Scoops Sports Network

Chris welcomes Scott Miller (Bleacher Report, Turner Sports, MLB Network Radio) to the show to talk about covering the MLB postseason in Southern California, and what he expects during the divisional round and beyond. Scott also remembers Bob Gibson, and shares some of his memories of one of the greatest of all time.

Win or go home tonight for the Cardinals in San Diego. Jack Flaherty, last year's ace, gets the start tonight so Ben Fred thinks the Birds are in a better spot that the Padres. Dan says it's "Go Time" for a young pitcher who is hoping to be a household name. If he pitches the best he can, it will be hard to shake him. Ben says the key is the first inning.

Mizzou goes against Tennessee tomorrow. Ben thinks it'll be a closer game than the spread indicates. Last week's game against Alabama, showed signs of a team with life this year for the Tigers. The defense will have to be the backbone for this Saturday's game too. Ben thinks we'll see the same QB but hopefully more involvement from Rountree.

A dive into Petro now that the season is over for the NHL. Options for the captain now that teams can begin evaluating for next season. Ben's thoughts on Doug Armstrong and his emotionless negotiation. Will the Blues see the fans storm the castle to re-sign Pietrangelo? The likelihood is less each day we get closer to his free agency. More here:

When Saint Louis FC welcomes the Indy Eleven to West Community Stadium on Saturday night, they'll be marking the end of an era, with opportunity at their fingertips.

2020 is the last season for Saint Louis FC. The club informed the USL in August they would not return in 2021.

In their sixth and final season, Saint Louis FC can clinch a playoff berth Saturday. An extra time goal by Sporting KC to beat Indy 2-1 on Wednesday night kept the Eleven just two points ahead of STL FC.

That means, win and you're in.

Owner Jim Kavanaugh, also part of the St Louis City SC ownership group, said a lot of passion on and off the field has helped pave the way for what's to come in the region.

"I believe strongly that Saint Louis FC and the supporter group played a very important role in bringing visibility to soccer in STL.

A lot of fans, a lot of passionate fans...They'll continue to play a role in the continued evolution and growth of soccer in St. Louis."

Saint Louis FC takes on the Indy Eleven at 6:30pm on Saturday at West Community Stadium in Fenton.

Brain Walton of thecardinalnation.com visits to preview the big series starting tonight in San Diego. A look at Kim's start tonight followed up by Jack Flaherty and Adam Wainwright in the coming days. Why did Mike Shildt decide to go with KK first? What's the status of the Padres pitching? We also talk sleeper picks for Cardinals offensive production (Wong, Dejong) and how the other NL Central teams could fare. Listen here:

Former Cardinals first baseman and now San Diego Padres analyst, Mark Sweeney, talks about their exciting team. How they stack up against the Cardinals and his thoughts on Tatis Jr. Clevinger, Yadi and more here:

This Friday we start by talking about actual college football on the horizon. Ben will be in Columbia for the Mizzou Tigers game against Alabama. Fans will be in attendance and schools are crossing their fingers that their preparations are enough. What kind of a statement will Eli Drinkwitz make in his first game, first season with the Tigers? A tough task to open facing Roll Tide. Some key players will get their shot for the Tigers as we’ve learned up to 11 players may miss the game due to Covid. How does a Ben Fred think it will shake out?

A recap on last week’s big High School sports news. This week Sam Page rolled back some of the regulations but not far enough for some as we’ve heard some districts are planning to play outside the county. Still many frustrated residents trying to figure out what’s best.

Confidence is low that Pietrangelo comes back to St. Louis. We have year to hear from Doug Armstrong though. What could it mean? Ben says “you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube” so once he hits free agency, it could be a fine deal.

Ben and Dan disagree on the expanded playoffs in baseball. Ben argues that the regular season could be watered down or worth less if more than half the teams get to the playoffs. Some talk about Yadi, Wainwright and Cardinals off-season. Listen here:

A review of where the NHL stands with the Stanley Cup and next season's start date. Also, will he or won't he? The Blues captain faces free agency in just a few weeks with no legitimate deal yet from St. Louis. So is it about the money or the contract terms? Andy Strickland, NHL insider for Fox Sports Midwest, talks about the details and signing bonus dilemma. What will the contract have to contain to get the captain back? Maybe it’s gotten too personal. Listen here:

Some news on the Cardinals minor leagues and a visit about the final week of the anything-but-regular baseball season. Brian Walton of thecardinalnation.com talks about the activation of Kodi Whitley, Austin Gomber's start last night and keys to getting into the playoffs next week. We get his thoughts on Dylan Carlson's games lately and his spot in the outfield. What is the future for Alex Reyes? Plus more on plans for 2021 instructional camps and spring training. Listen here:

Offense? Same problem, different day for the Cardinals. We talk it over with Ben Frederickson of the Post Dispatch. He thinks it's fair to look to Jeff Albert, the hitting coach, as a common denominator. Although Mozeliak doesn't want to go there and oft points to this outlier of a year plus the adversity of COVID as the reason for the club's issues.

Paul Goldschmidt is on an island when it comes to the line-up so how will the team address building around him? Ben doesn't know why any team would give Goldschmidt a pitch to hit. Will they go out in the off-season and find support or will it be more excuses?

Adam Wainwright with another stellar performance this week. He's undoubtedly the ace of the squad and one of the only reliable players on the team as a whole. He's showing that it's not just about velocity. He's proving that there's more left in him for 2021. Ben says he's getting the last laugh at people who were ready to write him off.

Ben wrote a very interesting article this past week about the predicament for sports in St. Louis county under Sam Page's restrictions. He explains his article and what's he's heard from both side about the barring of play. Article here on stltoday.com

Some talk on Mizzou's season as we've heard they'll miss some players for their first game against Alabama. Listen here about the COVID effects on Mizzou football and BIG Ten's plans:

A thumping last night from the Brew Crew and Cardinals look to rebound today. What is the extent of Yadi’s wrist injury? How do they fill the need for pitching? Brian Walton points out that now is not a good time for Christian Yelich to get hot since he’s been a Cardinal killer in years past. How will the taxi squad come into play for the DH today and the rest of the season? We hear about Kolten Wong’s scratch too.

Hear we go again with Adam Wainwright in a huge spot starting today. Can he do it again when his team needs it desperately? Brian gives us his outlook on Oviedo’s start today too.

We talk all about the plan for a postseason bubble too. How will it affect the players coming of this road trip? What about the fans in the stands and families in the bubble? Details here: