Cubs Now

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 been like at the Cubs alternate training site in South Bend and how he developed velocity on his fastball that can now reach triple digits.

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 rankings and how the order was determined after Davis at No. 1. Plus, what surprised Brozdowski as he talked to scouts and players and watched video in researching for this list? And what prospects are poised to make the greatest leap on the next iteration of the rankings?

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 Canadian high school roots and his cerebral approach to his swing and Franklin’s whirlwind last few months after being drafted in the 4th round by the Cubs this July. They also dig into Herz’s heart-warming hometown start, his recent promotion to South Bend and Nwogu’s relationship with Howard. Then, Coach Hurry’s details what stands out about Howard’s on and off-field talents and how big of an impact he’s had on Mt. Carmel’s baseball program. And Ed Howard chats about his acclimation to Class A from high school, how much the Cubs mean to the city of Chicago and the close circle of support he relies on for motivation.

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.

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

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 the fun that the prospects have been having in camp.

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 Martinez to discuss the importance of mentorship and how that guides his organization in making the lives of children better.

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 Chicago and joining new teams in Cleveland and New York His relationship with Cubs fans Emotions he felt as the Cubs won it all in 2016

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 reports on previous international signings, like Cristian Hernandez and Reginald Preciado.

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, Miles offers up advice for young journalists and details how the job has changed over the last 25 years.

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. Plus, Pat Hughes stops by the podcast for an enlightening chat on his recent induction into the Chicagoland Hall of Fame, amazing Ron Santo stories and how he interacts with Cubs fans throughout the offseason.

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 Ron Santo Plus, Sutcliffe details how he would add more offense into today's baseball and explains why he's so excited for the future of the Cubs, including an amazing testimonial of new GM Carter Hawkins.

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 impact of fans on the broadcasts, interacting with players for stories and the differences in this season compared to 2020.

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 under-the-radar players to keep an eye on, Gillispie provides his firsthand account of the youngsters coming up through the farm system.

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 at the deadline was most surprising. Tony Andracki and Lance Brozdowski also preview the Marquee Sports Network Top 20 Cubs prospect midseason list that is set to hit the digital sphere in the coming days.

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 currently developing in with Class-A South Bend.

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 get back into the race and become buyers? If they do become sellers, who goes at the deadline? Plus, injury updates and what does the future hold for Jake Arrieta, Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson?