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The 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 the Cubs have largely figured out what they have, then the next two months will be about getting what else they need. At this point, the priorities at the trade deadline are clear.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL.Use code FOUL for 20% off your first purchase on Rhoback.com Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
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 fun episode with a ton of behind-the-scenes insights and unforgettable memories from the clubhouse.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
As the Cubs continue to roll, The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney take questions from listeners and explain what's making this first-place team tick. Cade Horton is prominently mentioned as a potential top-of-the-rotation starter. Matt Shaw has impressed everyone since his reset at Triple-A Iowa. But what is the front office thinking? Which prospects, if any, will be untouchable at the trade deadline? Plus more on the coaching staff's influence on a dangerous offense.Go to harrys.com/FOUL for a $6 Trial Set. Get an edge on your shave with Harry's.Use code FOUL for 20% off your first purchase on Rhoback.com Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
It's time to break down a first-place team that is exceeding all expectations. What has gone right? And what could go wrong? The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have it all covered, from Kyle Tucker being better than advertised to Pete Crow-Armstrong turning into a star. The offense is a juggernaut while the pitching staff is the obvious area to upgrade at the trade deadline. In any event, the Cubs can deliver a fun summer, and Wrigleyville will be rocking.Buy or sell your next car today at CarGurus.com and make sure your big deal is the best deal.Go to SpotandTango.com/foul and use code foul to get 50% off your first order. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
Fifty games into the season, the Cubs are 10 over .500 and leading the National League Central. The Reds, however, could be a problem. For a scouting report on Cincinnati, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney bring in C. Trent Rosecrans, their colleague at The Athletic, ahead of a Memorial Day weekend series at Great American Ball Park. Tune in for more on Hunter Greene's next level, the expectations around Elly De La Cruz and Terry Francona's influence as the Hall of Fame-caliber manager brought in to fix the Reds and try to take over the division.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL.Download the HOF app and enter code FOUL to get a 7-day free trial + 50% off your first month at hofbets.com Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
Undeniably, the breakout star of this Cubs season is Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is quickly gaining notice beyond Wrigley Field and becoming one of the most exciting players in the entire sport. To understand why this is happening, listen to Cubs assistant GM Jared Banner, who joins Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney for a conversation about PCA-mania. Banner's insights are from his time with the Mets, overseeing their farm system when it included Crow-Armstrong, as well as his role in welcoming Crow-Armstrong into the Cubs organization following the Javier Báez trade.Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/hap8idx8 #CashAppPod *Referral Reward Disclaimer: As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account.Use code FOUL for 20% off your first purchase on Rhoback.com Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
The Cubs didn't really hesitate last month when they demoted Matt Shaw, the club's Opening Day third baseman and top prospect heading into the season. After a reset at Triple-A Iowa, Shaw is now back in The Show. What was the message sent to Shaw? How did his swing get so out of whack? Who else is out there if the Cubs want to make a move at the trade deadline? The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get into all of those topics, plus more on the shaky state of the bullpen, and the injuries that are beginning to pile up around a first-place team.Download the HOF app and enter code FOUL to get a 7-day free trial + 50% off your first month at hofbets.comGet 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
As Pete Crow-Armstrong blossoms into one of the game's most exciting players, it's worth revisiting why contract talks were tabled and how both sides view the situation. That is a jumping-off point for more questions on what the Cubs will prioritize at the trade deadline, how much money is available for in-season additions, and where Moisés Ballesteros fits long term. You have questions. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have answers.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL.Get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. One item per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as a discount on the first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
This is exactly why the Cubs wanted Justin Turner on their team. And this is exactly what Turner needed after a brutal start to the season had some people wondering if his roster spot was in jeopardy. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney take you inside the clubhouse to understand Turner's process and his enormous impact on teammates. Plus, first impressions of Moisés Ballesteros and thoughts on the renewed energy at Wrigley Field.Get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. One item per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as a discount on the first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.Schedule your PXG golf club fitting today at PXG.com/foul to save up to 20% on your entire order. Restrictions apply, see site for details. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
