Recapping a Cubs series win that also was a missed opportunity

Craig Counsell was introduced as the 56th manager in Cubs franchise history Monday at Wrigley Field. What did we learn from the press conference? Chris Emma joins Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki on the Cubs Weekly Podcast to provide their main takeaways from the press conference.Topics include why Counsell chose the Cubs, first impressions of the new manager, how this pairing came to be and how Counsell can directly - and indirectly - impact the Cubs' position in the standings in 2024 and beyond.Plus, what comes next for the Cubs? There are many decisions to be made on Counsell's coaching staff at a time where player acquisition is also paramount during the offseason.

14 Nov 202335min

The Cubs have a new manager in Craig Counsell as the offseason kicks off and the Cubs Weekly Podcast broke it all down. Andy Martínez and Bruce Levine share why Jed Hoyer felt now was the time to pull the trigger and hire Counsell as their skipper. The pair discuss why the Cubs felt he was the right choice and how difficult it was to part ways with David Ross.Later in the podcast, the pair recap agent Scott Boras’ press conference, share some of his best one-liners and discuss the Cubs’ interest in Cody Bellinger. Levine offers some insight on the Cubs’ offseason plans. They also assess Christopher Morel’s move to first base in the Dominican Winter League.

9 Nov 202332min

A shocking managerial move leads to an emergency Cubs Weekly Podcast. Tim Stebbins and Tony Andracki break down the coaching swap as Craig Counsell is in and David Ross has been relieved of his duties as Cubs manager.Why did the Cubs make this move? What does this mean for the organization moving forward? How will this shake up the NL Central? Will the rest of the Cubs coaching staff be affected by the change? We analyze all the ripple effects of the aggressive move while Joe Girardi also lends his perspective as a former manager.

6 Nov 202331min

Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast, joining Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki to discuss how he's experiencing Chicago in the offseason, a chat on fantasy football and the Bears plus his approach to the winter.Taillon detailed his journey to the Cubs, from the No. 2 overall selection in the 2010 MLB Draft (just behind Bryce Harper and ahead of Manny Machado) to pitching in New York with Anthony Rizzo, who sang praises of what it's like to play for the organization.In a couple fun segments to finish off the podcast, Taillon builds the perfect Cubs pitcher from individual traits and then plays a new game called Best of 7.

1 Nov 202331min

Fans submitted their burning questions for the Cubs' 2023-24 offseason in the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast. Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki answer questions ranging from Cody Bellinger's future to top priorities for the Cubs this winter.Who are realistic free agent targets for the Cubs? What would a trade package for Pete Alonso or Juan Soto look like? How do the Cubs improve in clutch situations? Will Patrick Wisdom return in 2024?We answer these and more, including a rapid fire round of fun questions at the end of the podcast.

26 Okt 202357min

The MLB playoffs are heating up and there is much to learn from how October has played out. Is securing a first-round bye actually an advantage? Will the success of the Phillies and Rangers motivate other teams to be more aggressive in free agency to build their rosters?And there is one important lesson the Cubs could take away from this postseason in how the best lineups are constructed.Plus, where do Hayden Wesneski and Keegan Thompson slot in on the 2024 Cubs? And among the most intriguing position groups this offseason, here's why first base/center field and the bullpen are the units that bear watching the most over the winter.

19 Okt 202340min

The Cubs debuted plenty of rookies in 2023, including prospects like Jordan Wicks, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Daniel Palencia providing an interesting discussion: how does a team break young players into their roster while winning? Andy Martínez and Tim Stebbins discuss that on the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast. The pair analyze Crow-Armstrong’s debut and usage in his first few games at the big-league level. Later in the podcast, Martínez and Stebbins discuss Christopher Morel’s importance and where he could fit defensively in 2024. They also discuss Julian Merryweather’s role next season and the importance of the Cubs’ bullpen. The podcast wraps up with some postseason talk, including the NL Central’s struggles in the postseason of late and whether or not the playoff format is skewed against the top teams.

12 Okt 202341min

Bruce Levine joins the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki and answer the question about whether this 2023 season was a success or not.The panel also discusses what the offseason has in store for Cody Bellinger and whether or not he'll be back in 2024. Plus, the trio weighs in on the Cubs' support of David Ross and the resurgence of Kyle Hendricks.We also doled out 2023 Cubs season awards, including MVP, best moment and plenty more.

5 Okt 202346min