Locked On Cubs

Sean and Ryan welcome on Michael Ernst of Cubs Den to get his thoughts on the Cubs farm system and to share a few of his favorite bullpen arms in the Cubs minors that could make an impact in 2019. Later, we discuss the MLB considering making changes to shifting on what kind of impact that may make for teams if they do decide to limit shifting. And finally, we wrap up the show talking about the Cubs latest news and off-season rumors.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Ryan breakdown Theo Epstein's decision to tender a contract offer to Addison Russell and what that means for the Cubs shortstop's future. Later, we discuss the J.T. Realmuto rumors that involve Willson Contreras being moved. Also, Ryan wrote his first article for Forbes this week on whether the Cubs need to improve their bullpen or offense. And finally, we wrap up some of last week's moves including the Tommy La Stella trade the coaching staff moves. Ryan's first story on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryandavis/2018/12/03/the-cubs-biggest-free-agent-additions-may-not-be-on-offense/#54b2f73f3330 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Ryan welcome Cubs TV play-by-play announcer Len Kasper on the show to give us his thoughts on how the 2018 season ended for the Cubs, discuss some free agency, and his outlook for 2019 for the Cubs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The GM Meetings wrapped up this week, so we grab Tony Andracki of NBC Sports Chicago who was there in Carlsbad, CA to give us the latest Cubs reports and rumors that sprouted from the meetings. We talk to Tony about the Cubs lack of financial flexibility, their chances of signing Bryce Harper or any top free agent this winter, and Tony closes the door on any Kris Bryant trade rumors for 2019.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Ryan discuss the latest free agency buzz as Theo Epstein and the Cubs reportedly won't be spending money, Ryan debunks this theory. Later, the Cubs reportedly haven't made a decision on whether to move on from Addison Russell or retain the shortstop as he deals with domestic violence allegations that have him serving a 40 game suspension to start 2019. And finally, we get to Cole Hamels option being picked up, Anthony Rizzo winning his 2nd Gold Glove, and Javier Baez being named an NL MVP finalist.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean welcomes on Locked on Cubs minor league corespondent and regular contributor to Cubs Den, Tom Usiak, who shares his thoughts on the Arizona Fall League, points out some key prospects to watch in 2019, and tells us who he thinks can make an impact for the 2019 Cubs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean welcomes on Evan Altman of Cubs Insider to give his thoughts on Bryce Harper reportedly picking a team (except it's a joke?). Later, we get Evan's thoughts on trading Jason Heyward and what it would take for the Cubs to realistically part with the most expensive Cubs in team history. And finally, we take a look at the 6 Cubs players who officially became free agents and Evan shares his favorite sneaky acquisition of this off-season for the Cubs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode 151 of Locked on Cubs, Sean welcomes on Jared Wyllys (NBC Sports Chicago, Sporting News, Chicago Magazine) and Ryan Davis (Bet Chicago, NBC Sports Chicago, the Athletic, Sporting News) talking some defense as Javier Baez alongside Jason Heyward and Anthony Rizzo were all nominated for Gold Gloves, while Willson Contreras was snubbed - but Yadier Molina made the list. Later, we discuss the big news dropped on us by Bruce Levine of 670 the score saying Bryce Harper to the Cubs is inevitable - we discuss Harper, Machado, and how some believe the Cubs won't even talk to either. And finally, we wrap the show with one out-of-left-field free agent we think the Cubs should consider.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Girardi wants to come to Chicago, and with Joe Maddon playing out the final year of his deal without any extension talks at the moment, people are speculating like crazy. Later, we take a look at the Cubs AFL players, focusing on Nico Hoerner and what his future may look like with the Cubs. And finally, we’ll do a quick preview of game one of the World Series between the Dodgers and Red Sox - a team the Cubs are trying to model themselves after. Music: "Chicago" - Joe Bagale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cubs off-season target Manny Machado makes waves on social media for the wrong reasons...kinda, but should that scare away the Cubs from Manny? Later, NBC Sports Tony Andracki wrote a story about one of the most underrated storylines of the off-season thus far. And apparently Ben Zobrist misses Cubs baseball as much as we all do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean dissects the hiring of former Cubs minor league hitting coach and Rangers major league hitting coach Anthony Iapoce. Later, Sean discusses the comments made by recently fired Cubs hitting coach Chili Davis, who admits he struggled to get his message across to everyone in the Cubs locker room. And finally, we take a look at all the Cubs front office and coaching staff being considered for other jobs and Sean gets to gush about Sonny Gray trade rumors once again.