Windy City Breakdown

The Chicago Cubs' 10-year anniversary of their World Series title is a perfect moment to recap that historic Fall Classic.

Tony Andracki and Scott Changnon, who covered that entire World Series, give a behind-the-scenes look of that historic Series and what it was like to be at all seven games. When did they know the Cubs could win it all? What was it like when the Cubs were down 3-1? What was the champagne celebration like?

Scott and Tony give co-hosts Andy Martínez and Kyle Millinowisch a peek behind the curtain and why that was the pinnacle of their careers so far. The pair share never-before told stories of the World Series and the 2016 season overall.

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The Milwaukee Brewers are World Series champions, which should make the Chicago Cubs feel some type of way ... right?

Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch dissect the Brewers' championship and how it affects -- or should affect -- the Cubs moving forward. Does it change how we view the 2026 Cubs season? Will it have an impact on how Jed Hoyer and Co. conduct business this offseason?

The panel analyzes the biggest takeaways from the playoffs and what those takeaways mean for the Cubs. Plus, each host provides their biggest offseason prediction for the Cubs' winter.

On the Bears front, they swung big with the Jeffery Simmons trade to shore up the weakest area of the roster. What does that do to the team's Super Bowl chances and can the Cubs take some lessons from their city counterpart? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The Bears put together another big statement victory Thursday night against the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots, including some gutsy calls and impressive leadership from Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams.

With all this success over the last year-plus, where does Ben Johnson's approval rating sit with Bears fans and in the NFL in general?

Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch attempt to answer this on the latest Windy City Breakdown Podcast while also providing their top takeaways from the Bears victory and Williams' ascension into the "elite" realm of Bears quarterbacks.

Plus, Luther Burden III's growth into a No. 1 receiver, Rome Odunze's relatively disappointing career to date and what are the Bears' chances of winning the NFC North?

On the Cubs front, where do they rank among MLB's best teams? The panel debates, with wildly differing views. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The Milwaukee Brewers could be staring down their first World Series championship ever as they have flipped the script on the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers.

What does that mean for the Cubs? Could that actually mean ... good news ... for Cubs fans in a strange way?

Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch react to the MLB playoffs on the latest Windy City Breakdown Podcast, including how the Brewers are getting the job done by zigging while the rest of the league has zagged.

Also, do we need to rethink everything we've learned about offense in Major League Baseball?

Plus, was the Bears' loss to the Packers the worst defeat in the Ben Johnson era? How do they rebound from that, even with Caleb Williams potentially returning? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The Cubs offense disappeared in the postseason for the second straight year. Is there anything to that? Is it just a product of playoff baseball? Or is there something the Cubs can tangibly point to and address in future seasons?

Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch examine this issue while also taking a look at the delta between the Cubs and Brewers and providing thoughts on how the North Siders can close that gap in the future.

Plus, did Seiya Suzuki live up to expectations during his time with the Cubs? And is Ben Johnson already one of the best head coaches in Bears history?

The crew also provides their predictions for Bears-Packers Week 5 and who will be the top fantasy performer on Chicago's squad. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The 2026 Cubs season ended in disappointment in a Wild Card sweep at the hands of the Padres in San Diego.

President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer met with the media Friday afternoon, providing an honest assessment of the season and explaining how the Cubs "let one slip away."

Andy Martínez and Tony Andracki react to Hoyer's comments while Kyle Millinowisch provides his thoughts and instant reaction in written form. What were the main takeaways from Hoyer's presser and what does it mean moving forward? And how did this compare to similar press conferences Hoyer and his predecessor, Theo Epstein, had in the past?

Plus, Martínez and Andracki put a letter grade on the overall Cubs season and explain their rationale. The duo also discusses the one aspect of the year that hurts the most heading into the offseason. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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ESPN and Marquee Sports Network reporter Taylor McGregor joins the Windy City Breakdown Podcast to preview the Cubs-Padres NL Wild Card Series and chat about her career on the North Side of Chicago.

McGregor and the WCB panel of Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch each predict how the Wild Card Series might play out in San Diego, including their choices for X-factors on each team as well as potential MVPs.

Plus, the group takes a look back at Pete Crow-Armstrong's historic season and how the Cubs got to this point in the year. And McGregor reflects on her seven seasons covering the Cubs before moving to ESPN in her new full-time role. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The Chicago Cubs have clinched a playoff spot, but there is still much to be decided as far as seeding and opponent for the Wild Card Series goes.

Kyle Millinowisch and Tony Andracki attempt to answer the most pressing questions surrounding this team, including:

-What can we expect from Alex Bregman now that he has returned to the Cubs lineup?
-How will the Cubs roll out their rotation and pitching staff for the Wild Card Series?
-Will Kevin Gausman be healthy enough to pitch next week after suffering a shoulder injury?
-What does Craig Counsell do with the bullpen in a shortened playoff series?
-Who are the biggest X-factors in the lineup that need to step up for a slumping offense?
-What's the latest with Justin Steele and will he make an impact on the postseason roster? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The Chicago Cubs have less than a dozen games before the postseason -- so what should give fans optimism and what should cause them concern? The Windy City Breakdown analyzes the stretch run for the Cubs, then they discuss a big Week 1 win for the Bears.

Tony Andracki, Kyle Millinowisch and Andy Martínez share why the Cubs should give you optimism for a deep run, then they discuss why you should be concern. The trio recap another incredible performance by Pete Crow-Armstrong in the series-opening win over the Braves, then offer some historical nuggets after the center fielder hit his 42nd home run of the season.

Later in the pod, they recap the Bears historic, 59-37 win over the Panthers and why they're excited by the start of the season. The panel then discusses a controversial ranking for Caleb Williams after his incredible Week 1 performance.

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The Chicago Cubs were just swept by the Milwaukee Brewers, leading to another 10-game gap in the NL Central -- just like two years ago. So what is the Panic Meter at for the Cubs, both in terms of making the playoffs and putting together a deep run in October?

Zooming out, the Cubs rank No. 1 in team defense and offense but have the 30th-ranked pitching staff based on FanGraphs' WAR. How did this happen? Who deserves the blame for this?

Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch provide answers to these questions, including looking for solutions to the bullpen woes and how the Cubs can right the ship before the postseason.

Plus, the panel gives a Week 1 Bears-Panthers preview, making score predictions and guesses for who will be the top receiver, tackler and have the most fantasy points on the Bears. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The Cubs bullpen -- which looked like a strength earlier in the year -- scuffled in a tough loss to the Brewers at Wrigley Field. Tony Andracki, Kyle Millinowisch and Andy Martínez break down the reliever issues for the Cubs and how concerned they are for the team as a whole with the playoffs nearing.

The trio breaks down what's going on with the Cubs, whether they could have done more and who or what may be the answer for their bullpen woes. Later in the pod, the group discusses who will be the X-Factor down the stretch, and their concern for the team: the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Windy City Breakdown then dives into the Bears, as the NFL season nears. They discuss what their biggest concern for the team is and who the No. 1 Bears player they're targeting in fantasy football this year.

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The Cubs suffered a pair of difficult walk-off losses to the Mariners and Diamondbacks, then received some concerning news on right-hander Ben Brown. Tony Andracki, Kyle Millinowisch and Andy Martínez discuss the state of the Cubs after their West Coast trip. The trio also discuss whether or not you should be concerned about the Cubs bullpen situation.

Later in the pod, they discuss Merrill Kelly and the Diamondbacks' claims about pitch tipping and sign stealing and share whether Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya should get a bump in their WAR because of their ABS prowess. The panel wraps up the pod discussing how far back the Cubs need to be from the Brewers to believe they have a shot at winning the division, and discusses the Cubs' 150th anniversary team.

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Pete Crow-Armstrong had an emphatic moment in his 2026 MVP-caliber campaign as he launched a pair of home runs, including a walk-off blast, against the White Sox in the Cubs win in the Crosstown Classic. Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch recap the incredible night from PCA and assess what this means for his MVP campaign, especially going up against the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani.

The crew then breaks down what Dansby Swanson's oblique injury means to the team, and why they're concerned about, even though he hasn't been hitting as well as he has in the past. Then, they discuss Edward Cabrera's blister that has landed him on the injured list for the second time this season (and his third IL stint overall) and what role, if any, he'll play in 2026. The trio wrap up by discussing whether or not they'd like to see a Crosstown Classic World Series and what that would mean for the the city.

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Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs showed their aggressiveness this trade deadline, acquiring pitchers Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, Ryan Zeferjahn and Braxton Garrett, and outfielder Tyrone Taylor. The front office showed a willingness to try and bolster a roster that has been positive in 2026. Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch break down all of the moves a day after the deadline.

The group analyze what this means for a pitching staff that has shown plenty of signs of wear already this season. Then, the group discuss what this means for the Cubs' playoff rotation and why they are now poised to make a deeper run in October.

Lastly, the panel discusses whether the prices they paid, why they're OK with the Cubs moving on from certain prospects and what it means for the future of their player development.

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Alex Bregman and Nico Hoerner have completely turned things around since the All-Star Break as the Cubs continue their incredibly streaky season.

Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch evaluate the team's most recent 27-12 stretch (a story we've seen before) and wonders what comes next. Plus, they react to Jameson Taillon's somewhat surprising DFA and what it means for the Cubs pitching staff.

Will Pete Crow-Armstrong turn his hot stretch into an NL MVP Award over clear favorite Shohei Ohtani? And the panel takes a look at the trade deadline and whether their thoughts have changed over the last week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching and the Cubs have a very curious situation ahead of them. Do they go all-in and try to target pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller?

Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch debate the Cubs' approach to the deadline, including laying out their own ideas of what a perfect trade haul would look like to boost this 2026 roster. The panel throws out some key names for fans to watch, including Freddy Peralta, Kevin Gausman and a host of intriguing relievers.

Plus, a unique wrinkle in the MLB rulebook that impacted the Cubs this week and a surprisingly hot-button debate in the baseball world comes to the surface.

The WCB panel also dabbles into other sports, breaking down Patrick Kane's return to Chicago and a mini preview of Bears training camp.

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The Chicago Cubs enter the All-Star Break 12 games over .500 and in a playoff position, but it's arguably been one of the wildest rides to that point. Tony Andracki, Andy Martínez and Kyle Millinowisch assess the team's first half and what the rest of the season may look like for this unpredictable team.

Then, the trio handout some midseason superlatives and awards, including:
- Biggest surprise of the first half
- MVP
- CY Young
- Best offseason move
- Best win
- Worst loss
- Best stat
- 2nd half predictions
- Biggest disappointment

The trio wrap it up with their usual, "That Guy Rocked" segment, a surprising pick that leaves Tony and Andy stumped.

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Pete Crow-Armstrong has been on another level for a month-and-a-half, begging the question: Did the Cubs actually fleece him in the $115 million contract extension they signed him to before the 2026 season?

Crow-Armstrong's hot stretch and eye-popping skillset was a main topic of conversation on the latest Windy City Breakdown Podcast as hosts Tony Andracki, Kyle Millinowisch and Zoe Grossman discussed the Cubs star outfielder.

Plus, what's behind the Cubs' strong play over the last month? And can they catch the Brewers in the NL Central?

The panel also broke down what the Cubs' approach should be at the MLB trade deadline and whether or not Jed Hoyer's front office should go all in.

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The Cubs could put together a very strong pitching staff just with all the guys on the injured list. Ben Brown, Edward Cabrera and key relievers have all landed on the shelf over the last week, putting the Cubs in a bit of a bid.

Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch discuss all the pitching injuries on the Windy City Breakdown Podcast and how the Cubs weather the storm. The panel also answers the question -- are the Cubs ... back?

They were the best team in baseball for six weeks, then the worst team in baseball for over a month. And now they've been the best team in baseball again for the last 2-3 weeks. So, who are the real Cubs?

Plus, can David Peterson and Bryse Wilson actually be saviors for the 2026 season? And where should Alex Bregman bat in the Cubs' order?

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The Cubs just finished up the easiest stretch of their schedule, where they went 6-6 against two of the worst teams in baseball (Giants, Rockies). Despite Pete Crow-Armstrong's superstar hot streak, the offense still can't find its way with runners in scoring position and the pitching staff continues to deal with a litany of injuries.

Andy Martínez, Tony Andracki and Kyle Millinowisch welcome Zoe Grossman from Cubs on SI to the Windy City Breakdown Podcast to analyze all the latest with this Cubs team. Should Dansby Swanson's struggles merit less playing time -- especially considering youngsters Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez have given the Cubs a boost recently?

And who is the biggest disappointment among offseason additions: Alex Bregman or Edward Cabrera?

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