This week, the Team discusses the Cubs’ impressive early-season performance, having navigated the toughest schedule in baseball to sit six games over .500. The hosts marvel at the Cubs’ 9-0 thrashing of the Pirates, highlighting breakout performances from Carson Kelly and Pete Crow-Armstrong, while debating whether this team echoes the 2015 Cubs’ unexpected rise. Ron remains cautiously pessimistic, sticking to his 40-game assessment rule, while Elliot and Pete revel in the Cubs’ potential.

The conversation shifts to the Cardinals, with a nostalgic tribute to former GM Walt Jocketty, whose bold trades and veteran acquisitions shaped their 2000s success. The hosts reflect on his legacy, with Pete drawing parallels to Billy Beane’s "Moneyball" approach.

Elliott and Pete lament missed opportunities, specifically the Cubs’ failure to pursue Bryce Harper in 2018 and contrast that episode with rumors of the Cubs targeting Kyle Tucker for a massive extension.

Beyond baseball, the episode features "Ron’s Soccer Minute", recapping St. Louis City’s frustrating 2-2 draw against LAFC, and the debut of "Elliot’s Music Minute", where he shares his love for jam bands like Goose and his upcoming concert plans. Pete also teases a future "Travel Minute"…

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Dive into the electric energy of this week's episode, as Ron, Elliot, and Pete deliver a rollicking blend of sports, nostalgia, and unfiltered banter. The trio dives headfirst into the MLB season, breaking down the Cubs’ red-hot offense and basepath chaos that’s got fans buzzing, while dissecting the Cardinals’ pitching woes and looming trade deadline decisions. From stolen bases to bullpen blues, they leave no base uncovered, drawing parallels to the high-octane 1980s Cardinals teams and debating the future of stars like Sonny Gray.

But it’s not just baseball—expect a trip down memory lane with hilarious stories of high school coaches, colorful metaphors, and the kind of raw, unpolished humor that only lifelong sports fans can deliver. The episode takes a sharp turn into soccer with a passionate rant about MLS officiating, a nod to CITY’s gritty performance, and a bold call for better replay systems across sports. Plus, a spirited debate about the state of Star Wars fandom and a shoutout to Ken Griffey Jr.’s latest off-field win.

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This week, the Team discusses the Cubs' surprising roster moves, including Matt Shaw's demotion to Triple-A and the implications for prospects like Gage Workman. They debate Shaw's unorthodox batting stance, drawing comparisons to legends like Stan Musial and Barry Bonds, while unpacking the team's strategy against a tough upcoming pitching schedule.

On the Cardinals' side, the conversation turns to fan frustration, low attendance at Busch Stadium, and the front office's inaction during the 2024-25 offseason. The hosts break down a provocative Redbird Rants article by Josh Jacobs, listing 11 fear-driven decisions under John Mozeliak’s leadership, from passing on Max Scherzer to the controversial handling of Wilson Contreras. They also touch on the Cardinals' 8-8 start, highlighting bright spots like beating top pitchers, while lamenting their knack for losing to no-name hurlers.

Beyond baseball, Ron delivers his Soccer Minute, recapping St. Louis City SC’s recent struggles and their hunt for Bundesliga talent. The episode wraps with a nod to guest Braden’s upcoming softball broadcast and a playful debate about whether Ian Happ is destined for the Cubs Hall of Fame. Tune in for laughs, insights, and the latest from two of baseball’s fiercest rivals!

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After two weeks "off", Ron, Elliott, and Pete reunite for a lively discussion about the latest in Major League Baseball. The guys kick things off with a light-hearted chat about Yohel Pozo, the recent passing of Octavio Dotel, and the dangerous of MLBers in the Dominican Republic. They eventually dive into the current state of the Cubs and the Cardinals, although Ron warns that it's much too early to get excited about the Cubs' surprising offensive prowess and the struggles of the Cardinals' pitching staff. As the conversation unfolds, they touch on the implications of Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s massive contract extension and the ongoing ownership issues plaguing the Oakland Athletics.

Inspired by Pete's recent visit to Sacramento to watch the Cubs take on the A's, Ron's brings in his old Marine buddy and lifelong A's fan Scott to share his thoughts on the team's temporary move to Sacramento and the emotional toll it has taken on dedicated fans.

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Ron takes the reins this week as Pete ventures out west to catch the Chicago Cubs in action at the temporary A's complex in Sacramento. Joined by co-host Elliott and special guest Don Glenn from Gateway Sports, the trio dives into the excitement of the MLB opening weekend. They discuss the surprising start to the season, including the undefeated Dodgers and the winless Braves, while reflecting on the performances of various players, including Cubs legend Carson Kelly's remarkable cycle.

The conversation shifts to the Cardinals as they navigate their early games, with insights on manager Ollie Marmol's aggressive strategy and the team's overall performance. With Helsley on the mound and the game tied in the ninth, the guys weigh the decision-making behind pitching choices and the implications for the season ahead. Finally they wonder, "Who do you pick as your future manager: Albert Pujols or Yadier Molina?"

In a fun segment, Pete checks in live from Sacramento, before the trio explores the buzz surrounding the new torpedo bats making waves in the league, dissecting their impact on player performance. The episode wraps up with a look at the ongoing struggles of St. Louis CITY in soccer, as well as the state of the Blues as they aim for a playoff spot.

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In this episode of the Team of Rivals Podcast, we take a deep dive into the current state of the St. Louis Cardinals as the 2025 season approaches. With Ron away on the road, Elliott and Pete are joined by special guest Derek King to discuss the palpable apathy among Cardinals fans and the looming changes in the organization. They dissect the end of the Mozeliak era and the uncertain beginnings of the Bloom era, exploring the frustrations surrounding management decisions and the impact of analytics on the game.

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as they reflect on the Cardinals' rich history and the disconnect fans feel with the current roster. Derek shares his insights on the team's struggles, the importance of fundamental baseball, and the need for a youth movement to reinvigorate the fanbase. Elliott and Derek also touch on the Cubs’ offseason moves and the emerging talent that could shape the future of both teams.

As they wrap up, the hosts highlight the emotional moments in baseball, including a heartwarming story about a young player making the major league squad, reminding listeners of the magic that once captivated fans.

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In this week's episode, the guys dive headfirst into the "excitement" of the 2025 MLB season kickoff! With Ron logging in remotely from a convention in Orlando, Pete and Elliott kick things off with a lively discussion about the Cubs’ frustrating first loss to the Dodgers in Tokyo. The duo reflects on the early morning game, the challenges of international matchups, and the implications for Major League Baseball's global expansion efforts.

As they dissect the game, the guys touch on the performance of Shohei Ohtani and the questionable decisions made by the Dodgers, specifically their recent moves with player contracts. The conversation flows into a broader critique of MLB's marketing strategies and how the concentration of talent on a few teams might affect the league's appeal. The guys also discuss the Cardinals’ offseason and how their roster decisions are shaping up as they prepare for the season ahead.

Ron shifts gears with his Soccer Minute to offer his take on the impact of goalkeeper Roman Burki’s hand injury and City's surprising shift into a defensive powerhouse. The guys wrap up with a review of the Bears’ offseason moves to-date, highlighting the changes made to the offensive line and the potential for a more competitive season ahead.

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It's a special Sunday evening episode of the Team of Rivals Podcast this week. Exciting things lie ahead for the formerly UNDEFEATED Cubs, the UNDEFEATED City FC, and the Star Wars franchise. (Well, maybe not the latter.)

In this lively episode, Ron, Elliott, and Pete tackle the latest in sports and pop culture with their signature humor and insight. Kicking things off, the trio dives into the perplexing situation surrounding the Cardinals and their offseason struggles, with Ron sharing his frustrations over the team's stagnant moves and the ongoing mystery of Nolan Arenado's future. Meanwhile, Elliott can't help but gloat about the Cubs' formerly undefeated spring training record, leading to a spirited debate about both teams' prospects for the upcoming season. The conversation shifts gears as they discuss St. Louis City FC's recent performance, and Ron laments their scoreless draws and the challenges faced on the field.

As the episode wraps, the guys touch on the Chicago Bears' upcoming draft and free agent strategies, speculating on potential player acquisitions that could shape the team's future. The discussion draws to a close with a nerdy turn, as they delve into the latest rumors surrounding Kathleen Kennedy's tenure at Lucasfilm, with the hosts sharing their thoughts on the future of Star Wars and what it would take to reignite their passion for the franchise.

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