From player interviews to rankings and analysis, Cubs On Deck is dedicated to bringing you everything you need to know about the Chicago Cubs minor league system and its top prospects.
The Cubs On Deck podcast is the ultimate source for Cubs minor league and prospect updates. With tons of great insight, this podcast has quickly become my go-to for all things related to the Cubs farm system. Greg, the host of the show, does an exceptional job in providing in-depth conversations that not only focus on top prospects but also shed light on players that may not be on everyone's radar. As a Cubs fan, this podcast is an absolute must-add to my regular rotation.
One of the best aspects of The Cubs On Deck podcast is its ability to provide a comprehensive analysis of Cubs prospects at every level of the farm system. Greg's appreciation for players' stories and journeys adds a unique touch to the discussions, making them more personal and relatable. Additionally, his enthusiasm and joyous fandom shine through in each episode, creating an enjoyable listening experience. The podcast strikes a great balance between in-depth analysis supported by facts and data, as well as personal eyewitness perception. This combination makes it both fun and informative for fans looking to stay updated on the future stars of the Cubs organization.
While it's hard to find any major flaws with The Cubs On Deck podcast, one minor drawback could be that it focuses primarily on Cubs prospects rather than discussing broader topics within baseball or other teams' farm systems. However, considering its intended audience of Cubs fans and those interested specifically in their minor league system, this narrow focus can be seen as a strength rather than a weakness.
In conclusion, The Cubs On Deck podcast is a true gem for any Cubs fan or anyone interested in tracking the progress of their minor league prospects. It offers great insights into both top prospects and underrated players while delivering information with passion and expertise. If you're looking for a podcast that combines thorough analysis with personal anecdotes and fandom, this is definitely one to add to your regular listening rotation. I eagerly anticipate future episodes from Greg and his co-hosts as they continue to provide valuable updates and discussions on the Cubs' up-and-coming talent.
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss:Will Sanders performance this week and this seasonOwen Caissie's strikeout rateKevin Alcantara against breaking ballsMoises Ballesteros' powerTop offensive performers including Lovich, Sisneros, Rojas, Murray, and LongIvan Brethowr, Jaxon Wiggins, Owen Ayers, and James Triantos
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith:Cade Horton's MLB debutJaxon Wiggins strong (and unique) performance and why he's ready for a promotionJames Triantos positional versatilityJefferson Rojas and why he's a Top 100 prospectWho else is ready for a promotion throughout the system?
Greg Huss and Greg Zumach celebrate Episode 100 of the Cubs On Deck Podcast by hitting on a variety of topics!Cade Horton's potential promotion to ChicagoA look back at our prospect lists from November of 2022 when the show was first starting and many of the prospects that are currently near Chicago were first getting their start in the systemRunning through several listener questions including ones about Owen Caissie's power, our favorite prospects to cover the past few years, Jonny Long at third base, and what prospect is most likely to be traded at the deadlineThank you all SO MUCH for tuning in each week to hear us talk about Cubs prospects. It has meant so much to us over these last 100 episodes!
Players of note in this week's episode with Greg Huss and Myrtle Beach Pelicans broadcaster, Luke Moehle:Nazier MuleJP WheatEvan AschenbeckBrooks CapleBrayden RisedorphKevin ValdezOwen AyersAngel CepedaJose EscobarCole MathisMatt HalbachLeonel EspinozaAlexey LumpuyCameron Sisneros
Greg Huss and Bryan Smith spend the entire episode talking about one player: Moises Ballesteros. The guys talk about how he got to this point, what his strong season looks like so far, when and if we see him in Chicago this year, and what his future at the catcher position looks like.
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Greg Zumach:How legit is Cristian Hernandez's breakout and when will he crack Top 100 listsWhat are the internal options for the Chicago Cubs pitching staff depth following Justin Steele's trip to the IL?Moises Ballesteros is starting to tap into that all-important powerAn exercise to predict which prospects will end the season with the highest OPSGame time! What minor league affiliates share a name with their parent club?
Hosts Greg Huss and Bryan Smith talk about the players that caught their eyes over the course of the first full weekend of the minor league season, as all four affiliates took the field for the first time!
Greg Huss details the newly released Double-A Knoxville Smokies roster in the team preview for the 2025 campaign:Rotation: Will Sanders and Sam Armstrong but no Jaxon Wiggins, Erian Rodriguez, Nick Dean, or Drew GrayBullpen: Nick Hull, Frankie Scalzo Jr, Zac Leigh, Mitchell Tyranski, Ben Leeper, and Robert KwiatkowskiInfield: Pedro Ramirez, Haydn McGeary, Hayden Cantrelle, BJ Murray, and Ed HowardOutfield: Felix Stevens, Jaylen Palmer, Jordan Nwogu, and Parker ChaversCatchers: Pablo Aliendo, Ethan Hearn, Casey Opitz
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register as the duo recaps opening weekend for the Iowa Cubs:Throwback to when Matt Murton and Eric Patterson were Cubs prospectsOwen Caissie is healthy and in the starting lineupJames Triantos and how his skillset might work in the bigsMoises Ballesteros hits the ball hard and the defense is better than it probably should beBen Cowles surprising earlyJonny Long following in Matt Mervis' footstepsConnor Noland's dominating Opening Night startDaniel Palencia throwing more gas
Marquee Sports Network and former Iowa Cubs broadcaster Alex Cohen joins Greg Huss to preview the Iowa Cubs 2025 campaign. Iowa will be a team loaded with top prospects:Top 100 bats Moises Ballesteros, Kevin Alcantara, James Triantos, and Owen CaissieOther hitters Christian Franklin, Jonathon Long, Pablo Aliendo, Ben CowlesStarting pitchers Cade Horton, Connor Noland, and Brandon BirdsellRelievers Jack Neely, Frankie Scalzo Jr, and Riley Martin
In his final appearance on the show, former Myrtle Beach Pelicans broadcaster Sam Weiderhaft helps Greg Huss preview the Birds 2025 campaign. Players of note include Jose Escobar, Yahil Melendez, Angel Cepeda, Christopher Paciolla, Alexis Hernandez, Anderson Suriel, Joan Delgado, Alexey Lumpuy, Owen Ayers, Michael Carico, Luis Martinez-Gomez, Naz Mule, and Jeral Vizcaino.
Greg Huss and Bryan Smith are joined by South Bend Cubs broadcaster Brendan King to preview the 2025 campaign for the High-A South Bend Cubs after a review of Saturday's Spring Breakout game that featured impressive performances by Cade Horton, Jaxon Wiggins, Will Sanders, and Kevin Alcantara. South Bend prospects to keep an eye on this year:Top hitters Cristian Hernandez, Eriandys Ramon, and Leonel EspinozaBig boy boppers Cole Mathis, Edgar Alvarez, Ivan Brethowr, and Cameron SisnerosCatcher Ariel ArmasStarting pitchers Erian Rodriguez and Kenten Egbert with bonus mention of Drew Gray and WigginsRelievers Grant Kipp and Marino Santy
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and brand new Iowa Cubs broadcaster Jason Kempf:How Jason's path through the minors led him to IowaHis relationships with Alex Cohen and Sam WeiderhaftRiding in a trunk from a Mexican restaurant in BeloitRoad tripping for a month in a half while with the Quad CitiesCubs prospects that caught his eye last year in Myrtle BeachCubs prospects that will likely spend the year in Iowa this year
Greg Huss, Greg Zumach, and Bryan Smith compete in the nerdiest event all year: a Cubs prospect fantasy draft! The trio drafts five starting pitchers, three relievers, a full starting lineup, and a few bench options to put together the best squads. Who came away with the best team?
On this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith, the guys discuss Opening Day assignments for certain players and how their work in the offseason and performance in Spring Training might impact where they begin the 2025 campaign.Players include: Jefferson Rojas, Cristian Hernandez, Eriandys Ramon, Angel Cepeda, Ty Southisene, Riley Martin, Frankie Scalzo Jr, Drew Gray, Luis Martinez-Gomez, Naz Mule, Jonny Long, Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks, and the whole lot of 2024 pitching draft picks.