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Ryan recap the Cubs 3-1 stinker against the Brewers that cost them the Nl Central division crown. We dive into the offensive struggles and try and find something positive for this Cubs offense that continues to cost this team wins. And finally, we preview Tuesday's Wild Card game against the Rockies, featuring Jon Lester and Kyle Freeland.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Ryan recap the Cubs 10-5 win over the Cardinals which forced a tie-breaking game 163 with the Brewers for the NL Central lead. We take a look at the Cubs bullpen and who we'd add to this postseason roster in the segment. And wrap the show previewing game 163 and what the Cubs need to do to win this game.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean recaps the Cubs 3-0 win over the Pirates as they split their four-game set with Pittsburgh. We breakdown Jon Lester's strong performance on the mound and his role in the offensive production. In the 2nd segment we address the Addison Russell situation as the shortstop was officially ruled out for the rest of the regular season as the MLB extended his administrative leave midst their investigation into domestic violence case involving Russell's ex-wife. And we wrap the show up taking a look at the National League standings.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean recaps the nail-biting win 7-6 win over the Pirates after leading at one point 6-1, we take a look at some of the key performers from Wednesday night's win. Later, we get an update on Kris Bryant's wrist and Pedro Strop throws from a mound. And finally, we wrap the show taking a look at the NL Central as the both the Cubs and Brewers clinch a playoff berth tonight but are still in a dogfight for the divisional crown.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean brings on Ryan Davis to vent about the Cubs offense struggling to support Cole Hamels, as the veteran bounces back but still lose 5-1. Later, the two talk about Kyle Schwarber and the Cubs need for someone like him to get home before the playoffs. Sean gives his thoughts on Javier Baez's MVP case and we wrap the show taking a quick look at the tight playoff race as the Brewers continue to hang around in the NL Central division fight.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean recaps the Cubs 9-0 loss to the Diamondbacks as Cole Hamels finally has a poor outing in a Cubs uniform, but after 30 straight games they finally get a day off Thursday. In the second segment, Sean talk about Pedro Strop possibly returning before the end of the season and then highlights an excellent article by NBC Sports Chicago analyst Doug Glanville on the Cubs being the favorite in the National League because of their ability to grind through a season and win games. And finally, Sean takes another look at the NL Central standings as the Brewers creep closer with only 10 games left in the season.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean recaps the Cubs 9-1 win over the Diamondbacks, which was fueled by Javier Baez and Daniel Murphy home runs, and then previews the series finale with the Diamondbacks featuring Cole Hamels against Robbie Ray. Later, we take a look at the Cubs potential postseason bullpen without Brandon Morrow, as the Cubs closer was shutdown for the season Tuesday afternoon. And finally, we run through the NL Central and Wild Card standings to finish out the show.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean recaps the Cubs 5-1 win over the Diamondbacks as the offense finally breaks out and Kyle Hendricks has his best outing of the year. Later, he preview's Tuesday's game against Arizona and takes a look at the Cubs struggling offense and why things my finally starting to click at the plate. And he finishes the show taking a look at the NL Central and Wild Card standings.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Cubs came into the their three-game set with the Brewers playing well, but they didn't play so well on Monday night. Cole Hamels had another solid game, but the offense couldn't hit Zach Davies in his return from the DL and several small errors doomed this game. The Cubs lost, 4-3. Sean Sears and I talked about that, today's game, and a crucial decision by Kris Bryant on the last play of the game.In the second segment, we talked more about Hamels vs. Davies and some comments from Hamels that were ... interesting. In the final segment, we talked about the NL Central and cast our unofficial NL MVP ballots.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices