In this episode of the BaseballStL Podcast, lead beat writer J.J. Bailey sits down with KMOV Sports Director Maurice Drummond to talk all things Jason Heyward. What was the first impression they got at Winter Warm-Up? Where does he fit in the lineup? What are the chances the Cardinals can keep him after this year? Why did Mike Matheny give him number 22? The two touch on all that and a bit more, so throw on some headphones and dive into the discussion. 

Let's talk about Jason Heyward

In this episode, lead beat writer JJ Bailey sits down with KMOV Sports Director Maurice Drummond and the two are joined by writer Mike Bailey via phone. The three go over a big challenge facing the Cardinals this season: How to avoid overusing their star veterans while still getting the most from them. The conversation focuses on Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina and Matt Holliday, with some audio from Winter Warm-Up. Toss on some headphones and dive in.  

Happy vs. Healthy

With James Shields headed to San Diego, the last of the big free agent pitchers is off the market. Where does that leave the St. Louis rotation? Lead beat writer JJ Bailey calls up KMOX's Chris Hrabe (@chrabe) and the two take a look at the Cardinal pitching situation as well as why adding a big pitcher was more complicated than it may have seemed. 

Rotation Consternation

The big splashes may be over, but for a team contending for the division, the devil is in the details. In this episode, lead beat writer JJ Bailey (@TheJJBailey) chats with KMOV sports reporter Brian Feldman (@BFeldman) about the small questions with big impact for the Cardinals. Where does Randal Grichuk fit on the club? Who has the edge in the competition to fill Daniel Descalso's vacant spot? What does Carlos Villanueva's arrival mean for those fighting for a spot in the 'pen? The names involved may not make headlines, but they might decide some games. Throw on some headphones and dive in. 

All the small things

No relationship in sports is more unique than the one between a team and its signature mic man. In today's episode, lead beat writer JJ Bailey calls up Fox Sports Midwest's Cardinal play-by-play man Dan McLaughlin for a chat. The two talk about his journey from whiffle ball announcer to the MLB, as well as the intriguing 2015 Cardinals. Dan even gives his perspective on what the rule changes mean for the future of the game as we enter baseball's new era. Sit back and listen in, and be sure to join the discussion after. 

A view from the booth

Today we're talking about pitching. Not the Cardinal rotation, though. This time, we're talking about how to get there. Former Cards pitcher and Double-A pitching instructor Jason Simontacchi joins J.J. on the podcast along with minor league beat writer Mike Bailey, and the three talk about how you shape a promising young arm. How do you look at mechanics? What separates the guys that make it from those who don't? What do you need to know at each level along the way? They also take an in-depth look at some young arms in the system, and evaluate their evolution. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

Taking the hill

It's getting interesting down in Florida as the Cardinals are in the final stretch of spring training. In this episode, JJ Bailey calls up Brian Feldman down in Jupiter to get a read on the final spots and answer some questions. Who has the lead in the fifth starter race? What does the outfield look like? Who might we see on the bench, and who is headed for AAA Memphis. It may still be chilly in St. Louis, but Florida is really heating up. Sit back and get all the news from camp. 

Time to talk turkey

It's almost here! With the Cardinals set to open the season in Chicago in just a couple of days, everyone is trying to get their predictions in. That's what we're talking about in today's episode. JJ Bailey sits down with KMOV Sports Director Maurice Drummond to go over the predictions for 2015. How will the NL Central stack up? Who will take the crown and who will slide? What about those new-look Cubs? After that, the two go back and forth on who might be the most important player to the Cardinals this season. It's all part of the prediction series running on the app this week, and one last bit of fun before things get serious. So sit back and enjoy, and let us know your own predictions!0 

Calling our shots

Preseason is over, and it's time to get down to business. First on the schedule: the new-look Chicago Cubs. In today's episode, JJ Bailey calls up Cubs writer Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) for a quick preview of the Chicago squad. The two chat about everything from new manager Joe Maddon to the litany of exciting prospects and even the much-maligned Wrigley Field renovation project. As we head toward Opening Night, it's one final primer for the 2015 season. 

The boys in blue

The Cardinals have started hot, and there's plenty of reasons behind it. In this episode, JJ Bailey sits down with MLB.com Cardinal beat writer Jen Langosch, and the two break down the team. It begins with the curious case of Lance Lynn, a dynamite pitcher who seems to relish being overlooked. Then, to Carlos Martinez, whose new command and discipline have him looking like a seasoned vet. From there the conversation moves to the offense where leadoff man Matt Carpenter is returning to 2013 form. Things wrap with the one concern, a power hitting first baseman who hasn't shown the power. Sit back and dive in!

