Scoops Sports Network

It's all about baseball this morning. We talk to Ben Fred about the explosive Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game. We also get into what's in store for the second half of the season. What will happen in the super tight central division? What trades will or should be made? How will the Cardinals turn up the heat on the offense? Waino has been reliable and that's a positive thing for the Cardinals. At 35 he's still solid. Listen here for Ben Fred's expert opinions on how to kick off part two.

In this week's "Tony Talk", All-Star Game memories as a kid and as a manager.  As the Angels deal with tragedy, Tony reflects on how the Cardinals handled the sudden death of Darryl Kile.  Also, does a manager use the media to get a message to his team?  Ideas on how to get Paul Goldschmidt's bat going,  and the special relationship Tony had with Joe Strauss.

Segs 4 Vets - An incredible organization helping increase mobility for disabled veterans by giving them Segway scooters, ALLY chairs and more. We talk to Jerry Kerr, President and Co-Founder, of the non-profit about why his group does what it does and how. We also talk about the organization's start in the aftermath of 9/11. Hear some inspiring stories about those that his group has helped and about the challenges the non-profit faces in raising funds to keep up with injuries sustained in Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. With each chair/scooter costing up to $16,000, the group tries to meet just a small percentage of the need each year. Listen here for the beautiful backstory of this organization's founder pledging to not be an "oxygen bandit" and propelling himself to help others like him:

 

Photos by KFB Photography

Our weekly visit with Brian Walton of thecardinalnation.com. He has just named his minor league pitcher and player of the month. We talk about the good season that Randy Arozarena has had and his beginnings with the club. We also discuss the international signing period and the Cardinals additions. Listen here:

The Cardinals salvaged a much needed win last night in San Diego. It was hard fought to get to a go-ahead Wieters home run in the 11th. We talk to Derrick Goold about that game, the last week for the Cardinals, Carlos Martinez and Marcell Ozuna. We also get into Goldschmidt, Carpenter and Paul DeJong in the All-Star game. Listen here:

Ben Fred sets the mood for a good weekend. This morning we talk about the Cardinals and the road trip. The team hits the West Coast after another disappointing week and a "filibuster" of sorts from Mike Shildt.

A team that's unable to find its rhythm, needs to be better offensively and get more reliable starts. What does Ben Fred say about Carpenter and Goldschmidt? Why does he think they're still slumping? Tommy Edman has been a "livewire" so for now, Ben would use him as a spark. Can the Cardinals turn it around? Ben Fred says it's like this team is just waiting around for something to happen.

The loss of Hicks this week to Tommy John is a big blow to the ball club too. What direction will the Cardinals go as far as acquiring pitching help? Ben Fred says starters. Some names that come to mind are Scherzer, Greinke and Bumgartner. Who can the Cardinals get?

Ben said the weekend with Pujols was awesome. He was in the room with Albert when the former Cardinal got emotional. Most of the players on the field at Busch hadn't played with Pujols so maybe it was eye-opening for them what someone like that meant to the fans. Ben Fred says there was a layer that many of the current Cardinals didn't know existed as far as fans go.

Switching gears to Mizzou football. What is the stance on the postseason ban? Will it be lifted? Ben Fred says the school feels somewhat more comfortable about their chances to get the ban removed. The question now is when. Does the season start with the speculation still looming?

Now that the Blues have won the cup, sports fans are wondering about the stance of #MLS4thelou. Carolyn Kindle Betz made a statement this week saying the ownership team has been working tirelessly over the last few months to secure more details to get the MLS team in St. Louis. Ben Fred breaks down the steps from here to solidify getting a club. Will politics factor into the ownership group's efforts?

Finishing up talking about the Blues. The fans are thankful that the coach is locked in for 3 years but some questions exist about free agents. Pat Maroon, Jake Allen and more are debatable. It was good to hear that Gunnarson signed a two-year deal yesterday. Does Pat Maroon stay in his hometown for less money again? Or does he get paid more elsewhere now that he's won the Cup.

Ben Fed says for the stars need to be the stars for the Cardinals. What will they do with Matt Carpenter and Goldschmidt if they just can't hit? Maybe the front office is considering how to add to this team soon. It doesn't look there's an easy way to fix the problems as the team exists now.

In this week’s “Tony Talk”,  Tony is headed to London for MLB’s first series there. Topics include improving pace of play; what Tony says is working at the minor league level. Also, pitchers avoiding Tommy John surgery. Plus, the legacy of  Walt Jocketty in St.Louis and the impact of the Pujols weekend.

A disappointing game last night against the As. The Cardinals cannot find their rhythm and we talk all about it here with Derrick Goold. We talk Edman starting, an extension for Ozuna, no run support for Wainwright and more. Where is Paul Goldschmidt? We're almost at the All-Star break and the Cardinals fans are questioning the playoff possibility. Listen here:

Derrick Goold talks about the grim appearance by Flaherty last night and the offense's lingering problems. We also talk about Tommy Edman's future. Can he play outfield? Whose spot does he take in the field? Why is Goldschmidt still fumbling? Also, we preview the upcoming roadtrip. Listen here:

A long visit today with Brian Walton. We talk Max Schrock, Nolan Gorman, Dylan Carlson, Daniel Ponce de Leon, the minor league All-Star Game and more. Listen here.