North Side Territory is your go-to podcast on the Chicago Cubs. Hosted by Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma, NST brings you inside info and analysis on the Cubbies all year long. North Side Territory is part of the Foul Territory Network: Baseball the way it should be covered!
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Sahadev Sharma Podcasts
The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Bleacher Nation's Brett Taylor talk all things Cubs baseball and sometimes a little bit more.
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Patrick Mooney, Brett Taylor and Sahadev Sharma talk all things Chicago Cubs twice a week on Onto Waveland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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A panel of college students discuss Chicago sports.
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Is this the letdown after the Cubs clinched their playoff spot?
29:13
29:13
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29:13Following their big celebration in Pittsburgh, the Cubs were swept out of Cincinnati. The final week of the regular season continues with the Cubs on their longest losing streak of the year. How concerned should Cubs fans be right now? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share what they’re hearing in and around the clubhouse as October…
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Is the offense still a concern heading into the playoffs? And why would anyone other than Cade Horton start Game 1 for the Cubs? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney dig into those questions and more, assessing a lineup that’s missing Kyle Horton, and tracking Horton’s development into one of the sport’s best young pitchers. Internally,…
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The clubhouse scene as the Cubs clinched their playoff spot
32:14
32:14
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32:14The Cubs are advancing to the postseason for the first time since 2020, an achievement that the team celebrated wildly in Pittsburgh. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney take you behind the scenes to capture the sights, sounds and smells from PNC’s visiting clubhouse. The moment revealed so many parts of the team’s identity, and served…
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Cubs close to switching over to playoff mode
30:43
30:43
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30:43It feels inevitable. The Cubs are so close to clinching their first playoff berth since 2020 that even the people in uniform are thinking ahead and looking beyond that night’s game. For a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it’s like in the clubhouse right now, listen to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney. The beat reporters explain…
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Cubs mailbag: The postseason rotation, Kyle Tucker plans and more
34:35
34:35
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34:35With the playoffs approaching, you have questions, and Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have answers. The Athletic’s Cubs writers respond to listeners who want to know who will be starting Game 1 at Wrigley Field: Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton or Shota Imanaga? Plus a look at who might be the Opening Day right fielder next year, and what the Cubs will…
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One of the most popular players in franchise history is returning to Wrigley Field. Ahead of the ceremonial weekend marking Anthony Rizzo’s retirement and new role as a Cubs ambassador, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney look back on what made that era so special, and why people gravitated toward the big first baseman. The Athletic’s Cubs writers al…
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The Cubs have to deal with some glaring issues
33:07
33:07
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33:07Where to begin? Cubs closer Daniel Palencia is now on the injured list, though his recent performance was already putting his bullpen role in doubt. Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong seemed to benefit from their mental resets, but then the All-Star outfielders got hurt. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain how Cubs manager Cra…
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The Cubs mailbag is back with more of your questions
36:59
36:59
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36:59As the Cubs prepare for October, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are here to answer questions from listeners who want to know about the Cade Horton plan and what it could look like in the playoffs. Pitching is a focus throughout the episode, explaining how Craig Counsell and his staff could map things out in a postseason series. Al…
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With Chicago’s playoff odds holding steady, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back for a rundown on some of the club’s most important players. How the Cubs handle Kyle Tucker’s latest injury issue will be interesting. The hope is that Pete Crow-Armstrong will benefit from the kind of reset that Tucker took recently. And what has …
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How the Cubs are positioned at the start of September
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35:55
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35:55With the wild-card odds overwhelmingly in their favor, the Cubs can use this final month of the season to their advantage. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney start with Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has cooled off considerably after an MVP-level stretch that carried the team. What does Kevin Alcántara’s promotion from Triple-A Iowa mean fo…
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Cubs mailbag: The lineup, pitching outlook and more
31:45
31:45
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31:45You have questions, we have answers. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with another edition of their mailbag, which not surprisingly revolves around Craig Counsell’s decisions at a time when the offense is struggling. The Athletic writers explain what the Cubs manager is thinking and what they’re observing in the clubhouse. In addition to …
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Cubs news and notes plus the “Mount Rushmore of Cubs pitchers”
33:19
33:19
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33:19With a West Coast trip in full swing, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get together to bring you the latest on the Cubs. There are updates on Jameson Taillon and the club’s pitching plans for October, vibe checks in San Francisco, and first impressions of the 2026 schedule that just got released. Inspired by pitching Tommy Hottovy – who recently p…
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After a mental reset/three-game benching, Kyle Tucker again looked like the difference-maker the Cubs will need to go on a long playoff run. How did it get to this point? And what were the reactions in the clubhouse and the dugout? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney compare notes and share reporting from Angel Stadium after a three-ga…
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What would realignment mean for the Cubs?