Something old, something new, something steady, some things too few

With Adam Wainwright lost for the season to an Achilles tear, the Cardinals must now find a way to solve a big problem. In this episode, hear from GM John Mozeliak's announcement on Wainwright, and what he thinks recovery time might look like. Also, hear how he's hoping to fill the spot (internally or externally)vacated by his staff leader. Then, JJ and Maurice wrap up with a breakdown of the Cardinals' options and what each road may mean for the short and long term. It's all trying to answer the question: Can you still have a winning hand without an ace?

Now what?

Alex Reyes joins the podcast this week along with Double-A pitching instructor Jason Simontacchi and BaseballStL minor league beat reporter Mike Bailey. The group talks about Reyes' journey from New Jersey to the Dominican Republic and into the Cardinal system. With his promotion to Springfield, he's taken another major step in his development. Alex reflects on the work it has taken to get where he is, how his outlook has changed and what his new goals are. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

Meet Alex Reyes

The three best teams in the NL are all in one division. Does that mean the Manager of the Year has to come from the Central? We say yes, and decide to break down the case for each candidate: the Cubs' Joe Maddon, the Pirates' Clint Hurdle and St. Louis' Mike Matheny. We've also got a series of columns on the site and app breaking down the choices, as well as who we think is the winner. Sit back, plug in, and let us know what you think!

The Manager Thunderdome

With just hours to go in camp, we take a look at the storylines that took over spring. What happens with the offense after Peralta's injury? Who's on first? What's the big question for the rotation? Any young names that will show up on FSMW this season? We cover all that and more on our final podcast of spring. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

So what have we learned?

The Cardinals opened the year with a mighty stumble in the Steel City. JJ and Chris talk about all things good, bad and in between from the first three games, as well as what to watch in the next few series. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

A rocky start

15 games in, Cardinal fans have started nervously eyeing the starting rotation. What's wrong with Adam Wainwright? Are St. Louis starters taking a step back? What can we expect this season from them? Joe Schwarz from Viva El Birdos joins the podcast this week to talk all things pitching. What does Waino need to fix? How good can Carlos Martinez be? Is this rotation better than last year? We get to the bottom of all the questions and dive into what makes certain pitchers so effective. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

Breaking down the mound

After a hiatus we are back in action! Recorded during a game at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida, JJ sits down with Chris Hrabe of KMOX for a conversation about camp so far. Where are the position battles? Who has been the most eye-catching prospect? What do we make of the rotation this year? All that and a little more form sunny Florida, so sit back, plug in and enjoy!

Back in action

Baseball is back! The Cards kick of their season in New York, and people have a lot of questions. Is this team better than last year's? What do we make of the rotation? Which of the new faces are going to mean the most? What about Alex Reyes? WHAT ABOUT ALEX REYES?! Lead baseball writer JJ Bailey and KMOV Sports Director Maurice Drummond return to the podcast booth and tackle all that and more on the season preview.

2018 Season Preview!

The Cards started on the road and split their record 3-3. Now they come home to Busch Stadium and a see of red for the first up close look. Lead baseball writer JJ Bailey and KMOV Sports Director Maurice Drummond take a look at what the Birds have shown so far, what they still need to show and what new questions have popped up. Oh, and the fact Adam Wainwright will start the home opener, but in exchange for Jack Flaherty's roster spot. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

Welcome home!

We're back in action as the Cards head out of town for a long road trip. We talk the Ric Flair invasion plaguing Cardinal games, Fightin' Joe Kelly and the tragic loss of a a beautiful sandwich at Busch Stadium. 
We also get into the offense, and what to do about this hot, cold, confounding lineup. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

Woooooooo!

The Cardinals got Molina and Martinez back, and instead of a big boost, they played their worst baseball of the season. Lead baseball writer JJ Bailey is joined by KMOV sportswriter Brenden Schaeffer and producer Mike Ritter to talk about the confounding lack of basic baseball fundamentals on display.
Later, they discuss surprise studs and who's keeping this machine on the tracks, before diving into the troubling case of Alex Reyes. 
Finally, the episode wraps up with a look at the lopsided, back-loaded schedule in June. Also: What are the Braves?

A hot mess

Maurice, JJ and Producer Mike are back and they are talking about the lackluster week the Cardinals have endured. From the Cubs beating up on the Birds to a heartbreaking loss in Philadelphia, the guys break down the ups and downs of the 2018 Cardinals. 
The guys introduce a new weekly segment, "The Belt." Which Cardinals player is carrying the team MVP this week in the form of a WWE style belt?
All this and more in this week's edition of the BaseballSTL Podcast.

Panic button time?

On this week's episode JJ, Maurice and Mike are breaking down one of the best stretches of Cardinals baseball this season. Numerous Cardinals were off to slow starts this season but some have turned it around. The guys dive into the resurgence of Matt Carpenter and why Cardinals fans (including us) might have panicked too soon. Then, JJ shows why Kolten Wong and Dexter Fowler might slowly be turning the corner.

