Cardinals on My Time

Jaksot

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  Now What? The Brutal Truth About the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals 09.09.2026 42min

  After yet another late-inning bullpen meltdown, postseason baseball is officially off the table for the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals. Scott Plaza, Matt Blaker, and Tanner Larkins (lead singer of Bayview Lane) sit down for a real, unfiltered conversation about where this franchise stands. We break down the emergence of young core pieces like Alec Burleson, Jordan Walker, and Leo Bernal, discuss whether Chaim Bloom intentionally punted on the bullpen, and evaluate what needs to happen at third base and center field heading into the 2027 offseason.Plus, Tanner shares what it’s like growing up a die-hard Cardinals fan in Chicago territory and gives details on Bayview Lane's upcoming shows!Follow Tanner & Bayview Lane: @BayviewLane / @Tannerlarkins_musicFollow Matt: @MattBlaker83Follow Scott: @MrPlaztastic17 on X, @COMTPodcast on InstagramListen to Bayview Lane's music on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you get your music
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  Jordan Walker's Derby Win, Wetherholt's Mega-Deal, & Cardinals 2nd Half Primer 16.07.2026 57min

  The St. Louis Cardinals are coming out of the All-Star Break with more momentum than anyone in baseball! Between Jordan Walker’s historic, ice-water-in-the-veins Home Run Derby performance and rookie phenom JJ Wetherholt signing a historic eight-year, $112.5 million contract extension, the "rebuild" narrative is officially dead.On this episode of Cardinals on My Time, host Scott Plaza is joined by Daniel Shoptaw (@C70 / Meet Me at Musial) and Ethan Hannaford (STL Sports Central) to break down if the Cardinals are ready to make a serious postseason push. We look at the "Core Four" of St. Louis' future, analyze Chaim Bloom's upcoming trade deadline strategy, and dissect a starting rotation that has exceeded expectations. Should the Cardinals sell high on Dustin May, or is this rotation built to sustain a run through September with a highly favorable 2nd-half schedule?Drop your second-half predictions in the comments! How many wins do the Cardinals finish with, and what is Chaim Bloom's biggest trade deadline move?– Welcome back & Guest Introductions (C70 & Ethan Hannaford)– JJ Wetherholt’s historic $112.5M contract extension– Jordan Walker’s home run derby victory: Is he the undisputed face of the franchise?– Walker vs. Wetherholt: Designing the co-faces of St. Louis baseball– Comparing the young Cardinals core to the mid-2010s Cubs World Series formula– Postseason or bust? Redefining expectations with the 22nd-ranked strength of schedule remaining– Starting Rotation Check-in: Liberatore, Leahy, and Pallante's stabilization– The Dustin May Dilemma: Sell-high at the deadline or ride it out?– Michael McGreevy’s bulldog mentality and outperforming his Savant page– 2nd Half Primer: Can this young pitching staff survive?– Outro & Where to find the guests
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  St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Report: Hidden Gems & Next Wave Call-Ups 06.07.2026 45min

  When is the future arriving in St. Louis? With the MLB Trade Deadline looming and the Draft just days away, we are executing a full audit of the St. Louis Cardinals' minor league system.Host Scott Plaza is joined by Thomas Gauvain (Redbird Rants) and Tyler (Redbird Farmhands) to discuss the standout prospects forcing management's hand and who might be used as prime trade chips.On this episode, we discuss:Joshua Baez’s Historic June: 10 home runs and a ticket to the big leagues by September?The Pitching Pipeline: Luis Gastelum's absurd scoreless streak, Quinn Mathews' zero-walk dominance, and what's going on with Tink Hence's velocity.Trade Deadline Strategy: Dealing from areas of depth (like catcher Ryan Campos) to address the organization's long-term corner infield holes.MLB Draft Preview: Analyzing the Cardinals' strategy with 6 picks in the top 86, and who makes sense for St. Louis at Pick 13 (AJ Gracia, Chris Hacopian, and more).Timestamps:02:30 – Joshua Baez Analysis07:50 – Luis Gastelum & Triple-A Bullpen Depth08:40 – Quinn Mathews, Bryson Mautz, & Tink Hence Updates15:30 – Catcher Depth & Ryan Campos Trade Value22:00 – Solving the Third Base Hole35:00 – Pick 13 & MLB Draft TargetsResources:Find daily minor league breakdowns at milbtoday.com. Follow our guests on X at @ThomasGauvain2 and @RedbirdFarmhand for consistent Cardinals prospect coverage and live draft streams!
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  Should the Cardinals BUY or SELL? Chaim Bloom’s Deadline Plan & Ranking Trade Candidates 25.06.2026 51min