30:27
30:27
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30:27In a recent TV appearance, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred fueled talk about expansion and reconfigured divisions. How would that impact the Cubs? Even if these concepts are off in the distance, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have some ideas. The Athletic’s Cubs beat writers also get into the state of the pitching staff and the id…
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The Cubs missed their opportunity against the Brewers
31:11
31:11
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31:11Recognizing that a moment had slipped away, Cubs manager Craig Counsell was not overly enthusiastic after his club won a five-game series against the division leader. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney analyze where things stand after the Cubs did not gain a lot of ground on Milwaukee. Plus more on the Kyle Tucker situation and the or…
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Amid boos and a brutal slump, Cubs star Kyle Tucker gets a reset
34:25
34:25
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34:25What once would have seemed unthinkable suddenly became inevitable. With Kyle Tucker going through the worst offensive stretch of his career – and the Wrigley Field crowds turning on him – Cubs manager Craig Counsell decided to give him a break during a huge series against the first-place Brewers. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney an…
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Cubs mailbag: Why are they talking about 2032?
35:34
35:34
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35:34The fallout from an underwhelming trade deadline continues. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to take more questions from listeners, beginning with Carter Hawkins’ recent comments to ESPN. What did the Cubs general manager mean by the 2032 quote that has gone viral? Plus, much more on what makes the Brewers so good, and so f…
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The negativity is surrounding the Cubs right now
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32:05
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32:05At this point, it’s not an overreaction. The Cubs are playing an uninspired brand of baseball while continuing to lose ground in the National League Central. It’s time to sound the alarm bells. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the current mood within the clubhouse as well as the larger organizational forces that have created…
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The Brewers are pulling away from the Cubs in the division race
37:08
37:08
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37:08It’s happening again. That small-market team in Milwaukee has taken control of the National League Central, leaving the Cubs to play catch-up and making their recent performance look even worse. What’s the current mood inside the clubhouse? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their insights and explain whether it’s time to panic.…
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Cubs mailbag: What happened to this offense?
33:02
33:02
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33:02After another rough showing by the offense Friday night in St. Louis, Sahadev takes your questions about why this group always has extended slumps at the plate, whether the lack of deadline moves impacted this team mentally and more. Earn points on rent and around your neighborhood, wherever you call home, by going to joinbilt.com/FOUL. Download th…
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After an MVP-level start carried the Cubs into the summer, and fueled more talk about the huge contract he could command this winter, Kyle Tucker has slumped at an inopportune time. Is this a physical issue, a mechanical flaw or simply just the nature of a long baseball season? Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney pass along what they’re hearing. The …
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Maybe the Cubs should’ve gotten another pitcher at the trade deadline
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30:27Hindsight is 20/20, but this was an immediate question following MLB’s trade deadline: Why didn’t the Cubs acquire another starter for the stretch run? Michael Soroka’s shoulder injury only amplified those concerns. What did the Cubs know about his time with the Nationals? How did his velocity dip factor into the deal? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma…
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Trade deadline recap: Did the Cubs pass or fail?