A preview of the final games before the All-Star break, a look at how the American League is extremely top heavy this season and a story about a pitcher who had an unfortunate relief appearance. All this and more in this week's episode of the Baseball STL podcast. Enjoy!

Let the good times roll

With the holiday week, Baseball STL is taking a break from recording. To make it up to you, here's a rebroadcast of our conversation with Alex Reyes, recorded back when he was a minor league phenom and beginning his ascension to the majors. It's a fun look back at his journey from prospect to one of baseball's biggest names. 
Here's the episode description: 
Alex Reyes joins the podcast this week along with Double-A pitching instructor Jason Simontacchi and BaseballStL minor league beat reporter Mike Bailey. The group talks about Reyes' journey from New Jersey to the Dominican Republic and into the Cardinal system. With his promotion to Springfield, he's taken another major step in his development. Alex reflects on the work it has taken to get where he is, how his outlook has changed and what his new goals are. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

REBROADCAST: Meet Alex Reyes

KMOV Sports Reporter Brook Grimsley and KMOV Sports Writer Brenden Schaeffer join JJ and Producer Mike on this week's episode of the Baseball STL Podcast.
The gang breaks down the Cardinals up and down west coast/Chicago road trip, the hot hittin', free swingin' Kolten Wong, the Dexter Fowler saga and Mike's brewing hot take that the Reds will finish with a better record than the Cards (he might be an idiot or a genius). 
Plus, Brenden and JJ propose an interesting trade that involves some BIG names. After all, what would it take to get Nolan Arenado? 
All this and more in this week's episode of the Baseball STL Podcast!

The one where we trade Marcell Ozuna

Ben Frederickson from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch joins JJ and Producer Mike for this week's episode. 
The guys discuss the Matheny firing and the Schildt interim-hiring. They also run down a list of potential managerial candidates if the team does not ride with Schildt into next season. That list includes names like Jose Oquendo, Carlos Beltran and Ron Washington (?),
All-Star game talk, Josh Hader talk and much, much more all on this week's episode of the Baseball STL Podcast! Enjoy!

Out with the old, in the with the Schildt

Oh boy what a weird time. The Cardinals have seen historical offense, incredible debuts, no-hitters disrupted by fire alarms and bullpen implosions. 
So where are we? The Cardinals LOOK like they're playing better, but the results are still the same. The bullpen is largely to blame, but there's some missing offense too. JJ sits down with Producer Mike to talk this bizarre week. Why is Marcell Ozuna still hitting fourth? Should the Cardinals cut ties with Brett Cecil and Greg Holland? What about Dexter Fowler? Was the fire alarm in Cincinnati an inside job?! We get into all of that in more in this week's episode. Sit back, plug in, and enjoy!

What are we doing here?

The deadline has come and gone, and the Cardinals are absent some familiar faces. On today's episode, Producer Mike joins JJ to grade the team's deadline moves and look ahead to a critical August. 
We also say goodbye to Tommy Pham, the biggest personality the team has had in a while. 
Finally, our intern Raeley joins us on her last day to rant about her beloved Royals.

Goodbye, Tommy Pham

The Cardinals are on an honest-to-goodness roll! Eight wins in a row later, this team is right in the playoff hunt. Cardinals writer Brenden Schaeffer joins JJ for a look at how they got here, who is driving the train, and whether or not it's too early to start cheering for the Cubs against teams also fighting for the Wild Card. 
Also, an examination of the flavor credentials of Matt Carpenter's salsa, and a look at what the heck is going on with Carlos Martinez. 
Plug in and enjoy!

Is this really happening?

JJ and Producer Mike are back! 
The Cardinals are on fire at the moment and the young guns on the pitching staff are part of the reason why. The guys talk about Jack Flaherty's emergence as a bonafide star as well as the rise of the new Cardinals bullpen. 
Then, Mike leans back and allows JJ to go off on his favorite human being Kolten Wong. It's worth the listen, folks. 
All that plus the return of Big City-Big Skinny-Big Kitty-Pride of Slippery Rock Matt Adams, why Ozuna's DL stint could have been the plan all along and of course, Mike goes off about the Oakland A's. Enjoy!

Kolten Wong: The Once and Future King

JJ and Mike are back as the Cardinals prepare for the month of September. 
The guys look back on the month of August and talk about just how phenomenal it was!
Oh, and did we mention Mike Shildt is the new Cardinals' manager??
All this and more on this week's episode of the BaseballSTL Podcast!

As the calendar turns...

The BaseballStL Podcast is a weekly conversation about the Cardinals, hosted by our team of writers and on air talent. With so much to cover, we are always chatting about baseball, even when we aren't on the clock. This podcast is a product of those office and press box discussions. Episodes will cover everything from current news and analysis to discussions of future plans for the organization. As the season rolls on, we will feature interviews and guest commentators, taking listeners inside the clubhouse and around the league. Sit back and enjoy! 

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