Scoops Sports Network

The first trip, this year, to Busch Stadium for Ben Frederickson today and we visit about it this morning. What will it be like for journalists as summer camp begins? Do they have player access and can they do interviews?

Ben also tells us today about his take on the rotation and what Mike Shildt has said about using six verses five. Will we see Carlos Martinez as a closer or a starter?

What is the latest on the outfield competition? Is it O’Neill’s job to lose or could he mainly be the DH? Ben says he thinks Lane Thomas may be the better all-around player so he hopes to see a lot from him. Maybe Bader and Fowler are on more of a hot seat this year too.

We also get into the Blues chance to defend the cup from the Canadian NHL playoff hubs. Listen here:

We know now that minor leagues are cancelled because all revenue is associated with the gate. Brian Walton of thecardinalnation.com talks about the ripple effects.

At least for the Cardinals, it will be mainly top prospects in Springfield, a spot for which the team had to get a waiver because its just outside the 100-mile limit.

Springfield’s camp will house at least 30 players. The remaining Cardinals minor leaguers will be paid $400 through the end of the season. This week, MLB said guys can play in independent ball if they choose, but players have said they may not want to in case of injury.

We talk elimination of 40 teams next year and testing protocols in Springfield too. Listen here.

Finally, we get to talk baseball without it being about money. Can MLB overcome the virus though? We talk Cardinals DH and how to get Lane Thomas/Tommy Edman more playing time. Players will get he hook much quicker in this accelerated season. Also, how much use will the taxi squad get?

College football will see the same challenges if not more than baseball with the virus. Feeling “invincible” and a social life may be the demise. Ben Fred talks about that plus the great strides of Eli Drinkwitz to recruit thus far.

Brian Walton of thecardinalnation.com talks with Dan about baseball's return. All teams have agreed to head the direction for starting the weekend of July 24. Fans are getting 60 games and normal playoff parameters. Will the virus derail the plans? No one knows but we're seeing positive tests pop up all over the league before players report to camps. How will the minor leaguers fit in to plug holes? Brian breaks down which groups could begin camp in Springfield verses St. Louis. Also, how many players will be on main roster or taxi squad. The importance of players like Andrew Knizner, multi-tool players and the Cardinals depth. Listen here:

"Talk with their wallets" is the advice Ben Fred gives fans today about how to react to the MLB mess. He also suggests, metaphorically, that Tony Clarke and Rob Manfred need to go to the basement and work it out like he and his sister were forced to as children. These arguments have been child-like in nature with a schmear of cold-hard, apathetic business. How have the players ruined this? How have the owners ruined this? What will happen when fans are allowed back as far as ticket sales?

Ben is more optimistic that the NBA and NHL will have a better result returning. Some of the new technologies to alert symptoms and distancing could be extremely helpful in keeping play going. Listen here:

We talk about the Cardinals draft last week with Brian Walton of thecardinalnation.com. He was generally surprised by the risk taken in the first three draft picks this year. The young talent will need a lot of development but many in the league have given the picks an A rating. Jordan Walker, from Decatur GA, seems to be an excellent pick from an intelligent family looks like a really good take for the Cardinals future. Listen here for details:

Some good news for sports fan this week as the NHL set an official return date. We talk to Ben Frederickson of stltoday.com all about it this morning. Also, an update on Major League Soccer’s plan to return tournament-style and why it could be great to watch for St. Louis.

With many other professional sports making headway to get back to work, what are Ben’s thoughts on baseball’s woes? His memory of the “Long Gone Summer” as a kid watching Mark McGwire, too. Listen here:

All about the MLB draft, that starts tonight. It will be incredibly different than it has been in years past and, this year, fans will get the opportunity to see it on television similar to the NFL draft. Brian Walton of thecardinalnation.com talks about what could happen as far as players choosing not to sign, teams punting picks/money and what the Cardinals may have as a game plan. Listen here:

The situation is dire for baseball. It’s not dead yet, but for some, it’s on life support. We talk today about what could really happen if there’s no 2020 season. From losing fans to losing advertisers, we need folks in the room who are thinking of the greater good.

What has allowed other sports to make plans to come back? Specifically, we talk about the differences between the NBA, NHL and MLB situations.

Cuonzo Martin has been stellar in regards to the racial tensions facing America and Eli Drinkwitz has handled it well too. What’s the plan for bringing the Tigers back for the fall and winter in regards to the coronavirus?

Brian Walton of thecardinalnation.com knows all about the minor leagues and he's here to talk about the latest. We know now that paying minor leaguers is team-by-team basis beyond June 1. The A's have stated they aren't paying those in the minors going forward at all though they are still "under contract". How is that legal? How/what are the options for those players?

Cuts happen anyway each year around this time to make room for draftees so Brian says the majority of those released would have to be cut by this time next year anyhow. Now that they're no longer property of team, Brian says, players can do whatever else they're able whether it's joining a new team or leaving baseball.

If MLB and the players association reach an agreement for this year, is there an asterisk by any records? Brian says it depends who you ask and how many games they get in. Fewer games mean less credibility. Listen here for more: