Cubs Weekly

Dan Kantrovitz analyzes 2022 Draft

Cubs vice president of scouting Dan Kantrovitz drops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to dissect the organization's 2022 MLB Draft haul.  Lance Brozdowski and Tony Andracki chat with Kantrovitz about the run on pitching (16 of the 20 selections were pitchers), two-way players, the timing of the draft and how the pre-draft plan came to fruition. 

The path to LA

Elise Menaker, Andy Martinez and Tony Andracki chronicle the journey to the MLB All-Star game for a couple of Cubs - Ian Happ and Willson Contreras. Plus: An All-Star themed trivia question, takeaways from the series with Baltimore and where the Orioles are at in their rebuild and how Kyle Hendricks' injury affects the rotation. - (00:28) Trivia - (02:45) Ian Happ's All-Star journey - (10:03) Willson Contreras' path to L.A. - (15:23) Takeaways from Cubs' series with Orioles - ...

The wonder of Wrigley

The theme of this week's podcast is Wrigley Field, as two members of the "Friendly Confines" crew stop by to detail their day-to-day duties. Mira Emma, a groundscrew intern and an Iowa State soccer player, joins Elise Menaker for an interview on how she helps get the playing surface ready for the Cubs. Also, security guard Fabian De Hoyos chats with Andy Martinez about his sudden rise to fame after going viral during a broadcast last week. And then there was the defense of Wrig...

Making strides

Elise Menaker, Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez discuss all the latest surrounding the Cubs - particularly how young players are making strides toward the future. Topics include: - (00:35) A Kyle Hendricks trivia question - (06:54) A snippet from a new feature with Hendricks - (11:02) Nico Hoerner's incredible hot stretch - (16:15) Christopher Morel's growing pains - (22:24) Keegan Thompson's future in the rotation - (29:01) Our favorite stories of the week

Pitching decisions

The Cubs were forced to make a variety of tough pitching decisions this week, including optioning Adrian Sampson and top prospect Caleb Kilian down to the minors. Elise Menaker, Taylor McGregor and Tony Andracki discuss why the Cubs made each move and what comes next for the team. Plus, an All-Star voting update brought about some surprises - and some very unsurprising developments. The panel also provides injury updates and discusses how Nico Hoerner has proved all the doubters w...

Insight from Christopher Morel's minor league coach

Paul McAnulty - the hitting coach at Class-A South Bend in 2019 - joins the Cubs Weekly Podcast to discuss what Christopher Morel was like as a player coming up through the Cubs system and how the youngster morphed into a star rookie in the majors. Plus, Elise Menaker, Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez chat about the state of the Cubs' rotation - including Kyle Hendricks' return to the mound, Justin Steele's development and Caleb Kilian's second stint in Chicago. The panel also diss...

Young players to keep an eye on

Lance Brozdowski joins Elise Menaker and Tony Andracki on the Cubs Weekly Podcast. The trio discusses a host of young players in the organization, including Christopher Morel's breakout and Caleb Kilian's debut. Plus, what prospects have taken a leap this season? And who are some young players we might see in Chicago later this year following in the footsteps of Morel and Kilian? The panel also dissects Patrick Wisdom's adjustments at the plate and which Cubs players might be tick...

Christopher Morel's incredible start and checking in on Triple-A Iowa

It would be difficult to script a better first couple weeks for Christopher Morel in the major leagues. Elise Menaker, Tony Andracki and Iowa Cubs broadcaster Alex Cohen dissect Morel's hot start and how he has impacted the Chicago team. We also check in on how rehab assignments for David Bote and Alec Mills have gone in Iowa and updates on top prospects Caleb Kilian and Brennen Davis. Plus, who will be next to make the trip from Iowa to Chicago to help the big-league club? And ho...

Dan Plesac

The Conductor himself, Dan Plesac, stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with host Elise Menaker and Tony Andracki. The trio discusses the Cubs' recent stretch of quality play, Christopher Morel's staying power, Frank Schwindel's resurgence and a return to health by Nico Hoerner and Willson Contreras. Plus, who is next to get a statue outside Wrigley Field? And Plesac also weighs in on doubleheaders and his favorite Wrigley and Crosstown memories.

Fergie Day and Home Run Derby X

Fergie Jenkins' statue was unveiled at Wrigley Field this weekend and Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez provide their takeaways from the festivities, including what Billy Williams said. Plus, hear from Jenkins as he speaks to the crowd on hand and explains what the honor means to him. Also, Spencer Owen stops by Wrigley Field to detail his status as a Home Run Derby X Wild Card and how he is training to partner with Geovany Soto on the Cubs team in this summer's event.