  Should the St. Louis Cardinals buy or sell at the 2026 MLB trade deadline? Porque no los dos? On this episode of Cardinals on My Time, host Scott Plaza is joined by Caleb Noble (Hard Nine Podcast), AJ Stone (Just Baseball Media), and Matthew Blaker to tackle the messiest trade deadline in recent memory.The guys dive deep into the recent front-office transition to Bill DeWitt III, Chaim Bloom's telling press conference comments, and whether "just getting into the postseason" is enough for this young core. Then, they play a high-stakes game of "Confidence Out of 10" on which players are good as gone by late July.On the chopping block:Will the Cardinals capitalize on Dustin May's insane trade value?Is it time to pull the trigger on a Lars Nootbaar or Nolan Gorman trade?Why Andre Pallante might be the ultimate "sell-high" candidate.Plus, surprise targets like Royce Lewis and the future of the "Tarps Off" fan section at Busch Stadium.Rate, review, and follow Cardinals on My Time on Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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  [COMT] Chaim Bloom's Masterclass: Why This Cardinals Rebuild is Actually Fun (feat. Jandy) 06.06.2026 31min

  The St. Louis Cardinals are officially entering the 100-game countdown, and the vibes around Busch Stadium are shifting fast! In this episode of Cardinals on My Time, Scott Plaza is joined by the undisputed king of Cardinals Twitter vibes, Jandy (@JandySTL). We break down the electric 10-run comeback against the Cincinnati Reds, the massive return of Lars Nootbaar ("Unk") to the lineup, and whether his presence transforms the clubhouse culture. Plus, we tackle the upcoming MLB Trade Deadline: Should Chaim Bloom stand pat, buy bullpen depth, or pull off a shocking "retool" by trading away guys like Dustin May and Nootbaar for high-end prospects? We also dive deep into Jordan Walker’s incredible 180-degree turnaround, JJ Wetherholt's Rookie of the Year trajectory, and why keeping the petty rivalry alive with Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Chicago Cubs is essential for the fan base. 👉 SUBSCRIBE for more St. Louis Cardinals news, rumors, and post-game analysis!👉 Follow Jandy on X: @JandySTLTimestamps:0:00 - Intro & The "Tarps Off" Experience2:00 - Cardinals Twitter Culture & Hating the Cubs7:30 - The 100-Game Countdown: Resetting Expectations11:15 - Lars Nootbaar's Return & The Trade Deadline Dilemma18:00 - Fixing the Pitching Staff: Dustin May, Leahy, & McGreevy21:30 - Dream Deadline: Retool vs. Tearing It Down24:00 - What Makes a "Successful" 2026 Season?27:00 - Lockout Fears & Final Good Vibes
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  [COMT] Can the Cardinals ruin the Cubs season already? Series Preview 29.05.2026 45min

  The Cubs and Cardinals face off for the first time this year and both teams have something to prove. Scott is joined by Jim to break down the St. Louis side of the series and welcomes in Paul "Crawly" Dzien and Jared Wyllys to discuss from the Cubs side.We will talk about the seasons thus far, preview the series, and then look at the best and worst moments of an all-time sports rivalry.
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  81. Have the Cardinals Changed Expectations? (feat. Bernie Miklasz) 24.05.2026 55min

  Welcome back to the Redbird Rundown! Jonathan and Scott are joined by the one and only Bernie Miklasz to ask an important big-picture question: have the Cardinals actually changed expectations for what this season can be? And as we look ahead to the upcoming stretch of games, what will it really tell us about where this team stands in the NL Central?We’re digging into performance, perception, and reality—and trying to separate what’s sustainable from what still needs to prove itself.——————————————————————————————————📲 Join our Discord gameday chats! (https://discord.gg/cmYfEx9hFJ)State Farm – Scott Owens (Mt. Vernon, IL)📞 (618) 242-3770Like a good neighbor State Farm is there.All American Tree Experts📞 (618) 316-2457Your go-to crew for trimming, removal, and full yard cleanup 🌲Stay connected for Cardinals updates, clips, and more: • Twitter/X: @redbirdrundown2 • Facebook: Redbird Rundown Podcast • Instagram: Redbird Rundown Podcast • TikTok: @redbird.rundown.p • Bluesky: @redbirdrundown.bsky.social⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, follow, rate, and review — it helps more Cardinals fans find the show!
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  80. Cardinals Minor League Risers That Could Change Everything (feat. Kyle Reis) 17.05.2026 1t

