoyer left the door open for potentially more additions to the roster but the Cubs are also banking on internal improvements. Who are some players that could take the next step in 2024? Plus, are external projections for win totals for the Cubs accurate?

15 Feb 202428min