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Greg Zumach:Trading away prospects Juan Bello and Michael AriasNew Top 100 rankings from MLB Pipeline, Baseball America, and The AthleticCade Horton, Moises Ballesteros, Owen Caissie, and James Triantos: who makes it to Chicago first?How many prospects will make their MLB debut in 2025?
Topics on this week's solo episode with Greg Huss:Matt Mervis traded to Miami for Vidal BrujanCole Roederer signs with the San Diego PadresBrennen Davis signs with the New York YankeesA wild run through notes on 72 different Cubs prospects in 62 minutes
A full panel of hosts hop on this episode, with Greg Huss, Greg Zumach, Bryan Smith, and guest host Brendan Miller all joining the show. Topics:The Cubs traded Cam Smith in a package for Kyle Tucker. What did the Cubs give up by trading away their 2024 first round pick?By trading away Isaac Paredes, it appears third base in Matt Shaw's for the taking. How likely is it that he can hold onto the job?Huss, Zumach, and Smith reveal their updated prospect rankings and Brendan asks the trio hard-hitting questions including the differences between Matt Shaw and Moises Ballesteros at the plate, who might log more WAR in Chicago between Owen Caissie and Jaxon Wiggins in the next couple seasons, and what version of Cristian Hernandez we should believe in.
Cubs prospects and former Arkansas teammates Christian Franklin and Connor Noland join the show for individual interviews with Greg Huss in a jam-packed episode!The first part of the show is with the Rule 5 Draft eligible Christian Franklin where he talked about his hitting mentality, swing changes (or lack thereof), and tapping into more power.The back half of the episode is with pitcher Connor Noland. He is one of the more interesting athletes Greg has interviewed, having been both a starting pitcher AND a starting quarterback at Arkansas. We talked about how difficult that was, why he landed on baseball as his sport of choice, and his desire to add some more velo over the offseason. As a bonus callback, Connor gave his side of the story in the challenge between him and Brandon Birdsell that Birdie detailed earlier this offseason.
Greg Huss, Greg Zumach, and Bryan Smith discuss the Cubs' options as to who they should protect from the Rule 5 Draft. What prospects get added to the 40-man roster and who might get poached by another team? The trio runs through a whole host of names after the obvious selection -- Owen Caissie. The guys end the show by answering a few listener questions!
In this episode, Greg Huss is joined by Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year Brandon Birdsell. The righty covers all sorts of topics including his funky delivery, an uptick in stuff this year, a battle against a teammate for the most innings, how he manipulates the baseball, and plenty more.
In the first player interview of the offseason, Greg Huss is joined by Iowa Cubs reliever Riley Martin. The guys talk...Transitioning from college starter to pro relieverThe journey from a 5th year senior in Division 2 to being one step away from the big leaguesHis competitive nature on the moundA hot finish to the yearThings he's working on over the offseason
Topics on the first episode of the offseason with Greg Huss and Brendan Miller:The Arizona Fall League has started and we FINALLY have the chance to run through the Cubs players assigned to the leagueA comprehensive look into whether the Cubs should be more aggressive in promoting their prospects to the Majors Leagues including past examples, pros, cons, types of players that it works best for, and who might fit the bill next year
Greg Huss, Greg Zumach, and Bryan Smith hand out 20 total awards on the 2nd edition of the Cubs On Deck Award Show. They span from standard ones like Hitter of the Year to weird ones like the I-80 Road Warrior Award followed by superlatives like Most Power and Best Breaking Ball.A huge thanks to everyone for tuning in each week this season. Your support has been absolutely incredible and we appreciate each and every one of you!
Hosts Greg Huss and Alex Cohen break down a whole host of prospects that currently call Iowa home: Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara, Matt Shaw, James Triantos, Moises Ballesteros, Ed Howard, Brandon Birdsell, Connor Noland, and Michael Arias.
