Locked On Cubs

Ryan takes us through the 2019 Cubs Convention with Sean, recapping the main stories from the event, responses to the tighter than expected budget, and Addison Russell's second chance with the club. And finally, we'll wrap the show recapping the weekend's biggest stories across the MLB.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode, we’re going to dissect Joe Maddon’s comments about the Cubs chances of signing Bryce Harper - SPOILER ALERT it’s bad. Later, Cubs Convention is this weekend so highlight all the things to look forward to if you are going to be in attendance. And finally, we’ll wrap the show taking a look at the national story lines across the MLB and some quick Cubs notes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean hosts solo recapping the Cubs arbitration deals, including Addison Russell's new deal for 2019. Later, Sean shares his thoughts on a potential David Bote trade that would send the infielder to San Diego and gives Cubs fan one last glimmer of hope in landing Bryce Harper or Manny Machado this off-season as the two top free agents are expected to sign soon. And finally, we recap the signings for this past weekend and discuss Kyler Murray heading to the NFL draft despite being drafted in the 1st round by the A's in last Summer's MLB Draft.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Ryan breakdown the latest Cubs money issues as reports circulate saying the front office would need to move contracts just sign a reliever. Later, Cesar's Palace released their Over/Under's for all MLB teams, the guys take a look at the Cubs and the other NL Central teams projected standings for 2019. And finally, we wrap the show up going over all this weeks Cubs stories and headlines. If you're planning on seeing the Cubs this Spring Training head to https://arizonatourism.com/springtraining for all the other exciting, warm events Arizona has to offer!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Ryan breakdown the latest moves across the MLB including Andrew Miller signing with the St. Louis Cardinals and Troy Tulowitzki heading to the Bronx to play for the Yankees. Ryan was able to sit down with Kelly Wallace, a friend of the podcast, who recently interviewed Addison Russell's ex-wife Melissa Reidy. And finally, we wrap the show talking about the latest reports involving Bryce Harper and Manny Machado - which includes two teams willing to offer Harper a 10-year-deal.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Ryan breakdown the Daniel Descalso signing and profile what his potential role will be for the Cubs in 2019. Later, the guys bring on Cubs reporter and Senor Digital Producer for NBC Sports Chicago, who just spent the last week in Las Vegas during the MLB Winter Meetings. And finally, we wrap the show discussing Robert Manfred's comments about the the current state of free agency being a "good thing" for baseball and the Cubs are reportedly close to leaving NBC Sports Chicago to start their own TV broadcast company.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Ryan try and find the silver-lining on the Cubs walking away from the Winter Meetings without any major signings and look at some of the other names we like besides Bryce Harper. Later, we discuss the idea of Manny Ramirez as the Cubs new bench coach and also narrow down the teams we think should or are still in on Bryce Harper. And finally, we take a look at the newest Baseball Hall of Fame elects in Lee Smith and Harold Baines.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Ryan discuss the rumors surrounding the Cubs and Bryce Harper as the Winter Meetings get underway this week. We also debate whether or not former Cubs catcher David Ross makes sense as the team's new bench coach. Cubs were linked to RHP A.J. Ramos, Ryan gives us his thoughts on what Ramos brings and if he could be a potential fit. And finally, we wrap the show trying to make a Ben Zobrist trade make sense for the Cubs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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