Deep Dish Baseball — A Chicago baseball podcast

Mark has not one but two guests on the podcast this week: ESPN Chicago radio host Mike Murphy and Dodgers President Stan Kasten. But first Mark dives into the City Series (1:15), from the rise of Lucas Giolito and Eloy Jimenez to the Sox’s underdog vibe to Jose Quintana’s Cubs taking on his former team. Next, Mark previews the crosstown showdown with original Wrigley Field "Bleacher Bum" Mike Murphy. He offers his take on “cheering in the press box” (5:10), the possibility that Jimenez has a 60-home run season (7:50), the changing views at Wrigley (12:25), and the chances the Cubs win another World Series in the near future (14:40). Finally, Kasten lays out what it takes to land an All-Star Game (20:05) and assures Cubs fans that the Midsummer Classic will land in Wrigley soon (22:40).

Mark and Paul dive into the Cubs’ road struggles as the team faces tough stops in Colorado and Los Angeles (:40). On the positive side, they dissect Kyle Schwarber settling into the leadoff spot (3:55). Switching to the Sox, the pair discuss how Lucas Giolito has gone from one of the worst starters in baseball to a certain All-Star (4:52) as well as which relievers might be traded (8:20). Finally, Rockies reporter Jenny Cavnar joins Mark to break down the matchup with the Cubs, how Colorado manages to reload its lineup (10:29) as well as her long-awaited call-up to the broadcast booth (15:07).

Mark and Paul preview the Cubs' upcoming series against the Astros and Cardinals (1:05 mark), the Cardinals' struggles this season (5:51) and what kind of a reaction Kris Bryant can expect in St. Louis (7:30). They switch gears to discuss White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito's complete-game shutout and his chances of making the AL All-Star team (12:20), Charlie Tilson's return to the majors (14:59), the first visit from Brad Keller and the Royals since Tim Anderson's bat spike (19:00) and pay tribute to longtime baseball writer Gerry Fraley (21:19). Cubs analyst (and former Astros player and analyst) Jim Deshaies joins the show to discuss the Astros and their path to a World Series title in 2017 (24:20), how Astros pitching coach Brent Strom handles the staff (27:17) and JD's transition to the Cubs booth with Len Kasper (28:59).

Mark and Paul discuss the Cubs' 8-2 homestand featuring series wins against the Cardinals and Brewers (1:10 mark), Kris Bryant's recent form (4:49), Yu Darvish's inconsistencies (10:15) and preview the upcoming series against the Reds, Nationals and Phillies (12:37). They switch gears to talk about White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson (18:18), Lucas Giolito's recent starts (19:39) and James McCann surpassing Welington Castillo as starting catcher (23:19). J.J. Cooper, executive editor of Baseball America, joins the show to discuss the upcoming MLB draft (27:50), what players are available for the White Sox (31:34) and Cubs (40:31), and pitchers in the draft (48:16), including Cary-Grove's Quinn Priester (50:13) and Ball State's Drey Jameson (52:38).

Mark and Paul discuss Joe Maddon's use of preset lineups (:47 mark), how Ben Zobrist and Tyler Chatwood played against the Diamondbacks (3:48), what the Cubs should do about Addison Russell's impending return (9:04) and look at the state of the NL Central (14:18). They switch gears to discuss Reynaldo Lopez's 14-strikeout performance for the White Sox (17:24), Eloy Jimenez's injury (18:55) and Tim Anderson's hot start to the season (21:18). Former Cubs first baseman Mark Grace joins the show to discuss his post-playing career (25:49), his impression of the Cubs (27:25), the difficulty of being a hitting coach in the launch-angle era (29:04) and if he would like to come back to Cubs Convention (31:38).

Mark and Paul dig in on Tim Anderson’s bat flip, Joe West and baseball's "unwritten rules" (1.02 mark), discuss when the Sox might bring up pitching prospect Dylan Cease (10:45), talk about the Cubs' — and Daniel Descalso's — recent upswing (16:06). Then, Dave Wills, the radio voice of the Rays and Chicago native, joins Mark to talk smaller markets, the Sox's rebuild and Joe Maddon (29:53).