In what's becoming a regular occurrence, the Cubs are calling up another elite prospect to make his major-league debut. To get you prepared for Moisés Ballesteros' big moment, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have a scouting report on what to expect from the young left-handed hitter, and why the Cubs are making this move right now. Ballesteros follows Cade Horton, a top pitching prospect who certainly looked like he belonged in New York. These are things that have to happen in order for a team to put together a special season. From this youth movement to under-the-radar contributors such as Colin Rea and Brad Keller, The Athletic's Chicago beat writers have it covered.Schedule your PXG golf club fitting today at PXG.com/foul to save up to 20% on your entire order. Restrictions apply, see site for details.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
With top pitching prospect Cade Horton lined up to make his major-league debut on Saturday night in New York, The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney give a full preview of what to expect when the Cubs face the Mets this weekend. This goes back to what the Cubs saw leading up to the 2022 draft, and why they reached for the University of Oklahoma pitcher with the No. 7 pick. It's also a sign of an organization that has evolved on the pitching side, and executed a deliberate plan to get Horton back on track after a disappointing 2024 season. Listen now for a complete breakdown on Horton, who might be the team's best pitching prospect in a generation.Buy or sell your next car today at CarGurus.com and make sure your big deal is the best deal. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
After a historically bad outing, it's back to the drawing board for Ryan Pressly. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down what's going on with Pressly and why the Cubs aren't writing him off yet — while still looking at other options for the ninth inning and trying to put him in lower-pressure situations. Plus, a look ahead to this weekend's series in New York, where Pete Crow-Armstrong will be a focus for Mets fans and the crowd of media. You just know that the showman side of PCA's personality will come out in NYC.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
Already down one All-Star pitcher, the Cubs will again have to reshape the top of their rotation now that Shota Imanaga has joined Justin Steele on the injured list. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney provide the latest on Imanaga's hamstring injury, the ongoing internal debate about Cade Horton and what that all means for a top pitching prospect. The Cubs have options, but the best one right now appears to be Horton, an uber-talented starter who's positioned to make his major-league debut soon. Plus, why Horton would be walking into an ideal environment for a young pitcher to learn, grow and succeed.Go to Hungryroot.com/FT and use code FT to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life! Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
With the Cubs off to a great start, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney open up the inbox to field questions from listeners and look ahead to what's around the corner. The hot corner is an obvious topic of conversation as the Cubs cycle through options ahead of the trade deadline. From there, The Athletic beat writers discuss Craig Counsell's influence on roster construction and lineup decisions. That leads into the Cade Horton question and when we should expect to see the organization's top pitching prospect make his Wrigley Field debut.Go to harrys.com/FOUL for a $6 Trial Set. Get an edge on your shave with Harry's. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
With the offense rolling through the first month of the season, Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly joins Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic for a wide-ranging conversation. Kelly explains the evolution of Pete Crow-Armstrong's game and the impact since Kyle Tucker's arrival. Plus, the message sent to Matt Shaw when he got sent down to the minors and why the Cubs aren't worried about Dansby Swanson's early offensive struggles. Within this Q&A, Kelly also gets into the vibes at Wrigley Field and how the club has turned the ballpark into a real advantage.Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code FOUL.Use code FOUL for 20% off your first purchase on Rhoback.com Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
After the Cubs passed baseball's most difficult opening test, The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their takeaways from the first month of the season. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker are the names that jump out in a much-improved offense. Craig Counsell's blunt assessment of Ben Brown summed up the sense of urgency around the club: “We need better.” Already, it seems clear what Jed Hoyer's front office will be looking for at the trade deadline.Go to harrys.com/FOUL for a $3 Trial Set. Get an edge on your shave with Harry's. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
It's not a silly question to ask at this early stage of the season. The numbers are off the charts. The entertainment value is back at Wrigley Field. And Kyle Tucker might be the best hitter in the game right now. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain what's happening at this moment, from the Tucker effect to Pete Crow-Armstrong's emergence to a catching group that has become a real strength. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
Once again, the Cubs are becoming a must-see attraction. In a city that desperately wants to see a winner, and an iconic stadium that lacked buzz in recent years, the Cubs just put together two wild wins over the Dodgers. The entire scene felt like a potential playoff preview. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney share their takeaways from how the club matched up against the defending World Series champs.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
Good starting pitching and an explosive offense have masked some of the issues with Chicago's bullpen. A winning record and an early lead in the division have also slightly lowered the concern level at Wrigley Field. But Cubs manager Craig Counsell and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer are taking a proactive approach to fixing the bullpen. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain the trade for Drew Pomeranz, the differences between this group and last year's unreliable bullpen, and the big-picture thinking that guides these decisions.Go to Hungryroot.com/FT and use code FT to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life! Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
By demoting Matt Shaw to the minors, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell demonstrated that their patience will not be unlimited. The recent shake-up was also felt in the bullpen, an area where the Cubs have to be aggressive until something else clicks. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down what all these decisions mean, and how this proactive approach also applies to the trade deadline and beyond.Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/FOUL! #trueclassicpod Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
After exchanging extension proposals around the start of the season, Cubs officials and Pete Crow-Armstrong's camp decided to hold off and focus on the season. What went into that decision? Who are the comps for Crow-Armstrong? And how did each side feel the process was handled? The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer those questions and discuss another bullpen meltdown in the latest episode, using information gathered during the team's West Coast trip.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
The bad news coming out of Dodger Stadium overshadowed the Cubs winning two of three games against the defending World Series champs. All-Star pitcher Justin Steele is scheduled to undergo major surgery. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have the latest information from the team's current West Coast trip, including insights into Steele's situation and how the rotation plans are taking shape.Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
With the Cubs on the West Coast, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from fans about what's next. The Athletic writers have the latest from Dodger Stadium on Justin Steele and how his injury could force the team to scramble. Will Jed Hoyer's front office be more aggressive ahead of the trade deadline? Are there any standouts at Triple-A Iowa? And what is the buzz around Cade Horton? Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
A good start has been interrupted by the injury news regarding an All-Star pitcher. Still, the Cubs are in decent shape after the season's first homestand at Wrigley Field. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic give you their latest information, more insight on Matt Shaw and a robust offense, and a preview of what could be a brutal West Coast trip. Go to harrys.com/FOUL for a $3 Trial Set. Get an edge on your shave with Harry's.Go to Hungryroot.com/FT and use code FT to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life! Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
The impact of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s 14-year, $500 million megadeal will be felt in Chicago as Kyle Tucker has already started to put together a potential monster season. The Blue Jays finally locking up a star with a contract extension will put more pressure on the Cubs. After the club enjoyed a very good opening weekend at Wrigley Field, The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney sit down to discuss Tucker's future, the bullpen situation and more early takeaways from the North Side.Schedule your PXG golf club fitting today at PXG.com/foul to save up to 20% on your entire order. Restrictions apply, see site for details. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
Shota Imanaga again pitched like an ace in the franchise's 150th home opener. Kyle Tucker continues to show why he might be the sport's No. 1 free agent next winter. The closer situation is becoming a thing. Ten games into the season, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic discuss the team's emerging identity as well as the sights and sounds in Wrigleyville. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney dig into the franchise's situation, which has impacted the rebuild the Cubs once refused to call a rebuild. Why does the franchise with the third-highest revenue in Major League Baseball spend like an ordinary team? How did so many National League teams surpass the Cubs in this area? With the gates reopening for another season at Wrigley Field, a look at how they got here.Visit Homage.com/FoulTerritory and use code FoulTerritory for 20% off for all first time Homage shoppers. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
After a circuitous road trip to start the season, the Cubs return to Wrigley Field with some momentum and the type of player they've been lacking in recent seasons. The home opener will be a chance for Tucker to take in the Friendly Confines and learn more about what it's like to play in Chicago. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney get into the impact of Tucker's hot start, what they're seeing in the rotation and why you don't have to panic about the bullpen (yet). Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
