Birds on the Black Podcast: Recent Episodes
Birds on the Black
Birds on the Black is a site dedicated to the St. Louis Cardinals. Analysis, Minors, Opinion, Gifs, Podcast, Videos, etc.
Let's talk about the Cardinals pitching additions and also how skanky we are!! It'll be awful, but much like the Cardinals pitching additions, it's old and past it's prime!!
Well, I guess we are back to this trash and display of jackassery!!! The bald guy here is going to talk wayyyyyyyyy louder than he should, and probably about male anatomy as much as baseball. But it's supposed to be about baseball so here we are.
I'm beat and old and tired, so here I am in bed talking about baseball until I pass out
Tonight we'll talk about St Louis Cardinals prospects and the start of Spring Training camp and probably ask important questions like "Why is your shirt still on?"
As we get closer to the 2023 season and the start of spring training, we'll surely talk about things that aren't related to baseball at all. But if we do talk about baseball and the prospects in the Cardinals system then it might turn out to be OK. No promises.
Prospects after Dark!! Cardinals baseball talk… maybe!! There isn’t any new shit to talk about really so maybe it’ll get weird, quickly!! It’s up to you, really!!
Welcome to Prospects after Dark!! Merrrrrrrrryyyyyy Happppppy!! Cardinals talk. Other stuff. Boozing. More… other stuff!!
This is a live stream episode of a poorly produced and thoughtout baseball... thing. It's just an excuse for a closet ego maniac to rant like he knows shit when he doesn't know jackshit.
I honestly don't have any idea what in the hell this is going to be. It's been a very long time since we've done this
Tara and Alex re-join forces just in time for the playoffs! They talk all about the magic of the season so far, what to expect in the new Wild Card round, and more. Plus, Alex shares a special Chirp just for the Pujols/Molina/Waino celebration.
DRAFT DAY PROSPECTS AFTER DARK!! We get into the Cardinals 2022, 1st round draft pick!! We start early and blowhard our way through the 22nd overall pick!
Prospects after Dark!! Let’s talk about Cardinals prospects and the Cards and whatever and drink and forget how pain feels!!
Geoff and I talk 2022 draft prospects - 30ish prospects! - that the Cardinals could take with their #22 and #59 picks (or later) in next month's MLB Draft. We also talk Cape Cod League, college baseball, a little about minor league baseball, and great coaches of the Cape Cod League on this episode of Conversations with Cerutti.
In this episode of Conversations with Cerutti, I am joined by Geoff Pontes of Baseball America. Geoff is super knowledgeable about prospects - whether in an organization or draft eligible! In part 1 of our interview, he and I discuss so many Cardinals prospects, including Jordan Walker, Nolan Gorman, Michael McGreevy, Ivan Herrera, Masyn Winn, Alec Burleson, Connor Thomas, Connor Lunn, Inohan Paniagua, Alec Willis, Gordon Graceffo, Edwin Nunez, Moises Gomez, Mike Antico, Matt Koperniak, Jeremy Rivas, and potentially more I forgot about! We briefly get into the draft at the end to set up part II of the podcast hopefully coming later this week!
Alright! Let's try this Twitter Spaces thing at 5:00 CT, in about 15 minutes. Bring your questions about prospects and let's turn it into some type of community-like podcast.
Welcome to Prospects after Dark!! Let’s talk about the Cardinals season opener, the start of the MiLB season, and whatever else!!
BASEBALL IS BACK
Corey Sanzone and Ben Cerutti try to get Cardinals fans pumped up for 2022 opening day at Busch Stadium! Enjoy.
5 - SS/RHP Masyn Winn
4 - LHP Matthew Liberatore
3 - C Ivan Herrera
1b - 3B Jordan Walker
1a - 3B/2B Nolan Gorman
10 - RHP Michael McGreevy
9 - OF Joshua Baez
8 - OF Alec Burleson
7 - INF Brendan Donovan
6 - INF/OF/DH Juan Yepez
Kyle Reis and Ben Cerutti are back to discuss more of Kyle Reis' dirty flirty (40) prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system. Today's episode features:
15 - LHP Zack Thompson
14 - LHP Connor Thomas
13 - RHP Angel Rondon
12 - 1B/DH Luken Baker
11 - 3B Malcom Nunez
Discussed by Kyle and Ben after their longer-than-the-lockout length hiatus were the 16th through 20th prospects in the #STLCards' system, per Kyle's rankings.
20 - RHP Edwin Nunez
19 - RHP Gordon Graceffo
18 - RHP Markevian Hence
17 - RHP Freddy Pacheco
16 - SS Delvin Perez
Enjoy!
Chirp chirp
They're baaaaaack! After a long, quiet offseason, Tara and Alex are back in podcast land with growing excitement about baseball's return. First things first, though, they need to remember who is still on the team. And also... is that enough? What do the Birds do with the DH? And how significant is the number "2" to the World Series chances?
This is the ramblings of a drunken idiot who thinks that he knows stuff but really doesn't know jackshit. We'll talk about all things related to St Louis Cardinals baseball, but also a lot about dicks.
Chicago White Sox rookie third baseman and designated hitter (and maybe second baseman in 2022?), Jake Burger, joined me on this episode of the podcast. Jake is a good guy, a family friend, and now a friend of the pod. Enjoy him talking in depth about hitting, about challenges at each level of baseball progression up through the minors and into the majors, about playing for a Hall of Fame manager, and more!
Prospects after Dark!! It's 12/12/21, and there isn't much going on! Happy PaDiversary!! Get crunk!
Ben and Kyle discuss the #25-21 prospects on Kyle's Dirty Flirty. That's C Julio Rodriguez, UTIL Chandler Redmond, and 3 RHP that Ben confuses often - Jack Ralston, Jake Walsh, and Andre Pallante.
Kyle and I discuss his #30 to #26 prospects on his Dirty Flirty/Forty. This is a group with a high amount of upside and I'm here for that! We discuss C Pedro Pages, OF Matt Koperniak, RHP Austin Love, OF Ryan Holgate, and OF Jhon Torres.
Enjoy.
On this round of The Dirty Flirty/40, Kyle and I discuss RHP Alec Willis, RHP Dionys Rodriguez, OF Conner Capel, 1B/OF Todd Lott, and RHP Wilfredo Pereira in depth along with some info about NC State and ECU college programs and support systems for minor leaguers.
Enjoy
Birds On The Black's Ben Cerutti holds his latest conversation with fellow BotB member, Kyle Reis about Kyle's Dirty Flirty - the top 40 prospects in the Cardinals' system entering the 2022 season. In this episode, they discuss Ian Bedell,Thomas Francisco, Inohan Paniagua, Connor Lunn, and Patrick Romeri.
Sorry in advance for any technical issues that were unresolved through editing in the middle of the podcast.
Prospects after Dark with Kyle Reis
It's Prospects after Dark! Let's talk THE DIRTY, Cards prospects, Matz etc!!!
Kyle Reis and I have a special "Dirty Shildt" Episode of Conversations with Cerutti tonight to mostly talk about Mike Shildt being fired, potential reasons, and potential replacements. We also discuss plans for what used to be the "Dirty Thirty-Five" and is, at least temporarily, "The Dirty Flirty."
Buckle in
Mike Shildt is OUT.
And like... WHAT?!?!
Alex and Tara try to sort out the immediate aftermath of the shocking Cardinals news...and then cool things off with a delightful trip through the Cardinals Hall of Fame by way of Alex's Chirp of the Week.
It's Wild Card Day! That's right, the Cardinals are back in the postseason and they're (yet again) facing off against the Dodgers. In LA. Waino vs Scherzer. Win or go home.
We're not nervous, are you nervous?
Mike Shannon's not nervous. But he IS the star of the Chirp of the Week, because we couldn't let him retire without a tip of the cap from Birds on the Black!
They did it! They really did it! The 2021 Cardinals are a real-life playoff team, and no one really understands how!
This week, Tara and Alex bask in the 17-game-win-streak-plus-postseason-clincher glow and talk about what's happened, how it's happened, and who has been the most impressive as the Cardinals speed-wrote their way into the history books with a magical month of September. But is the streak enough? Is the Wild Card game winnable?
And, we play a game of Player A vs Player B in Alex's Chirp of the Week to wrap things up.
Welcome back to Prospects after Dark!! Sure, let's talk about the Cardinals. And, hey, the Cardinals system, too. TASTE ME
What is even happening anymore? Are the Cardinals #good? Is this all a dream? Are the playoffs really in sight? Is that... enough?
Tara and Alex are back this week after taking some time to soak it all in. The Cardinals are playing like they haven't all year, and they try to explain what it's like to watch it happen in real time.
Plus, Alex takes us back to winnings streaks of yesteryear to remind us that not all teams win in bunches... but when a team does, it's loads of fun.
What could have been a fantastic week turned into a back-breaking week with one pitch. And since then, not even an official Adam Wainwright return announcement can lighten the mood.
But, let Alex try with a fantastic story about Hall of Famer Ted Simmons.
The Cards face the Reds this week with a real-live playoff spot up for grabs. Can the capitalize on opportunity better this week than last?
Also, does Mo get credit for finding a few good bullpen arms?
Then, Alex takes us on an Adam Wainwright tour to celebrate both his 40th birthday and his brilliance in 2021.
After a week of wins and Wainwright being Wainwright, are the Cardinals back in the race? Did they actually pull us back in?
And then, Alex breaks out some home run history for the Chirp of the Week.
This week, Tara and Alex try not to repeat the complaints of the last three episodes (even though the baseball has been the very same). Instead, they discuss why they think it's actually not good that the Cardinals lose a lot (draft picks aside). And then, they learn about a first rounder who might have hit a 670ft home run one time. (And that's not even the Chirp of the Week!)
On this episode of Conversations with Cerutti, Kyle Reis and I discuss some of the Cardinals draft picks, some draft strategy by Mr. Randy Flores, pick an All-Star team from the upper level of the minors and one from the lower level of the minors, and discuss many other players in the organization. Enjoy!
This year at the trade deadline, Mo & Co. sent us back to yesteryear with the uninspiring additions of J.A. Happ and Jon Lester. Was that the goal? ...is there one?
And then, a Chirp of the Week you didn't see coming: The Beatles at Busch.
Well... that was a let down.
This week, Tara and Alex talk about how to remember the good things in life after a sports night that goes down as one of the worst. What happened in that epic 9th inning? Who is to blame? What should Mike Shildt's response have been?
And lest you think this has never happened before, Alex reminds us of another 6-1 9th inning lead from nearly a decade ago in the ever-so-chipper Chirp of the Week.
There was no Cardinals representative in the 2021 Home Run Derby, but that didn't stop Tara and Alex from workshopping a way to make the exhibition of strength and power far more watchable (especially for someone like Alex who didn't watch it anyway...)
Plus, they talk about the Cardinals chances coming out of the break, but who really knows what those look like at this point, right?
And then Alex gives us a Chirp of the Week that features the biggest All Star of them all - Stan.
While it's easy to see the seemingly endless problems with the current Cardinals, Alex and Tara play a different game this week - say something nice about them, if they can.
Plus, Alex finds an appropriately historic Chirp of the Week to share after an Independence Day weekend.
It's bad. It's pretty much all bad. But can it get better? Is all hope lost before July?
Tara is back, just in time to talk about how bad everything really is, while Alex brings ups something unrelated entirely to entertain us in the Chirp of the Week.
Tara Nichols (formerly Wellman), Corey Sanzone, and Allen Medlock join me today to talk trades. Not just any trades...talk SELLING AT THE DEADLINE?
This Conversation with Cerutti sounds crazy - but brings a lot of things together to make a lot of sense!
CwC with Joe Drake of Prospects Live covering:
Spencer Schwellebach James Wood Doug Nikhazy Gage Jump Thatcher Hurd Sal Frelick Daylen Lile Casey Opitz and at least 9 more guys I remember discussing as well!!!
Conversations with Cerutti digs into the 2021 MLB Draft with Matt Thompson of Prospects Live. We talk Carter Jensen, Chase Petty, Benny Montgomery, Jordan Wicks, Alex Mooney, Lonnie White, Christian MacLeod, Michael Robertson, Landon Sims, Jud Fabian, Joe Mack and more. Tune in - and stay long enough to see who gets a Dylan Carlson of the infield comp slapped on him!
Corey Sanzone and I riff on the Cardinals recent issues and recent successes. It was a fun discussion. Hope you enjoy 85 minutes of just good ol' Cards talk.
Welcome to Prospects after Dark!!! So much minor league action to talk about! And Prince Sex for days!!
Alex talks to Hochman on this latest episode of Chirp
Benjamin Hochman's new book "11 in 11" https://www.11in11book.com
Chirps after Dark means Kyle Reis is on the episode. Hosted by Alex Crisafulli. Also, Tara is getting married this week. Yay!
On this episode of Conversations with Cerutti, host Ben Cerutti is joined by MLB Pipeline's William Boor to discuss the 2021 MLB Draft. We talk Carter Jensen, Chase Petty, Benny Montgomery, Jordan Wicks, Gunnar Hoglund, Alex Mooney, Peyton Wilson, Noah Miller, Richard Fitts, and Kumar Rocker. Enjoy!
Episode 108 of Chirps Podcast and Alex Crisafulli (@alexcards79) talks with Ben Clemens (@_Ben_Clemens) of fangraphs.com
With Tara out with final wedding preparation, Alex turns to Daniel Shoptaw (C70) to chat Cardinals baseball with. How bad does that San Diego series sting and does it change the narrative around this team? Does it help that it came after a Milwaukee series that had them winning two out of three? The guys also talk about the command issues that the pitching staff has as well as chasing rabbits down trails labeled "Adam Wainwright's history of bombs" and "are the Cubs actually still a threat"? Albert Pujols's decision is also addressed and Daniel revisits the walks in the Chirp of the Week!
Prospects after Dark with actual minor league action to talk about! Get a booze and lets get nuts.
This week, Tara and Alex are talking about the best team in baseball (for the moment) and the best player of their lifetimes who is suddenly, conveniently unaffiliated with that one team in California.
Is a reunion in store? Is it silly to dream of something so irrational? ...do they care?
Find out, then stick around for a Chirp of the Week that emphasizes just how good that Pujols guy was.
Kyle and Ben (both of Birds on the Black) talked current Cardinals MLB players, the new minor league landscape, the rosters for the #STLFly minor league affiliates that were just announced, and lastly answered two questions from a listener (Matt Graves of Redbird Rants) that I couldn't get to last time.
It was a blast!
A maniac talks like an asshole. It's awful. You ask questions and leave comments that save this trainwreck while he drinks too much booze.
Tara and Alex are back this week to talk about how pitching makes everything better... at least when the starters are going well! But will it last? Is it enough?
Plus, Tara sits down with former Cardinal Xavier Scruggs to get his take on the 2021 team and to learn about his new position as the teams Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant.
Then, Alex returns for a Chirp of the Week with an assist from @SenorBush.
New MLB.com Cardinals beat writer Zach Silver joins me for the 12th installment of Conversations with Cerutti.
Dan Buffa, who you probably know from just about everywhere, joins this Conversation with (Ben) Cerutti. Buffa and Cerutti talk St. Louis South City roots, early season Cardinals baseball, lineup construction, those newfangled "xStats," and some St. Louis eateries. Where is that hidden gem of a BBQ restaurant?
It's been a while, Reds fans. Welcome back to the most annoying rivalry in baseball(Tara's words).
After a season opening week of baseball, what is the takeaway? Is the pitching worse than we thought? And what about the cleanup spot?
Plus, Matt Carpenter steals the show with the Chirp of the Week. (Don't tune out, it's fascinating!)
We've arrived! It's Opening Day Eve, and Tara is back with Alex to offer some predictions for the 2021 Cardinals. How bold are they? You decide.
Plus, Alex -- inspired by his favorite Opening Day memories -- digs up some interesting stats on one of the Cardinals' ultimate greats for the Chirp of the Week!
Prospects after Dark time. We have Cardinals roster dec... honestly, who cares. Let’s just have a good time & talk Cards
On this episode, I met with the Blogfather/Podfather of Cardinals Twitter - Daniel Shoptaw (@c70 on Twitter). He is always a wonderful guy to talk to and it was my pleasure having him on.
This week, friend of the pod Ben Godar joins Alex to talk about the latest developments of the spring and tell Mike Shannon stories, for nostalgia's sake.
Then, Alex hands off the Chirp of the Week assignment to Ben, because that's what a good host does!
On this conversation with Stew Stiles we discussed his upcoming album, dropping on April 2nd, along with quite a bit of Cardinals baseball, scorecard-ing (yes, that's now a word), and much more. Unfortunately, 2 minutes after it was over, Stew dropped a bomb by saying that John Gant's dreaded Jesus look could earn him the nickname "Florida Man." Missed out on getting that into the pod. Bummer.
Corey and Ben discuss what we know about the Cardinals with two weeks remaining in Spring Training. We hit a little bit of everything going on here. I hope you feel the excitement we did while recording! My dog had a lot to say at one point as well; meet Sadie!
It's episode 100! (Sorry for the delayed release...)
Last week, Yadi did some cool stuff that reminded us why he's one of the greats. Plus, spring training is rolling right along and it's been better for some than... well, Matt Carpenter.
And about that 100th episode... Alex takes us on a journey through other 100s in Cardinals history for this week's Chirp of the Week.
In this Conversations with Cerutti, Kyle Reis and I discuss prospects tools in general and answer a few fan questions. It was a fabulous conversation and I am very excited to get it out to you all.
Pitchers and catchers have reported, position players have joined them, and Spring Training games have begun. With that comes the annual "are there enough good starters in the rotation?" debate.
Is Jack Flaherty going to continue to struggle? Should the Cardinals have signed another pitcher? Is Miles Mikolas actually hurt? And what happens with Alex Reyes in 2021?
Plus, Alex takes us back to St. Louis's prime to tell us about the journey to World Series title number one in this week's Chirp of the Week.
On this episode of CwC, I talk with Kyle Reis. Kyle is the prospect guy with us at Birds on the Black. I can (and have) talked to Kyle for hours about prospects before. Many of you know of him and know him through Prospects after Dark. For the first time, we took questions from Twitter as well and so these were not all questions that I wanted answers about, necessarily, but were all questions I was still interested in the answer to...if that makes sense.
Players discussed: Austin Gomber Elehuris Montero Mateo Gil Tony Locey Jake Sommers Luken Baker Angel Rondon Jake Woodford Jhon Torres Jack Flaherty Nolan Gorman
And maybe others?
In this episode of Conversations with Cerutti, I am joined by Jim Cromer (of Two Birds on a Bat), Zach Gifford (of Birds on the Black and Nerds on the Black), and second-time guest Corey Sanzone. We discuss a "What if" scenario just for some fun lively baseball talk today.
Please ignore the background noises because Jim, Zach, and Corey are worth the listen anyway. They did a fantastic job with this today. I am excited to bring you this one.
Brenden Schaeffer joins Birds on the Black's newest Podcast, Conversations with Cerutti, for it's 4th installment.
He is, as predicted, back! And with Yadier Molina once again behind the plate, the various moves of the last week are complete.
What do you think?
Plus, those pesky PECOTA projections are out... and as Alex explains, they follow a pretty consistent trend.
So, I don't anticipate this type of podcast occurring again on Conversations with Cerutti. This episode is a short one outlining what I envision this podcast being and becoming. If you're into hearing me ramble on my own...be warned, I simply sound like a middle school Math teacher using non-mathy words sometimes.
On today's edition of Conversations with Cerutti, I talk with Corey Sanzone about the Nolan Arenado trade. Better late than never, no?
Welcome to Prospects after Dark! I guess that this is the Dexter Fowler trade and Arenado return episode? Let’s Do It!
Conversation about Yadier Molina and the value of catchers in general with former college catcher, Jason Haniger. Jason is the brother of Major League Baseball player Mitch Haniger.
They did it.
The Cardinals actually did it.
They got the guy they've pined for all along.
Nolan Arenado is a Cardinal.
That's it. That's the description. Just go listen and celebrate with us!
(Oh, and there's also a third base-centric Chirp of the Week for you when you get to the end.)
I guess this is the Nolan Arenado trade episode of Prospects after Dark. So, I guess, let’s do that then!
crickets
Yep. We hear them, too. This is the strangest version of the silent treatment hosts Tara and Alex can recall in their collective years of baseball fandom.
And it's not only the Cardinals who are silent -- it's evidently the entire NL Central.
But, at least fans will be allowed in the stands to watch the "Eh, this'll do!" rosters... right?
And then, Alex pays respect to the legend of Henry Aaron himself by taking a look at his exceptional baseball prowess as displayed against the St. Louis Cardinals.
We're back! And don't worry, we haven't missed ANY big Cardinals news. (Yes, we know. It's because there isn't any. That's the joke.)
This week, Tara and Alex spend some time comparing thoughts and feelings about the Cardinals choices this winter so far, where they stand compared to the NL Central, and that if being the favorite by default should ever be "enough" for this team.
Plus, what to they do about Wainwright and Molina? What SHOULD they do? Why?
And yes, Alex is back with a Chirp of the Week to make you feel great about setting entirely manageable expectations of yourself... and the Cardinals.
Welcome to #PaD100! How dumb is this show?!?! Let’s celebrate and talk about the Cardinals or whatever! Who cares!!
Prospects after Dark time!! I don’t even know what baseball is anymore! Go Cards!...? let’s drink, it’s our BDay!
Nerds kicks off the off-season with by assessing the Yadier Molina situation and setting expectations for the Cardinals in free agency. Zach Gifford hosts, with special guests Alex Crisafulli and John Fleming (STLBullpen)
LET CHAOS REIGN!! It’s Prospects after Dark, and the Cardinals baseball world is WILD. Let’s get drunk and talk it over!
Just one week removed from the excitement of postseason baseball, Tara and Alex look back at the season that was for the Cardinals, and the week that was for all of Cardinal Nation after hearing the news of Bob Gibson's passing.
In a season as wild and wacky as 2020's version, what was the biggest takeaway for this Cardinals team and what does that mean the early returns are on suggestions for next year?
And, the Chirp of the Week is, as it should be, yet another tribute to Bob Gibson.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Hosted by Zach Gifford, Cardinals take Game 1 of the whatever series this is from the Padres! Join us for the unofficial Blacked Out postgame show
They made it. The 2020 Cardinals made it to the conclusion of the regular season... and on the last day, claimed a spot in the weird and (potentially) wonderful playoff bracket. Their prize? A trip out of the midwest! And, to sunny San Diego, no less!
But how did the 2020 Cardinals do in their regular season games? What do we make of this chaotic summer of baseball? And who stands out as the biggest surprise or disappointment?
Plus, Alex revisits Daniel Shoptaw's Chirp of the Week from the last episode, and then expands on it. Ever wondered when the last time the Cardinals finished with 85 wins was?
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Welcome back to Prospects after Dark! Come in and listen to a jackass ramble incoherently about the Cardinals!!Regards
This week, the Blogfather himself, Daniel Shoptaw, joins Alex to talk teams of the past, the team of the present, and how they stack up against the competition in a playoff push.
And then, Alex kicks off a different challenge - dueling Chirps of the Week!
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
A mild on-field spat between the Brewers and the Cardinals highlights this episode, and that's likely the most exciting thing the Birds have done all week.
And that's... sort of the problem.
This week, Tara and Alex talk about what happened to Jack Flaherty, what makes this team uninspiring, and where Trent Grisham lands on the Jerk Scale after smashing a homer off of Clayton Kershaw (hey, the Padres are exciting!).
Later, Alex returns to more positive memories with one more Chirp of the Week featuring the one and only Lou Brock.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Join Zach (@zjgifford) and special guest lead writer for The Athletic, Eno(@enosarris), tonight for #nerds on the black to talk current cardinals, former cardinals, this messy season, and fantasy baseball
From Baseball Prospectus, Matthew Trueblood joins Tara and Alex to dive into the greatest rivalry in baseball (sorry not sorry, Yankees/Red Sox). After all, the Cubs and Cardinals are connected by some pretty game-shaking history, including the story at the forefront of baseball minds this week -- Lou Brock.
Later, Matt talks about new Cardinal Killer Ian Happ, Tara and Alex work through their feelings about Dylan Carlson, and Matt handles the Chirp of the Week by looking even closer at who Lou Brock played the game.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Another day, another doubleheader. Let’s talk the good, the bad, and the other stuff! #STLCards #blackedout with Tara Wellman (twitter.com/tarawellman)
Zach and Kyle team up to bring you Nerds After Dark, recap the deadline and prep for the Cardinals home stretch
Alex is out this week, but that didn't stop Tara from talking all about how Adam Wainwright single handedly saved the Cardinals 2020 season. Okay, maybe not quite. But it sure felt like it, after getting kicked around by the Pirates and the Indians for most of the week. And then, the offense exploded in Cincy! Where has Brad Miller been all our lives?
Plus, Tara answers your questions straight from twitter!
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
After a full week of baseball, Tara and Alex are still talking about unwritten rules (sort of), but also Paul Goldschmidt. If you've missed it, he's been pretty hot.
And then, the Chirp of the Week features a mystery player! And who doesn't love a mystery player?
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Prospects after Dark time!! Recapping a busy week of Cards baseball. Get dat drank and let’s get crunk and celebrate!!
Bader hits a bomb and the #STLCards win! It’s time for the #blackedout postgame show! hosted by Tara Wellman
https://twitter.com/tarawellman
You might have heard, but... @KoltenWong is #good. #STLCards walk it off! Let’s talk about it! #blackedout
Tonights episode is hosted by Tara Wellman (https://twitter.com/tarawellman)
Cardinals take game against the Cubs and go for the doubleheader sweep in an hour. Blacked out of the postgame? Us too!
Today's episode hosted by Zach Gifford @zjgifford
All of them. Let ALL the kids play.
The Cardinals finally got back to action, but the "how" is complicated, and the door is wide open for the talented, young kids to make an immediate impact.
Alex and Tara try to sort through a week of LOTS of baseball, and even more debuts... no matter the results.
Plus, Alex -- inspired by noted Cubs killer Brad Miller -- talks multi-homer games in the Chirp of the Week.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Prospects after Dark! The Cards are back, and that was a fun weekend. Let’s talk about it & get drunk before the Blues!
Long-time Voice of the Peoria Chiefs Nathan Baliva joins Tara this week to discuss the Cardinals COVID-19 outbreak, the possibility of a restart this weekend, and how impressive Austin Gomber was with the Chiefs in 2015.
Plus, Nathan pinch hits for the Chirp of the Week with some tidbits from life on the road with MiLB!
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
A weekend full of baseball filled the empty cups of baseball fans everywhere. The Cardinals picked up two important wins in their opening series with the Pirates. Baseball was back.
And then, COVID-19 reminded everyone that it's not back, per se, but it's still very much... here. What will baseball do next? Is this the beginning of the end?
Then, the Chirp of the Week takes us back to happier times. Home run happy, to be specific.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Baseball is back, and so is Prospects after Dark! Let’s talk actual, real baseball & get drunk and weird in the process!
Zach hosts this edition of Blacked Out. Cards lose a snoozer to Pittsburgh, and losing one in 2020 is like losing three. talk me off the ledge. It’s #blackedout
Just days away from the most delayed Opening Day ever, Kyle Reis joins Alex to dive into the chaos that will (?) be the 2020 summer of baseball.
And stick around for the Chirp of the week where Alex and Kyle do baseball math and find the history of the Cardinals in the final 60 games of their seasons.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Tuesday night, the Cardinals took on the Cardinals in an epic pitching battle at Busch Stadium. There were no losers. (There were technically no winners, either...) Only joy.
Okay, okay. So baseball still has some hurdles to cross before playing games that count. But for nearly two hours, things felt a little more hopeful. So, this week, Tara and Alex wander through the experience of watching Summer Camp split squad games while trying to find any value in player analysis.
And then, Alex's Chirp of the Week takes us back in time to the ultimate hot start.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
It's Rivalry Week on Chirps as Sara Sanchez from Bleed Cubbie Blue joins Tara to sort through the chaos of the first week of Summer Camp. Testing backlogs, positive results, optional workouts and canceled simulation games... and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
How does MLB get a handle on the foundational elements of their health and safety plan? Is every team fending for themselves? How "optional" are the players' choices, really?
Plus, the's Chirp of the Week takes us to Opening Day... and then back to one a long time ago.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Tara is back, and so is baseball. Sort of. For now. But will it last?
July 1st was Report Day 2.0, as Major League Baseball tries to get the 2020 season rolling...again. But some players are opting out, others will no doubt test positive for COVID-19 on their intake screenings, and what happens after that is up to everyone involved. Will they all play their part? Is the risk too high for too many? And if this mini-season DOES happen, how do you even begin to manage it?
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week gives us some perspective on just how much can happen -- statistically speaking -- in 60 games.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Welcome to Prospects after Dark!! We have Cardinals baseball stuff to talk about! And, you know, anything else really!!
It might be... there could be... we almost have... baseball?
MLB and the MLBPA reached an official agreement on Tuesday, complete with Spring Training 2.0 report dates and a rough estimate for Opening Weekend! While the news continued to pour in, friend of the pod Ben Godar joined Alex to try to sort through the chaos.
Then, Ben takes over for a special edition of the Chirp of the Week!
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Baseball is dying but #nerds goes on! I'll be joined by @_Ben_Clemens vent about MLB 'negotiations,' talk about the finances of baseball, and review the Cardinals draft. Bring your Clinking beer mugs because its been a cruel summer.
From a 100% season guarantee to an admission that some owners don't want baseball this year... it's been a weird week. And the messiness between the MLBPA and the owners has only gotten messier.
So, Tara and Alex talk about "Long Gone Summer" instead and wonder who will save baseball this time.
Then, Alex reminds us of even more we'll miss with no baseball in 2020 for the Chirp of the Week. Hey, there's not much of a silver lining here, folks!
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Welcome to Prospects after Dark or Whatever!! Day 2 of the draft, let’s see what the Cardinals are going to do!!
It’s DRAFT PaD time!! Welcome to Prospects after Dark. Let’s talk MLB draft, and what the Cards are gonna do!!
Kyle Reis and Ben Cerutti talk about the 2020 MLB Draft, as well as some of the changes to the draft and who might be drafted by the Cardinals.
The Owners finally made their proposal. It's... not great. And there are still health concerns to debate. But hey, baseball players are "essential" now! Only, that doesn't mean they have to get paid.
Buckle up, baseball fans. It's going to be a bumpy week.
Plus, Alex officially kicks off the "Keith Hernandez to the Hall" campaign in this week's Chirp of the Week.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
It’s Prospects after Dark!! I guess we have things to talk about? Draft? Potential agreement to play? STD’s?
Still no MLB in 2020 but at least we have the classics. I might have mic issues! Let’s try again anyways #nerds
Day by day, the likelihood of an MLB return in 2020 seems to shrink. But for just a few moments, Tara and Alex drink the Koolaid and think about how fun a few of baseball's proposed plans might be.
Plus, Alex tries to make up for Tara's decades-old heartbreak by introducing some of Utah's finest ballplayers in the Chirp of the Week.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Alex is back this week just in time for the baseball debate of the century -- have the owners created a proposal that will bring baseball back? Or will the players stand their ground? And who is right in all of that mess? But what about the actual safety concerns? Who's working on those?
Plus, the Chirp of the Week brings us closer to the DH in the NL. Wait! Don't go! You really should listen, I promise!
(PS - Alex might have changed his mind about Spring Training games.)
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
At long last, baseball! ...kind of. Oh, it's definitely baseball. It's just many, many timezones away.
Thankfully, we have St. Louis Cardinal turned NC Dino Xavier Scruggs on the show to talk us through life -- and baseball -- in the KBO.
Plus, Xavier sticks around for the the Chirp of the Week and takes a walk down memory lane.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
It’s Prospects after Dark and Prospect Matchmaker!! Come on in! let’s have some fun with Booze!! Maybe talk baseball?
