Team of Rivals Podcast

Elliott, Ron, and Pete wrap up the 2024 season. Smiles, everybody!

This week, we dive into the state of the St. Louis Cardinals' player development. Katie Woo’s latest article in The Athletic reveals that the Cardinals' player development team is significantly smaller compared to other National League teams, raising concerns about their future. Ron shares his thoughts on the Cardinals' struggles and the impact of their lean staffing levels on player development.

Meanwhile, Elliott gives us an update from the Cubs game he attended, highlighting Jameson Taillon’s strong performance against the Reds. The discussion shifts to the Cubs' future, particularly regarding Ian Happ’s no-trade clause and Cody Bellinger’s potential opt-out. The team debates the Cubs' need for a superstar bat and the challenges they face in upgrading their lineup.

The guys also touch on the broader issues in Major League Baseball, including the Oakland A's move to Las Vegas and the impact of poor ownership on fan engagement. They also discuss the White Sox's record-setting season and the discontent among their fan base.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a look at the potential end of Kyle Hendricks' career with the Cubs, reflecting on his contributions and speculating on his future with the team. They also briefly mention Shohei Ohtani’s impressive season and the Dodgers' dilemma regarding his pitching role.

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While there's little left of the 2024 MLB season – for the Cubs and the Cards anyway – today's episode is dedicated to honoring the legendary James Earl Jones. His passing warrants a special episode, as his voice has been a constant throughout Ron's and Pete's lives, from the big screen to their favorite sports moments. (We assume the same is true for Elliott, but, well, you know…)

Join Ron and Pete as they reminisce about the iconic roles and unforgettable voice. From Darth Vader's menacing presence to the nostalgic monologue in Field of Dreams, they explore the impact of his work on our lives and our love for baseball and cinema.

Ron shares a heartfelt trip down memory lane, recalling the days of early gaming and the evolution of technology, while Pete dives into the significance of timeless storytelling and the universal truths that make films, television, and even podcasts long-lasting.

In a lighter segment, the guys discuss the advancements in computing, from the days of floppy disks, cassettes, and CEDs to the instant digital downloads of today. They also touch on the importance of creating new, original content in Hollywood and the need for fresh stories for the next generation.

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It's a joyous time in Chicago because – despite their miniscule playoff odds – the Cubs have been playing fun baseball. However, there is no joy in Mudville, as one of the National League's crown jewels is experiencing shocking levels of disinterest from the Best Fans in Baseball™.

How much longer can DW Sticks put up with the incompetence of a front office that trades for Tommy Pham, subsequently designates him for assignment (poor Pete!), mishandles Jordan Walker, and trades Dylan Carlson and releases the return (who is – of course – signed by the Cubs)?

Thankfully, we have Ron's Soccer Minute to bring you a welcome respite, updating listeners on City's thrilling 4-4 draw against the Portland Timbers and previewing their upcoming match against the LA Galaxy.

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While the regular season is winding down for both the Cubs and the Cardinals, Ron and Pete have plenty to discuss. From inside-the-park home runs to Campfire Milkshakes, from six-inning minimums to Ron's Soccer Minute, it's still a full episode (even without Elliott).

The Team kicks things off with an exhilarating inside-the-park home run by Pete Crow-Armstrong, which inspires a throwback to the time that Ron actually saw one in person. They then shift gears to discuss the state of the Cardinals and Cubs, including their respective frustrations with the Cubs' playoff hopes and the Cardinals' need for a rebuild. Ron shares his thoughts on recent comments from Cardinals' ownership and the team's future direction.

In "Ron's Soccer Minute", they dive into City's recent performance, including their thrilling match against Portland and the impact of new signings on the team's future. They also touch on the upcoming game against the LA Galaxy and the end of the supporters' boycott.

Finally, Ron and Pete wrap up with a discussion on the current state of the Star Wars franchise, comparing it to the Cardinals' struggles.

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Do you remember the innocent days of April, when all five NL Central teams were over .500? Well, reality has hit hard, and now only one team is above .500, with both the Cubs and the Cards struggling.

Ron risks a demotion as he gets utterly embarrassed by an on-time and ready-to-perform Elliott. With Ron conspicuously absent, the first half of the show is Cubs-heavy, as E and Pete discuss their frustrations with the Cubs' recent performance, potential future moves, and  the recent improvements for both Pete Crow-Armstrong and Miguel Amaya.

Eventually, Ron joins the discussion, expressing his disillusionment with the Cardinals' season and the need for a complete rebuild. The guys debate the effectiveness of the current front office and the future of Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt.

In this week's Soccer Minute, Ron provides an update on City's performance in the Leagues Cup and the impact of new signings on the team's future.

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This week's show is dedicated to Ruby Jade Nuttall.

SPOILER ALERT: Elliott was, indeed, drunk already.

Ron and Pete hold down the fort this week, kicking off the episode by discussing the MLB trade deadline, with Ron admitting he didn’t follow it closely. The conversation then shifts to the Cubs and Cardinals, who wrap up their season series tonight, an unusually early end for these rivals. The guys also touch on NFL Hall of Fame weekend and Devin Hester’s legendary status, with Pete proudly showing off his "Devin Hester, You Are Ridiculous!" t-shirt. Ron also shares a heartfelt story about his son’s baseball journey and the mental toughness required to succeed in the sport.

Next, the guys circle back around to the state of the Cardinals' roster, particularly the surprising trade involving Tommy Edman and the return of Tommy Pham. Ron and Pete speculate on the future of players like Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker, pondering potential offseason moves.

Elliott makes a brief, inebriated appearance to share his frustrations with the Cubs' trade deadline performance, calling out Jed Hoyer for his conservative approach.

