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Cubs Talk Podcast

NBC Sports Chicago

The Cubs Talk Podcast breaks down all things baseball on the North Side. Host Leila Rahimi, James Neveau, and Nate Poppen bring insider perspectives, regular player interviews, and news updates during the team's pursuit of another championship. New episodes release every Wednesday morning.

Location:

United States

Description:

The Cubs Talk Podcast breaks down all things baseball on the North Side. Host Leila Rahimi, James Neveau, and Nate Poppen bring insider perspectives, regular player interviews, and news updates during the team's pursuit of another championship. New episodes release every Wednesday morning.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Discussing Chicago Cubs trade deadline moves, prospects, and future stars

7/26/2024
On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, host James Neveau is joined by Greg Huss, host of the Cubs on Deck Podcast and co-founder of NorthsideBound.com, to dive deep into the Cubs' strategy and future. They discuss potential trade deadline moves (1:55), emphasizing that any decisions need to keep next year’s competition in mind. Greg breaks down why Pete Crow-Armstrong has struggled this season (4:15) and debates whether the Cubs handled his development properly (7:18). The duo highlights the positives in the Cubs farm system (10:00), noting that the team could soon have seven top 100 prospects in Triple-A (12:18). They explore if the Cubs are funneling all their top talent to Triple-A (13:04) and the power potential of Alfonsin Rosario (21:00). Finally, they provide a detailed breakdown of the Cubs' first-round pick, Cam Smith (29:21). Don't miss this in-depth look at the Cubs' current and future plans! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:32:38

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Cubs draft analysis and first-half season breakdown

7/17/2024
On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and Nate Poppen dive into the Cubs' selection of Cam Smith from Florida State with the 14th pick and whether he's truly a third baseman (0:54). They tackle the issue of having too many young bats without a defensive position (4:00) and discuss the Cubs' draft strategy (5:25). Leila argues the importance of drafting players with a set position (6:54). Later, the duo debates their trust in the Jed Hoyer- Carter Hawkins regime (8:40), how Paul Skenes' rise impacts prospect development (12:59), and break down the Cubs' first-half performance (15:04). They also analyze the struggles of Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger (20:30), team stats (23:55), and what moves the Cubs should make at the trade deadline (27:21). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:35:59

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Shota Imanaga the All-Star and Nico Hoerner the trade candidate?

7/9/2024
James Neveau and Leila Rahimi run through a jampacked week in Cubs baseball, starting with Shota Imanaga's selection to the All-Star Game. The duo chats about his incredible rookie season, and shares a surprising comp for Michael Busch's campaign so far. Later, Leila and James discuss the unfortunate injury for Brennen Davis, and react to Colten Brewer breaking his hand after punching a dugout wall, complete with a stroll down memory lane with Sammy Sosa's sneezes and Kerry Wood's hot tub. Finally, the tandem reacts to rumors of potential Cubs trade candidates, and offer a heated response to rumblings that Nico Hoerner could be among those eyed for a move out of Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:44:47

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Cubs put up lackluster performance vs. Brewers, can they pull out of the tailspin they are in?

7/2/2024
Leila Rahimi and James Neveau break down the Cubs' series loss against the Milwaukee Brewers and the sad state of the team as July begins. They discuss the lackluster performances of key players, the team's failed free agent acquisitions and trades heading into the 2024 season, and whether the team can actually pull out of their current tailspin. They get into more upbeat news with injury updates on Javier Assad, Mark Leiter Jr. and others, but then evaluate whether or not the Cubs are the most disappointing team in the National League. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:39:18

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A painful week in San Francisco, and our Cubs’ midseason award winners

6/28/2024
The Cubs Talk podcast takes another look at the struggling North Siders as they drop three-of-four to the Giants and hit the halfway mark of their season. James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the shoddy bullpen and the shocking resurgence of Kyle Hendricks before getting into their midseason awards. Shota Imanaga is likely the team’s first-half MVP, but James also offers up a couple of unexpected options. The guys also talk about the disappointing campaigns of Dansby Swanson and Hector Neris, relive their favorite moments of the 2024 season so far, and offer their hottest takes and boldest predictions on what could still unfold over the season’s final 80 games. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:45:36

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Cubs Talk breaks down Kyle Hendricks and Ian Happ’s resurgences, Hector Neris’ status

6/21/2024
For the first time in a month, the Cubs have won a three-game series, and James Neveau, Nate Poppen and Peter Marzano break it all down. Kyle Hendricks’ dramatic improvement in June is showcased, along with Ian Happ’s recent surge in extra-base hits and impactful moments. The guys then discuss swing tweaks made by Dansby Swanson, and evaluate whether Hector Neris should remain as the team’s closer after multiple blown saves. Finally, they pay tribute to the incredible legacy of Willie Mays, and reveal his stunning stats against the Cubs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:44:44

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Can Craig Counsell, Cubs save spiraling season?