Mark and Paul discuss the start of the baseball season, beginning with a look at the Cubs' early struggles and bullpen issues (:46 mark), Mark Zagunis and the outfield (5:55), the upcoming Brewers series and the rotation (8:55). They switch gears to discuss the White Sox bullpen's struggles and if the team is showing signs of progress (14:54), Eloy Jimenez's first few games (19:35), what the future holds for Tim Anderson (22:24), if Sox fans still are patient (24:14) and some of the food offerings at Guaranteed Rate Field (27:35). Mark is then joined by Braves organist Matthew Kaminski to discuss how Kaminski chooses songs to play for opposing players (28:50), his Chicagoland roots (31:34), teaching organ, piano and accordion (32:42) and what kind of feedback he gets from his song selections (34:55).

Mark is joined by Evan Grant, Rangers beat reporter for the Dallas Morning News, to discuss the Cubs starting season with an interleague series against the Rangers, with whom the Cubs have made several deals (:56 mark), if the Rangers made the right decision in those deals (5:24) and Yu Darvish's transition to the Cubs (7:35). They shift gears to discuss how the White Sox rebuild compares to what the Rangers are doing (12:09), the Rangers' final season at Globe Life Park (13:56) and chat about the most important topic: food (18:52).

Mark and Paul analyze if this is one of the worst Cubs offseasons in recent memory (:36 mark), look ahead to Cubs players reporting for spring training (3:28), discuss the buzz Manny Machado would bring if he signs with the White Sox (6:19) and check in on Michael Kopech's rehab (9:00). Hall of Fame Reds announcer Marty Brennaman joins the show to discuss his decision to retire (11:40), improvements the Red made in the offseason (13:50), whether he'll miss Wrigley Field (19:14) and those comments he made about Cubs fans (20:23).

Mark and Paul discuss the vibe at this year's SoxFest and all the Manny Machado chatter (:35 mark), look at improvements to the White Sox lineup and Yoan Moncada's offseason work (2:34), ponder what kind of role Ozzie Guillen could take with the Sox (6:22), talk about Nicky Delmonico and his trolling of Cubs fans (10:34), and transition to discuss the Cubs bullpen (13:17) and their front office moves (15:00). White Sox first-round pick Nick Madrigal joins the show to discuss his transition from college baseball (19:22), being drafted by the Sox (21:43) and his excitement for his first spring training (23:49).

Mark and Paul discuss their takeaways from Cubs Convention and Kris Bryant's comments about St. Louis (:35 mark), talk about the Cubs' plan for a TV network (3:05), recap what Theo Epstein said about Addison Russell (7:14) and discuss the Cubs' revolving door at hitting coach (9:48). The two switch gears to look at the latest in the White Sox's pursuit of Manny Machado (11:16), discuss the Joc Pederson rumors (14:57), talk about fan optimism heading into this weekend's SoxFest (17:31) and look forward to Ozzie Guillen's return to the event (20:10). Former Cubs great Rick Sutcliffe joins the show to discuss the 1984 team's bond (21:56), his take on the current Cubs compared to the 1980s (23:30), his impression of the "opener" role in baseball (25:14) and bouncing back from injuries (28:32).

Mark and Paul discuss the latest in the White Sox's pursuit of free-agent infielder Manny Machado (:30 mark), what happens to Tim Anderson if the Sox land Machado (4:30), how much the Sox improved this offseason (8:18), Adam Engel's playing time with the addition of Jon Jay (10:43) and the atmosphere heading into this weekend's Cubs Convention (12:54).

Mark and Paul are back to talk about all the happenings (or lack thereof) from the MLB winter meetings: Those Bryce Harper to the White Sox rumors (:22 mark), are the winter meetings still a thing that needs to happen (6:44), the state of the White Sox (9:24), the backlash from Harold Baines' Hall of Fame selection (11:55) as opposed to Lee Smith’s unanimous selection (16:14), the state of the Cubs (18:32) and Joe Maddon's book on millennials (31:20).

Mark and Paul recap the sudden end of the Cubs season: What Theo Epstein said about the lack of urgency (:42 mark), a closer look at what went wrong with the offense (10:38), predicting the roster for 2019 (16:04) and what any tension means between Joe Maddon and Epstein (24:13).