Carlos Peña weighs in on the Cubs and a weird rule

Carlos Peña stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with host Cole Wright and Andy Martinez about the Cubs' recent play, including a an all-around team victory Monday night in San Diego. From Kyle Hendricks' dominant outing to a strange week for Frank Schwindel to Nico Hoerner's budding stardom, the trio dissect every aspect of the Cubs roster - complete with pop culture references. Plus, why are players not rewarded with an RBI if they drive in a run while grounding into a dou...

April lessons and favorite Crosstown memories with Sean Marshall

Sean Marshall joins Elise Menaker and Tony Andracki to chat about the top takeaways from the Cubs in the first month of the 2022 season. Marshall analyzes Marcus Stroman, Keegan Thompson, David Robertson and some other Cubs pitchers and provides his thoughts on this year's shortened Spring Training. Plus, the panel discusses favorite Crosstown memories, including Marshall's throwback to his playing days. Marshall, Menaker and Andracki also have a chat about the mental side of the...

Big test looming for 2022 Cubs

Baseball is weird. That is one of the main takeaways our Cubs Weekly Podcast panel (Elise Menaker and Tony Andracki) had from the 4-game set with the Pirates at Wrigley Field. Menaker and Andracki analyze a few key areas of the roster coming into focus - including the batting order and bullpen. Plus, reinforcements could be on the horizon and Keegan Thompson's breakout season. The Cubs' next 14 games are all against playoff contenders, so we will learn a lot about what this team i...

Assessing Cubs’ early offensive successes and Seiya Suzuki’s sizzling start

The Cubs split their road series with the Pirates and Rockies, with their offensive showings catching the eye of our panel — Elise Menaker and Andy Martínez. The pair discuss the hot start for the Cubs’ bats that ranks in the top 10 of baseball in many offensive categories and the showings of Patrick Wisdom and Frank Schwindel. Then, Menaker and Martínez breakdown Seiya Suzuki’s torrid start and what’s been most impressive so far.  Menaker and Martínez discuss the Cubs’ rotation a...

Opening Weekend takeaways and new prospect rankings

With the Cubs taking 2 of 3 from the Brewers in the first series of 2022, our panel (Elise Menaker, Tony Andracki and Lance Brozdowksi) discuss the top takeaways from the weekend. Topics include Seiya Suzuki's historic debut, the success of the rotation and surprising developments. Then, Brozdowski takes the group through his latest Top 25 Cubs prospect rankings, explaining why players slot in at each spot. Who made the biggest leap? Who is poised to shoot up the list in 2022 or b...

2022 preview and predictions plus a sit-down with Nick Madrigal

The 2022 MLB season is upon us! Our panel (Elise Menaker, Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez) previews the Cubs season and provides predictions on a variety of topics, including: -Favorite Spring Training moment -2022 Cubs breakout player -Under-the-radar players to keep an eye on -Who will lead the Cubs in homers? -Who will lead the Cubs in saves? -Biggest surprise of the season -Bold predictions -Must-watch series for the season Plus, Cubs second baseman Nick Madrigal stops ...

Suzuki, Contreras and other updates from Spring Training

Reporting from Mesa, Ariz., host Elise Menaker is joined by Bruce Levine and Tony Andracki to touch on all the latest updates from Cubs camp. From Seiya Suzuki's upcoming Cactus League debut to Willson Contreras' contract news to how the bullpen and pitching staff are shaping up, our crew discusses the most pertinent news.

Cubs make a splash in free agency and return of baseball

On this week’s edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast, Andy Martínez, Cole Wright and Bruce Levine discuss the news on the reported signing of Seiya Suzuki. Then the trio breakdown the newest additions to the roster, including Marcus Stroman, Wade Miley and Andrelton Simmons. The crew also discusses some injury updates and Levine gives some insight on additions to the Cubs roster, all while celebrating the return of baseball. 

Top Storylines of the 2021 Minor League Season and a conversation with Adbert Alzolay

On the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast, Elise Menaker and Lance Brozdowski have a makeshift draft of what they believe are the top storylines of the Cubs 2021 Minor League season. Plus, Cubs pitcher Adbert Alzolay and his wife sat down with Taylor McGregor to talk about his family, his journey to the major leagues and more.