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38:00
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38:00Both of these things can be true: The Cubs significantly improved their roster and missed a great opportunity. Time will tell whether the Cubs made the right moves at the trade deadline, but Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are here to give you their instant analysis. The Athletic writers break down each deal, relay what Jed Hoyer’s front office w…
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Breaking down Jed Hoyer’s contract extension
25:08
25:08
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25:08With the trade deadline looming, the Cubs took one potential distraction off the table, finalizing a deal with president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. What does this mean? And where do the Cubs go from here? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the timing, assess the Hoyer era thus far and describe the clubhouse reactions. W…
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The death of “Ryno” hit people hard. The Hall of Famer bonded generations of Cubs fans who watched him perform at Wrigley Field and on the WGN superstation. More than that, though, Ryne Dee Sandberg carried himself with grace and humility, playing the game the right way, as he so eloquently described in a memorable Cooperstown speech. For perspecti…
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Cubs mailbag: Trade deadline, Wrigley Field vibes and more
38:48
38:48
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38:48As the baseball industry heats up in late July, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back to answer more questions from listeners. The trade deadline, of course, remains the big topic. Why have things been relatively quiet so far? What would it take to move Owen Caissie in a deal? Could the Cubs put some major-league players on the …
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As Cubs look for more pitching, 22 trade names for the deadline
41:06
41:06
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41:06It’s no secret that the Cubs are actively searching for more pitching and trying to make deals within this final week before the trade deadline. Between injuries, organizational pressure and a neck-and-neck race with the Brewers, it’s inevitable that the Cubs will make additions to their rotation and bullpen. Who is on their radar? Virtually every …
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The trade deadline chatter around the Cubs is picking up
35:02
35:02
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35:02The Brewers will not let up, forcing the Cubs to stay on top of their game and turning this into a true division race. With the July 31 trade deadline fast approaching, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney empty their notebooks and share what they’re hearing about the situation at third base, some new pitching names on the radar and how…
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Cubs news and notes: The latest on Kyle Tucker and their trade chips for the deadline
35:10
35:10
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35:10Looking ahead to the second half, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain what Kyle Tucker has brought to the Cubs and the expectations that both sides have at this point. With Tucker being the potential No. 1 free agent this offseason, the Cubs have to maximize their time with the All-Star outfielder. What sort of trade chips will…
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Cubs mailbag: Trade deadline, Jed Hoyer’s future, pitching outlook and more
30:12
30:12
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30:12With the All-Star break almost over, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from listeners about the Cubs’ plans for the trade deadline and whether president of president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has already earned a contract extension. Plus a few more updates on what to expect in the second half. Get 20% off your…
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Cubs’ second-half guide: Trade deadline, stars to watch and more
36:42
36:42
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36:42The Cubs should enjoy their All-Star break, because they will be immediately tested. From a Brewers team that won’t go away to a pressure-packed trade deadline to the playoffs-or-bust expectations, there won’t be many dull moments. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney identify the major storylines that will determine whether this season…
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What the Cubs are trying to accomplish at the trade deadline
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32:41
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32:41Through their reporting, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have some on the names on Chicago’s radar as the baseball industry approaches the July 31 trade deadline. Besides specific targets, the two beat writers from The Athletic also explain the broader thinking in the front office and the clubhouse, how the Cubs are looking at both this year and …
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Cubs president Jed Hoyer visits North Side Territory ahead of the trade deadline
25:30
25:30
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25:30It’s that time of year. Cubs officials are simultaneously preparing for the 2025 MLB Draft and the July 31 trade deadline. For insights and perspective on what’s going on behind the scenes at Wrigley Field, pay attention to Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, who sits down for a wide-ranging Q&A with The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and P…
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Trade deadline plans, All-Star picks and more takeaways from Wrigley Field
35:22
35:22
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35:22The Cubs put on a great show over the holiday weekend, dominating the Cardinals on the Fourth of July and “Sunday Night Baseball.” The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney compare their notes from Wrigley Field, sharing the latest on the club’s ideas for the trade deadline and beyond. Plus more on how the Cubs will navigate Jameson Taillon’…
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Trade deadline preview: The Cubs will be ultra-aggressive
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33:08
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33:08As a first-place team on the Fourth of July, the Cubs already know what direction they’re heading, planning to make big moves at the trade deadline at the end of the month. For an overview of what the front office is thinking at this moment, listen to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, who go over the club’s needs, the other teams to…
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Will more Cubs join Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker at the All-Star Game?
35:11
35:11
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35:11With two-thirds of the National League’s starting outfield, the Cubs will be well-represented at Major League Baseball’s showcase event. But Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker aren’t the only Cubs who deserve to make the trip to Atlanta. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain Crow-Armstrong’s journey to this moment and Tucker’s u…
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The Cubs will have money for the trade deadline. What about Kyle Tucker?