In this week's Soccer Minute, Ron updates listeners on City’s performance in the Leagues Cup and their recent roster changes, including the acquisition of Jonas Horn and the trade of Tim Parker to the New England Revolution. He also discusses the potential impact of these moves on the team’s future performance.

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This week's episode kicks off with a discussion on the upcoming MLB trade deadline. With just three days left, the Ron, Elliott, and Pete speculate on potential moves for the Cubs and Cardinals. They analyze the trade rumors surrounding numerous Cubs players.

Next, the team shifts gears to discuss the blackout issues with MLB.TV and Ron's frustration with being a Cardinals fan in North Carolina.

The conversation also touches on the value of advanced metrics versus actual performance, specifically the over-reliance on analytics and the decline in batting averages. The guys reminisce about the days when batting over .300 was a more frequent achievement and express their preference for players who can consistently put the ball in play.

Pete and Ron then switch over to the state of the Cardinals' roster, the potential for trades, and the performance of key players like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado.

In Ron's Soccer Minute, Ron provides an update on St. Louis City SC's performance in the Leagues Cup and the recent additions to the roster, highlighting the potential impact of new signings on the team's future performance. He also explains the significance of the Leagues Cup and the supporters' protest against it.

Finally, the gusy wrap up the episode with a look ahead to the upcoming NFL season and the excitement surrounding Bears' training camp. They discuss the likelihood of Caleb Williams getting significant snaps in the preseason and the importance of building chemistry with his new receivers.

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The I-55 Rivalry resumes, the All-Star Break looms, and Ron, Pete, and even Elliott dive into the chaos of a Saturday doubleheader, where the Cubs have already taken a beating, and it's only the fourth inning of Game 1.

They kick things off with a recap of the Cubs' disastrous start and the Cardinals' surprising lead. Ron and Pete discuss the mishaps, errors, and unfortunate plays that led to the Cubs' downfall in the early innings. With Elliott joining – err, remotely –  you'll get a unique perspective on the game and some humorous commentary on his multitasking skills.

Next, the Team shifts gears to talk about the state of baseball attendance, particularly in St. Louis. Despite a historically strong fan base, the empty seats at Busch Stadium are a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Cardinals' organization. Ron and Pete speculate on what it will take to bring the fans back and revive the excitement for baseball in St. Louis.

The guys also delve into the upcoming MLB draft and the trade deadline, pondering the potential moves that could shake up the Cubs and Cardinals rosters. Will the Cardinals make a bold move to reignite their fan base? Can the Cubs find the missing pieces to turn their season around? They discuss the possibilities and share their thoughts on what the future holds for both teams.

And finally, in this week's Soccer Minute, Ron gives an update on St. Louis City SC's challenging season. With injuries plaguing the team and a recent coaching change, the road ahead looks tough. However, new signings and the upcoming League Cup provide a glimmer of hope.

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In this week's episode, we mark a momentous day in Team of Rivals history – Elliott was in the room before Ron!

We kick things off with some friendly banter about Ron's ongoing tech struggles, Elliott's surprising punctuality, and the scorching weather in Charlotte. But don't worry, we quickly shift gears to tackle some hot-button topics in the world of baseball.

First up, we discuss the controversial use of defensive positioning cards and how they impact the game. Pete and Ron share their frustrations with the over-reliance on analytics and the loss of the storytelling aspect that once made baseball so captivating. We also touch on the recent Rickwood game and the nostalgic broadcast that had fans buzzing. Was it a glimpse into what baseball broadcasts should be?

Then, we dive into the state of pitching in Major League Baseball. With insights from a recent article on The Athletic, we explore how pitch labs and advanced analytics are changing the game, for better or worse. Are pitchers becoming too dominant, and is it time for batters to get back to basics?

We also can't ignore the elephant-sized head in the room – Barry Bonds making the Rickwood game all about himself. We dissect his comments and share a few laughs at his expense. Plus, we reminisce about some legendary stories involving Willie Mays, Satchel Paige, and Bob Gibson.

Finally, we get into some wild trade ideas to shake up the Cubs and Cardinals rosters. Ron suggests a controversial move that would have X/Twitter in flames, while Pete proposes a bold trade involving some fan favorites. And Elliott? Well, he's just hoping for some bullpen help to stop the Cubs' late-game collapses.

Reggie Jackson on Willie Mays' legacy & emotions of visiting Rickwood Field

MLB offense is nearing all-time lows — hitters have theories: ‘Pitching is out of control’

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In this special bonus episode of the Team of Rivals Podcast, we break from our usual schedule to bring you an in-depth conversation with Pete's friend and Dirty Dirty White Sox Fan, Alex Levine. As both the Cubs and Cardinals struggle to stay relevant, we dive into the dismal state of Chicago White Sox baseball and explore the emotional turmoil of being a fan of a team in freefall.

First, we reminisce about the optimism surrounding the Craig Kimbrell trade three years ago and how quickly things went south. Alex shares his candid thoughts on the White Sox's current struggles, the failure of Pedro Grifol's managerial tenure, and the deep-rooted issues within the organization. From the disastrous 2023 season to the potential for setting new records of futility in 2024, we leave no stone unturned.

We also discuss the broader implications of Jerry Reinsdorf's ownership, the missed opportunities in free agency, and the controversial hiring of Tony La Russa. Alex provides a sobering look at the future of the franchise, including the prospect of a move to Nashville and what it means for die-hard fans.

Whether you're a White Sox fan looking for a therapy session or just a baseball enthusiast interested in the inner workings of a struggling franchise, this episode is a must-listen.

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