Cubs Now

Marquee Sports Network

Alex Cohen is a play-by-play announcer, and Lance Brozdowski is a player development analyst -- Chicago Cubs insiders who see the game from completely different angles and aren't afraid to have a conversation about it. So, they do, bringing their press-pass access and insight to Marquee Sports Network's brand-new Cubs podcast. Twice per week. All season long.

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471 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes471

Newest first

Jul 1, 2021 · 29 min
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 incredible rookie year with the Cubs.
Jun 25, 2021 · 34 min
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 also hear from Champ Pederson, Joc's older brother, on receiving his World Series ring before Thursday's game and what that moment meant to him. Plus, our panel zooms out on a difficult month of June for the Cubs and how the team has been able to stay afloat in the playoff race despite facing elite opponents and enduring grueling road trips.
Jun 18, 2021 · 48 min
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 rookie season and how he's emerged as a force out of the Cubs bullpen.
Jun 9, 2021 · 30 min
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 Pevey's club and explains how big-leaguers like Jason Heyward and Alec Mills have provided wisdom during rehab stints. Speaking of wisdom, Cohen also explains Patrick Wisdom's journey from Iowa Cubs Opening Day starter to National League Player of the Week. Plus, who are some other players to keep an eye on in Iowa that may impact the Chicago team down the road?
Jun 4, 2021 · 52 min
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 pitcher Tommy Nance and his father, Mark, who is afflicted with ALS. June 2 was the inaugural Lou Gehrig Day around Major League Baseball to raise awareness and funding for ALS and those families living with the disease.
May 26, 2021 · 37 min
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 up a really successful month of May.
May 19, 2021 · 41 min
A discussion with Doug Glanville on unwritten rules and analytics
Doug Glanville stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat with host Cole Wright and Tony Andracki about a couple of buzz topics surrounding Major League Baseball lately - unwritten rules and analytics. Glanville hosts Class is in Session on Marquee Sports Network and explains what stood out to him most from a recent episode revolving around analytics and their role in today's game. He also explains why Kris Bryant's versatility cannot be measured on paper and the trio discuss how the Cubs have turned around their offense in part by going against some analytics. Plus, an open conversation about the White Sox unwritten rules controversy and an interview with the Cubs new PA announcer Jeremiah Paprocki.
May 13, 2021 · 41 min
Megalodons, Avengers and the Cubs' depth
On the latest edition of the Cubs Weekly Podcast, reporters Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez run down the team's recent road trip and how all the injuries are impacting the roster. Plus, we dive into how the Cubs have turned things around offensively this season and Andy nerds out with some "Avengers" comparisons. We also welcome in Cubs director Mike Fox and Cubs productions producer/editor Pat Gostele (20:47) for a behind-the-scenes look at the Megalodon, Marquee Sports Network's groundbreaking new camera that created a buzz at the ballpark on the last homestand.
May 6, 2021 · 29 min
Promising signs for the Cubs
As the Cubs claimed a series victory over the Dodgers with a doubleheader sweep, David Ross' group has exhibited some encouraging signs lately. Host Cole Wright is joined by reporters Taylor McGregor and Tony Andracki on the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast to run down some of those promising tidbits, including: Kyle Hendricks' bounceback start The offense jumping on Clayton Kershaw David Bote's "clutch" gene Kris Bryant's resurgent season Young pitchers showing potential
May 1, 2021 · 38 min
Assessing the first month of 2021
The first month of the 2021 season is in the books and we have learned plenty about the Cubs so far. We break it all down on the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast with host Cole Wright, Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez. The trio provides reaction to the big Bears draft pick and weigh in on how they believe the Cubs lineup will be structured moving forward. Plus, analysis on the pitching staff, injury updates and the return of Minor League Baseball.
Apr 22, 2021 · 29 min
A little small ball and getting the Cubs offense going
The Cubs’ pulled out a small-ball win over the Mets and sit at 8-9. The offense has shown some signs of resurgence and Sean Marshall and Andy Martinez join host Cole Wright to break it down on the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast. The trio discuss Anthony Rizzo heating up, the bright spots of the rotation and bullpen and Marshall breaks down just