Another week sans-baseball means another show with a lot of non-baseball talk. What did Tara and Alex discover this week in quarantine?
But wait! There's more. Minor League Baseball is once again grabbing headlines as they continue to negotiate their own future with their Major League counterpart. Wednesday's teleconference roundtable could conclude the struggle to save 40+ MiLB teams following the 2020 calendar year, and Kyle Reis joins Tara to breakdown what leverage MiLB has (or doesn't), and how the pause for COVID-19 gave MLB even more boldness.
Plus, the Chirp of the Week comes straight outta Chicago. Wait, what?
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Join me and @tarawellman to talk minor league contraction, MLB realignment, and crate training puppies #nerds
Yes, Rod Stewart. Give us a break, there's still no baseball!
Also, is weird baseball better than no baseball? Tara and Alex discuss.
Plus, the Chirp of the Week revisits some of the best games in Cardinals history. But which one is your favorite?
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
It's week (fill in the blank) of quarantine, and in between "random things we've learned" segments, Tara and Alex -- plus special guest J.J. Bailey from KMOV -- tackle the monumental task of saving baseball, as inspired by MLB's Arizona plan.
Plus, the Chirp of the Week challenges our fandom by trying to appreciate rival players.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Zach Gifford is joined by Jason Hill from Viva el Birdos and discusses the possibly of all MLB games being played in Arizona among many other topics.
For real this time!! MLB’s latest proposal, social distancing, live on #nerds
How do time travel and baseball coincide? Alex tells us this week, while Tara contemplates a career change, all because of the quarantine crazies setting in.
Thankfully, Erica Weston from Fox Sports Midwest joined them to turn their eyes back to the Cardinals, and they talk everything from walkoff showers to playoff proposals.
Plus, the Chirp of the Week nonchalantly jumps back in time to a Minor League career you probably didn't know you needed to know about.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Another typical Tuesday night in quarantine. Break up the boredom with #nerds
In this episode Zach talks about the contributions of Fowler, Wainwright. The possibility of Wong repeating 2019. Favorite player in Spring Training. His update on getting a dog. And a lot more!
Prospects after Dark time!! We have baseball news!! Which, ya know, will probably be talked about? Come on in!!
Kyle Reis (@kyler416) continues his Deep Dive into the Dirty Thirty-Five Rankings, the top 35 prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals system
- RHP Johan Oviedo
- RHP Angel Rondon
- Outfielder Jhon Torres
- Third Baseman Elehuris Montero
- RHP Junior Fernández
Read them all at www.birdsontheblack.com/dirty35
This was supposed to be the best week of the year. Instead, the start of the professional baseball season is still insert question mark number of days away. But, that doesn't mean there isn't news worth discussing!
This week, Tara and Alex follow up on a much-discussed Sea Salt conversation from Episode 69, then they welcome former Minor Leaguer, current St. Louis area attorney, and co-founder of Advocates for Minor Leaguers to the show to discuss the recent whirlwind of activity on the MiLB scene.
Plus, Tara takes the controls for this week's Chirp of the Week and steers into the KMOX throwback series, featuring the 2011 Comeback Cardinals
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https://www.advocatesforminorleaguers.com/
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Zach Gifford and John LaRue of Viva El Birdos join the latest MLB trend and select their all-time St. Louis Cardinals and Major League rosters. Is one of those the best team of all time
Kyle continues his Dirty Thirty-Five Deep Dives with prospects #15-11
- Luken Baker, 1B
- Tony Locey, RHP
- Griffin Roberts, RHP
- Jake Woodford, RHP
- Malcom Nuñez, 3B
View Kyles complete list and write ups for his Dirty Thirty-Five here https://www.birdsontheblack.com/dirty35
Welcome to Prospects after Dark! Being dumb & having fun is all that we have. Let’s do it together! Baseball and whatnot
Baseball is on hold for who knows how long, and the entire country locks down a little more each day. While they try to stay healthy, despite some sudden onset hypochondria, Tara and Alex talk about what might happen if and when baseball resumes.
And they also talk about sea salt. Hey, it's been a long week, okay?
Plus, the Chirp of the Week takes us way, WAY back to 1918 -- an eerily familiar time.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
"Where is this going?"
Without baseball, Zach Gifford is joined by Keely ( @keelynstl) to make their T-Swift March Madness picks, talk MLB postponement, and look forward to baseball, eventually. Everything is coming down to nothing.
birdsontheblack.com
Prospect. after. Dark!!! Welcome! Hop in! Get wet, you freaks. Let’s talk about literally anything!
The light at the end of the Spring Training tunnel is clearly visible now. But the mind-bending headlines just won't stop. This week, Tara and Alex tackle the simpler storylines like Jack Flaherty's contract renewal and Yairo Muñoz's unusual career move, and also the complicated ones like MLB's ongoing conversation about what to do in the wake of coronavirus threats.
And then, the Chirp of the Week emphasizes just how super-human some of baseball's greatest players really were.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Zach Gifford is joined by Brenden Schaeffer to launch Nerds on the Black to discuss spring position competitions, opening day outlook, and other spring news for the St. Louis Cardinals
www.birdsontheblack.com
With just about three weeks to go until the season REALLY starts, Alex and Tara take your suggestions for show topics, and ended up with a mailbag episode that includes their thoughts on Alex Reyes, Tommy Edman, and the Cardinals' strategy for playing time when big contracts are involved.
Plus, the Chirp of the Week takes us back to 2006 and a defensive highlight that earned a game ball.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Enjoy this deep dive into prospects #20-16 from Kyle Reis' Dirty 35
- Trejyn Fletcher, OF
- Patrick Romeri, OF
- Alvaro Seijas, RHP
- Kodi Whitley, RHP
- Justin Williams, OF
Kyle Reis (@kyler416 on twitter) BirdsontheBlack.com
This is Prospects after Dark! Sorry for the late notice! Let’s have a beer, be friendly, and talk baseball and stuff!!
Best friend of the podcast, Ben Godar, joins Alex this week to touch on Spring Training, but also get a head start on planning the Cardinals' next World Series film.
Is the 2020 squad one that can actually get them there? Or are all the 80ish-win projections going to be right?
Plus, Ben takes over the Chirp of the Week and dives into even more Spring Training numbers. How much do they really mean after all?
Follow Ben on Twitter: @bengodar Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Kyle Reis continues his raking of the Top 35 St. Louis Cardinals prospects, we call it The Dirty Thirty-Five
- Pedro Pages, C
- Brendan Donovan. 2B/3B
- Andre Pallante RHP
- Logan Gragg, RHP
- Julio Rodriguez, C
Kyle Reis continues his countdown of HIS top 35 prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals system
- RHP Alex FaGalde
- RHP Tommy Parsons
- OF Justin Toerner
- SS Mateo Gil
- LHP Evan Kruczynski
If you've been wondering all week about Ozzie Smith's dunking abilities, Tara and Alex (with an assist by Brenden Schaeffer)have uncovered the answers.
They also tried to limit the Houston talk, but there's just SO MUCH DRAMA. With players speaking out left and right, what should the response continue to be?
And also, the Cardinals had news. Unfortunately, it wasn't the good kind. If Miles Mikolas misses significant time, who becomes the No. 2 in the starting rotation?
Plus, the Chirp of the Week features record-breaking offense... something the Cardinals will need if their rotation falls apart!
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
The best tradition at Birds on the Black, the yearly Dirty Thirty-Five countdown by Kyle Reis. The Preseason D35 begins with these gentleman, enjoy!
- Ricardo Sánchez, LHP
- Delvin Pérez, SS
- Chandler Redmond, 1B/2B/3B
- Juan Yepez, 1B/3B/OF
- Evan Mendoza, 3B/SS/1B
Come for the PECOTA panic, stay for the unbridled bewilderment at MLB's recently released postseason reorganization proposal.
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week ends in an attempt to confirm Ozzie Smith facts by tweeting at the legend himself. Will it work? Stay tuned.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Welcome back to Prospects after Dark! It’s Spring Training week! It’s also Dirty Thirty-Five time! Let’s get into it!
When the Red Sox and Dodgers pull off the mega-deal of the winter, you discard show plans and talk about it.
But then, you pull it together and get back on track for a classic offseason debate about Major League Baseball and #Branding.
Does MLB do enough to sell its product to fans? Are baseball players intuitively too private to self-brand? Is it okay if MLB settles in as the 3rd-most popular US sport behind the NBA and the NFL? And what about Christian Yelich wanting to be a national icon? Would that kind of attention be good for the game?
Plus, Alex give us all a reason to not care so much about the 2019 NLCS disaster as we look ahead to 2020 in the Chirp of the Week!
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Ben Cerutti of Birds on the Black joins Alex this week to talk old-school baseball and new-school projections.
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week involves little known facts about pitchers and the art of stealing bases.
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
In this super-sized episode of Chirps, Tara and Alex cover the wackiest week of offseason baseball news yet, AND feature a special interview with Slade Heathcott -- former player and current Director of Business Development for More Than Baseball (a non-profit organization designed by players for players to make life in and around baseball better for everyone).
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week features Minor Leaguers of old!
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Follow Slade on Twitter: @heathcott_slade Follow More Than Baseball on Twitter: @mtb_org Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
How much news can you fit into one week (much less one podcast)? Alex brings Kyle Reis back, and they try to answer that question and more.
Who is Austin Dean? What do all the Nolan Arenado rumors mean? And how about Houston and the cheating Astros/Red Sox/TBD?
Plus, Alex brings us a Chirp of the Week that sticks with the theme: baseball's biggest cheaters.
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Learn about the origins of baseball in St Louis and the amazing reason the Cardinals were founded. Voiced by Bruno (@StlCardsCards)
For more Card•Annals please visit birdsontheblack.com/card-annals
Prospects after Dark on a Friday! Let’s talk Cardinals trades of past and potential future while getting drunk and weird
The rumor mill is stirring! On Tuesday, Nolan Arenado was the primary focus. Could the Cardinals really be in the mix?
And what is it about the Marcell Ozuna market that's taking so long to develop? How does Zach Gifford's newest discovery about El Oso's swing impact how we feel about his potential in a pitcher's park like Busch Stadium?
And, surprise! Another team has been accused of verifiably cheating to steal signs during the 2018 season. What would happen if the Cardinals were next?
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week takes us all the way back to the Cardinals' earliest beginnings!
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It’s a Saturday Prospects after Dark! We have nothing to talk about!! I KID WE TALK ABOUT EVERYTHING
It's 2020! But even though the calendar changed, the Cardinals haven't. So, while we wait for news that may or may not come, Tara and Alex tackled your questions in the first Mail Bag episode of the new year.
They talk Paul DeJong, OPS leaders, the strength/weakness of the rotation and more.
Did they answer your question? If not, be sure to let 'em know on Twitter!
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week is as timely as ever.
Happy New Year, Chirps fam!
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Happy PaD Year!!! Welcome back to the nonsense! Let’s talk about prospects and their junk or whatever! Who knows!!
It's a season for celebration! - Our first year - The best things about baseball - St. Louis's favorite non-hockey team
Give us your favorite things so we can celebrate them, too!
And, um, about that Chirp of the Week...
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Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
The Cardinals have finally awoken from their pre-winter slumber, and signed a lefty pitcher. But it's not the one many Cardinals fans were pining for.
Ben Godar of Viva El Birdos joins Alex to talk about the newest Cardinal (Hello, Kim Kwang-hyun!), as well as the current St. Louis ace and what the monster offseason deals might mean for Jack Flaherty's future.
And what about the offense? Is it fair to be annoyed by the recent caution from the front office? Are the Cardinals really the front-runners in the division without another key move?
Plus, the Chirp of the Week features stories about the beloved storyteller himself, Mike Shannon.
Follow Ben on Twitter: @bengodar Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
2 years of Prospects after Dark!! You’re the best! Let’s celebrate! Get a drank, get the Cards on yo mind, & let’s DO IT
He's baaaaaaaack!
Tara pulled Kyle Reis in for round two of Prospects After Dark meets Chirps with Alex "on assignment."
They talk Winter Meetings, Matt "The Villain" Carpenter, and how MLB's contraction plan breaks down (in detail).
It's all the MiLB content you didn't know you needed. (But trust us, you do.)
Plus, stick around to hear how Tara tries to land the Chirps plane without Alex as the co-pilot.
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Follow Kyle on Twitter: @kyler416 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Kyle Reis wraps up his position rankings with the top outfielders in the St. Louis Cardinals system. Thanks to everyone who listened and read the posts at birdsontheblack.com Kyle is a legend.
Kyle Reis continues his position ranking in the St. Louis Cardinals MiLB system with first basemen
The stove is heating up for teams not in the St. Louis metropolitan area. But, with the Winter Meetings right around the corner, Tara and Alex try to do a little pre-heating of the Cardinals stove by making perhaps the earliest official predictions about the Opening Day lineup that you'll find on the internet.
And, they made it a competition. Because it's a long, boring offseason that needed a little spice.
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week leads to a healthy conversation on the value of RBI.
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Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Kyle Reis continues ranking his top positions in the St. Louis Cardinals farm system with third base.
t’s Prospects after Dark! Let’s talk Cardinals prospect position rankings, cathartic familia therapy session, & more!!
Kyle Reis continues his prospect position rankings with the Catchers in the St. Louis Cardinals system
Kyle Reis continues ranking his top prospect positions with the 2019 Relief Pitchers in the St. Louis Cardinals prospects system
Welcome to Card Annals, in this episode Bruno (@stlcardscards) tells you that you dont know anything about the history of the St. Louis Cardinals. Enjoy! And watch the video at birdsontheblack.com/card-annals
Welcome to Prospects after Dark! Cardinals talk, prospects talk, sexual healing... talk? Whateva yo like!!!!
The offseason thus far hasn't featured too many shocking headlines on the Cardinals front. The Astros, however, nab headline after headline... and not for the reasons they'd hope.
With their electronically aided sign stealing strategy exposed and under investigation, the questions multiply with every piece of additional evidence.
Who spearheaded it? How could they be so obvious? Is everyone doing some kind of thievery? Could this be the current era's version of the steroid epidemic? And what about former Astros hitting coach Jeff Albert? Does it matter if he knew about the scheme?
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week honors two baseball legends at once.
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Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It’s season 3 of Prospects after Dark! Settle in, get comfy, and let’s talk offseason baseball and the Cardinals!
It's the biggest crossover event since __________(fill in the blank).
It's Alex from Chirps with Kyle from Prospects After Dark. And Tara is... nowhere to be found.
On the busiest news day of the offeseason to date, the Birds on the Black duo breaks it all down:
- Wainwright's new deal
- Shildt's new hardware
- Houston's new strategy
and all the Minor League info they could fit into 75 minutes.
Plus, you know the drill - there's a Chirp of the Week that you don't want to miss.
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Follow Kyle on Twitter: @kyler416 Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
The first week without baseball left us with some postseason awards, and some press conference sound bites.
What does Kolten Wong's Gold Glove mean? Should Mike Shildt win Manager of the Year? What was happening with John Mozeliak's wardrobe on Tuesday? Can the Cardinals improve without increasing their payroll? Who SHOULD they be going after, and would that addition be enough? What even is enough?
Plus, Alex tells a story about his Ozzie Smith poster...and also about Ozzie's Gold Glove streak.
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Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
As the Nationals played their way into a decisive World Series Game 7, Tara and Alex return to the podcast waves to talk about the most interesting headlines of the Fall Classic, the rare "other news" in baseball, and what should happen as John Mozeliak and Company shift their focus to winter... and beyond.
- How the Astros became the undisputed villain
- Jeff Lunhow's fall from grace
- Alex Bregman vs. Joan Soto
- Grandpa Rossy Returns
- On the agenda: Cardinals 2020
Plus, Alex jumpstarts Season 2 with one highly scientific reason to anticipate great things in 2020!
Thanks for listening all season, and sharing this crazy ride with us!