  The Cardinals farm system is starting to heat up, and we’re breaking down the biggest early-season risers, fallers, and future call-up candidates in the organization.This week on Redbird Rundown, Scott and Matt are joined by Kyle Reis from Wednesdays with Walton and Reis and Birds on the Black to talk about which prospects are turning heads across the Cardinals minor league system — and which names may be losing momentum early in the season.We also dive into the “Next Man Up” conversation and debate which players could realistically help the big league club soon, including Thomas Saggese, Jose Fermin, Leonardo Bernal Torres, Quinn Mathews, Tekoah Roby, and Jimmy Crooks.Plus:Early-season Cardinals prospect risers Minor league fallers Who deserves a shot in St. Louis?Pitching depth conversationsTaco Bell Takes Be sure to join our Discord and jump into our live game chats with fellow Cardinals fans all week long.Follow Redbird Rundown everywhere:X/Twitter: @redbirdrundown2Instagram: Redbird Rundown PodcastFacebook: Redbird Rundown PodcastBluesky: @redbirdrundown.bsky.socialTikTok: @redbird.rundown.p#STLCards #Cardinals #MLB #CardinalsProspects #StLouisCardinals #MiLB
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  79. Passing or Failing - Grading the Cardinals 1st Quarter (feat. Joe Roderick) 10.05.2026 51min

  The first quarter of the season is officially in the books, and it’s time to hand out grades.This week on Redbird Rundown, we’re joined by Joe Roderick from STL Sports Central to break down the St. Louis Cardinals through the first quarter of the 2026 season. Which parts of this team are exceeding expectations? Which units are holding them back? And are the Cardinals actually building something sustainable?We grade every aspect of the club:OffenseBase RunningDefenseStarting PitchingBullpenCoachingFrom breakout performers to frustrating weaknesses, we cover what’s real, what’s concerning, and what Cardinals fans should expect moving forward.Follow Redbird Rundown for weekly Cardinals coverage, analysis, reactions, and conversations all season long.#STLCards #Cardinals #MLB #StLouisCardinals #BaseballPodcast
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  78. Cardinals Buy or Sell: Believers vs Doubters 03.05.2026 45min

  Welcome back to the Redbird Rundown! Matt and Jonathan are joined by Kaden Joggerst for a fun round of “Buy or Sell” as we break down performances across the Cardinals roster.From hot starts to frustrating slumps, we’re discussing which players we’re truly buying into—and which ones we’re selling moving forward. Who has earned our confidence? Who still has something to prove? And which performances could have the biggest impact on the Cardinals season?We’re putting our takes on the line and debating some of the biggest storylines surrounding the roster right now.Tune in and play along with us: Buy or Sell?——————————————————————————————————📲 Join our Discord gameday chats! (https://discord.gg/cmYfEx9hFJ)State Farm – Scott Owens (Mt. Vernon, IL)📞 (618) 242-3770Like a good neighbor State Farm is there.All American Tree Experts📞 (618) 316-2457Your go-to crew for trimming, removal, and full yard cleanup 🌲Stay connected for Cardinals updates, clips, and more: • Twitter/X: @redbirdrundown2 • Facebook: Redbird Rundown Podcast • Instagram: Redbird Rundown Podcast • TikTok: @redbird.rundown.p • Bluesky: @redbirdrundown.bsky.social⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, follow, rate, and review — it helps more Cardinals fans find the show!
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  [COMT] The Katie Woo Reunion Tour: Cardinals, Dodgers, Shohei, and Pretzels 30.04.2026 51min