Mark and Paul recap the Cubs-White Sox series (:31 mark), discuss Addison Russell's future (3:08), look at the Cubs' stretch run (5:10), discuss Kyle Hendricks' recent outings (10:25), evaluate Pedro Strop’s availability for the postseason roster (12:18), discuss how Lucas Giolito and Carlos Rodon fared against the Cubs (15:51), analyze the free-agent market for the White Sox (19:52), discuss White Sox attendance (21:18) and tip their caps to Ken "Hawk" Harrelson (24:36).

Mark and Paul discuss the fire at Wrigley Field (:28 mark), preview the Cubs-White Sox series (2:50), discuss if the Cubs can drive clinch the division before the Cardinals series (5:10), explore the rookie season of White Sox slugger Daniel Palka (7:18), discuss the return of Jose Abreu (8:45), the White Sox rotation (12:11) and the legacy of Ken "Hawk" Harrelson (14:51).

Mark and Paul discuss a wild week for the Cubs (:26 mark), Willson Contreras staring at his double against the Reds (1:32), Pedro Strop's injury (3:50), how the rotation is stepping up (6:30), offensive struggles (8:32), how the Cubs are geared up for the stretch run (10:05), preview the Cubs-White Sox series (15:43) and give an update on Brandon Morrow's health (19:31).

Mark and Paul discuss the lengthy rain delays during the Cubs-Nationals series (:21 mark), preview the Brewers series (7:03), look at other times venues were changed because of hurricanes (10:30), White Sox rookie Michael Kopech needing Tommy John surgery (14:15), how Reynaldo Lopez is stepping up (17:13) and how Sox hitters are struggling with strikeouts (22:29).

Mark and Paul decipher Kris Bryant's curious game-ending decision (1:43 mark), dissect Cole Hamels' comments questioning the Cubs-Brewers rivalry (7:47), debate the White Sox's decision not to call up Eloy Jimenez (12:44) and decide whether the suddenly surging Sox will go after a marquee free agent this offseason (19:31).

Mark and Paul preview a tough stretch of games for the Cubs, who are still waiting for Kris Bryant's return. As for the White Sox, it’s all about Michael Kopech — and maybe soon Eloy Jimenez?

Mark and Paul celebrate #KopechDay for the White Sox ahead of Michael Kopech's debut (:13 mark), debate Rick Renteria's thinking for benching a few players (8:31), hit the reset button after Yu Darvish's latest injury setback (12:46) and look ahead to the Cubs' brutal 23-game stretch (20:17).

Mark and Paul look at the current NL Central landscape (:44 mark), break down Ben Zobrist's 1st-ever MLB ejection (7:01), marvel at Carlos Rodon's resurgence for the White Sox (11:11) and check in to see how Rick Hahn’s White Sox is going (14:51).

Mark and Paul gauge the level of concern around the Cubs following a 4-3 stretch with the Nationals looming (1:02 mark), check in on the White Sox after their series with the Yankees (10:11) and take a peek at the top Cubs and Sox prospects (14:51).

Mark and Paul discuss the Cubs’ moves before the trade deadline (:22 mark), the failure of the rotation to pitch deep into games (2:42), why the White Sox didn’t trade James Shields (6:10), Rick Renteria benching young players for lack of effort (9:59) and Paul Konerko prepping to sit in the booth with Ken “Hawk” Harrelson (14:58).

Mark and Paul break down the Cubs' trade for pitcher Cole Hamels and what it means for the rest of the rotation (:51 mark), talk about Kris Bryant's latest DL stint (14:16), debate which White Sox player has the best trade potential (16:16) and give Jim Thome his Hall of Fame due (26:43).

Teddy is joined by Jimmy Greenfield and Phil Rosenthal to break down what's wrong with baseball — and how to fix it.

Teddy chats with Sully about the Cubs' 7-1 homestand (:47), whether Yu Darvish will pitch again this season (2:20), Javier Baez and Willson Contreras making the All-Star team (5:24), catching up on the White Sox (10:23), what it's like covering the All-Star Game (16:22), proposed expansion in baseball (20:16) and remembering Yosh Kawano (24:24).