Like what you hear? Subscribe/rate the show and send your friends our way!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente
Welcome back to Prospects after Dark! Let’s talk about the Cardinals offseason, Cardinals’ prospects, & anything else!!
That's all she wrote.
The Cardinals -- who spent most of 2019 trying to find a balance between expectation and execution -- lost four games in a row to fall just short of the final round of the postseason.
Instead, the Nationals celebrate something they never have before.
So, where does that leave the Cardinals?
Tara and Alex react just moments after the final out of the season, and it's a little bit messy... just like the Cardinals in the NLCS. And yet, there's an optimism that defies the defeat. Go figure!
Plus, Alex comes through once again with a Chirp of the Week featuring other Cardinals teams who faced the same predicament as the 2019 squad.
Thanks for listening all season, and sharing this crazy ride with us!
Like what you hear? Subscribe/rate the show and send your friends our way!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Prospects after Dark time! It’s bad, but it’s not over. Let’s relax, talk NLCS, but also get weird and have fun!!
LCS Prospects after Dark!! Let’s do it!! Let’s talk roster, Shildt, Randy, runs by the Bucket full, & stuff!!!
It's only been a week, but it feels like a lifetime since the Cardinals snatched the division crown and made their way to the home of the Braves in (or, at least near) Atlanta.
And there's been enough drama for that lifetime, too. From Ryan Helsley's thoughts on The Chop, to twitter critiques of crowd size in Game Four, there's been almost more off-field drama than on it.
...almost.
Then there's Carlos Martínez. And the missing offense. And the Wainwright game. And Mike Shildt's passiveness. And of course, GAME FIVE.
In fact, the Chirp of the Week takes us back to many Game 5s (or Game 7s) to see just how history could repeat itself on Wednesday.
Like what you hear? Subscribe/rate the show and send your friends our way!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It’s Prospects after Dark! OK, it’s bad. It’s definitely not good. But It’s not over. Let’s get drunk and chat About it!
Just like everyone knew from the very beginning, the Cardinals are NL Central Champs!
No, don't go back and listen to our series preview show. We've been all in just like the front office has been!
Ok, the important thing is, the Cardinals held off a charging Brew Crew to book their flight to Atlanta for the NLDS.
So... How did they do it? Who leads the way to Atlanta? What bullpen arms are suspect, even after extra rest? Does Dallas Keuchel have an unfair advantage?
And, one last update on the NL Batting Title.
Plus, the Chirp of the Week features everyone's favorite villain. Or, should I say, vigilante?
Like what you hear? Subscribe/rate the show and send your friends our way!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It’s Prospects after Dark!! The Cardinals are playoff bound! Rosters! Flaherty! Matchups! The AFL! Let’s talk about it!!
It all comes down to this.
Well, not ALL all. But as far as the NLCentral crown, this is how the story ends. The Cubs vs the Cardinals, one last time for 2019.
The Brewers have turned up the pressure, and the Cardinals have to sort out how to best use an exhausted bullpen to try to seal the deal and stop the Crew just short. Two losses in Arizona hurt the momentum, and the off day -- while good in theory -- hasn't always been kind to these Cardinals.
But, there's no time like the present to claim the title they came racing through August to take.
Jeff Jones, whose coverage you can find in the Belleville News Democrat throughout the postseason, joins me to talk it all out, one last time.
Follow Jeff on Twitter - twitter.com/jmjones
Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Find full game recaps and more at www.birdsontheblack.com
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER www.hooksounds.com
The Cardinals have shaved down their magic number like John Brebbia shaving his beard at the end of the season -- dramatically.
And it all feels sort of like a dream.
This week, Tara returns and together with Alex, they try to make sense of the weekend at Wrigley that put the Cardinals firmly in the driver's seat in the NLC.
Who stood out over the weekend? How good has Yadier Molina been? Do we owe Tommy Edman and Mike Shildt an apology?
Plus, the Chirp of the Week takes us back to Wrigley Field one more time.
Like what you hear? Subscribe/rate the show and send your friends our way!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
The Cardinals are back in the postseason. That much we know for sure. Their return to the division title, though, must first go through Paul Goldschmidt's old hometown. As he returns to Arizona fir the first time, the Cardinals look to carry the momentum from a four-game sweep at Wrigley Field.
The Diamondbacks -- though not mathematically eliminated just yet -- could still play an important role in deciding the Cardinals' fate.
Jesse Friedman from The Rattle podcast joins Tara Wellman to discuss Goldy's bizarre season, old friends Carson Kelly and Luke Weaver, plus what the last week of the regular season has in store for the October-bound Cardinals!
Follow Jesse on Twitter - twitter.com/JesseNFriedman
Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Find full game recaps and more at www.birdsontheblack.com
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER www.hooksounds.com
Curt Flood should have lived a dream life. Athletic, smart, driven, and artistic, Flood could have been successful in any number of areas. Baseball was his choice, where he proved to be a gifted Center Fielder, a World Champion, a star player, and hero to many. Flood earned the life any of us would have dreamed of.
But the world kept pushing back. Segregated hotels, prejudiced owners, racist landlords, a missed fly ball at the worst time, and a lawsuit no one ever expected he’d, where he knew he’s lose everything. And did.
Curt Flood Jr. lived through a different side of his father’s legacy. From love, to sadness, to resentment, to peace, Flood Jr. tells us the story of his father from the point of view of a son of a controversial black superstar through the 60s and 70s.
Forgotten by baseball, ignored by the Hall of Fame, Flood Jr. tells us his quest to get his dad enshrined and honored by Major League Baseball for the heroic stamp he left on the game – even if he’d rather his father have had a normal job, so he could have been at home.
Honest, funny, engaging, insightful, and with perspective only time can bring, you’ll want to hear what Curt Flood Jr. has to say.
CurtFlood4Cooperstown
www.gofundme.com/f/CurtFlood4Cooperstown
This week, Alex is joined by the Blogfather himself -- Daniel Shoptaw -- as the Cardinals get ready for the showdown with the Cubs, division on the line.
How did the Cardinals get here? Who can they depend on down the stretch? And what needs to happen this weekend in Chicago to have a change at taking back the division crown?
Plus, Daniel handles the Chirp of the Week with some September Cubs vs Cards factoids!
Like what you hear? Subscribe/rate the show and send your friends our way!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Daniel on Twitter: @C70 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Cardinals #Nationals #WildCard
Cardinals vs Nationals || The Race To October || Series Preview
When the St. Louis Cardinals last saw the Washington Nationals, the Harper-less squad was hapless, too.
Fast forward a few months, and the Nats are right back in the postseason hunt, just like they're supposed to be.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals are desperately trying to hold onto their NL Central division lead, and taking on a gauntlet of postseason contenders in the process.
Blake Finney of Federal Baseball joins me to talk about the trio of starting studs that Washington will throw out in St. Louis, and we try to sort out what exactly has happened with the bullpen.
Let me know who YOU expect to be the difference maker this week!
Curt Flood should have lived a dream life. Athletic, smart, driven, and artistic, Flood could have been successful in any number of areas. Baseball was his choice, where he proved to be a gifted Center Fielder, a World Champion, a star player, and hero to many. Flood earned the life any of us would have dreamed of.
But the world kept pushing back. Segregated hotels, prejudiced owners, racist landlords, a missed fly ball at the worst time, and a lawsuit no one ever expected he’d, where he knew he’s lose everything. And did.
Curt Flood Jr. lived through a different side of his father’s legacy. From love, to sadness, to resentment, to peace, Flood Jr. tells us the story of his father from the point of view of a son of a controversial black superstar through the 60s and 70s.
Forgotten by baseball, ignored by the Hall of Fame, Flood Jr. tells us his quest to get his dad enshrined and honored by Major League Baseball for the heroic stamp he left on the game – even if he’d rather his father have had a normal job, so he could have been at home.
Honest, funny, engaging, insightful, and with perspective only time can bring, you’ll want to hear what Curt Flood Jr. has to say.
CurtFlood4Cooperstown
https://www.gofundme.com/f/CurtFlood4Cooperstown
Cardinals vs Brewers || The Wild Wild...Central || Series Preview
The 2019 season started with the Cardinals and the Brewers. And, just-sort-of-almost-but-not-really like we expected, it's coming down to their final matchup, too.
Well, that and the remaining 7 games between the Cardinals and the Cubs. But that's a different preview for later.
Kyle is back to fill us in on all things Brewers, including who's hurt (spoiler: EVERYONE), who's back (Moooooose!) and who to watch out of the bullpen, after a season of injuries, trades, and DFAs that left my head spinning.
Division titles. Wild Card spots. Magic Numbers.
It's (almost) postseason baseball, baby!
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY
With 18 games to play, the Cardinals remain atop the NL Central. But even with the calendar on their side, there is no real rest for the anxious minds of expectant fans... especially with seven games remaining with the 2nd place Chicago Cubs.
Can they hold on?
If Jack Flaherty has anything to say about it, their odds seem good.
Baseball's best starter since the All Star break seems to get better and better with each turn through the rotation. And bookending Flaherty's Ace-like efforts is Adam Wainwright who keeps ticking off those contract incentives, one solid start at a time.
What does all this pitching mean for the final stretch? Is it too soon to think about postseason rosters? And what about next year... for Waino?
Plus, the Chirp of the Week honors the memory of Chris Duncan.
Like what you hear? Subscribe/rate the show and send your friends our way!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Welcome back to Prospects after Dark! Let’s talk Cardinals’ baseball, the playoff race, and anything else you’d like!!
Last week, guest co-host Ben Godar and Alex asked if this Cardinals team is for real. This week, Tara returns to find that they just might be.
A marathon weekend that could have ripple effects for days to come went from nightmare to day dream, in large part because of surprisingly good starting pitching (and also some exhilarating late-game heroics).
But, the back-to-back doubleheaders mean Michael Wacha pitches Wednesday on short rest, and there's reason to question the wisdom behind that choice.
Has Mike Shildt done enough to earn some trust? And, is Kolten Wong playing MVP-caliber baseball?
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week harkens back to a home run not completely unlike Paul "Big Ac" DeJong's stadium-damaging blast days ago. Only this story features THE Big Mac, and a homer fit for legends.
Like what you hear? Subscribe/rate the show and send your friends our way!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Alex is joined by Ben Godar this week, and they dive into the current Cardinals winning streak, as well as baseball at large (we're talking managers, documentaries, the "health" of baseball, and more).
Because we really just want to know - are the Cardinals actually good? Or is it all just a mirage?
Plus, Alex turns the Chirp of the Week over to our guest, and you might be surprised who pops up in the conversation...
Like what you hear? Subscribe/rate the show and send your friends our way!
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Ben on Twitter: @BenGodar Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
What do baseball games and podcasts have in common? They're probably a little too long.
But that doesn't stop you from watching, so it shouldn't stop you from listening, either!
This week, Tara and Alex tackle the Tommy Edman conundrum, complete with a pop quiz on WHY Mike Shildt keeps starting him and batting him 2nd.
Then, they dive into the ongoing debate over whether baseball in its current form is actually bad, what can be done about it, and why former players can't seem to say anything nice about the game they once loved.
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week serves as a reminder that Carlos Zambrano is still pitching... somewhere.
Like what you hear? Subscribe/rate the show and send your friends our way!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
The Cardinals are in Kansas City after sweeping the Pirates at home over the weekend. But a few things stuck out in that series... namely, the seemingly ineffective use of MLB's replay review process.
While the staff tries to sort out just what to do with ALL THOSE OUTFIELDERS, Tara and Alex try to find a way to make replay better. Or, is it actually fine?
What IS "Irrefutable," anyway? Should the call on the field be the priority? But what about the 5 other camera angles that contradict it? And why is there a challenge "limit" in the first place???
But, anyway. Back to those outfielders. Or are they infielders? Who even knows anymore??
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Prospects after Dark time!! Let’s talk a little Arozarena, sweep of the Pirates, Lane Train, and anything else!!
The trade deadline came and went with little fanfare (except for the Houston Astros), leaving the 2019 Cardinals to fend for themselves in the final two months of the season.
Why is that a problem, and -- more importantly -- what can the Birds do now?!
After a week off, Tara and Alex are back to tackle all of that and more.
Plus, Alex cheers us up with donuts and a Chirp of the Week to distract you from the current Cardinal woes.
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It’s Prospects after Dark!! Let’s talk deadline, Carlson, Bader, Rosscup, and “Whateva U Liiike”
Welcome to Prospects after Dark! Let’s talk about the farm system, a good Cardinals team, but mostly anything you’d like
Are the Cardinals setting up a magic trick that makes the rest of the division disappear? Or is this just a mirage playing tricks on us all?
A 9-3 run since the All Star break has the masses talking, and this week, Alex and Tara talk about Paul Goldschmidt getting hot (maybe?) and Carlos Martínez going ice cold at incredibly inconvenient timing. The trade deadline creeps closer, and just what are the options facing the Cardinals this season?
Plus, the Chirp of the Week features another story about Alex, but this one involves twitter and not bicycles!
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Kyle and Colin discussed the recent Blogger Day at Busch Stadium, including the Cardinals tendency to call up minor leaguers and not play them, Mo's recent trades (they aren't great, folks), and the general aloofness of Bill DeWitt Jr. Kyle went on a rant so listen to that at least. They also discussed Bader vs. Arozarena, debated if Bader should be trade bait, briefly recapped Kyle's Dirty 35 (specifically talked about Junior Fernandez, Johan Oviedo, and Alvaro Seijas), questioned if the Wild Card game is the playoffs, and made our predictions for the second half of the season.
Does a winning streak out of the All Star Break mean anything? Is Tyler O'Neill finally coming around? Can we buy into the run scoring in the first series or two, or is this all just one big prank?
Those are the questions Tara and Alex try to answer, while watching the Cardinals squander another series of chances against the Pirates as the show goes along.
So... the usual!
Plus, Alex honors the one and only Bob Gibson in this episode's Chirp of the Week.
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Prospect #7: OF Randy Arozarena Prospect #6: UTIL Tommy Edman Prospect #5: 3B Elehuris Montero Prospect #4: RHP Ryan Helsley Prospect #3: 3B Nolan Gorman Prospect #2: Catcher Andrew Knizner Prospect #1: OF Dylan Carlson
Mid-Season Dirty Thirty-Five Top 35 Prospects in the #STLCards system
Prospects 14-8
Prospect #14: UTIL Edmundo Sosa Prospect #13: Catcher Ivan Herrera Prospect #12: RHP Griffin Roberts Prospect #11: RHP Jake Woodford Prospect #10: LHP Genesis Cabrera Prospect #9: LHP ZacK Thompson Prospect #8: OF Lane Thomas
by Kyle Reis @kyler416
Mid-Season Dirty Thirty-Five Top 35 Prospects in the #STLCards system
Prospects 21-15
21: 1B Luken Baker
20: RHP Johan Oviedo
19: RHRP Junior Fernandez
18: OF Trejyn Fletcher
17: 3B Malcom Nunez
16: OF Jhon Torres
15: RHP Angel Rondon
by: @kyler416
The Cardinals survived the disaster of May, only to "rebound" in June by maintaining their absolutely average pace. At 44-44 on the season, where do the Cardinals go from here? What can they fix? Is this where an era of Cardinals baseball ends?
And then, there's the All star Game. Tara and Alex take opposing sides on mic'd up players on the field during the game - where do you stand on all the newest "extras" for the ASG broadcasts?
Plus, Alex takes us back to All Star Games of old to remind us of Cardinals who've made it to the history books with this week's Chirp of the Week.
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Kyle continues his Dirty 35: Top 35 prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals system
Prospect #28: UTIL Kramer Robertson Prospect #27: RHP Alvaro Seijas Prospect #26: LHP Evan Kruczynski Prospect #25: OF Adolis Garcia (JAG) Prospect #24: 1B/OF: Rangel Ravelo Prospect #23: 1B/3B Evan Mendoza Prospect #22: UTIL Ramon Urias
Kicking off the Dirty Thirty-Five and counting down leading off with
Prospect #35: 1B/OF-ish John Nogowski Prospect #34: RHP Tommy Parsons Prospect #33: 1B/OF Leandro Cedeno Prospect #32: OF Scott Hurst Prospect #31: Catcher Julio Rodriguez Prospect #30: 1B Brady Whalen Prospect #29: RHP Alex Fagalde
There wasn't much baseball this week, and that left lots of time for Tara and Alex to ponder things like...
