Scoops Sports Network

Rick Horton, former Cardinals pitcher and my broadcast partner, joined me today to talk about his time during the COVID-19 shutdown. He fielded questions regarding the possibility of Albert Pujols returning to the Cardinals as DH and also about Yadier Molina finishing in St. Louis too. Listen here:

Yadier Molina is someone to talk about this morning with Ben Fred. He's made it known that he doesn't want this year to be his last and he's open to going to another team if it doesn't work out with the Cardinals. Ben says you do what you can to keep your Hall of Famer on the plate and he doesn't see him going somewhere else unless the terms are disrespectful. But how much do you pay for legacy if you're Bill Dewitt? IS Yadi open to a time-share?

What are Ben's thoughts on baseball's return this year? Are the recently released plans realistic? Ben is encouraged but is not necessarily betting on a season. He says it mostly comes down to if they can get the players in their own cities near homes and families.

Eli Drinkwitz has grabbed a significant player this week in Lutheran North's Travion Ford. Coach's presence is being felt in recruiting St. Louis players; a departure from previous coaches. The draft wasn't so sunny for Mizzou players though. What is Ben's take on why and if teams were mistaken?

Some news on MLS and NCAA players ability to make money too. Listen here:

We start with revisiting the cheating scandal and the recent punishment handed to the Red Sox. To assume the video coordinator was solely responsible is, in Brian’s words, ridiculous. How was this related to the Apple Watch issue years ago? What does it mean for Alex Cora?

The Cape Cod league is cancelled as are many other league that baseball relies on for scouting. How will it affect the draft and what is Brian hearing about changes to it?

We get the latest on the minor leagues and cautious optimism about the MLB season too. Listen here:

The Reds were/are thought to be one of the top teams in baseball this year after a number of big moves in the off-season. The Cardinals were set to play in their home opener 5 weeks ago but today, we get to chat with baseball analyst and former Reds pitcher, Chris Welsh. We talk about the big names and players that Chris is excited about for the Reds this year.

He also runs a great website (baseballrulesacademy.com) that defines the rules across the sport. Rulebooks for high school, college, Olympic and up broken down and explained for fans. Fans may remember some plays with no-calls or questionable calls that resulted in confusion. Chris breaks down some examples for us today and gives us some insight from umpires.

I get to participate in a fun game that Baseball Rules Academy challenged me to this week, as well. Listen here:

Everyone's taking a financial haircut with the coronavirus situation but, this morning, we take a few minutes to talk actual haircuts. Grooming tips aside, we happily discuss the latest negative decision the Rams are dealing with in regards to leaving St. Louis. We hear Ben Fred's take on why, how and when the city could see the suit reach an end. Whether settling or seeing it through to court, what does Ben see happening? We get details on what Kevin Demoff might have come out in the news about the relocation.

If we don't see college football this fall, what does Ben Fred think happens to the sport in general? Will NCAA see a significant dent; enough to make changes? Some tough conversations about financial decisions may be looming. Unnecessary facility upgrades, coaches salaries and irresponsible spending could be under the microscope soon. What about having sports in college without fans? Does Ben think it's possible? Again, the TV contracts come into play.

The NHL is taking a look into having neutral locations to return to play. Hockey's plan could have a higher chance of player approval though because there are such few games left. Free agents and those looking for new contracts likely want these games more than others so the salary cap gets some kind of increase. Ben says it's ok to talk and plan but the same issues apply... what happens if someone contracts the virus?

We revisit Alex Pietrangelo's potential contract too. Listen here:

The virus has halted almost every sporting event across our region and that includes Saint Louis FC and St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club. Today we talk to president, Patrick Barry, about what their safe options are for return this year. How long of a training session will they need before games can resume? Have the players remained in St. Louis or gone to their homes around the world? Also, for parents and kids willfully waiting for their club soccer to return, what is the latest info with Scott Gallagher programs? He has a short message for the St. Louligans too. Listen here:

Some news yesterday to talk over with Brian Walton this morning. First thing is the debate between playing in front of fans or not. From what's in the news, the players thought their deal was inclusive of empty seats but the owners did not. How do they come to an agreement and when? Will we see some players agree to play the season but others opt out for year?

The next 24-48 hours are huge for Minor League baseball ad they forge their way to an agreement on cutting 20 teams. Who doesn’t make the cut and what other significant impacts could we see as it all trickles down?

We also talk about the draft moving forward and if there will be a minor league season at all this year. Listen here:

Dr. Patrick Rishe is one of the utmost experts on sports business in the United States and he heads the program for Washington University Olin Business School. He has great insight on the amount of money truly in play here for major league sports affected by the coronavirus shut down. Also, he explains why leagues are so eager to get back even if it means no fans allowed. He talked to us about why some players may agree and others won't to the bubble-type scenario MLB has lofted. We've heard that potentially many minor league baseball teams will go under. How about major league teams? Also, his thoughts on the latest St. Louis vs. NFL lawsuit news. Will we see Kroenke and his cohorts in court? Listen here:

An update on the 2020 season with one of the most in-the-know NHL reporters, Andy Strickland. What do the players say about playing without fans? How about going straight into the playoffs and playing at neutral sites? The salary cap is another looming question. How does it affect re-signing players like Pietrangelo? Ticket revenue and suite sales are a huge loss. Players are being kept as informed as possible but information changes daily. Great information here on the Blues behind the scenes too. Listen here:

Dr. Fauci came out and said there’s an avenue to play. It would be without fans but at least there’s hope. Ben Fred says Dr. Fauci has been everywhere and he’s uplifted by his latest interview talking about how to get sports back. It will take strict guidelines but most people would agree that they’d rather have live sports without fans than nothing. We also discuss the movement to get teams playing in AZ/FL locations.

We turn to the senior PGA tournament that’s being held here in St. Louis in August at Norwood Hills. Ben Fred says you can make a case to have golf up and running now. He’s all for allowing people to do it now, just be smart and safe as usual.

We’re seeing some interesting development for the Blues. They’ve signed Scandella so does it affect the ability to resign Pietrangelo? Ben Fred says no, it’s more to fix the Bouwmeester hole. How and when does NHL return? The salary cap is directly affected by if there’s a postseason.

An MLS4thelou update and more here too-