After their disappointing showing in the Tokyo Series, the Cubs restarted their regular season with a much-needed win over the Diamondbacks. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney from Phoenix, where the Cubs showed attention to detail and some of the little things that can add up over the course of a 162-game season. Plus panic meters for Justin Steele and Ryan Pressly, and the Cody Bellinger trade exposed after the Cubs designated Cody Poteet for assignment. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney sit down for the insiders' look at how this year could unfold in Wrigleyville. Who's on the hot seat? What are the names you need to know? Which team is becoming the true rival within the division? All that and more predictions in this season-preview show.Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/FOUL! #trueclassicpod Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
The Cubs wrapped up spring training with a series of roster decisions and an 0-2 record in real games. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, The Athletic's Cubs beat writers, bring you the latest from Arizona, where Justin Steele will try to get back on track against the Diamondbacks. Why is Ben Brown making the rotation such a big deal? And is it too soon to start second-guessing Craig Counsell's lineup decisions?Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
With the Tokyo Series behind them, the Cubs are already back to work in Arizona. Looking ahead, The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down a brutal schedule to start the season, the latest on Nico Hoerner, and some more roster maneuvering. Also, have you seen what Cam Smith is doing in Houston's camp? Cubs fans and the Chicago media will be talking about the Kyle Tucker trade for a long time.Go to SpotandTango.com/foul and use code foul to get 50% off your first order. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
It wasn't an accident that the Cubs were picked for the Tokyo Series. While the Dodgers are still the preeminent team in Japan, the Cubs have spent years building up their international presence, which has already paid off with the signings of Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga. How did Yu Darvish give the Cubs credibility in this space? And who are some of the next players positioned to make a jump to the majors? Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic share what they're hearing.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
The Cubs' opener was a little sloppy and kind of boring, but this event is truly more than just a game. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma joins Patrick Mooney from Japan, where it feels like Shohei Ohtani is everywhere and the atmosphere is electric. How the Cubs come out of this international trip will be telling.Visit MINTMOBILE.com/Territory to shop premium wireless plans starting at 15 bucks a month. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
And so has Sahadev Sharma, who's on the ground in Tokyo, joining Patrick Mooney ahead of a showcase event for Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball. The Athletic writers wrap up Phase 1 of spring training, dig into more roster decisions and describe the vibes around the team. The Cubs are genuinely excited for Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, and looking forward to the electric atmosphere that they will encounter inside the Tokyo Dome against the Dodgers.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
After a few twists and turns, the Cubs landed on bringing their top prospect to Japan and almost certainly making him a big part of their Opening Day roster. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss all the roster ramifications and how things set up for the Tokyo Series. How much does the club believe in Rule 5 draft pick Gage Workman? And what to make of Brad Keller's spring showing? The games are about to get real.Go to Hungryroot.com/FT and use code FT to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life! Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
As Opening Day comes into focus, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answer questions from listeners. Once again, the Cubs' spending pattern is a topic of conversation for fans, media and even people who work for the team. Would winning the division this year change the financial equation? Or are there larger forces at play? Turning their attention back to the field, The Athletic writers also get into which performances matter in spring training, who's winning the job battles and how patient the Cubs will be if their relievers falter early in the season. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
Spring training has largely gone according to plan for a Cubs team that has high expectations. But those vibes are always subject to change. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the roster discussions before the Cubs soon leave for Japan. One pitcher in particular has opened eyes and likely forced his way onto the roster while third base, the No. 5 starter and the final bench spots are still very much under consideration. Bubble Watch is on. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
The dynamic center fielder known as “PCA” is an elite defender with a lot of self-awareness and some interesting hairstyles. How good can he be? And should the Cubs push to sign him to a long-term contract extension right now? Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic weigh the risks and the rewards with those types of deals, and analyze what the front office and the player's side are thinking. Plus more about Kevin Alcántara, another young outfielder with swagger and a very high ceiling, as well as the latest on Matt Shaw, the top prospect trying to make the team in time for the Tokyo Series.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