Teddy chats with WSCR-AM 670's Dan McNeil about sports movies (1:39 mark), McNeil's baseball youth (6:03), favorite players and teams growing up (8:14), the 2005 White Sox (13:50), the current Sox (21:53), McNeil's take on the Cubs (26:47) and how a team's success or struggles can dictate a radio show's programming (29:03).

Teddy is joined by Sully to discuss the weirdest Cubs injuries in light of Cubs closer Brandon Morrow landing on the DL after tweaking his back while putting on pants at 3 a.m.

Teddy chats with Doug Glanville, the NBC Sports Chicago analyst and former Cubs outfielder, about different philosophies for difference managers, like Joe Maddon and Dusty Baker (:52 mark), that one time he charged the mound in the minors (14:52), the trouble with Yu Darvish (20:05), the White Sox players to watch (25:31), his class at Penn on sports and social justice (27:20) and the national anthem debate (35:37).

Teddy talks to Phil Rosenthal about Chicago's best baseball broadcast teams (1:01 mark) and how legalized gambling will affect certain sports (16:14). And then, Dan Wiederer hops on to discuss White Sox pitching prospect Michael Kopech and his "flow state" (29:10).

Teddy chats with The Score's Matt Spiegel about falling in love with baseball (3:33 mark), Fenway Park vs. Wrigley Field (14:10), blending analytics with old-school stats (23:46), the Cubs' troubles with Yu Darvish and Tyler Chatwood (26:18) and the state of the White Sox (31:11).

Teddy talks to White Sox broadcaster Steve Stone about the team's top prospects, namely Eloy Jimenez and Michael Kopech. Then, Mark Gonzales joins Teddy to talk about some bad baseball weather, Yu Darvish and those Manny Machado trade rumors (21:02).

Teddy and Sully try to figure out how the Cubs didn't sweep the White Sox (2:26 mark), what we learned about the Cubs on their long homestand (7:57), how the Sox can avoid a franchise-worst loss record (13:00), and later, Teddy talks to David Haugh about those Manny Machado trade rumors and more (17:04).

Teddy and Sully talk about talking "psychobabble" with Theo Epstein (4:14 mark), breaking down the Cubs-White Sox pitching matchups for the weekend (6:29) and rehashing the City Series from A to Z (12:00).

Teddy Greenstein is joined by Dan Wiederer, who wrote an epic oral history of May 6, 1998 at Wrigley Field — the day 20-year-old rookie Kerry Wood struck out 20 Astros.

Teddy Greenstein talks to Paul Sullivan about Wrigley renovations (3:20 mark), when the Cubs will break away from the .500 pack (10:06), Yoan Moncada vs. Rick Renteria running confusion (14:57), and then chats with Mark Gonzales about a Kris Bryant beaning update (25:18), finding Albert Almora Jr. more playing time (28:23) and Yu Darvish's early struggles (35:24).

Special guest Bob Vorwald, WGN's director of production, talks about the network's 70-year anniversary plans for Monday night's Cubs-Cardinals game at Wrigley Field, including flashbacks of Kerry Wood, Bill Murray, Ernie Banks, Ron Santo and many more. Also: A preview of a special White Sox telecast on Tuesday night from Oakland.

Teddy Greenstein asks Mark Gonzales if it's OK to freak out about the 2-3 Cubs (:49 mark) and what to make of Yu Darvish's 1st Cubs start (8:01). Then Joe Knowles talks about the White Sox's hot start (13:58) and talking LIPS (23:04).

Teddy Greenstein chats up the Tribune's longtime baseball writer/man about town Paul Sullivan about new Cubs closer Brandon Morrow and what the team needs to do to get back to the World Series (4:55 mark), which White Sox prospect will have the best career (12:27), how covering baseball now is different than covering it 20 years ago (19:19) and BABIP (36:10).

Teddy Greenstein talks to the Tribune's Cubs writer Mark Gonzales about Ian Happ, which players are the most interesting to chat up and where to eat in Arizona (1:00) and then, listen to part of Teddy’s interview with Theo Epstein about new Cubs starter Yu Darvish (16:47).

In Episode 0, Teddy Greenstein introduces you to the Chicago Tribune's new baseball podcast: Deep Dish Baseball. Weekly episodes of the show will launch March 26 — just in time for opening day.