What sort of impact does a hitting coach really have, anyway? Was Mike Shildt offended or just defensive? And how 'bout that lone All Star, Paul DeJong?
Plus, Alex brings a Chirp of the Week featuring another team that went 41-41 in the opening half of the year. Can you guess which team?
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It finally happened.
Albert Pujols returned.
Was it everything everyone hoped for? Is Tara still inexplicably annoyed by it all? And does The Machine end up with a statue outside of Busch?
And then there's the matter of Kolten Wong. If you've not noticed, he's pretty #good.
Notably NOT good? Jordan Hicks, down for the count. Tara and Alex discuss the latest on the flame thrower's elbow injury and what it means for Mike Shildt's bullpen choices.
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week stems from a different emotional reunion at Busch this week.
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Ben Cerutti joins Alex this week to talk about St. Louis going blue - for hockey, but also in lament of the current Cardinals conundrums.
There's the offense... The pitching... The front office... And then there's this business of Albert Pujols returning to town!
Plus, Alex serves up a Chirp of the Week about the "good old days."
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Ben on Twitter: @stlfanbc7 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Welcome to Prospects after Dark! Text intros are stupid! We talk about everything! Come get stupid with me!!
We've got mail!
With Alex out this week, Tara called in reinforcements to help answer your most burning questions.
Together, Tara and Nick talk about Adam Wainwright's injury, Yadier Molina's authority, and the one trade they'd like to undo from the Cardinals' recent past.
Plus, Tara takes over bringing you the Chirp of the Week, and she finds an interesting parallel between the Cardinals past and present. Or, technically, more recent past.
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Nick on Twitter: @NChill17 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
The last time the Cardinals were swept by the Cubs at Wrigley, they spiraled into an entire month with just 9 total wins.
This time, they follow up the sweep at Wrigley with a trip to Miami to face a team suddenly looking to compete, despite being years ahead of "postseason contention," at least on paper.
The Miami Marlins aren't supposed to be good. The St. Louis Cardinals are. Which team will discover enough offense to stay on top?
Plus, the Cardinals will get an up-close-and-personal look at one Sandy Alcantara who has taken his opportunity in Miami to assert himself as a legitimate rotation piece.
Will Marcell Ozuna hit like he did in Miami in 2017? Will the Cardinals rotation hold serve? And just where are both of these teams going, after all?
Craig Mish joins Tara Wellman to discuss all of that and more! Follow Craig on Twitter - twitter.com/CraigMish
Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Find full game recaps and more at www.birdsontheblack.com
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER www.hooksounds.com
A sweep of the Rival Cubs feels good. But what does it actually mean?
This week, Alex and Tara talk through the weekend series with the North Siders, and then debate whether or not the sudden success is based on things that are sustainable.
They also dive into the Jordan Hicks conundrum - He has to pitch to stay sharp, but there aren't many chances for saves these days. What's a manager to do?
And if you want a little Way Back Wednesday action, feel free to jump into the Tony La Russa conversation as Tara and Alex consider how HE would handle a modern bullpen.
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week is a callback to an earlier episode... with a twist.
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Welcome to a rain delay theater addition of PaD!
Let’s talk about the Cardinals draft so far and whatnot!
Welcome back to Prospects after Dark! Let’s talk MLB draft, Cards win streak, the minors, and whatever’s on yo mind!!!
The story continues...
The Cubs sweep of the Cardinals at Wrigley sent the Redbirds spiraling into a disastrous month of May. The series opener on Friday will be the Cardinals' last chance to win back-to-back games in the month.
No pressure, right?
But what's been happening on the Cubs front since then? Evan Altman (@DEvanAltman) from Cubs Insider joins me to talk it all out.
...and to discuss that ridiculous shirt he's wearing. #SorryNotSorry
Follow Evan on Twitter - https://twitter.com/DEvanAltman Cubs Insider on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPWQ...
Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Find full game recaps and more at https://www.birdsontheblack.com
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
May is nearly over -- thankfully.
But it's been a long, weird month full of everything Cardinals fans DIDN'T want to see in 2019.
Is it too late to turn it around? Who can we blame? Where can they go from here?
Plus, Alex brings us a Chirp of the Week that proves you only barely need offense in order to win games.
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
The St. Louis Cardinals - Wrapping Up May with a Bang or as a Bust?
That's the question facing the .500 Cardinals as they make the trip to Philadelphia this week for three games.
The Phillies, though, have spent the last week in the NL Central themselves. So what have they learned about the division leaders that the Cardinals are trying to chase down?
Plus, what exactly is wrong with Bryce Harper? Who has stepped up while he flounders? And how is the rotation hanging on enough, despite some bullpen woes?
Hunter Brody and I talk about all of that and tons more to get you set for this three game set!
More Philadelphia sports coverage: - on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Brodes81 - on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGQR...
Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Find full game recaps and more at https://www.birdsontheblack.com
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
Welcome to the new Blues podcast! We hope you enjoy your stay.
No, but really... the Cardinals are boring and the Blues are going to the Stanley Cup Final!
But, fine. Let's talk Cardinals, too.
This week, Tara and Alex lament another week of bad results, but wonder who's to blame for them? Is the rotation enough? Can these Cardinals play catch-up? How can Mike Shildt be judged so far? And what about John Mozeliak?
Plus, Alex reports back on the NL Batting Race, and then offers a Chirp of the Week about one of St. Louis's most famous teams!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
The St. Louis Cardinals - Deep in the Heart of Texas
It's been nearly eight years since the Cardinals and the Texas Rangers last met. That series turned out in the Cardinals' favor, thanks to the likes of Lance Berkman and David Freese.
This series, though, features two teams that have faced rough stretches in the month of May, despite flexing their offensive muscles every now and then.
Levi Weaver writes about the Rangers for The Athletic, and he's seen it all -
The struggles of Rougned Odor The resurgence of Mike Minors, Logan Forsythe, and Hunter Pence The challenges for José Leclerc - once closer, now opener
He joins me to talk through it all on this week's Series Preview!
What's your prediction for the series?? How many games will the Cardinals win?
Last week was raining and cold and just generally bad for baseball.
So, Tara and Alex dive into the doom and gloom and try to determine whether or not the 2019 St. Louis Cardinals are actually just... bad.
Will the starting pitching really get better? Does the offense have what it takes without Matt Carpenter? Should Mike Shildt move his leadoff man out of the leadoff spot? Do even good managers have bad weeks?
Plus, if you think this team/week is bad, Alex highlights something even worse in his Chirp of the Week.
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
The St. Louis Cardinals have had a ROUGH week, dropping back to back series in pretty frustrating fashion.
The Pittsburgh Pirates came so close to a two-game “mini sweep” of the texas Rangers to start the week, and then the bullpen blew the save and the win on Wednesday.
Pittsburgh Pirates reporter Alex Stumpf joins me to preview the ever-important NL Central series between the two at Busch Stadium this weekend.
We talk injuries (there are a lot of them!), offense (Josh Bell and Melky Cabrera are 🔥), and of course, pitching (the return of Tyler Lyons, plus the oft underrated Trevor Williams!).
What will be the key for the Pirates vs the Cardinals this weekend?
What's your prediction for the series?? How many games will the Cardinals win?
LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS!
Follow Alex on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexJStumpf
Welcome to Prospects after Dark!! We talk about everything! Baseball mostly! OK, sometimes! OK, basically never!
The Cardinals took a beating at Wrigley field, and (during the recording of this particular show) suffered another walloping by the Phillies. But this week, Tara and Alex get specific and talk about what is happening with the top of the Cardinals lineup.
Will Matt Carpenter and Paul Goldschmidt actually bounce back? And how long will that take?
While they struggle, though, Paul DeJong is doing historic things. And it's about time he gets some dedicated air time.
Plus, Alex finds a way to shine a positive light on Wrigley Field with the morale boosting Chirp of the Week!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Cardinals #Phillies #MLB
Phillies vs Cardinals - Bryce Harper Visits Busch Stadium
Many a Cardinals fan couldn't wait for the day Bryce Harper jogged out to right field at Busch Stadium. It's just... in that particular fantasy, he did so as a CARDINAL, not as a visiting player.
Alas, Harper will spend the next three days experiencing St. Louis baseball once again as the enemy, rather than the hero.
But Bryce hasn't endeared himself to many Phillies fans just yet, either. Can the Cardinals contain him for a little longer?
And can the Cardinals recover from their blunder up north to keep up their home field winning ways?
Yahoo Sports contributor Liz Roscher joins me to discuss all that and more!
Follow Liz on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizRoscher Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Find full game recaps and more at https://www.birdsontheblack.com
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Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
Cardinals vs Cubs at Wrigley - Series Preview
The Cardinals had to Chicago for the first head-to-head matchup with the rival Cubs over the weekend. And they'll meet a team that's surging, thanks in large part to a dramatic improvement in starting pitching.
But there's been drama that had it's own drama for Cubs fans in the last year, and before we dive into baseball, we tackle the elephant in the room.
Corey Fineran from Ivy Envy helps me work through the Addison Russell dilemma, then we talk Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo finding their groove, how Jason Heyward is changing minds by the day, and how the trio of starters this weekend for Chicago are impossible to predict.
Follow Ivy Envy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IvyEnvy Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Find full game recaps and more at https://www.birdsontheblack.com
HELP A GIRL OUT - If you like what you hear, check out Tara's YouTube Channel, and if you're so inclined... subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/tarawellman_birdseeds?sub_confirmation=1
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
The 2019 Cardinals have a lineup (and then some!) full of HOT bats. But how does this group stack up compared to some of the great offensive teams of the past?
That is the debate Tara and Alex dive into this week. They may not have an MV3, but they might yet have the on-base monster that Mo and Co. have tried to build for the last handful of years. And the result is... FUN.
How do you think this 2019 team could stack up against the best of the best? And is it WAY too early to even have this conversation?!?
Plus, Alex revisits the past with a Chirp of the Week featuring an often forgotten player from an often overlooked era of Cardinals baseball.
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Cardinals #Nationals #SeriesPreview
Cardinals vs Nationals - Life After Bryce Harper
In the aftermath of losing a star to the enemy, what have the Washington Nationals do?
Well... it hasn't been spectacular. They sit at 12-14 on the year as they welcome the 17-10 St. Louis Cardinals to Washington DC.
But it's not all bad. That's what Audrey Stark is here to explain!
We talk - Life after Bryce - Young stars: Victor Robles and Carter Kieboom - The Vets: Anthony Rendon, Sean Doolittle - Familiar Faces: Matt Adams, Trevor Rosenthal - The Starters: Max Scherzer and everyone else - WHAT is happening in the bullpen???
What's your prediction for the series?? How many games will the Cardinals win? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS!
Follow Audrey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/highstarksunday Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Find full game recaps and more at https://www.birdsontheblack.com
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
The Cardinals are on a 5-game win streak; the Reds needs some hitters to get ON a streak.
The Reds visit the Cardinals for the first time this season, and Matt Berger from St. Louis joins me to talk about how the Birds look coming out of the first three games of the homestand!
- Carlos Martínez news
- Cardinals starting rotation woes
- Dexter Fowler's resurgence
- Harrison Bader's future
- José Martínez's spot
- Joey Votto's longevity
- Sonny Gray's return
And more!
Follow Matt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/matt_berger Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Find full game recaps and more at https://www.birdsontheblack.com
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
The dynamic duo is back together again! In the return of both Tara and Alex, they revisit the idea of the potentially problematic outfield arrangement, including Marcell Ozuna and Dexter Fowler.
The changes to the equation in the last couple of weeks are dramatic enough to earn a few extra minutes of show time, too! With both Ozuna and Fowler swinging hot bats, does the outlook change for the Cardinals daily lineup? What happens when Harrison Bader rejoins the active roster on Wednesday? And where do the at bats for Tyler O'Neill come from now?
Plus, Alex connects Ozuna's wild wall climb, Fowler's home run "assist" and Martínez's unique swing to a little bit of history in this week's Chirp of the week!
Follow Polo on Twitter: @poloascencio Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Do the Cardinals have home field advantage... like the Brewers did through the first two series of the year?
The Brewers visit Busch Stadium for the first time in 2019, and they have absolutely OWNED the Cardinals so far. So, the home team has quite a few questions to answer in the next three games...
Can Christian Yelich be stopped? Is the Miller Park effect a real thing?
Cat Garcia joins me to try to answer these questions and more!
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Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER www.hooksounds.com
Welcome back to PaD!! I missed you! Let’s have some fun. Let’s talk about the Cardinals from top to bottom!nals from top to bottom!
It was just last season that the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets kicked off the season against one another. That year didn't turn out like either team had hoped. This time, both teams have starting rotations that are underperforming, and some young stars who are crazy hot at the plate.
Roger Cormier of Baseball Prospectus joined me to hash it all out ahead of this weekend's series in St. Louis!
Find full game recaps and more at www.birdsontheblack.com
Follow Roger on Twitter: twitter.com/yayroger Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER www.hooksounds.com
The Cardinals returned from Monterrey, Mexico just in time to run into the buzz saw that is Christian Yelich and the Milwaukee Brewers.
But who wants to hear about that?
With Alex out of town this time, Tara brought in reinforcements... in the form of Polo Ascencio - Play by Play broadcaster for the Cardinals' Spanish Radio partner. He, too, just returned from Mexico and boy, does he have stories to tell!
Plus, Tara brings a twist to the Chirp of the Week!
Follow Polo on Twitter: @poloascencio Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Cardinals vs Brewers - The Return to Milwaukee
The Brewers head home from their West Coast trip to meet the Cardinals arriving fresh off of the Mexico Series in Monterrey, Mexico for part two of the NL Central saga.
The last time the Cardinals were there, they dropped three games of four to start the 2019 season on a low note. Brenden Schaeffer was there to see it all and, unlike most Cardinals fans, he wasn't as worried, in spite of the undesired results.
Today, he's joins me to explain why, and talk about what has happened to the Cardinals since that Opening Weekend!
Find full game recaps and more at https://www.birdsontheblack.com
Follow Brenden on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bschaeffer12 Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
Cardinals vs. Reds - in Mexico!
The NL Central battle goes international this weekend as the MLB Mexico Series takes the Cardinals and the Reds to Monterrey for two games.
The much-improved, "win now" Reds got off to a surprisingly rough start to the 2019 season, but found the power at the plate in recent games.
The Cardinals just completed an impressive 4-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
What can we expect from this year's iteration of the Cards vs Reds story??
Wick Terrell from Red Reporter joins me to discuss...
Find full game recaps and more at https://www.birdsontheblack.com
Follow Wick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wickterrell Follow Tara on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow Tara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
With Tara out of town, Alex brought in special guest Ben Godar of Viva El Birdos to breakdown the start to the Cardinals 2019 campaign.
Alex and Ben take a deep dive into what has happened, and what it might mean for the course of the summer, and more.
Plus, Ben brings his own Chirp of the Week!
Follow Ben on Twitter: @bengodar Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Long-time friends (and heroes!) Joe Kelly and David Freese return to Busch Stadium this week... with the Dodgers. Cardinals vs. Dodgers is always a series that feels a little more... intense. And with the Dodgers flying high and the Cardinals scratching their heads, it could be an emotionally charged week.
Dodgers expert Randi Radcliffe joined me to talk all about the hot start to the season (and I'm not just talking about the weather in LA!), and what exactly is going on with that bullpen.
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
It's the Cardinals vs the Padres for Opening Day in St. Louis, and the Friars are bringing Manny Machado with them. Plus, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Chris Paddack and...
Well, you'll have to watch to see the rest!
And answer the poll question: Who are you more excited to see - Machado or Tatis Jr.?
Find full game recaps and more at https://www.birdsontheblack.com
Follow Chris on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sacbuntchris Follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tarawellman Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarabethw
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
It's only five games.