6/14/2024
In a subdued Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano ask the question that's on everybody's minds: Can the 2024 Cubs pull out of their tailspin and make the playoffs? The guys break down the loss to the Rays, question Jed Hoyer's decision-making in constructing this year's roster, and wonder if the team's offense can break out of its slump. The guys then make predictions for the Cardinals series, and explain how guys like Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger must bring the star power if the Cubs have any hope this summer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:32:46

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Can Cubs inconsistent offense and Pete Crow-Armstrong's return to the Cubs

5/31/2024
On the latest Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and Peter Marzano review and break down the Brewers series and the issues that are being exposed including the lack of consistent hitting (1:00). Have the Cubs prioritized defense too much in building this team and not enough offense (10:39)? Leila and Peter also discuss Pete Crow-Armstrong's return to the Cubs and if the Cubs will find him consistent at-bats (13:00). Later in the podcast, the duo debate if this is an offensive slump or if this is who they are before previewing a weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds (29:30). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:36:17

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Struggling Cubs can't hit, but is there still reason for optimism?

5/24/2024
In this edition of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss the offensively challenged Cubs after a painful week against the Pirates and Braves. Cody Bellinger, Ian Happ and Michael Busch are all under the microscope as Craig Counsell's lineup faces scrutiny, but are the team's struggles reversible like they were in May 2023? The duo also discusses Kyle Hendricks' demotion to the bullpen, but ends the show on a positive note as they examine whether or no the Dunkin-loving Shota Imanaga should be the frontrunner for the National League Cy Young Award. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:38:43

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Cubs in crisis: Navigating injuries and offensive struggles

5/16/2024
On this episode of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and Peter Marzano dive into the Cubs' injury woes, highlighting their impact on the team's performance. From Dansby Swanson's placement on the injured list to the importance of depth in navigating a challenging season, they explore the team's struggles and potential moves to be made upon players' return (4:00). Additionally, they review the Cubs vs. Braves series, discussing its significance as a measuring stick for the team (18:09). They also discuss Jed Hoyer's perspective on evaluating team performance beyond one-run games (27:00) and analyze the wins and positives for the Cubs amidst their challenges this season (28:25). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:35:30

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Cubs ride through ups and downs, embrace successes of Shota Imanaga, Javier Assad

5/9/2024
In today's episode of the Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau try to figure out what to think of the team after a homestand of mixed results. They praise the team's dominant starting pitching, but also ask questions about the struggles of players like Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson. The duo also talks about the improving health of the Cubs, with Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki aiming to make an impact, but they also heap praise upon Shota Imanaga and Javier Assad, and discuss how their incredible performances have provided a firewall as the Cubs look to address issues with their lineup and bullpen. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:43:46

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Chicago Cubs' Big Apple Showdown: Strengths, Weaknesses & Bullpen Woes!

5/3/2024
The Cubs split a riveting four-game series in New York against the Mets that exposed some of the team's most notable strengths and weaknesses. Peter Marzano and Leila Rahimi recap four games in the Big Apple while breaking down struggles within the Cubs bullpen. Leila and Peter then discuss how the Cubs can use more out of Dansby Swanson amid recent injury woes before getting into an historic start to the season for Shota Imanaga ahead of a pivotal series against the Milwaukee Brewers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:38:53

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Cubs battle through injuries to hot start, but how will they respond with tough schedule ahead?

4/24/2024
Peter Marzano and Nate Poppen talk recent roster moves that include Kyle Hendricks heading to the injured list and a callup of first base prospect Matt Mervis as the Cubs wrap up their homestand, while discussing Hendricks' potential role on the team once he returns. The guys then discuss which players have caught their eyes with the hot and cold starts before breaking down the Cubs' upcoming schedule and how the team can best position themselves in the NL Central before taking on the Milwaukee Brewers early next month. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:44:15

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Michael Busch powers road trip, but how worried should fans be about Kyle Hendricks?