  This week, we are joined by the one and only Katie Woo of The Athletic to preview the highly anticipated Cardinals vs. Dodgers series.After five years on the St. Louis beat, Katie made the jump to Los Angeles, and she joins the crew to break down the massive contrast between these two historic franchises. We dive deep into the "Dynasty vs. Rebuild" debate: Can the Cardinals' new identity of "gritty, exhausting baseball" actually compete with the $700 million "glitz and glams" of the Dodgers?In this episode, we discuss:The "Hollywood" Life: Katie addresses her transition to LA, her aggressive new driving habits, and why she still misses those Busch Stadium press box pretzels.Shohei Ohtani & The Dodgers: What it’s actually like to cover the "Beatles of Baseball" and why there’s no ego in the star-studded LA clubhouse.The Chaim Bloom Era: Katie's perspective on the Cardinals' front office shift and why she believes the "Runway" (we mean, rebuild) is heading in the right direction.Young Core vs. Veteran Stars: Analysis of Jordan Walker’s growth and the pressure (or lack thereof) on the Cardinals' young roster.Series Preview: Which pitching matchups to watch and why Katie is leaning "Dodger Stadium" for the views, but "Busch Stadium" for the vibes.Whether you're here for the high-level MLB analysis or the heated debate over the St. Louis Arch vs. the Hollywood Sign, this is an episode you don't want to miss.Follow Katie Woo on Twitter: @katiejwoo
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  77. The Trust Pie - How We'd Divide the Cardinals Rotation (Feat. Benjamin Hochman) 26.04.2026 55min

  Welcome back to the Redbird Rundown!Jonathan and Matt are joined by Benjamin Hochman to break down the Cardinals’ rotation in a way you’ve probably never seen before—The Pitching Trust Pie.Each of us gets 100% of a pie and has to divide it among the Cardinals starters based on one thing: who we trust the most for the rest of the season. Not who’s been the best. Not who has the best stats. Just… who do you believe in?With another round of starts happening before this episode goes live, there’s a real chance these takes age incredibly well… or horribly wrong.Either way, we’re all in.————————————————————————————————📲 Join our Discord gameday chats! (https://discord.gg/cmYfEx9hFJ)State Farm – Scott Owens (Mt. Vernon, IL)📞 (618) 242-3770Like a good neighbor State Farm is there.All American Tree Experts📞 (618) 316-2457Your go-to crew for trimming, removal, and full yard cleanup 🌲Stay connected for Cardinals updates, clips, and more: • Twitter/X: @redbirdrundown2 • Facebook: Redbird Rundown Podcast • Instagram: Redbird Rundown Podcast • TikTok: @redbird.rundown.p • Bluesky: @redbirdrundown.bsky.social⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, follow, rate, and review — it helps more Cardinals fans find the show!
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  [RCOW] No Gloves, No Fans, No Problem: The Brad Miller 2020 Power Hour 24.04.2026 11min

  2020 was a season most fans want to forget, but Brad Miller’s performance is one worth remembering.This week, Jim Plaza spotlights the ultimate utility man who stepped into the void left by a global pandemic and the Universal DH. Despite playing only 48 games in the Birds on the Bat, Miller tied for the team lead in home runs and provided a masterclass in "old school" hitting—all without a pair of batting gloves in sight.Inside the episode:The $2M Bargain: How the Cardinals found elite production in a 26th-man roster spot.The Cincy Special: Breaking down the 4-for-6, 2-HR, 7-RBI night that remains a 2020 highlight.Versatility in Chaos: Playing 3B, 2B, SS, and DH while the world was upside down.Retirement & Legacy: Celebrating Brad's 2025 retirement and his new role in the Rangers' front office/broadcast team.Follow the show: Like and subscribe on Spotify and check out Redbird Rundown for more deep-dive Cardinals content.
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  76. Cardinals' Supernova Covering Up Outfield Concerns 19.04.2026 50min

  Scott, Matt, and Jonathan are joined by special guest Thomas Gauvain (Redbird Rants) for a deep dive into the state of the Cardinals’ outfield.Is Jordan Walker’s breakout season masking a bigger issue? The crew takes a hard look at what’s really going on beyond the headlines, breaking down performances, concerns, and whether this group stacks up as one of the weakest outfields in the National League.Tune in as we unpack the numbers, the eye test, and what it all means moving forward for St. Louis.Join our Discord gameday chats! (https://discord.gg/cmYfEx9hFJ)State Farm – Scott Owens (Mt. Vernon, IL)📞 (618) 242-3770Like a good neighbor State Farm is there.All American Tree Experts📞 (618) 316-2457Your go-to crew for trimming, removal, and full yard cleanup 🌲Stay connected for Cardinals updates, clips, and more: • Twitter/X: @redbirdrundown2 • Facebook: Redbird Rundown Podcast • Instagram: Redbird Rundown Podcast • TikTok: @redbird.rundown.p • Bluesky: @redbirdrundown.bsky.social⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, follow, rate, and review — it helps more Cardinals fans find the show!
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  [RCOW] Felipe Lopez | The Secret Weapon's Apprentice 17.04.2026 10min