That's the silver lining when looking at the troubling start for the Cardinal left fielder. But, Marcell Ozuna is trending in a direction that strongly resembles his 2018 campaign, and that's just not going to cut it. At least, not as the guy locked into the cleanup spot.
This week, Tara and Alex debate how much of a problem Ozuna really is, what the other options are, and if Mike Shildt will make an early move to change course if the problems persist.
Plus, Alex gives an update on last week's Chirp of the Week, as well as offering another mind-boggling statistical treat!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It’s PaD time! Back up the trucks & pack them up! The world is ending.The house is on fire. Everything is awful! So F it
Kyle dives deeper into his Dirty Thirty-Five prospect ranking system for the St. Louis Cardinals
This episode finishes his list with prospects 5-1 Ryan Helsley, Andrew Knizner, Nolan Gorman, Elehuris Montero and Dakota Hudson
Hope you enjoy and any questions or feedback please reach kyle at @kyler416 on twitter
Opening Day is SO CLOSE! And the NL Central is probably also going to be SO. CLOSE.
So, this week Alex and Tara take a dive down the predictions rabbit hole and try to imagine what the Cardinals can/will do in the 2019 season.
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If _____________, then the Cardinals will win the NL Central.
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Is there a way for them to finish 3rd or 4th and miss the postseason?
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What's one low-key thing you want to see in 2019 ?
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How many wins will the Cardinals finish with?
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What will the final NL Central standings be?
Plus, one bonus prediction from each of us!
And then, Alex shares a surprising NL Central-themed Chirp of the Week.
Don't forget to subscribe/rate the show, and send your friends our way!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It’s Prospects after Dark! Let’s wrap up Spring Training and the D35, and celebrate the start of the 2019 season!!
The Angels are "all in" ... on Mike Trout.
The Cardinals are "all in" on 2019. Or, are they?
With long-term contracts being handed out (after great delay) this spring, have the Cardinals done enough to back their claims that they're "going for it" in 2019? If this year is truly important, what should that look like in the roster construction and the everyday lineups?
And who has it right: Did Mo's comments mean go big or go home? Or did they mean this year will tell us a lot about what happens next?
Plus, Alex brings a Chirp of the Week featuring the one and only Lou Brock.
Like what you hear? Subscribe/rate the show and send your friends our way!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Kyle dives deeper into his Dirty Thirty-Five prospect ranking system for the St. Louis Cardinals This episode he goes over his #10-5 prospects Griffin Roberts, Randy Arozarena, Dylan Carlson, Lane Thomas, Luken Baker & Genesis Cabrera Hope you enjoy and any questions or feedback please reach kyle at @kyler416 on twitter
Welcome to Prospects after Dark! Maybe we’ll talk about prospects! Maybe we’ll talk about baseball! Who knows?!?
Paul Goldschmidt is a Cardinal.
This week, Tara and Alex revisit that fact to debate the idea that Goldy is underpaid, underrated, and under appreciated already in St Louis. Too strong? Well, it depends on how you assign value (everything comes back to that these days, doesn't it?).
Is value about the whole body of work? The "what have you done for me lately" years? The potential for the future? In which of those ways is Goldy less than... anyone? Is it too bold to say he's the best player in the National League Central?
Plus, remember Tommy Pham?
And, Alex delivers a Chirp of the Week that we can only hope won't be duplicated by the potential MVP this year!
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review!
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Kyle dives deeper into his top prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, going over prospects #15-11 Malcom Nunez, Evan Mendoza,Evan Kruczynski, Jhon Torres & Griffin Roberts
Prospects after Dark time!! We have the D35, spring training, reassignments, potato skins, and nonsense to talk about!!
Kyle dives deeper into his top prospects in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, going over prospects #20-16 Tommy Edman Edmundo Sosa Adolis García (JAG) Ramon Urias Jake Woodford
It's the first ever Chirps Mail Bag episode! Alex and Tara took your questions and, after talking about Bryce Harper one last time, answered them in long-winded fashion. What? There's a lot to be said about Tyler O'Neill and Brett Cecil! The outfield is crowded, and the bullpen is, too. Is there room for everyone's favorites?
And, to prepare you for the Chirp of the Week, who would YOU call "Mr. March"?
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review!
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Hi everyone! Welcome to Prospects after Dark! Let’s talk about the Cardinals, prospects, and get stupid in the process!
Kyle dives deeper in this dirty thirty-five, top st. louis cardinals prospects, podcast Going over prospects #25-21
25 Scott Hurst, Casey Meisner, Ivan Herrera, Leandro Cedeno and #21 Johan Oviedo.
Hope you enjoy
In many ways, Spring Training is one, giant math problem. The equations that result in a 25-man roster are anything but elementary, especially with such complications as "too many pitchers" or "five players for four spots."
That's precisely the predicament the Cardinals appear to be in, and while competition is good and healthy, it still means there will be tough decisions to make before the club heads north.
This week, Tara and Alex take an early look at what some of those decisions might be, and which players may draw the short straw.
Does Jedd Gyorko remain with the team? Can José Martínez and Tyler O'Neill both find enough at bats as bench players? Will Drew Robinson's left handedness be the key to his MLB roster spot, or will Yairo Muñoz's strong 2019 campaign give him a leg up?
Plus, Alex's Chirp of the Week features the one and only Willie McGee.
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review!
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It’s “Prospects after Dark”! Let’s get weird & talk about the D35, The Cardinals’ spring, & pretend like an awards show!
Kyle dives deeper in his dirty 35 with his dirty thirty-five podcast. In this one he goes over #'s 30-26
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Connor Jones
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Seth Elledge
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Angel Rondon
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Max Schrock
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Dennis Ortega
Give it a listen, hope you enjoy it!
Spring Training games begin this weekend, but KMOX's Chris Hrabe (@chrabe) is already in mid-spring form, bringing daily coverage from Jupiter to the air waves and the interwebs.
From Paul Goldschmidt to Carlos Martínez, and from Drew Robinson to John Brebbia, the opening act of Spring 2019 has brought plenty of headlines (and a few head scratchers, too!). And, between a rousing PFP tournament and the next stroll through the parking lot, Chris took a little time to share his thoughts on the latest iteration of the St. Louis Cardinals thus far.
What exactly is going on with Carlos?
How is Goldy fitting in?
Who's made the biggest impression thus far?
And... is Michael Wacha even there???
All that, and more in this week's show. Plus, we round it out with YOUR questions for Chris, along with a delightful story about Yairo Muñoz you won't want to miss. you won't want to miss.
Music: Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: IT IS FUN http://www.hooksounds.com
Carlos Martínez.
Is there a starting pitcher in baseball that draws so much ire from fans and front offices alike?
Talent for days, questions for miles.
This year is no different. Carlos Martínez -- statistically the Cardinals' best starting pitcher since 2015 -- is once again in the familiar position of having both his ability and his mentality questioned, this time with the returning bonus of a role change hanging in the balance.
On this week's show, Alex and Tara discuss this spring's biggest story thus far -- Is Carlos Martínez more valuable as a starter or a reliever?
- Where is this question coming from?
- What would the bullpen look like with Martínez in the mix?
- But... isn't he a really good starter?
- Is this evidence of a fractured relationship between the uber-talented righty and the always-cautious front office?
And don't miss the Chirp of the Week (it's about Kolten Wong, and it wasn't even Tara's idea!)
Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review!
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It’s time for Prospects after Dark! Let’s talk the start of spring training, the D35, and all things friendly
The Dirty Thirty-Five Podcast by Kyle Reis Prospects #35-31
In this podcast Kyle goes over his Dirty Thirty-Five list, prospects #35-31 Rangel Ravelo, Jake Walsh, Justin Williams, Delvin Perez and Chase Pinder.
My Spanish is... how do you say... muy mal. (For now.) But Polo Ascencio -- whose Spanish AND English are fabuloso -- will be back in the broadcast booth this spring working alongside Bengie Molina, sending Cardinals game coverage across the radio waves around The Lou.
First, though, he's here, with me, talking everything from Boy Bands (yes, this is a call back to the last show with Brad Thompson!) to bobbleheads, and circling back to the Mexico series coming up in April.
For Polo, it's been a storybook journey to a career in baseball, and a single text message jumpstarted his transition to the booth for the Cardinals. Since those first two games in 2016, he's had some remarkable moments behind the mic, and he's handed out a few nicknames along the way.
And something else you'll pick up right from the start -- he LOVES this game, and he's excited (really excited!) to see Yadier "El Capitán" Molina and Jack "La Flama" Flaherty do their thing. I have a feeling it won't take long for Paul Goldschmidt to earn a nickname, too.
Plus, the Cardinals are headed to Mexico -- a trip that, for Polo, will be a homecoming of sorts. And as he reminds us, baseball is alive and well all around the globe. We just have to remember how fun it is.
Be sure to follow Polo on twitter (@poloascencio) and instagram (@polosview) for more throughout the season!
As for me, ...¡voy a estudiar mi español ahora!
Music: Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: IT IS FUN http://www.hooksounds.com
With Tara out "on assignment," as they say, Alex called up Ben Cerrutti to pinch hit... and to explain how Harrison Bader will fare in 2019, based on a projection system of his own creation.
Will Bader's defense drop off? If not, is it enough to cover for the "holes in his swing" that worry some scouts? Or, will he defy all the odds and repeat his Rookie of the Year pace in 2019?
Ultimately, can Harrison Bader, in his attempt to become the face of the franchise, avoid the sophomore slump?
Also, Alex brings us a Chirp of the Week featuring some unexpected realities about the 2015 Cardinals.
Follow Ben on Twitter: @stlfanbc7 Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review!
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Hey PaD fam!! Welcome to Prospects after Dark! Let’s talk about the Cardinals, the Dirty 35, and all things good!!!
Little divides Cardinals fans more, it seems, than perhaps their best hitter in years. Yes, Matt Carpenter goes from G.O.A.T to... well, goat faster than you can say "Carp for MVP!"
This week, with Alex out sick, Nicholas Childress pinch hits to talk about the highs and lows of Matty C., his return to third base, and the impact of Paul Goldschmidt in the opposite corner.
Follow Nick on Twitter: @NChill17 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Adding anymore pieces would be "complicated," John Mozeliak said.
Frankly, what' isn't complicated about this offseason, Mo?
With Bryce Harper and Manny Machado theoretically holding up the Free Agent market, and the Cardinals publicly backing further and further away from both superstars, Brad Thompson joins the show to talk about just how "complicated" works in baseball right now... and how the Cardinals COULD use it to their advantage.
We talk boy bands (yes, boy bands), free agents, front offices, starters, relievers, pitches, roles, and yes, Bryce Harper. Because it's a rule.
Baseball is hard. The business of baseball is complicated. Both are facts... neither is inherently bad.
What do you think happens in the next CBA? And, how complicated would you be willing to make things if you were GM for a day?
Music: Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: IT IS FUN http://www.hooksounds.com
At Winter Warm Up, John Mozeliak created some apprehension about Marcell Ozuna's physical readiness. When Yadier Molina followed that up by expressing his hopes that the slugger - who has spend the winter in the Dominican Republic - would be ready for Opening Day, the panic ensued.
So, this week, Tara and Alex break down the Ozuna conundrum:
- Is he healthy?
- Why doesn't the team know anything?
- Is it reasonable to worry that he might not be capable of playing a key role as planned?
- With this knowledge (or lack thereof), why aren't the Cardinals all-in on Harper?
- Does this set up to be Tyler O'Neill's big break?
Also, it's Alex's birthday week. So, wish him the happiest of celebrations to him!
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review!
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Hey! It’s Prospects after Dark!! Let’s talk about Prospects, rivalries, probably testicles, modeling careers, and more!!
If an instagram post could BE the show notes, Yadier Molina's epic clap back to some unfriendly rival comments last week would be the one.
The rivalry is back... not that it ever went away. And for the St. Louis faithful, with it has come a resurgent "edge." But how long will it last? How do rivalries impact the game? And is everyone already forgetting about John Brebbia?!?
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review!
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Jenifer Langosch (@LangoschMLB) has covered the St. Louis Cardinals for the last seven years. This year will be the beginning of a new era... Not just because Jen is leaving the beat behind, but also because Mike Shildt will get his first swing at turning Spring Training potential into a postseason run.
So before Jenifer passes the torch to whomever fills her spot in the press box this summer, she stopped by to discuss the team the St. Louis media will have to cover.
Is Paul DeJong the answer in the 3-hole? What is a realistic rebound for Dexter Fowler? And what about Kolten Wong? Should HE bat 2nd? How do the Cardinals view the "What Ifs" regarding Yadier Molina? Is Carlos Martínez ready for more? And also, that bullpen, though...
Who do YOU think is the key to the Cardinals lineup in 2019?
Subscribe to the show for more interviews like this one!
Music: Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: IT IS FUN www.hooksounds.com
Adam Wainwright has been the anchor of the Cardinals rotation for most of the last decade plus. Despite multiple seasons spent on the disabled list (which then means multiple seasons attempting to come back from significant injuries), his performance and reliability stack up with many of the greatest in Cardinals history.
But this isn't a show (or a league, as far as baseball is concerned) about history. As Adam Wainwright prepares for his 14th seasons in St. Louis -- after being prepared to walk away last fall -- what does he really have left?
A multitude of questions surround the once-ace's 2019, so Tara and Alex tried to answer, well, all of them... in 40 minutes or less.
How healthy is Wainwright, really? Is he truly still a starter? Does his contract lend itself to "as-needed" assignments in relief? Are the Cardinals too driven by nostalgia? Do fans under value Waino's past because of his present? Where does Uncle Charlie belong in Cardinals lore?
And, the Chirp of the Week brings it all back to the only real current event of the week - Kyler Murray. Because, baseball.
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review!
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It’s Prospects after Dark time!! Let’s talk MiLB pay, Kyler Murray, Cards arbitration, and ANYTHING else!!!!
Hater's gonna hate, but this is the #AllKoltenWongEverything episode. Underrated, undervalued, under discussed.
Yes, I'm aware of my well-documented bias, but Kolten Wong has yet to live up to his own potential, and as a result, the baseball world has yet to give him the credit he deserves as the best defensive second baseman in the National League.
The journey has been long, and not without its indefensible failures. But as J.J. Bailey (@theJJBailey) details, the progress Wong made in 2018 is specific and measurable in ways that suggest it wasn't just a fluke.
Is 2019 the Year of Kolten Wong? TBD...
The Cardinals have, on paper, what looks to be a solidified pitching picture. But nothing about a pitching staff is ever truly that simple.
This week, with Alex back in action, we tackle the ever-present question, "Can you have too much pitching?"
With Dallas Keuchel still available, is there room in the St. Louis rotation for an established lefty, or internal options enough?
And also, what's the WORST loss in (recent) Cardinals history?
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
t’s Prospects after Dark!! There’s basically nothing going on with the Cards right now so let’s get weird, I guess!!!!!
PTBNL: New Year, Same Podcast
In the return of PTBNL, Colin and Kyle discussed the Baseball America Best Tools list, a seemingly outrageous comp for Genesis Cabrera, and noticed that the success of the podcast is correlated with the success of a certain Cardinals pitching prospect.
If Major League Baseball is going to London, we should to. But if you can't get to the UK for the upcoming series in June, at least take a minute (or 25) to introduce yourself to the growing and passionate #MLBUK community. Joey Mellows - the Baseball Brit - is here to help.
From an introduction to baseball in Japan to a world-wide baseball tour last summer, Joey's journey around the game is the envy of many a baseball fan. But his goal is greater than just living the ultimate baseball dream - introducing more and more people across the pond to the game many of us in the States have always known.
We talk Yankees vs. Red Sox, the booming UK baseball community, and where you can meet up with Joey this summer (St. Louis is, in fact, on the schedule!).
Also, I get up on my soapbox about how we should all give the "Baseball is broken/dying" headline a rest, because... it's not.
Let me know in the comments where you'd like to see baseball go next? And, would you like to see Cubs vs. Cards be the featured international matchup one year?