Apr 15, 2021 · 27 min
Digging into the Cubs offense
Two weeks into the 2021 season, the Cubs sit at 5-7. But there's reason for optimism with this offense and Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez read the tea leaves on the latest Cubs Weekly Podcast. The two Cubs reporters discuss why the peripheral stats indicate good fortune may be coming for the likes of Ian Happ and Anthony Rizzo while Kris Bryant has been a consistent bright spot in this lineup. Plus, we hear from Jed Hoyer on his assessment of the first 12 games and where the Cubs go from here.
Apr 9, 2021 · 23 min
What did we learn about this team in the first week of the 2021 season?
Cole Wright, Ryan Sweeney and Tony Andracki analyze the first week of the 2021 season and what we learned about this Cubs team. What takeaways are there from the offense's early performance? Will this rotation continue to surprise people? How has David Ross handled rotations for the position players? What kind of effect does Craig Kimbrel's dominance have on the rest of the bullpen? Does Andrew Chafin have the best mustache in baseball? (Yes. The answer is yes.) We break it all down on the latest episode of the Cubs Weekly Podcast.
Mar 31, 2021 · 51 min
Cubs 2021 season primer
Our Cubs Weekly crew (host Cole Wright, Tony Andracki and Andy Martinez) preview and predict the 2021 MLB season and break down how David Ross' roster is shaping up for Opening Day. The trio provides thoughts on a host of categories for the season, including: -NL Central standings -Cubs MVP -Cubs Cy Young -Cubs breakout player -Comeback player of the year -Biggest surprise on the 2021 Cubs -Bold predictions -Series to circle on the Cubs' 2021 schedule
Mar 25, 2021 · 53 min
Opening Day roster coming into focus
Elise Menaker steps in as host of the Cubs Weekly Podcast as she and Tony Andracki discuss the Cubs roster crunch, expectations for the 2021 pitching staff and the team's offensive adjustments as they look to put 2020 in the rearview mirror. Elise also chronicles her record-setting softball career at Cornell University and her journey in media. Later, artist/muralist Kate Lynn Lewis stops by the podcast to relay her collaboration with the Cubs for Women's History Month.
Mar 18, 2021 · 45 min
Catching up with Carrie Muskat
Former MLB.com beat reporter Carrie Muskat stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast to chat about her illustrious 40-year career in the industry and her new book "The Big 50: The Men and Moments That Made the Chicago Cubs." Carrie revisits her favorite moments from her time covering the Cubs and the relationships she built along the way, including a special moment she shared with Anthony Rizzo after the 2016 World Series. Host Cole Wright and Tony Andracki also break down the latest storylines from Cubs camp, including: Shelby Miller's impressive spring, Adbert Alzolay's role, the backup catcher spot and a rebound season from Javy Báez.
Mar 11, 2021 · 29 min
Fans are back and a conversation with Taylor McGregor
Taylor McGregor, Andy Martínez and host Cole Wright react to the return of fans to Wrigley Field and other storylines from camp. McGregor also discusses her position as a role model and woman in sports media.
Mar 5, 2021 · 34 min
Spring position battles and a conversation with Beth Mowins
Beth Mowins stops by the Cubs Weekly Podcast for a candid chat with host Cole Wright and Tony Andracki about her career, her new role with Marquee Sports Network and her thoughts on bunting. During the 2021 season, Mowins will become the first woman to serve as a play-by-play broadcaster for a Cubs game (19:57). Wright and Andracki also touch on the latest from Cubs camp, including the position battles worth keeping an eye on at second base and in the bullpen. Plus, how Joc Pederson is fitting in and the tough decision the Cubs face with Nico Hoerner.
Feb 25, 2021 · 36 min
Observations from Cubs camp
Year 2 of Camp Rossy is in full effect as the Cubs prepare for the 2021 season. Host Cole Wright is joined by Andy Martinez and Tony Andracki to discuss the biggest observations from the first week of spring training and how the roster is coming together. Plus, Cole chats with Ian Happ about his 2020 adjustments and goals for the new season.
Feb 18, 2021 · 27 min
Takeaways from the first couple days of spring training
Spring is in the air...in Arizona, at least. Cubs pitchers and catchers reported to their Mesa, Ariz., complex this week and we broke it all down on the Cubs Weekly Podcast with host Cole Wright and Tony Andracki. The Jake Arrieta signing became official this week and our panel discusses what he brings to the table in the locker room and how his arrival will impact the rest of the rotation. Plus, Cole and Tony tackle a slew of other pitching topics with help from Kyle Hendricks, Jed Hoyer and Tommy Hottovy.