  How does a player go from being released by a last-place team to hitting .385 for the St. Louis Cardinals in the span of a single week?In this installment of Random Cardinal of the Week, Jim Plaza dives into the fascinating, "roller coaster" career of utility man Felipe Lopez. A former top-10 pick and Silver Slugger winner, Lopez hit rock bottom in 2008 with a negative WAR and a mid-season release from the Nationals. But when he landed in the St. Louis clubhouse, something clicked.Under the mentorship of "The Secret Weapon" Jose Oquendo, Lopez didn't just find his swing—he became a statistical anomaly. We look back at his legendary two-month sprint in 2008 where he played six different positions and posted a nearly 1.000 OPS, helping bridge the gap for a Cardinals franchise in the midst of a massive front-office transition.In this episode, we discuss:The Oquendo Effect: How Jose Oquendo rebuilt Lopez’s defense and mental approach to transform him from a "bust" back into a weapon.The 2008 Hot Streak: A deep dive into the 43 games where Lopez hit an unbelievable .385 and became the ultimate La Russa-era Swiss Army Knife.The 18th-Inning Hero: On the 16th anniversary of the feat (April 17, 2010), we recount the night Lopez stepped onto the mound against the Mets and threw a scoreless inning to save an exhausted bullpen.The Transition Era: Where Lopez fit in the roster shuffle between the 2006 championship and the 2011 "10.5 games back" miracle.Whether you remember him for his switch-hitting prowess or his lone career pitching appearance, Felipe Lopez’s story is a masterclass in resilience and the power of a second chance in The Lou.Listen now and subscribe to the Redbird Rundown for your weekly dose of Cardinals history!
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  75. Cardinals Mailbag Madness - Walker, Winn, and What's Next?! (feat. Josh Jacobs) 12.04.2026 52min

  The mailbag is loaded, and Josh Jacobs joins us to answer it all.In this episode of the Redbird Rundown, we tackle a wide range of St. Louis Cardinals questions straight from fans — covering everything from Jordan Walker’s future to Masyn Winn’s offensive struggles and growing concerns around Ivan Herrera.We also dig into bigger-picture topics like which players are truly untouchable, how soon JJ Wetherholt could get extended, and whether a potential salary cap is changing how teams approach young talent.It’s a mix of serious analysis, honest debate, and a few unexpected turns along the way.If you’ve got questions about where this Cardinals team is headed, this episode hits just about all of them.🎯 In this episode:Jordan Walker’s long-term positionUntouchable Cardinals rankingsWinn, Herrera, and lineup concernsFuture extensions and roster buildingMailbag chaos (you’ll see)🌐 Follow Redbird RundownTwitter/X: @redbirdrundown2Bluesky: @redbirdrundown.bsky.socialInstagram: Redbird Rundown PodcastFacebook: Redbird Rundown PodcastTikTok: @redbird.rundown.p⭐ If you enjoy the show, be sure to follow, rate, and review — it helps more Cardinals fans find us.
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  [RCOW] The "Burger" that Conquered Barry Bonds | Ray King 10.04.2026 12min

  When you think of the legendary 2004 St. Louis Cardinals, names like Pujols, Edmonds, and Rolen immediately come to mind. You might even think of a young Adam Wainwright. But games aren't just won by the superstars; they’re won by the guys who come jogging out of the bullpen in the 7th inning to put out a fire.This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Ray King, the durable, 250-pound left-handed specialist affectionately known as "Burger." Acquired in the blockbuster trade that brought Jason Marquis and Adam Wainwright to St. Louis, King became a workhorse for Dave Duncan’s "scrap heap" bullpen. From his chaotic MLB debut with a borrowed glove to his historic 2004 season, King’s story is one of dependability, high-stakes drama, and some of the best numbers ever posted against the game's greatest hitters.In this episode, we discuss:The Trade That Changed Everything: How King arrived in the deal for JD Drew and became an unsung hero of the 2004 pennant run.The "Bonds Killer": A look at the eye-popping stats King posted against legends like Barry Bonds (who hit just .059 against him) and Ken Griffey Jr.The Iron Man of the Bullpen: How King racked up 86 appearances in a single season—the second-most in franchise history—including a mind-boggling 30 consecutive scoreless outings.The La Russa Fallout: The "September Slide" that led to a public spat with the skipper and a quick exit from St. Louis.The Lost Glove Debut: The hilarious story of King’s first big league game wearing cleats bought that morning and a teammate's glove.Whether it was his streak of 328 games without an intentional walk or his mastery of the high-leverage middle innings, Ray King was the glue that held a championship-caliber bullpen together."He wasn't the guy getting the final out... but when the fire needed to be put out, Ray King was the guy they called."Listen now and subscribe to the Redbird Rundown for your weekly dose of Cardinals history!
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  [COMT] Are Jordan Walker and the St. Louis Cardinals for real? Feat. Kevin Wheeler 08.04.2026 1t 7min