Be sure to follow Joey on twitter @BaseballBrit, and while you're there, give @uk_cardinals a follow, too.
Subscribe to the show for more interviews like this one!
Music: Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: IT IS FUN http://www.hooksounds.com
With Alex "out on assignment," (that's what they say when people are out of town on vacation, right?) Tara called in some backup to kick off the 2019 season.
Robby Rowland knows the Cardinals Minor Leagues well... nearly as well as he knows the grind of the process to become a Major League pitcher. From nagging injuries, to Big League Spring Training, Tara and Robby cover it all.
Plus, hear how Jack Flaherty and Austin Gomber stood out from their earliest days of pro ball.
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack Follow Robby on Twitter: @RobbyRow_12
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Happy New Years #PaDPeople!! Let’s talk about this past year, the Cardinals, Prospects, and whateva yo want!!
This time of year calls for reflection and gratefulness.
Whether you're celebrating with a home full of family and friends, or alone in the peace and quiet, or not celebrating at all, we wish you a season of joy and peace and love... and baseball, of course.
Yes, that's hard to come by this time of year, but that's why we're taking this opportunity to reflect on what we're most grateful for when it comes to Cardinals baseball.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and here's to 2019 from Chirps!
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Happy PaDsmas!!!! Let’s give stuff away, talk about the Cardinals, Andrew Miller, and get druuuuuuuunk from a Santa hat!
Since trading for Paul Goldschmidt, the St. Louis Cardinals have been quiet. As with many other MLB teams this winter, no news doesn't necessarily mean no action. But while we wait to see who wins the Bryce Harper lottery (wait, if you get money from a lottery, how does the analogy hold up when paying millions of dollars to win?) and to see how the Cardinals go about bolstering their young and volatile bullpen, I sat down with St. Louis Post Dispatch writer, Derrick Goold, to hash a few things out.
We talk "Mo-Speak," Dexter Fowler, Kolten Wong (yes, I had to ask...) and Yadier Molina's Hall of Fame case... 7 years in advance.
And no, I didn't ask him why the Cardinals haven't -- and likely won't -- sign Bryce Harper. I saved that for someone else to ask in his next chat for the paper.
Music: Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: IT IS FUN http://www.hooksounds.com
Even without much resembling baseball "news" this week, there was plenty of talk amongst the Cardinals faithful, and most of it centered on Dexter Fowler - the most likely candidate for the every day right field job in 2019.
But it's not his baseball ability that has grabbed headlines lately.
On the field and off, Fowler's St. Louis career has been anything but simple. And while the natural reaction is to compare Fowler to Bryce Harper, Tara and Alex stepped back to try to find perspective on Fowler, his place in St. Louis, and his potential for a bonafide bounce back season.
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
“PaD” time! Let’s talk Goldy/Fowler/Harper, FSM disaster, hot takes, PaD gear, nonsense, & raffle off PaD beanies!!
It's Winter Meetings week, and the Cardinals have indicated their interest in a left-handed hitter... just not THAT left-handed hitter. Despite their insistence that "2019 is important," and the glaring "win now" addition of Paul Goldschmidt, the Cardinals are keeping quite on the Harper front. So, what now?
This week, Alex and Tara break down the Goldy addition further, in hopes of finding an answer to that question and more. Is Goldy enough? How much better does he make the 2019 Cardinals? What happens when the Cubs and Brewers get better, too?
And why does everything keep coming back to Bryce Harper???
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It’s been 1 year of this s***show called “Prospects after Dark!” Let’s celebrate! Baseball, booze, & brand new merch!!
Last winter, Craig Mish became St. Louis famous by breaking the Marcell Ozuna trade on Twitter.
This winter, there isn't so much to report on the Marlins-Cardinals beat, but that doesn't keep Craig from wondering with me about the offseason, the Paul Goldschmidt trade, Alex Reyes, Ozuna's 2019 projections, and what really happens at the Winter Meetings.
Music: Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: IT IS FUN http://www.hooksounds.com
ATTENTION: PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT IS A ST. LOUIS CARDINAL
After days of rumors fluttering and flying around the internet, the deal is now done: Paul Goldschmidt will be wearing the Birds on the Bat come spring. (Actually, he'll probably wear them at the presser on Friday. But you get the point.)
Arizona Sports Talk Radio Host John Gambadoro joins me for a brief review of the trade, and a look at what Cardinals fans can expect from one year of Goldy. (Hint: baseball isn't his only sports talent.)
Music: Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: IT IS FUN http://www.hooksounds.com
EMERGENCY Prospects after Dark!!! Cards acquire Goldschmidt! What’s next? Let’s talk about it! LETS GET NUTS!!
Manny Machado was poised to be one of two long-coveted Free Agents this winter. The Cardinals appeared to be a nearly perfect suitor. Something, somewhere changed.
This week, Alex and Tara investigate what, why, and how the Manny Machado Market took a mysterious turn, leaving the world class short stop (or third baseman... take your pick) out in the cold. In St. Louis, at least. Which, let's be honest, is a terribly cold place this time of year to begin with.
If the Cardinals truly are out on Machado, why? What else might they want more? And does his "lack of hustle" actually matter to ANYONE??
Plus, enter to win a Birds on the Black beanie! (Details can be found at birdsontheblack.com)
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Prospects after Dark!!!! Let’s talk about Nelly (this is our life now), free agency, and how miserable existence is!!!
You might being asking "how did you get to these rankings?" Well, THAT'S NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS JUST ENJOY THE RIDE. The truth is that I tend to put an emphasis on proximity to the majors for the organization rankings.
Enjoy the podcast version of "Organizational Rankings: Top 5 Third Basemen" by Kyle Reis
Kyle Reis (@kyler416 on twitter) ranks his top 5 SS in the St. Louis Cardinals organization
You might being asking "how did you get to these rankings?" Well, THAT'S NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS JUST ENJOY THE RIDE. But, for the sake of the organizational rankings, I usually put a weird amount of emphasis on proximity to the majors.
So, without further ado, Birds On The Black Presents.. Top 5 Second Baseman by Kyle Reis
If Josh Donaldson was ever a prime target for the Cardinals, they missed out... big time. But with The Bringer Of Rain off the board, the Cardinals aren't out of options to upgrade their lineup (even without Bryce Harper). Paul Goldschmidt is available... and intriguing. In this episode, Alex and Tara try to work through the conflicting thoughts and ideas turning Goldy into a bigger debate than Harper's price tag.
Even they were surprised by their conclusion.
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Today, it’s the first basemen! It’s an interesting group that has everything from a 2018 draft pick to a nine year MiLB veteran
Prospects after Dark time! Let’s talk about the position rankings at BirdsOnTheBlack, 40-man moves, & things you like!!!
Let's get into the catchers in the organization, shall we?
Here are the top 5 (6) catchers in the organization with an admission of wrong-doing at about the #4 spot. Enjoy!
Another day, another group of players in the Cardinals organization to rank!
Today, it's the outfielders. I went heavy with proximity to the majors here instead of focusing on the tools. This group is a lot of fun.
Our trip through the St. Louis Cardinals organization continues with the Top 5 relief pitchers (yes, we talk about seven of them) in the system.
by Kyle Reis birdsontheblack.com
*Welcome to the Organizational position rankings!! This is the preface. What I aim to do with this list is to show you what the organization looks like beyond the obvious names at the top. As a result, aside from a brief mention at the beginning, players like Patrick Wisdom, Daniel Ponce de Leon, and Giovanni Gallegos will not show up on the list. As a matter of fact, any player that has made a major league debut will not show up on the organizational position rankings. This is purposefully designed to be a quick glance of what's going on outside of what you see everyday, so it might seem light on details as compared to what you'll find on the Dirty 35. You'll get more in-depth analysis on these players come February when we do the preseason Dirty 35 rerankings. You might being asking "how did you get to these rankings?" Well, THAT'S NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS JUST ENJOY THE RIDE. But know that I put a premium on proximity to the majors when doing these organizational rankings.
So, without further ado, Birds On The Black Presents...
Taking a break from breaking news, Erica Weston joins me to talk about her transition to the Fox Sports Midwest team, Barclay the Blues puppy, the new powder blues, and all those walk-offs she saw first hand. And, we wonder together about what the Cardinals will do to heat up the Hot Stove.
Music: Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: IT IS FUN http://www.hooksounds.com
On Monday, the Cardinals rolled out the red carpets to (re)introduce the blue jerseys. As modeled by Harrison Bader, the new version of the old roadies created quite a stir among the fanbase. Love them or hate them, Tara and Alex share their thoughts on the biggest news of the offseason thus far (we know, low bar).
Listen, share, then sound off - do you love them or hate them?
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
It’s Prospects after Dark time! Baseball, life, free agency, & other random stuff! Let’s DO IT
So, there's this guy. His name is Bryce. He's pretty decent at baseball, and he's in the market for a new employer. The market rate for Bryce is, well, bizarre. But should the Cardinals determine to be the highest bidder? Would this Harper kid even entertain the idea of playing in The Lou?
Tara and Alex ask the big questions, and at least one of them gives a surprise answer to the biggest question of them all: Does Harper become a Cardinal over the winter, or does he land elsewhere?
Follow Alex on Twitter: @alexcards79 Follow Tara on Twitter: @tarawellman Follow Birds on the Black on Twitter: @birdsontheblack
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Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Prospect after Dark time, family!! Let’s talk about the MLB offseason & get weird and hopefully not die like last week!!
Welcome to the debut of Chirps, hosted by Tara Wellman and Alex Crisafulli from birdsontheblack.com.
Episode 1 gives you a taste of what's to come by taking a look at where the Cardinals stand heading into the winter and whether or not John Mozeliak's model for success is, in fact, broken.
Plus, Alex brings us a "Chirp of the Week" in tribute to the one and only, Good Guy Greg (Garcia) that you won't want to miss.
Let us know what we can do better, and what hot topic we should tackle in an upcoming episode by tweeting us @tarawellman and @alexcards79.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review!
Music Title: Alternative Mood Artist: Rodrigo Vicente www.hooksounds.com
Happy Season 1 finale of “Prospects after Dark”! Let’s talk season 1, BOTB, the WS, Cards, the offseason, & all things!!
The Cardinals are the Mariners. Harper is perfect for St. Louis The offseason is #fun.
Music: Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: IT IS FUN http://www.hooksounds.com
Its Prospects after Dark! Let’s talk Donaldson, Harper, Cardinals, the Fall League, & whatever you like!!!
It’s “Prospects after Dark”!! Let’s talk CardS baseball, the Arizona Fall League, and meats of all types! Also, HOO…
recorded LIVE 10/18
Prospects after Dark is live!! Happy Tuesday! Let’s talk about the Cards, the offseason, the AFL, and dumb stuff!!!
Recorded on 9/27/18 Prospects After Dark hosted by Kyle Reis
Kyle talks St. Louis Cardinals, Prospects, Life, Women, Men, Comic Books, and he answers questions on this Thursday edition of PaD!
Every great hero deserves a song written about them from a truly talented individual. That hasn't happened for Yadi yet, so in order to encourage someone who might actually not completely suck to come along, here is my rendition of "Yadi" written to the Kinks "Lola." Gather around your family, friends, dogs, and anyone who is hard of hearing to truly enjoy the fact that this is not them embarrassing themselves publicly. We love you Yadi. We're sorry this terrible thing is the best we could do for you. We understand if you block us and hate us forever.
Prospects After Dark with Kyle Kyle discusses a lot of things prospects related, cardinals related, life related, and much much more in this thursday edition of PaD!
Kyle does that thing again.... Thanks to all that joined us on this Wednesday edition of Prospects After Dark.
Kyle blesses us with his presence, knowledge , charm, and self deprecation in this latest Prospects After Dark
Millions of Cardinals fans, generation after generation, have known their legends by a single name: Ozzie. Willie. Stan. Red.
For a slightly smaller audience, though, they had other single-word names: Dad. Brother. Husband. Grandpa.
Today, Bird on the Black is proud to be granted access to that side of one such baseball hero - Red Schoendienst - by way of his granddaughter, Mary Gage.
Another fun episode of Prospects After Dark with your man Kyle. A lot of Cardinals talk, prospects talk, some life advice, some laughs, some cries, some hugs, some flirting, some passive aggressiveness. All in this compact episode.
Kyle talks Nolan Gorman promotion, JAG, and does the 2nd annual Matchmaker Prospects! You asked to be paired up, and kyle did his research. Enjoy
On Saturday August, 11th, 2018, I was fortunate enough to have had a chance to talk to Cardinals' infield prospect and Prospect #19 in The Dirty Thirty-Five, Andy Young about his baseball life.
We touched on a lot of stuff. From his recent success at Springfield following an overdue promotion to his success and accolades in high school. Andy was terrific. He's a very smart and well versed young man and I am certain that you'll enjoy listening to him!
"The trade deadline has passed, Tyler O’Neill IS Sex, and the Cardinals are good again!!! Let’s PaD, shall we?!" - Kyle
The Rockies come to town on a 4-game winning streak. The Cardinals welcome them after a late night as the Game of the World on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball against the Cubs.
Jenny Cavnar took a break from the studio in Colorado to talk about the Rockies and their charge for the postseason.
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
Unofficially, the season is halfway over. Which means it's time to look back at the 1st half, get ready for the All Star Game, and recharge for the rest of the summer.
Joining me for all of that is Jessica Kleinschmidt from MLB's Cut 4, and her own show, "Infinite Jess."
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
Back in the saddle of Monday nights, welcome to Prospects After Dark. Kyle flirts with his Mid Season Dirty Thirty-Five. Many a cheers were given on this PaD. Kyle talks prospects, baseball, life. Check out the latest, recorded on 7/09/18
The Braves weren't supposed to lead the NL East this year. They weren't even supposed to be particularly competitive. And yet... here we are. Nubjays Wilborn joins me from the Press Box to talk about what's gone so right.
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: Back In Summer http://www.hooksounds.com
The Cardinals managed a split in Milwaukee to end the road trip... but that didn't inspire excessive confidence in their ability to stand tall against the division-leading Cleveland Indians. Stephanie Liscio joins me to talk about the strange similarities of two teams on seemingly distinctly different paths.
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
"Good evening and welcome to Prospects After Dark"- Kyle
Thanks to all that joined us on this Wednesday edition of PAD, we covered a lot! Who gets the call up for the newly injured Wacha? Updates on all the favorites.
Joe Schwarz of The Athletic joins our own Zach Gifford to talk St. Louis Cardinals baseball. With Greg Holland is back off the DL, Zach and Joe discuss whether fans should expect the former star reliever to show improvements this time around or if he’s still looking like a sunk cost. Following, Luke Weaver’s growing pains are addressed, deadline strategies are discussed, and the unsung bullpen arms holding the season afloat are given their due.
Thank you to all that joined us on this Thursday edition of Prospects After Dark. We had a ton of questions involving the recent draft signings and many things minor league. Specific questions about Andrew Knizner, Evan Mendoza, Dakota Hudson and Delvin Pérez is just the start. We give cheers to the Hicks family, all the fathers out there who played a roll in their kids love for the game and, the draftees of the Cardinals (and many more)
Kyle hosted Prospects After Dark during the MLB Draft. Timed it perfectly to get the St. Louis Cardinals first two picks of the draft. tons of questions, answers, insight and drinking. We hope you enjoy.
The Marlins are in full-on rebuild mode. Jeter and company have their work cut out for them, with very little good will stored up among the fans.
And yet, they play on.
The visit St. Louis this weekend with at least a few remaining familiar faces for Marcell Ozuna, but without a strong (on paper) case to win the series.
No one has more of an inside track on both the Marlins and the Cardinals than Craig Mish from SiriusXM Fantasy Radio. And today, he shares that knowledge with us.
You're welcome, Cardinals Nation.
Music: Artist: NICOLAI HEIDLAS Title: BACK IN SUMMER http://www.hooksounds.com
Having just seen the Pirates last weekend, there should be very few surprises. But what this series lacks in mystery, it makes up for in significance.