In an intriguing development on Chicago's South Side, billionaire investor Justin Ishbia could be in line to take over the White Sox and reimagine that crosstown franchise. Jon Greenberg, The Athletic columnist who first broke this story, gives Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney the inside scoop. From an infusion of new money to a potential stadium project to future TV opportunities, the rivalry would not stay the same. The bottom line: More competition would be good for the Cubs.Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to https://Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code FOUL. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
What if Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw aren't ready for the Tokyo Series? The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the roster options and ponder what this lineup could look like against the mighty Dodgers. Plus more on why Kevin Alcántara is opening eyes in camp, what ownership wants out of the front office (if changes are coming), and the best and worst parts of covering spring training. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
With two weeks until the team is scheduled to leave for Japan, the Cubs are closely monitoring their pitchers and thinking about the shape of the Opening Day roster. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic keep you updated with the latest from spring training in Arizona. Sharma shares some new and exclusive information about Ben Brown's mysterious injury last season, which now appears to be a nonissue for the talented pitcher. Cade Horton's major-league debut remains an intriguing possibility this year. And there is one name that has jumped out in Mesa, likely forcing his way onto the club.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to https://ArenaClub.com/foul and use code foul. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
This is a smaller move that could have a much bigger impact. The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down where the 40-year-old fits in the lineup, how his postseason experience can influence the clubhouse and why Cubs players are so excited about the addition. Plus a look back at the 2021 deadline now that Alexander Canario, a prospect from the Kris Bryant trade, has been designated for assignment to make room for Turner on an improving roster. And before you know it, Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele will be pitching in the Tokyo Series. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
Too soon to rule out the Cubs signing their new star player to a long-term contract extension? The Alex Bregman negotiations were not a promising sign. But it's not all doom and gloom from Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. Tucker is a legitimate franchise player who can make this a special season at Wrigley Field. And the front office is not necessarily done making moves in spring training. Plus positive signs from Ryne Sandberg and the Hall of Famer's message to Matt Shaw.Visit MINTMOBILE.com/Territory where all 3-month plans are only $15 a month, including the Unlimited plan. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney field questions from listeners and give answers with insights collected at the start of spring training. Is there a disconnect between Seiya Suzuki and Craig Counsell? Does ownership trust the front office to make long-range decisions? In a pivotal year, the entire organization has a lot to prove.Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/foul and use code foul. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
Now that the Alex Bregman saga has ended, the Cubs can look forward and focus on what they have in Arizona. With that in mind, Patrick Mooney joins Sahadev Sharma with the latest from Mesa. The Athletic writers discuss the big opportunity in front of top prospect Matt Shaw, Nico Hoerner's encouraging progress after offseason surgery, and the pitching plans for Ben Brown, Cade Horton and more. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
In the end, it wasn't even that close. Bregman Watch concluded with the All-Star third baseman choosing the Red Sox, the chance to hit at Fenway Park and a deal that the Cubs' front office ultimately could not match. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic explain the pressure that Jed Hoyer is under, ownership's tight control over the budget for baseball operations and where the Cubs go from here. Because Bregman represented the right player at the right time. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
The scene in Arizona as spring training begins on Super Bowl Sunday. Patrick Mooney joins Sahadev Sharma from Arizona as The Athletic's Cubs beat writers break down the latest news and notes. With pitchers and catchers officially reporting, there are two main questions: Is Jed Hoyer done making moves? And where is Alex Bregman? Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
With spring training about to start, at least one projection system is bullish about the Cubs, and the offseason still isn't over yet. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic share what they're hearing about the team's internal win projections and how Alex Bregman would fit into those plans. Until that waiting game is over, the Cubs have to be considered a serious contender for the All-Star baseman, which keeps the pressure on the front office and ownership to make a big move that would push the club to another level. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!
With spring training around the corner, Baseball America prospect writer Geoff Pontes joins the show to discuss why he's so high on Matt Shaw, who could be the Opening Day third baseman next month. The conversation with Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic then gets into Cade Horton and whether the buzz is starting to fade around the top pitching prospect. Other hot topics include: what the Cubs gave up in the Kyle Tucker trade; whether Moises Ballesteros can catch; the club's scouting in Latin America; sleeper prospects at lower-level affiliates; and the Cubs' identity as an organization. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!