  In this episode of Cardinals On My Time, Scott Plaza is joined by Matt and Jonathan from Redbird Rundown and special guest Kevin Wheeler from KMOX to break down everything happening in Cardinal Nation.We dive deep into Jordan Walker’s mechanical changes and why his "Aaron Judge bat speed" is finally turning into results. We also debate the "Oli-isms" of manager Oli Marmol, the defensive struggles of Ivan Herrera behind the plate, and whether Michael McGreevy’s success is sustainable or just a "luck-based" mirage.In this episode, we discuss:- Jordan Walker's Resurgence: Why mechanical shifts and pitch selection are changing his trajectory.- The Oli Marmol Extension: Is he the right man to lead the rebuild?- The Herrera Catching Dilemma: Can the Cardinals survive his arm strength issues for the sake of his bat?- Pitching Mirages: Why Michael McGreevy’s 8.05 expected ERA is cause for concern- Victor Scott II: Elite defense vs. an offensive "black hole".Support the Show!Hit the SUBSCRIBE button and join our Discord for live game chats!https://discord.com/invite/Z2nPG5438
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  74. Cardinals Mystery Stat Lines 05.04.2026 56min

  We’re putting our baseball knowledge to the test with a saber metric-style guessing game: Guess That Cardinal!In this episode, we run through real stat lines from the early season—no names attached, just the numbers. The challenge: can we correctly identify which St. Louis Cardinals player is behind each stat line?Some are obvious. Some are tricky. And a few might completely surprise you.Along the way, we break down what these early stats actually mean, whether certain starts are real or just small sample size noise, and which players are standing out so far.Featuring Ethan Hannaford (@echann7), this one gets competitive.👇 Play along with us:How many did you get right?#StLouisCardinals #MLB #BaseballPodcast #CardinalsBaseball #MLBPodcast———————Download the Patreon app and search Redbird Rundown to join our Discord gameday chats!State Farm – Scott Owens (Mt. Vernon, IL)📞 (618) 242-3770Like a good neighbor State Farm is there.All American Tree Experts📞 (618) 316-2457Your go-to crew for trimming, removal, and full yard cleanup 🌲Stay connected for Cardinals updates, clips, and more:​ Twitter/X: @redbirdrundown2​ Facebook: Redbird Rundown Podcast​ Instagram: Redbird Rundown Podcast​ TikTok: @redbird.rundown.p​ Bluesky: @redbirdrundown.bsky.social      • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RedbirdRundown⭐ If you enjoyed the episode, follow, rate, and review — it helps more Cardinals fans find the show!
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  [RCOW] Delino DeShields | High socks and speed 03.04.2026 11min

  Imagine a world where Ryne Sandberg—the legendary Cubs icon and "Cardinal killer"—was manning second base at Busch Stadium. In the winter of 1996, that "what if" was remarkably close to becoming a reality. But when the Cardinals balked at a two-year deal for the aging Hall of Famer, they pivoted to a gamble: a speedster coming off a career-worst season and a negative WAR. That gamble was Delino DeShields.In this episode, Jim Plaza explores the career of the Seaford, Delaware standout who chose the diamond over a basketball scholarship at Villanova. We trace his journey from a top-prospect in Montreal to being the "other guy" in the infamous Pedro Martinez trade, and finally, his unexpected arrival in St. Louis following a bizarre, non-existent contract rumor with the Reds.We look back at DeShields’ dominant 1997 campaign—a season where he donned the high socks, led the National League in triples, and swiped 55 bases. We also discuss his role as the primary table-setter for Mark McGwire during the historic summer of '98 and why his single-season stolen base and triple totals haven't been touched by a Cardinal since. Finally, we catch up on his post-playing days as a manager in the minor leagues and the incredible professional success of his children, Delino Jr. and Diamond.