34:34
34:34
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34:34At the beginning of July, the Cubs are in a prime position to add at the trade deadline. Jed Hoyer, the club’s president of baseball operations, confirmed his front office is fully confident the resources will be there for significant midseason acquisitions. The Kyle Tucker situation is a little more complicated, which adds to the sense of urgency …
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The Cubs at the halfway point: Big expectations for what’s next
35:21
35:21
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35:21After 81 games, the Cubs are leading their division and fueling hopes for October baseball at Wrigley Field. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the major surprises, developments and disappointments in the first half, from Kyle Tucker’s huge impact to Pete Crow-Armstrong’s breakthrough to the setbacks that rearranged the pit…
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A low point for Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs
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29:30
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29:30During this high-flying season, Pete Crow-Armstrong has established himself as a legitimate MVP candidate who does so many things the right way for a first-place team. But the mental mistakes during a rivalry game in St. Louis cannot be ignored. Especially when the rotation looks shaky, the lineup doesn’t seem as deep and the division race has beco…
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The current state of the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry
34:48
34:48
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34:48With a four-game series unfolding at Busch Stadium, The Athletic’s Katie Woo, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get together for a crossover episode of North Side Territory/Cardinal Territory. The discussion revolves around how these two clubs will approach the trade deadline, the succession plan in the St. Louis front office and Willson Contreras’…
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All the Cubs angles to the stunning Rafael Devers trade
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29:37
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29:37A blockbuster deal between the Red Sox and Giants doesn’t necessarily mean that the trade market is about to heat up, but it does reframe certain things for the Cubs, an organization that once saw Rafael Devers as a potential fit. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain what this trade means on the North Side, where Red Sox chief b…
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Pete Crow-Armstrong keeps putting on a show (just not at the Home Run Derby)
34:21
34:21
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34:21Though Pete Crow-Armstrong says he’s not interested in participating in the Home Run Derby this summer, it’s clear that people want to see “PCA” running around the All-Star Game. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney describe what it’s like to cover one of the biggest personalities in baseball right now. Plus, with the Brewers visiting W…
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Cubs news and notes: Kyle Tucker, Shota Imanaga and more from Wrigley Field
31:05
31:05
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31:05While the offense has certainly cooled off, the Cubs have actually extended their lead in the division, which is a sign of a good team. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain what’s going on with the lineup, and Kyle Tucker in particular. Plus more on Shota Imanaga’s timeline and how the Cubs could rearrange their pitching staff o…
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Cubs prospect watch, looking ahead to trade deadline
31:52
31:52
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31:52With the Cubs expected to be big buyers at the July 31 trade deadline, now is a good time to check in on their prospects and see what they will have to offer this summer. Geoff Pontes of Baseball America joins the show to deliver his expert analysis and an overall state of the farm system. Having a first-place club with the backing of a strong orga…
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Cubs mailbag: Dealing with the Marlins plus more on roster additions and lineup questions
31:06
31:06
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31:06With the trade deadline approaching, listeners are curious about Sandy Alcantara as well as Jed Hoyer’s previous discussions with Miami’s front office. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with more answers on trade possibilities, the looming roster crunch (once Shota Imanaga and Porter Hodge are cleared) and how the Cubs are c…
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The X-factors that explain the Cubs right now
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29:00After a relatively easy May, the Cubs are facing much tougher tests during these road series in Detroit and Philadelphia. The experience should benefit the Cubs in the long run, and every good team goes through those moments. It’s just hard to tell whether this is a blip or the start of a deeper slump. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Moon…
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With best record in NL, Cubs keep taking care of business
34:56
34:56
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34:56Good teams are supposed to beat bad teams, so you can’t ding the Cubs for taking advantage of a weaker part of the schedule, especially when those missed opportunities doomed previous seasons. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain what’s going right for a first-place club that has overcome a lot of adversity and shown real signs …
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Cubs mailbag: Will this be the most aggressive team at the trade deadline?
28:21
28:21
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28:21It’s still relatively early, but it’s already clear that the Cubs are planning to buy at the July 31 deadline and trade for the finishing pieces to a legitimate playoff contender. What will be the calculus and the priorities for Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the mindset wit…
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Kyle Tucker’s status and what we’ve learned about the Cubs
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32:22The biggest headline at the moment is Kyle Tucker’s injury scare. But two-plus months into the season, there is a lot for Cubs fans to like about this first-place team. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney provide context to Tucker’s injury, the latest on Shota Imanaga and the reasoning behind using an opener in front of Ben Brown. If t…
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How would you put together a roster of the best Cubs players since 2000? Spinning off a project for The Athletic, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney do just that, rewinding several eras at Wrigley Field and appreciating some of the loudest personalities and biggest moments in franchise history. Though there are some minor disagreements, this is a fu…
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