While it's probably best to let the actual games do the answering, that's not nearly as interesting as trying to answer the questions ourselves. So, Jeff Jones (from the Locked on Cardinals podcast, among other places) and I tried our hand at sorting through out the latest in Cardinals Conundrums prior to Thursday night's game.
Welcome to “Prospects after Dark”!!! Let’s talk about the Cardinals! And, you know, other weird things!
The Brewers are on fire. The Cardinals are trying to get there. In a tight division, these games feel important, even if it's still only May.
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
The Cardinals first trip to Pittsburgh this season didn't go so well for them. And the Pirates are still playing better than expected. So... what will happen this weekend, and how does the "Fly ball revolution" play into it? Alex Stumpf explains it all.
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Here is what we discussed:
We talked about Delvin Perez and what's been going on with him The biggest riser and faller in the organization so far in 201 The three best arms between Palm Beach and Peoria The expectations of Terry Fuller and what a successful 2018 season for him will look like We gave an update on Dylan Carlson We talk about the biggest surprise in the lower levels Try to decide if to decide if the bats of Wilfredo Tovar and Max Schrock could play in the majors right now We go over the players in the system that might be able to crack a midseason Top 100 list We workshop a potential ETA for Evan Mendoza
It's the I-70 Series... which carried a lot more weight "back in the day." But, it's still a series the Cardinals can't look past, even when the Royals aren't exactly what one might call "good."
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
The Cardinals finally beat the Twins to wrap up a 3-3 road trip. But now, they turn their attention to the upstart Phillies, who have battled rain delays the last week, but come into the series having won 6 of their last 7 games.
Will the offensive outburst from Tuesday's day-game victory carry over through the weekend? Or will the Phillies' Odubal Herrera lead the visitors to victory at Busch?
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
They're doing that thing again - that thing where they fool us into believing they're good, and then they play like they're anything but.
So, here's my #hottaek: The Cardinals need to figure out how to score runs -- early, late, often, and consistently -- if they want to be taken seriously as a postseason contender.
*That doesn't mean I want everyone released. Just to be clear.
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Welcome to another episode of Prospects After Dark, hosted by Kyle Reis. In this episode Kyle... Covers Alex Reyes's rehab start in Peoria. 5 IP, 1H, 12Ks, 1BB, ya. Gretchen Piscotty ALS Raffle Donation Does a Miss Cleo impression Takes 100 questions involving everything from Waino's future, Tyler O'neill raking in the minos. Juan Yepez. Bud Norris closer rule when Holland gets healthy. Delvin Perez update. Continues his love for Andrew Knizner. Elehuris Montero potential all star. why Jordan Hicks isn't in any of the top 100 prospect lists.
Excitement in the Minors organization is real. Watch the video, listen on Podcast (iTunes, Soundcloud #BirdsontheBlack)
To conclude the 4-game season set, the Cardinals are in Minnesota to take on the Twins... who kicked off a rough week for the Redbirds with back-to-back wins in St. Louis last Monday and Tuesday.
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
The Cardinals are headed west! At least for a few days. This trip, it's the Padres, who have loads of up-and-coming talent that may not quite be ready yet, but the promise is there. And so is Franchy Cordero... which is enough of a reason for me to make a late-night pot of coffee and watch.
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Things seem a little... off. No?
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: INNOVATED TECHNOLOGY http://www.hooksounds.com
I still, literally, CAN'T EVEN.
Cards sweep Cubs. Back-to-back Walk-offs. WHAT IS LIFE?!
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Artist: Fabrika Music Title: Vintage City http://www.hooksounds.com
It's another quick, mini-series to start the week (and end the homestand), this time with the Minnesota Twins. While the Cardinals won't face the familiar fastball of Lance Lynn, they will have their work cut out for them, facing a lineup that seems to be finding its footing.
Can the Cardinals continue the momentum from a clean sweep of Chicago Week?
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Cardinals dropping like flies, Carlos Martínez pinch hitting (WHAT?!), and the Cardinals still managed to win in walk-off fashion.
Baseball, man.
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Artist: RODRIGO VICENTE Title: ADVENTURE http://www.hooksounds.com
All wins are created equal, but not all wins FEEL equal. Rivalry wins always feel bigger. Cubs vs. Cardinals, Quintana vs. Mikolas, Pham vs. THE WORLD... baseball, man.
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: IN THE HAPPY MOOD http://www.hooksounds.com
The weather wrecked havoc on the first series between the NL Central rivals. This weekend in St. Louis, it'll be the Cardinals looking to protect home turf. Will the Greatest Leadoff Hitter Of All Time carry the North Siders to victory? Or can Bud Norris and the Cardinals carry over their momentum the White Sox series to complete the Chicago Week sweep?
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Martínez was masterful, but Giolito kept the Cardinals bats at bay. Is that concerning? Sure. Should baseball favor "good losses" and "bad wins" like college sports??
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: INNOVATED TECHNOLOGY http://www.hooksounds.com
The Cardinals were silent far too long for my liking... but if all people really remember is the ending, then I guess they're just fine.
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: LETS WIN http://www.hooksounds.com
Bourbon is Rebel Yell Hot takes from the weekend sweep in pittsburgh Where to hide Jose Martinez Best prospect to not play in majors Knizner update Long term future for jordan hicks Tommy Edman love Reality of coaching staff, thoughts on Mike Matheny, Mabry Evan Mendoza update The best types of pens Most underrated Cardinal of all time
The Cardinals take on the Chicago White Sox Tuesday and Wednesday in quick 2-game set. But even though the South Siders might be down, the Cardinals better not count them out.
The drama. The suspense. The anxiety.
Why do I do this to myself? Because the Cardinals... they're my weakness.
It's nice when they pull of a win, for the sake of my high blood pressure.
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Artist: Nick Petrov Title: To The Top http://www.hooksounds.com
To complete the opening month's NLC Tour, the Cardinals take on PNC Park and the better-than-advertised but maybe-not-as-good-as-they-looked Pittsburgh Pirates. Thanks to Dan Hopper for joining me!
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Kolten Wong doing Kolten Wong things (FINALLY!) the week after I make an appearance at Busch. Coincidence? I think not.
Music: Artist: SUBCHO Title: JOYFUL DAY http://www.hooksounds.com
Artist: NAZAR RYBAK Title: INNOVATED TECHNOLOGY http://www.hooksounds.com
Kyle Reis hosts another Prospects After Dark🌙
in this episode Kyle...
-Discusses Austin Gombers incredible start, stlCupofJoe makes an appearance while driving and they gush about it. -GIves a cheers to Jason Hicks, in honor of Jordan getting his first MLB win -The interview with Evan Mendoza -Top OF Prospects in the Cardinals system -United Cardinals Blog weekend -Suge Knight -Carson Kelly, Manny Machado -Who in the St. Louis Cardinals infield could be traded -Kolten Wong has a better OBP than Ozuna -A realization of FMK's
Tara Wellman talks to Neil Paine from Panic City Podcast to preview the series starting Tuesday.
During the interview, Mr. Mendoza and I talk about: - The hot start that he's at this season. - Major League instructs, Spring Training, and Cardinals S.T.E.P Camp. - Evan's well know work ethic. - Evan's transition from pitching to playing the field everyday in college. - His time in the Cape Cod League. - What he worked on during his first post-draft offseason. - His relationship with Cardinals prospect Andrew Knizner, who is also an NC State alum. - NC State, and the positive impact that deciding to go there has had on him. - Evan getting to play in front of his family this season because of the Palm Beach assignment. - What he views as the area in his game that needs the most work. - The minor league grind and what it means to be a minor leaguer. - Fortnite. - If baseball is still as much fun now as it was as a kid.
The Cardinals will welcome the Reds to St. Louis for the first time this season, just a few blustery days after they finished off the 4-game sweep in Cincinnati.
But the 3-15 Reds have not sat idle since last weekend. They won a game (and scored a lot of runs to do so), and they fired their Manager, Brian Price.
Let's just say, Wick Terrell (@wickterrell) and the gang at Red Reporter have had a few things to write about this week.
Season 1, Episode 17
Cardinals vs. Cubs at Wrigley will never not feel a little bit like playoff baseball to me.
Every pitch, every at bat is significant... no matter the date, no matter the records.
To take the first game from the Baby Bears might mean nothing in 3 months.
But today, it the only thing.
Totally worth the frost bite, right guys?
On the 13th episode of Prospects After Dark. Kyle fills the void of an off day by giving updates on St. Louis Cardinals, their affiliates, prospects and all things asked. Kick back, relax, and watch this beautiful disaster we call Prospects After Dark 🌙
The Cardinals and Cubs have each seen their fair share of NL Central teams already this month, but there's nothing quite like the Cubs/Cardinals rivalry... I don't care what American League fans say!
Corey Fineran is one of the hosts of the Ivy Envy podcast (@IvyEnvy). While I can't imagine many of you Cardinals fans would choose to listen to a Cubs podcast, I did it for you, and I can tell you, it's a good one!
Both Anthony Rizzo and Jedd Gyorko could return to action early this week. José Martínez could make his lasting mark on the rivalry. And Jon Lester will have another go at Matt Carpenter... who could use a confidence boost or two in the series.
The Cardinals head to Great America Ballpark for the first time this season.
What better place to jumpstart an offense... am I right?
James Rapien talks Cincinnati Sports every day, between ESPN 1530 and the Locked On Sports podcasts he hosts. While the 2-8 start to the season isn't what he'd hoped to be talking about heading into an always-tough series with the Birds, he was still kind enough to join the show to help give you all the info you need to be ready fo this weekend.
Follow James (@JamesRapien) and the podcast (@LockedOnReds) for your regular Reds #scoops throughout the season.
For the second time in as many weeks. the Cardinals face off against their division rivals... this time, at home.
With the Cardinals coming off of a disappointing loss in the series finale with the Diamondbacks, will they find their offensive firepower against the ever-evolving Brewers pitching staff?
Or will the Crew find a way to jumpstart their floundering offense, even in the absence of Christian Yelich, and bring some unwanted fireworks to Busch?
Never fear, Kyle Lesniewski is here to get you up to speed on everything that's happened (spoiler alert: it's a lot!) since the Cardinals left Milwaukee a week ago.
Follow Kyle on Twitter (@brewerfan28), and read his work at Brew Crew Ball and BP Milwaukee. (Seriously... do it. As far as Brewers fans go, Kyle's pretty cool.)
Let me introduce you to Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman).
He's the host of @TheRattleAZ podcast (which you can find on iTunes), and he's got all the info you need to be the most well-informed Cardinals fan you know for Opening Weekend in St. Louis.
You're welcome.
**Note: As I mention in the show, we recorded this preview on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 1 p.m. Central Time. Roughly 90 minutes after completion of this interview, the Cardinals announced that Adam Wainwright will, in fact, start the home opener on Thursday, thus sending Jack Flaherty back to Memphis... much to the displeasure of 99% of Cardinals Nation. So it goes. The show is fun and interesting and informative, nonetheless.
Proceed.
In this Episode of Prospects after Dark, Kyle talks about the minor league assignments in Springfield and Peoria, the managers that are worse than Matheny (looking at you Gabe Kapler), the struggles and successes in the rotation, says random irrelevant names of Cardinals' from the past, decides who will be sent down to make room for Greg Holland, talks about Wacha tipping his change up, talks about impregnating women named Sarah Connor, gives a shout out to his "home girls", talks about "banging on" Bud Norris (whatever that means) and gushes about Jordan Hicks and his family!
"Minor Threat" by: Minor Threat
Series Preview: Cards @ Brewers The Cardinals leave New York with some battle wounds, but also with the season's all-important first win. Next up, they meet the 2018 version of the Milwaukee Brewers. In all likelihood, the Cards and the Crew will battle it out all summer for a postseason spot. Let the games -- and the preview -- begin.
No one knows the new-look Brewers better than Frosty Mug author, Kyle Lobner. The Milwaukee faithful are excited about the possibilities this season, and for good reason. Here's what you need to know as the Cardinals try to play spoiler on Opening Day at Miller Park. (Follow Kyle on Twitter @BrewFrostyMug.)
Series Preview Cards Mets For Opening Day
Real baseball is finally here.
But if you were busy enough keeping up with the Cardinals this spring and haven't had time to brush up on their opponents, you've come to the right place. In collaboration with some of the best bloggers and podcasters the internet has to offer, I'll be introducing you to the Cardinals' opponents, one series at a time.
First up, Roger Cormier and the New York Mets. Follow Roger on Twitter @GoodFundies (which, if you didn't know, is short for Good Fundamentals), listen to his podcast with Brian Mangan on iTunes, and read even more from Roger at Fangraphs.
“On this episode of Prospects after Dark, Kyle talks about his excitement to see Jack Flaherty in the Cardinals rotation, gives you a vague profile of Ramon Urias and Darren Seferina, goes deeper into the Knizner/Kelly talk, and discusses if there’s merit to the criticism of John Mabry.
Also, Kyle fulfills the promise he made during the last episode and drinks a Four Loco with his Bourbon. It does not go well.”
- Cake from "Friend is a Four Letter Word"
Will Leitch (Leitch is a senior editor at Sports on Earth, a contributing editor at New York, critic at The New Republic, culture writer for Bloomberg Politics, contributor to The New York Times, GQ, Fast Company and Slate; and has published four books, Catch, a novel, Life as a Loser, a memoir, God Save The Fan, a book of sports essays, and Are We Winning?, a book about fatherhood and baseball.) is joined by Bruno (Mostly wastes his life on twitter) to talk about the Cardinals, Life in Atlanta, Matheny, and how evil Deadspin is.
In this episode of “Prospects after Dark, Kyle talks about, among a lot of other topics, the defense of Yairo Muñoz, the 40 man roster situation, the Springfield rotation, where Delvin Perez and Terry Fuller will start 2017, and Carson Kelly and his defense as compared to Andrew Knizner. Also, some steamy Ruth Bader Ginsburg talk while drinking Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
On this episode of “Prospects after Dark”, Kyle talks about the Repertoire of Austin Gomber, goes over the rotation depth and it’s pecking order, talks more about Yairo Muñoz, and the health of the bullpen. Then, for the back-half of the episode during what we call Kyle after Dark”, Kyle answers your “MFK’s” and polishes off a OK glass of Black Ridge Small Batch Boutbon
intro song Aural Pleasure by Blackalicious
Prospects After Dark w/ Kyle Reis Birds on the Black
Intro: "Beer" by Reel Big Fish https://soundcloud.com/reelbigfish
Prospects After Dark "The Cy Mikolas Epsiode" w/ Kyle Reis BirdsontheBlack.com
INTRO MUSIC : "BLACKA" BY BLACKALICIOUS https://soundcloud.com/blackalicious
Relatively Speaking: A Birds on the Black Podcast.
Relatively Speaking is a Podcast hosted by @StlCardsCards.
This in-depth podcast gives you a behind the scenes look at what it is like to be a relative of a St. Louis Cardinal (past and present).
Per usually, I asked the amazing Birds on the Black Community for questions about prospects and they did not disappointed! Here's what we discussed:
- Austin Lamb had some question about New Cardinals acquisition Conner Greene and his future and potential.
- Heath Wayman asks about a mechanical change in Austin Gomber's delivery.
- Ryan Massey asked for a breakdown of the potential Memphis Rotation.
- Neal Hellner asks if Max Schrock could be a fit in the super utility role.
- Luke Flusche asks a series of interesting questions Which of the new prospects acquired this offseason has the highest upside Which of the new prospects will contribute the most to the 2018 Cardinals Where will each start the year
- Allen Medlock asked for the opening day outfields for both Springfield and Memphis
- Redbird Army Choir wants to know more about RHP Jake Woodford and Junior Fernandez
- The esteemed Daniel Shoptaw asks who I trust the most from an evaluating perspective
- G Dubb ask for a fantasy sport sleeper that isn't projected on the Cardinals opening day 25-man roster
- Austin Lamb asks the impossible: Aside from Alex Reyes, which Prospect has the best shot at a HoF career.
Bruno (@StlCardsCards)is joined by Preston (@98pc) on the inaugural Birds on the Black podcast (name pending)
Mike Matheny is the topic of conversation