Baseballstl

It's game time in Jupiter! The Cardinals take on FAU to open up exhibition play, before beginning true spring training games. JJ Bailey sits down with KMOX's Chris Hrabe to talk takeaways from camp, which players are becoming popular storylines and why the love affair with the "wacky" Cubs is getting old. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

Everybody is here! The Cardinals kicked of their first full-squad workout Tuesday, and we were there to watch the action. JJ Bailey and Maurice Drummond broke down what happened before position players arrived, what the storylines are out of camp and what questions the squad has going forward. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

With the NLDS tied 1-1, the Cardinals head into Chicago for a date with the best pitcher in baseball. But they've been here before and done just fine. JJ and Chris talk the Cards' history of overcoming great pitching in the playoffs, how Chicago's offense has been held in check, and what to expect from Game 3. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

As we head into the postseason, it's time to hand out some awards for the regular season. JJ and Chris give their Offensive and Defensive MVPs, pick the rotation leader and crown the most valuable reliever. They also dive into the upcoming Wild Card game between the Cubs and Pirates and debate who is a better matchup for the Cards. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

JJ and Chris sit down to talk October for the Cardinals, breaking down the rotation shakeup, what Adam Wainwright means, and how the Redbirds stack up. They also play bouncer at the October Roster Nightclub, taking a crack at who is in and who might be spectating. This episode also features new music from producer Ben Arnold (@Arneypalmermusic). Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

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

This week, JJ and KMOX's Chris Hrabe sit down to talk Cardinal pitching over a pint. St. Louis' staff has been historic this season, and messing with it would be lunacy. So why is there all this talk about Wainwright's comeback? The two discuss why a return of the ace could complicate things in a serious way, and examine the already complicated playoff pitching situation. Sit back, plug in, take a sip of your own and enjoy!

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

Matt Carpenter, the straw that has stirred the drink for the Cardinal offense in seasons past, has been in a free fall since June. In today's episode, JJ and Chris talk about what that dip means for the offense, as well as whether or not it's time to panic. After that, the two talk a little bit about trade needs before the deadline and go through a quick lightning round of Cardinals questions. Sit back, plug in and enjoy!

KMOX's Chris Hrabe (@chrabe) joins JJ as the two sit down at Ballpark Village to talk Carlos Martinez. The young righty has been dynamite in the first half, winning 9 starts and moving into contention for the All Star Game's Final Vote. In this conversation, the two talk about what changes make Martinez so effective this year and where he ranks among the game's best starters. Sit back and enjoy!

In a two-part episode, we take a look at Yadier Molina as a Hall of Fame candidate. Part one features JJ and KMOX's Chris Hrabe (@chrabe), as the two open with a look at the current Cardinal hot steak. They look at pitcher efficiency and the incredible rotation success. The discussion moves to Molina, and that's when we get to part two (27:00). From there, Nathan Giannini (@nathangiannini) joins by phone. Nate is a statistics scholar who, as an outside observer, makes a case for why Molina isn't there yet when it comes to the Hall of Fame. Sit back, enjoy and let us know what you think!

Who could replace Yadier Molina? Where are the next rotation members? What kind of ammo do the Cardinals have for a trade? Who is the next great St. Louis batsman? Is there one? This episode looks at the Cardinals from top to bottom, examining the true strength of the St. Louis system. JJ is joined by minor league beat man Mike Bailey and the two talk about who fans should know and what they should worry about. Sit back and listen in!

What do you make of the Cardinals? In today's episode, JJ is joined by KMOX's Chris Hrabe to talk all things Redbirds. Jaime Garcia is a revelation, but where does the rotation stand for the rest of the year? Do the Cards need an arm? Who is a trade piece if they do? The two break down the true strength of the St. Louis system, evaluate possible trade pieces and evaluate draft strategy. Throw on some headphones and jump in, because there's plenty to talk about when it comes to the best team in baseball.

Matt Adams is down for what may be the rest of the season, and the Cardinals are forced to adjust. In this episode, JJ is joined by KMOX's Chris Hrabe, and the two go over the impact of the first baseman's departure. They address the calls for Matt Holliday at first, Stephen Piscotty's promotion and the possible external solutions. The finish with some lightning round questions and appreciation for Bryce Harper.

Cardinal prospect Stephen Piscotty joins the podcast as he and JJ talk about what he's trying to at the plate the season, and what he's trying to do long term. The two also chat about how what it's like watching teammates get promoted and what the team talks about when a player gets a trip to St. Louis. Finally, Piscotty talks about his off hours pursuits, including renewable energy, the financial markets and learning guitar. We wrap up with a new segment titled, "Incredible moments in Baseball history."

The Cubs have proven they're serious in April, inspiring hope in some and worry in others. In today's episode, JJ Bailey sits down with his favorite Cubs fan, Steve Keers (@stevenkeers), to talk about how long this journey has been. Steve was at the infamous Bartman game in 2003, and talks about why he shouldn't get the blame. The two also chat about who each fan base loves and hates on the other team, and whether or not the rivalry is renewed. Plug in, sit back and enjoy!

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

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

The Cardinals fell 5-4 in their St. Louis showcase, doomed by sloppy play and trouble at the plate. In this episode, JJ Bailey talks with KMOV sports reporter Brian Feldman about the takeaways from the home opener. You'll hear from Kolten Wong on his mistakes, and the two cover what might help him prevent them in the future. The episode closes with a little "Buying or Selling," where an idea is thrown out and you decide if you agree or disagree. Up for auction this week: Yadier Molina at the plate, Matt Adams as a power hitter and Carlos Martinez as a long term starter. Throw on some headphones and dive in.

Thanks to a postponement, the BaseballStL crew had Tuesday afternoon to talk Cardinals. In this episode, we wonder about the call to push the game back given Wrigley's rough opener, as well as dive into what we saw Sunday night. Who looks good for the Cards? Who should fans keep an eye on? What might be different this season given the new pieces? How does Heyward like his spot in the order? There may not be a game, but there's always something to talk about.