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Greg Zumach:Storylines from the Myrtle Beach Pelicans seasonStorylines from the South Bend Cubs seasonTracking Baseball America's Top 100 list and where Cubs prospects have fallen on it over the course of the season (spoiler: it doesn't look as good now compared to the middle of summer)State of the SystemCubs On Deck's apparel today was provided by Travis Mathew
Topics on today's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith:Cam Smith's hot performance to start off his pro career and if we see him finish the season in TennesseeJames Triantos crazy stolen base numbers and what it means for his long-term projectionPredictions for the Arizona Fall League including Moises Ballesteros, Ben Cowles, Brody McCullough, and Luis RujanoHow the hot Smokies got into the playoffs
Greg Zumach flies solo for this episode as he answers plenty of your questions from draft classes through guys knocking on the door to Chicago!
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith: - Cade Horton and Ben Brown's extended absences due to injury and what it means for their projection in future seasons - Why the Cubs system was ranked outside the top 10 by both ESPN and Baseball America - Estimating when Owen Caissie, Moises Ballesteros, Matt Shaw, James Triantos, and Kevin Alcantara will make their MLB debuts - A deep dive into the success of Brandon Birdsell
Greg Huss is joined by Myrtle Beach broadcaster Sam Weiderhaft in this episode as the guys talk...The promotions of Matt Shaw, James Triantos, and Kevin Alcantara to Triple-A IowaWhat it would mean for Cam Smith to play in Myrtle BeachThe Pelicans hot streakIndividual analysis on Eriandys Ramon, Cristian Hernandez, Alfonsin Rosario, Carter Trice, Leonel Espinoza, Yenrri Rojas, Christian Olivo, Nico Zeglin, Kenten Egbert, Miguel Pabon, and Nazier Mule
In this week's episode, Greg Huss and Bryan Smith take a look at each of the three trades the Cubs made at the trade deadline and give their in-depth thoughts on the prospects added (Jack Neely, Ben Cowles) and lost (Hunter Bigge, Ty Johnson, Yohendrick Pinango, Josh Rivera). Stick around for the end when Greg interviews one of the true fan-favorite prospsects in the system in Frankie Scalzo Jr.
Greg Huss just released his new Cubs prospect rankings at North Side Bound and he'sanswering your questions about why he ranked certain players where he did! He gives some tidbits about all 30 prospects on his list.Full rankings and write-ups: https://northsidebound.com/2024/07/08/greg-huss-updates-his-top-30-prospects-with-plenty-of-new-guys-in-the-mix/
You get three hosts for this episode with Greg Huss, Greg Zumach, and Bryan Smith. The crew breaks down each of the 20 Cubs draft picks from this week!Cam SmithCole MathisRonny CruzTy SouthiseneAriel ArmasRyan GallagherIvan BrethowrEdgar AlvarezBrooks CapleMatt HalbachEli LovichDaniel AvitiaEvan AschenbeckCameron SisnerosHayden FrankChristian GordonBen JohnsonThomas HangusOwen AyersBrayden Risedorph
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith: - Owen Caissie and Matt Shaw selected to the Futures Game - Moises Ballesteros to participate in the first ever Futures Skills Showcase - Hunter Bigge promotion to Chicago - Brandon Birdsell promotion to Iowa - Brennen Davis back injury - Our brand new prospect lists
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Greg Zumach:Alfonsin Rosario's historic start in Myrtle BeachCole Roederer's future as a 4th outfielderThe grouping of starting pitchers in the organization after Cade HortonOwen Caissie's promotion to Chicago timelineMLB Draft prep just 2 weeks out from the event
Jack McMullen, broadcaster for the Indianapolis Indians, joins the show with Greg Huss to talk...Moises Ballesteros' first week in IowaOwen Caissie at the plate and on defenseWhat Matt Mervis and Alexander Canario have to proveTriple-A relievers Hunter Bigge, Michael Arias, and Ethan Roberts
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith:Crazy ump show in the South Bend gameDrew Gray's less than stellar startMoises Ballesteros promotion to IowaJames Triantos not yet promoted to IowaFrankie Scalzo Jr's scoreless innings streak and promotion to IowaCristian Hernandez might be backEthan Roberts added to 40-man rosterDJ Herz shows out with his new team
Topics on this week's episode where Greg Huss goes solo for a live recording:Jaxon Wiggins full-season debutCade Horton's injuryJames Triantos' stolen base numbersRecent draft successWho should be promoted nextMore listener questions
Greg Zumach is back to talk all things MLB Draft. He recaps the draft prospects at the Big Ten Tournament Championship and answers listener questions.Who might the Cubs target in round 1, a mock selection in round 19, underslot options and more in this week's episode.