4/18/2024
The Cubs are back home, and James Neveau and Peter Marzano are breaking down their recent West Coast road trip. Series victories over Seattle and Arizona are broken down, as is the performance of the team's starting rotation and bullpen amid a series of injury concerns (1:15). The guys then discuss the latest on Kyle Hendricks' poor start to the year, and debate how much wiggle room the veteran hurler has (10:00). Injury woes mount as Seiya Suzuki hits the IL, but which Cubs injury poses the biggest issue to the team (20:04)? Finally, Peter and James break down Michael Busch's strong April, and whether he can continue his hot hitting (28:30). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:38:17

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Cubs Talk breaks down season-opening homestand, injury updates for key players

4/8/2024
In today's Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Peter Marzano discuss the team's 5-1 homestand, with big wins over the Rockies and Dodgers (1:00). They evaluate the team's plate approach so far this season, and heap praise on Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki and other contributors (4:00). The guys also discuss Shota Imanaga's first two starts, and how the team's pitching has been a key to their success (11:00). Injuries are still impacting the Cubs, with updates on Patrick Wisdom, Julian Merryweather and Jameson Taillon emerging this weekend (16:00). Finally, the guys talk about Shane Bieber and Spencer Strider's injuries, and how the Cubs should approach their pitching development amid an uptick in injuries to pitchers (19:40). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:45:47

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Cubs Talk Podcast: Live from Wrigley Field

4/1/2024
On a special edition of Cubs Talk, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau are live from Wrigley Field ahead of Opening Day. They discuss the Cubs' rotation after Justin Steele's injury, and break down the opening series against the Rangers. They also discuss Shota Imanaga's debut, Christopher Morel's hot start and the opening homestand against the Rockies and Dodgers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:30:07

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2024 MLB Season Preview: Can the Chicago Cubs clinch the division?

3/28/2024
The wait is over! Dive into the ultimate breakdown of the 2024 Cubs season with the Cubs Talk Podcast! Join James Neveau and Peter Marzano as they dissect every aspect of the team's potential triumph. From pitching prowess to batting brilliance, they leave no base untouched (2:30). Expect heated debates on strategic decisions and potential game-changers (15:37), plus bold predictions on homerun kings and divisional domination (20:45). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:50:29

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Craig Counsell sets Opening Day rotation, and what can we expect of Shota Imanaga?

3/22/2024
On today's Cubs Talk podcast, James Neveau and Nate Poppen react to Craig Counsell's decision to include Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad in the team's Opening Day rotation. They set their expectations for both hurlers and share insight on why Assad nabbed the last job over Drew Smyly. The guys also discuss Shota Imanaga amid a strikeout-filled spring, and give their take on what they expect him to produce in his first Major League season. James and Nate also chat about Seiya Suzuki's hot spring and whether he can carry that into the season, and finally talk about the startling news surrounding Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:39:55

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Jameson Taillon in doubt for Opening Day and other Cubs insights with Meghan Montemurro

3/13/2024
On today's Cubs Talk podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau talk to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune about all the latest happenings in Mesa. Meghan breaks down the latest injury news on Jameson Taillon (4:53), and evaluates the Cubs' options as they look to put together their 2024 rotation (13:18). Later, the crew discusses which players have stood out this spring, including the role Michael Busch could play on the squad and where he fits into the Cubs' lineup. Finally, Craig Counsell takes center stage, as Meghan reveals insight into his approach to managing, and why he may be just what the Cubs need to take steps forward in the new campaign (20:30). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:32:34

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Cody Bellinger's debut, prospect breakdown and a David Bote return

3/7/2024
On this edition of the Cubs Talk Podcast, Leila Rahimi and James Neveau discuss Cody Bellinger's debut at Spring Training and the plan for him this season (1:07). Later on in the pod, they break down the Cubs prospects they are keeping an eye on including Alexander Canario, Owen Caissie and the biggest question mark of them all, Pete Crow-Armstrong (11:43). Leila and James dives into the injuries that are challenging the Cubs depth (27:20) and finally, they ask themselves what happened to David Bote (31:50). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duration:00:41:53