Prospect rankings and 1-on-1 with Brennen Davis

On the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast, Lance Brozdowski joins to discuss his Top 20 Cubs prospect rankings, which is live now on MarqueeSportsNetwork.com. Brozdowski details how easy it was to choose No. 1 on the list (Brennen Davis) and also chats 1-on-1 with the young outfielder in Tennessee. Davis explains how he's adjusted to the jump from High-A to Double-A and his daily mental approach. Brozdowski and Tony Andracki break down the rest of the Top 20 prospect ranki...

Catching up with Frank Schwindel

Cubs first baseman Frank Schwindel stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with host Cole Wright and Tony Andracki. Topics include: -Schwindel's whirlwind 2021 season -What led to his immediate success in Chicago? -Interactions with Cubs fans -How he plays so loose and relaxed on the field -His favorite moment as a Cub -Goals for 2022 and beyond

Ed Howard on finding success and his support system back home in Chicago, plus a full onsite report from Class-A Myrtle Beach

On the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast, Elise Menaker and Lance Brozdowski debut an exclusive interview with Ed Howard in Class A Myrtle Beach. They also reflect on a conversation Lance had with Howard’s Mt. Carmel High School baseball coach, Brian Hurry, and reveal a special surprise Marquee put together for Howard’s interview. But before those sit-downs, Menaker and Brozdowski chat about Owen Caissie, Christian Franklin, DJ Herz and Jordan Nwogu. They discuss Caissie’s...

Navigating a strange weekend and a chat with Burl Carraway

It was a strange weekend for the Cubs as they were forced back to Chicago after more positive tests on the Cardinals. Elise Menaker filled in as host of the Cubs Weekly podcast and chats with Marquee Sports Network's digital contributor Andy Martinez on how the Cubs navigated the awkward weekend while Jed Hoyer and David Ross also reacted to the looting in Chicago.   Then, second-round pick Burl Carraway joined Tony Andracki and Lance Brozdowski to run down what his experience has...

Checking in from Arizona on Cubs prospects making improvements, adjustments

Lance Brozdowski checks in from Arizona with Andy Martínez to give the latest on some of the Cubs pitching prospects on this edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast. Brozdowski breaks down some of the adjustments that pitching prospects like Jordan Wicks, Caleb Killian and others have been working on in terms of pitch grips and mechanics. We also get the latest on some minor changes that 2020 1st round pick Ed Howard has been working on in his swing. Then, Brozdowski shares some of t...

Prospect talk with VP of Player Development Jared Banner

Cubs Vice President of Player Development Jared Banner joins Tony Andracki and Lance Brozdowski on this edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast. Banner discusses his new role, the Cubs' ongoing prospect camp in Arizona and some big picture concepts, including how the organization is making practice more difficult for players. Plus, Banner gets into detail on a slew of Cubs prospects including Brennen Davis, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Caleb Kilian, D.J. Herz and James Triantos.

A conversation with organizations making a difference

In a special Black History Month edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez have profound conversations with a pair of community leaders. LaVonte Stewart Sr., the Founding Executive Director of Lost Boyz Inc., joins Andracki to discuss his organization and how he uses baseball to make a difference in the lives of young kids in Chicago. Then, Tracy Abrams - the CEO of Chicago Positive Impact and former University of Illinois basketball star - joins Ma...

Kerry Wood

Cubs icon Kerry Wood joins the Cubs Weekly Podcast with Tony Andracki and Bruce Levine. The 1998 National League Rookie of the Year touches on a variety of topics, including: What role baseball plays in his life currently Signing with the Cubs as a 17-year-old Handling the national attention after the 20-strikeout performance Dealing with adversity of injuries How he was 20 minutes away from retiring in 2007 Best moments of his career Favorite teammates and coaches Leaving...

MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez on the international signing class

MLB.com's national baseball reporter Jesse Sanchez joins Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez on the Cubs Weekly Podcast to break down the organization's international signing class, headlined by Alexis Hernandez (brother of Cristian Hernandez). What should Cubs fans know about these prospects? The Cubs have notoriously been aggressive on the international market - how have they built up their development pipeline to help these prospects transition to the States? Plus, scouting report...

Former Cubs beat writer Bruce Miles joins the show

Bruce Miles covered the Cubs for over two decades and the veteran scribe joins the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez about his memories on the beat. From his first year in an eventful 1998 season to the Cubs heartbreak in 2003 to the magical fall of 2016, Miles was there to document every step of the way. He touches on some of his favorite managers to talk to, how the Cubs fanbase has changed over time and some of his most unforgettable moments. Plus...