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss Brendan Miller of CHGO:Brennen Davis is lighting the world on fire and is about ready for a call-up to ChicagoWe discuss the lack of a Luis Vazquez promotion hours before news broke he actually was being promotedOwen Caissie's spray chart and advanced numbersCade Horton's fastball velocity and shapeRelievers in the upper minorsYoung guys in Chicago like PCA, Wicks, Brown, and Palencia
On this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith, the guys go IN-DEPTH on two of the top prospects in the Cubs organization: Matt Shaw and Jefferson Rojas. The guys compare and contrast the players' tools, futures, styles, and break down what makes each stud unique.
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Myrtle Beach Pelicans broadcaster Sam Weiderhaft:Cade Horton's Triple-A debutNew Baseball America Top 100 includes Jefferson RojasCristian Hernandez's strong performanceReggie Preciado's strong performanceGetting to know the newest Pelicans players including Nick Dean, Juan Bello, Mason McGwire, Kenten Egbert, Ty Johnson, Shane Marshall, Christopher Paciolla, and Alfonsin Rosario
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith:Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Mervis promotionsAlfonsin Rosario's first homerCade Horton to Iowa or Chicago?Luis Vazquez's on-base streakJefferson Rojas' hit streakBrennen Davis exit velosMax Bain on the call for South BendOver/under stat predictions for Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara, Moises Ballesteros, Michael Arias, and Connor Noland
In this tag team episode with Greg Huss and Greg Zumach, the guys address plenty of great listener questions regarding relief options to replace the struggling arms in Chicago, the odd start for Kevin Alcantara, Matt Shaw and Cade Horton's timeline to Iowa, trade value for Matt Mervis and Luis Vazquez, the depth of the system, and plenty of draft prep!
In this week's episode, Greg Huss and Bryan Smith walk through the development of the 11 first round picks that find themselves in the organization: Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Ed Howard, Jordan Wicks, Cade Horton, Matt Shaw, Jameson Taillon, Dansby Swanson, Nick Madrigal, Michael Busch, and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
We've finally arrived to good stuff. Greg Huss is solo in this episode and he took on the task of recapping the first weekend with all four Cubs affiliates suiting up. He also addressed some official player assignment concerns along the way. It's was also a live episode so he took listener questions and comments throughout the episode! Enjoy and we'll be back next week with multiple hosts!
Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Greg Zumach: Ben Brown's promotion to ChicagoJordan Wicks' whiffs in his season debut against the champsOwen Caissie's hot start in Triple-AMatt Mervis' hard hit balls & future with the CubsMichael Arias' move to the bullpen so quicklyListener questionsZ's mock draft
Greg Huss and Bryan Smith are joined by Iowa Cubs broadcaster Alex Cohen to give a season preview of the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate. The guys give their thoughts on Pete Crow-Armstrong, Owen Caissie, Brennen Davis, Matt Mervis, Ben Brown, Cam Sanders, and plenty more top prospects.
Greg Huss is joined by Myrtle Beach Pelicans broadcaster Sam Weiderhaft to give a season preview of the Cubs' Single-A affiliate. The guys give their thoughts on Cristian and Alexis Hernandez, Will Sanders, Luis Rujano, Carter Trice, Mason McGwire, Christopher Paciolla and plenty more top prospects.
Greg Huss is joined by South Bend Cubs broadcasters Brendan King and Max Thoma to give a season preview of the Cubs' High-A affiliate. The guys give their thoughts on Jefferson Rojas, Drew Gray, Michael Arias, Brody McCullough, Ed Howard, and plenty more top prospects.
Greg Huss is joined by Tennessee Smokies broadcaster Mick Gillispie to give a season preview of the Cubs' Double-A affiliate. The two guys give their thoughts on Cade Horton, Matt Shaw, James Triantos, BJ Murray Jr, and plenty more top prospects.
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