Nearing the end of spring training, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney open their notebooks for some information on how the team is coming together. Why did Cubs manager Craig Counsell tell his hitting coaches to stay away from Ballesteros? And what’s the story behind this elite hitting prospect? Plus, some reports from evaluators who maybe aren’t as high on Chicago’s pitching staff. Should this be a concern heading into Opening Day? All that and more on the latest episode of North Side Territory, your go-to show for a behind-the-scenes look at the Cubs.

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What did the Cubs really think of how Team Venezuela handled their closer? The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney explain Palencia’s rise through the organization and onto the stage of an electric championship game. As the Cubs welcome key players back from the WBC, the focus will be getting the entire group on the same page and preparing for Opening Day. How will the pitching staff take shape? And what should we make of the Cactus League performances by Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton and Edward Cabrera? Listen to North Side Territory all season long for the latest information and unique insights from the clubhouse and the front office.

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Near the end of a relatively smooth spring training, the Cubs are dealing with some uncertainty. The club continues to monitor Suzuki, who injured his right knee while playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic, making it questionable whether he will be able to start the season on time. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have the latest updates on this situation, from Suzuki’s timeline to the team’s current plans for right field and the internal deliberations on how to fill out the Opening Day roster. Listen to North Side Territory all season long for information, insight and analysis.

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With Opening Day fast approaching, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney analyze some of the decisions that club officials will be facing before the Cubs pack up and leave Arizona. The Cactus League numbers won’t reveal much about Horton, one of the sport’s best young pitchers. But how the Cubs manage the next stage of his career will be fascinating to watch. For certain players, however, the results in spring training matter. Find out who is being closely watched on the latest episode of North Side Territory, the go-to show for information on the Cubs.

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Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney break down the latest news from Cubs camp, where Boyd returned after his stint with Team USA. The Athletic’s Cubs beat writers explain why naming the Opening Day starter was a relatively straightforward decision and what that means moving forward. Plus a look at Pete Crow-Armstrong’s World Baseball Classic highlight reel and how that can propel him toward another MVP-caliber season. Follow North Side Territory all season for insights from the field level and the clubhouse.

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As spring training continues and the World Baseball Classic entertains, The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney are back with some nuggets from their notebooks. Leading off, do the results in spring training matter for a Gold Glove shortstop with a $177 million contract? Actually, yes, to a degree, given the changes that Swanson made this offseason. Plus what to make of the latest outings from Matthew Boyd (Team USA) and Jameson Taillon (Canada) as well as some WBC names to file away as the Cubs try to maintain their presence in Japan.

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Is there another Brad Keller surprise in camp for the Cubs this spring? How would Nico Hoerner's ability to play shortstop impact the team's chances of extending him? What's the plan for Ben Brown? Sahadev empties the mailbag and answers these questions and more.

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Team USA’s unbelievable collection of talent includes two Cubs stars who could play prominent roles in this global event. Alex Bregman and Pete Crow-Armstrong are constantly talked about, but this is a huge moment for both players, and a sign of Chicago’s progress over the last several years. The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney discuss Bregman’s influence on the team and how his presence has changed the tenor of this training camp. Plus, Crow-Armstrong’s deep connections to USA Baseball and how Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd factors in the WBC plans.

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