GM Meetings recap and an interview with Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins

On the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast, Andy Martinez and Bruce Levine are on location and recap the GM Meetings. Then, they share their thoughts on the week, including a memorable road trip. The pair share what they think the Cubs' offseason will look like. Plus, Levine chats with Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins to go more in-depth on the Cubs' offseason.

Fall League action and Pat Hughes stops by

On the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast, Lance Brozdowski and Tony Andracki run down all the organizational news from Arizona as the Fall League gets underway. That included a visit to the Cubs complex from Brennen Davis, a recap of Nelson Velazquez's head-turning performance and a couple of interesting arms working along their development path. Brozdowski then chats with Cubs prospect Andy Weber, a utility infielder who is gaining some valuable experience in the AFL. Pl...

Storytime with Sutcliffe

Rick Sutcliffe drops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast for one of the most entertaining episodes ever alongside host Cole Wright and Tony Andracki. The 1984 NL Cy Young winner tells stories from his playing days, including: -An epic prank war with a well-known actor -What he told Theo Epstein in 2012 to make the Cubs president throw his phone against the wall -Why Dusty Baker was his favorite teammate -The wild adventure on the night he was traded to the Cubs -The first time he met Ro...

There's a new GM in town

The Cubs introduced their new general manager this week, Carter Hawkins. Cubs Weekly host Elise Menaker and Tony Andracki sum up the top takeaways from Hawkins' introductory press conference and explain how they think he fits in alongside Jed Hoyer in the front office. Plus, Menaker and Taylor McGregor detail their respective experiences doing in-game sideline reports throughout the 2021 season and all the challenges and changes that came with that role. Such topics include the imp...

'21 superlatives and an early look at '22

The Cubs Weekly Podcast panel ties a bow on the 2021 season, handing out superlatives. Host Elise Menaker, Bruce Levine and Tony Andracki offer their takes for the best moment of 2021, the biggest surprise, the most impactful roster move and more. Then, the trio turns its attention to the offseason and makes bold predictions for how the winter may play out for the Cubs, the top takeaways from the MLB postseason and early picks for 2022 breakouts.

Cubs 2021-22 offseason primer

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has a laundry list of tasks he and his front office need to accomplish this season. Catch his interview with Cole Wright on the Cubs Weekly Podcast about the team's top priorities this winter and how Hoyer plans to attack the offseason. Plus, Wright chats with Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez as the trio runs down their wish list for the Cubs offseason and what areas the Cubs need to address first.

An exercise in resiliency

On this episode of the Cubs Weekly Podcast, Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez run down the latest topics surrounding the team as the 2021 season comes to a close. From Patrick Wisdom's record-setting performance to what comes next for David Ross, the duo dissects each storyline. Plus, Alfonso Rivas' season-ending injury, Matt Duffy's potential place on the 2022 roster and a glimpse at what the pitching staff might look like down the road.

Looking to the Cubs future and a convo with Drew Robinson

Host Cole Wright and Tony Andracki look to the future for the Cubs and how the team can turn their spoiler ways into a winning season in 2022. What should the Cubs do with Nico Hoerner for the rest of this year and over the winter? Where do youngsters like Alfonso Rivas, Adbert Alzolay, Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson fit into the 2022 picture? Plus, San Francisco Giants mental health advocate Drew Robinson stops by the pod to detail his experience throwing out the first pitch ...

Cubs playing spoiler and evaluating fits on the 2022 roster

The Cubs have won 8 of 9 and are thoroughly enjoying their role as spoiler in September. Bruce Levine joins Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez on the Cubs Weekly Podcast to answer what the winning ways have taught us about this team and how the organization has navigated a strange time with David Ross' positive COVID test. Plus, the panel evaluates a slew of players and how they might fit on the Cubs roster in 2022 and beyond, including: Frank Schwindel Patrick Wisdom Rafael Or...

A comprehensive rundown of Double-A Tennessee with Mick Gillispie

Longtime Tennessee Smokies play-by-play broadcaster Mick Gillispie joins the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with Tony Andracki and Lance Brozdowski about the organization's Double-A affiliate. Weaving in hilarious stories about Ryne Sandberg and Jody Davis, Gillispie explains what the last two years have been like down in the minor leagues and how some of the Cubs' top prospects have fared at the Double-A level. From Brennen Davis to Christopher Morel to Caleb Kilian to a slew of un...

Analyzing the Cubs new-look farm system

This week's edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast is all about the future. We welcome in MLB Pipeline's senior writer Jim Callis to break down the organization's top prospects, including how Brailyn Marquez's injury affects his stock, when Brennen Davis might arrive at Wrigley Field and initial takeaways from the Cubs' trade deadline haul. Plus, news and notes on Reginald Preciado, Kohl Franklin, Alexander Canario, Caleb Kilian, Cristian Hernandez and which prospect the Cubs received ...

The end of an era and the start of a new age

The 26 hours leading up to the 2021 MLB trade deadline will go down as one of the most emotional times in franchise history for the Cubs fanbase. From Anthony Rizzo to Javy Báez to Kris Bryant, Jed Hoyer had to make some difficult decisions to do what he believed was best for the organization to move into its next chapter. Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez break down all the trade deadline moves on the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast and sum up Hoyer's thoughts on the deals. They also ana...

Second half storylines and catching up with Marty Pevey

The next wave of Cubs prospects

This edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast is all about the next wave of talent in the organization. Cubs scouting director Dan Kantrovitz stopped by the pod to run down the team's haul in this week's MLB Draft and explained how the organization ramped up for the draft and how the Cubs evaluate amateur prospects. Marquee Sports Network's Tony Andracki and Lance Brozdowski also discuss a couple of pitching prospects already in the Cubs system: Ryan Jensen and Max Bain, who are current...

Picking a lane at the trade deadline

The Cubs ended their 11-game losing streak Wednesday night at Wrigley Field - could this be the start of a hot stretch for the team? The schedule is certainly in their favor. Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez dissect the win, put the 11-game losing streak into perspective and dive into the next few weeks that will dictate the future of the franchise. Is Jed Hoyer's mind already made up on what path his front office should take at the deadline? What has to happen for the Cubs to ge...

Summarizing the Cubs first half of the season with Sarah Langs

MLB.com reporter/researcher Sarah Langs joins the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with host Elise Menaker and Tony Andracki about the first half of the Cubs season. From a statistical dive into the team's performance to providing context for Kris Bryant's versatility to how the NL Central race will play out as the season moves on, Langs provides insight on the Cubs' first 81 games. The panel also discusses the top storylines in baseball so far this season, including Patrick Wisdom's i...

A combined no-no and zooming out on the month of June

The Cubs made history Thursday night in LA with the franchise's first combined no-hitter. Elise Menaker was on the ground in LA for all the festivities and joined the Cubs Weekly Podcast to discuss the momentous occasion with Andy Martinez and Tony Andracki. The panel breaks down the highlights from the combined no-no, including the relievers pitching without realizing what was going on, Willson Contreras' involvement and an interview with Craig Kimbrel right after the game. We ...

Sticky stuff and the Cubs' June schedule

"Sticky stuff" is a hot-button topic around Major League Baseball right now and we discussed the new rule changes on the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast with host Elise Menaker, Bruce Levine and Tony Andracki. The panel touches on how the foreign substance crackdown will affect the game and the Cubs while also breaking down the team's difficult June schedule, where Patrick Wisdom fits into the Cubs' future plans and more. Also, reliever Tommy Nance stops by for a conversation on his ro...

How the Iowa Cubs have emerged as key funnel for the big-league club

The "next man up" mentality has been a huge key for the Cubs this season and that starts in Iowa. To get a glimpse into how the I-80 shuttle has become so frutiful for the organization, we talked to Iowa Cubs play-by-play broadcaster Alex Cohen and analyst/reporter Elise Menaker. Marquee Sports Network is airing 14 days of Iowa Cubs action this summer, including on back-to-back days this week on June 10-11. Menaker and Cohen break down the culture at Principal Park with Marty Peve...

Did the Cubs just put the NL on notice?

After a strong homestand and a sweep of the Padres, the Cubs have clearly sent a message to the rest of the National League that they are a force to be reckoned with. Ryan Dempster joins host Cole Wright and Tony Andracki to break down the Cubs' recent hot streak and how the team has changed the narrative after an 11-15 April. Dempster also shares what advice he gave to Anthony Rizzo that still resonates today and recounts an amazing Vince Vaughn story. Plus, a chat with Cubs pitc...

An inside perspective on the rise of Cubs young pitching

On the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast, Iowa Cubs pitching coach Ron Villone stops by for a chat on the young arms in the organization and how they each forged a path to the big leagues. Villone discusses his time with Adbert Alzolay, Justin Steele, Tommy Nance and others and provides a unique lens to view the Cubs' young pitchers. Plus, Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez break down all the injuries for the Cubs and what it means for the team moving forward as they wrap u...