Scoops Sports Network

Ben Fred Friday talks about postseason play for the Cardinals. Things are about to get interesting in these next few weeks with the Brewers and Cubs in a tie for second place in the Central Division. Comparatively, the Cardinals remaining schedule is tougher that those two teams so what are they keys to holding on the lead? Can the Redbirds capitalize on the injuries and drama that have plagued the Cubs?

The Colorado games brought fear for fans as the bats fell silent during the first two games. Questions arise about Jose Martinez's place on the team moving forward. The same questions have lingered all season for Matt Carpenter.

Maybe not a sweep but a series win is in the cards against the Brewers this weekend, according to Ben Fred. We talk about Wainwright's spot in the rotation and how that translates to the postseason. Having him start at home is a must. How does Mikolas fare moving forward as well? And do they worry about a fifth starter?

Jack Flaherty has been the best pitcher in baseball since the All-Star break. Some people are comparing his numbers to Bob Gibson. Ben Fred tells us that a lot of it is due to losing his friend Tyler Skaggs and dedicating his season to the loss of his good friend.

Missouri Tigers football plays SEMO this Saturday in what could be a cake-walk if the team plays to their potential. What is there to fix according to Ben Fred? What will the rest of the season look like?

Blues practice starts this weekend and nonexistent off-season is almost over. Most of the same players are back this year sans Pat Maroon so what will look different for them?

All that and more from Ben Frederickson of the Post Dispatch:

In this week’s “Tony Talk”, reflections on 9/11 and how Jack Buck gave Tony an advance reading of his famous poem. Remembering the life of Chris Duncan, and this week’s Redbird Roulette is Scott Spezio.

The role of baseball in recovering from 9/11. How did it help the country heal? Some missed opportunities in the Cardinals letdown last night in Colorado. We also talk Dakota Hudson and his start tonight against the Rockies.

What was thought to be a washed out season for Memphis ended on a positive note. Relief pitching and some unknown names contributed to their success. We talk fall league and more. Also, over .700 baseball in the last month and some rising stars are the topics today with Brian Walton of thecardinalnation.com

The Cardinals head to Colorado for a three-game series against the Rockies, and their pitching continues to shine as the club continues to surge.

With 23 wins in their last 30 games, and the largest divisional lead this late in the season since 2015, what comparisons can we draw from the Cardinals turnaround this year and the Cubs' late surge in 2015? The answer is simple, but the similarities might be surprising.

Chris Duncan's passing, lineup construction, Jack Flaherty's success and more with Derrick Goold.

19 games left in the regular season. Jack Flaherty continues to dominate and we talk about him with John Mozeliak. Also, will there be more call-ups? How much playing time will any of those already called-up get? The Cardinals head to Colorado this week. Listen here for info from Mo about the roadtrip and plans for the end of the regular season.

The Cardinals have been red hot over the last 30 days, and after a 6-2 homestand they head to Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates for a weekend series. What have the Redbirds done exceptionally well over the last month, how does it translate to an advantage over the NL Central, and what does the schedule in the month of September have in store? Chris Hrabe previews this weekend's action:

After a great homestand for the Cardinals, what does Ben Fred think this month will look like? He thinks that having all cylinders firing at once has been key but he also sees that one player picks it up if another slips.

Flaherty and Hudson are a good one-two punch. Wainwright and Mikolas have been getting closer to their old ways. The fifth starter is a toss up but Ben Fred says they may not need one. Ryan Helsley could be a good addition to fill in middle innings when needed. Dan thinks Genesis Cabrera is someone to watch too. What kind of a weapon can he be for the Cardinals? This time of year can easily result in pitching injuries so the depth for St. Louis will be important.

Is Mike Shildt the manager of the year? We talk about the stats and why Dan thinks, if the Cardinals win, he will be.

The Mizzou football season opener left much to be desired this past weekend. So what happened? The inexplicable loss reminds Ben Fred of an over-rushed infielder who couldn't get themselves set for a catch. Fundamental mistakes in the middle of the game did them in. Kelly Bryant's debut wasn't terrible but he needs to step it up to be the savior the team needs.

Blues season is just around the corner and Lord Stanley appearances have made for some great stories this summer. From Barclay Plaeger's grave to an elementary school and everywhere in between, it has been fun to see the pictures and videos of where those with the organization have taken it.

All that and more, here:

 

 

In this week’s “Tony Talk”, Coach Dick Vermeil joins the conversation.  Both Tony and Dick won championships in St. Louis then walked away.  Plus, thoughts on tracking the magic number and the impact of Jose Oquendo as a coach.