Cardinals Conversations

Cardinals C Pedro Pages joins Joe Pott at Winter Warm-Up to talk about the motivation he gets from the fans at events like these and throughout the season, his experience with the Cardinals Caravan this weekend, if his offseason schedule has changed now that he's a major leaguer and his relationship with pitchers across the staff.

Cardinals SP Andre Pallante joins Joe Pott from Winter Warm-Up to talk about his experience becoming a full-time starter during the year last year, appreciating the organizing giving him the time to grow and then then a chance to show, adding a right-to-right pitch after having such a heavy right-to-left repertoire, how Kyle Gibson helped him grow when he got the call, getting to watch McGreevy since college & getting the chance to be on a team together and getting to Florida early to prepare to camp, meet with the catchers and have relax before camp opens.

Cardinals pitcher Michael McGreevy joins Joe Pott from Winter Warm-Up to talk about his thoughts after getting called up last season, striving to fight for a job this spring, the mentality being pitcher vs. hitter in that fight for a job not pitcher vs. pitcher and his schedule going into spring.

Tom Ackerman is joined by Cardinals broadcasters John Rooney and Ricky Horton at the Winter Warm-Up event. The trio reflects on the young stars of the team, including Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker, and their potential for the upcoming season. They discuss the unforgettable 1985 Cardinals team and their achievements, sharing personal stories of camaraderie and competition within the current roster. Rooney and Horton also reminisce about their time with Bob Uecker, celebrating his legacy and the lasting memories of the beloved announcer.

Tom Ackerman sits down with Luken Baker to discuss his experiences at the Winter Warm-Up event, including fan engagement and the excitement surrounding the event. Luken shares insights from his transition from pitching to hitting, reflecting on the role of video analysis and defensive improvements at first base. He recalls the special moment of hitting his first home run at Busch Stadium and the lessons he's learned from Cardinals legend Paul Goldschmidt. As he prepares for the upcoming season in Jupiter, Luken discusses his workouts, the balance between offensive and defensive performance, and his dedication to helping the team succeed.

Tom Ackerman sits down with Michael Siani to discuss his offseason routine, where he splits time between Philadelphia and Florida working out with his brother. Siani emphasizes the importance of family and cherishes the moments spent with his parents and brothers. Reflecting on his Major League debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2022, he recalls the special feeling of having his family attend the game and how their support has been crucial throughout his career. Siani also shares his excitement about the Philadelphia Eagles’ football game, drawing comparisons to the close-knit team dynamic within the Cardinals, particularly the "Memphis Mafia."

Tom Ackerman sits down with Jimmy Crooks, the Texas League MVP and Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year, to discuss his journey, achievements, and approach to the game. Crooks reflects on his development as a catcher, his close working relationship with pitchers like Quinn Matthews, and the importance of building strong bonds with teammates. He shares his leadership role behind the plate and his mindset for hitting, emphasizing simplicity and consistency. With a passion for the challenges of baseball, Crooks is excited for his future as a professional athlete, content with wherever his career takes him.

Tom Ackerman highlights Quinn Matthews' inspiring journey to becoming a professional baseball player. Learn how Matthews discovered his potential during his senior year at Stanford, his decision to return to school after being drafted by the Rays, and how that choice led him to the Cardinals. Explore the Cardinals' unique approach to managing Matthews' workload, focusing on strength-building, which set the stage for his breakout 2023 season. Dive into Matthews' pitching development, including an improved fastball, a sharper slider, and his standout changeup, as well as his mindset of pitching with purpose. Celebrate his record-breaking minor league strikeout season and honors as Baseball America's Minor League Pitcher of the Year, a testament to his team-focused philosophy and the support of the Cardinals organization.

Join Tom Ackerman as he sits down with Masyn Winn to discuss his mindset both on and off the field. Winn shares his insights on how Cardinals legend Ozzie Smith has mentored him, shaping his approach to the game. Learn about Winn's growing connection with the St. Louis Blues and his interest in the city's sports culture. Winn also reflects on the NFL playoffs, specifically the rise of young quarterbacks like Jaden Daniels. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Winn sets goals to improve his stolen base numbers and power stats.

Tom Ackerman breaks down Matthew Liberatore's transition from starting pitcher to reliever, highlighting how Cardinals bullpen coach Julio guided him to embrace the role and develop a more aggressive approach. Discover Liberatore's preparation and mindset for bullpen calls and the valuable mentorship he received from veteran pitchers Sonny Gray and Andrew Kittredge. The episode also delves into the "young guns" movement within the Cardinals pitching staff and Liberatore's optimism for a playoff run during the team's "reset" phase. Plus, hear about Liberatore's close friendship and offseason training with Nolan Gorman, who is hungry for a big bounce-back season.