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?