Team of Rivals Podcast

Elliott lives up to his “Occasional” title and misses this week's show, but it doesn't really matter because technical issues with Rumble killed the stream before it even started.

The Cardinals won the weekend, the Cubs keep circling the drain, and the Brewers are on a heater that makes the division race feel like a bad joke. Two weeks ago, Pete and Elliott thought they still had a shot; now they’re Googling “wild card magic number” like it’s a life raft. Pete rants about Jeff Pico’s 1988 debut versus Cade Horton’s August 6 gem in his 14th MLB start. Ron’s Soccer Minute becomes a full segment as he and Pete dig into the bleak road ahead for Ron's Newcastle fandom, proving that when baseball’s this depressing, we’ll cling to any sport that isn’t actively hurting us.

This week's episode is half baseball, half Star Wars, and somehow, all relevant.

Pete finally binged Andor, so naturally we spent half the episode spiraling into galactic politics, moral ambiguity, and why Syril Karn is the worst.

Also: Too-soon deadline analyses, Cubs fan anxiety, and Ron coming to grips with his soccer choices.

You’ve been warned.

On this Deadline Day/Birthday double feature, the Team of Rivals Podcast sifts through the debris of a trade deadline that left Cubs and Cardinals fans equally underwhelmed, and Elliott spending his 45th birthday watching the Cubs make exactly the kind of moves that scream "we tried… sort of." Pete and Elliott break down Jed Hoyer’s conservative approach, the failure to land a starting pitcher, and whether the front office overplayed its hand in regards to Mackenzie Gore. Ron joins mid-show to commiserate about the Cardinals’ refusal to go all-in (or all-out) as John Mozeliak stops short of a full teardown one final time. The guys compare strategies across the league, marvel at the Padres’ all-gas-no-brakes philosophy, and begrudgingly praise the Twins for executing a real reset. Plus: Elliott battles connection demons, Ron locks down the podcast's official Premier League club, and Pete tries to make sense of a deadline that felt more like a detour.

This week, we remember Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg and reflect on the grace and grit that made him unforgettable, both on the field and in his iconic 2005 Hall of Fame speech. Then we dissect Elliott’s shocking (and possibly permanent?) extension, brace for Thursday’s trade deadline chaos, and dive into Bryce Harper’s public challenge to Rob Manfred, which spirals into a full-blown salary cap (and floor) debate. Finally, Ron tries to sell Pete on adopting Newcastle United as the official Premier League club of a podcast that absolutely did not request one.

Last week’s hot takes did not hold up well, and the Team of Rivals crew is back to clean up the mess, or at least laugh at it.

The show kicks off with a sincere and emotional tribute to Ryne Sandberg following the news about his health, before veering straight into the most unexpected detour of the week: Ozzy Osbourne. Yes, really.

From there, it's open season on the St. Louis Cardinals, who returned from the All-Star Break and promptly forgot how to play baseball. Ron, Elliott, and Pete dig into the collapse, the front office’s all-too-familiar paralysis, and whether there's any hope left for 2025.

The Cubs aren’t exactly thriving either, with a starting rotation held together by prayers and chewing gum. Can they find stability before the trade deadline, or is this just another chapter in a very forgettable season?

Also up for debate:

• Can the Brewers actually sustain their run, or is the fall coming?
• Did MLB jump the shark with its latest All-Star Game gimmick?
• Why are we still pretending “unwritten rules” matter in blowouts?
• And of course, Ron’s Soccer Minute™, for the six people who enjoy that.

It’s classic ToR: half therapy session, half roast, and just the right amount of chaos.

Ron and Elliott gave it their best shot with a midseason assessment of the Cubs and Cards, but let’s be honest, you’re really here for Pete's response. He recorded in the car on the way to his dad’s, so the sound might be garbage, but hey… you get what you pay for.

It’s the All-Star Break, and that means it’s time for a midseason reckoning.

Somehow, the Cardinals are the surprise of the summer. Not because they’re great, but because they’re… not terrible? Meanwhile, the Cubs sit (narrowly) atop the NL Central, but if they want to stay there, they’ll need more than vibes and PCA's glove. Starting pitching is the obvious need, and Ron comes fully prepared with a short list of arms that induce ground balls and could thrive behind the Cubs’ stellar up-the-middle defense. Best of all? The answer might already be in the neighborhood.

As for the Cardinals, Elliott's message is simple: stop pretending you’re a contender, and finally do what you said you were going to do last winter, clear out the roster logjam and make space for youth and development. If not now, when?

And in a rare bright spot for St. Louis sports, STL City SC finally won a match, and with some big summer transfer moves on the books, #FallouFall might be heating up.

This week Ron, Elliott, and Pete welcome back special guest Dustin “The Duke” Duquenne as they dive headfirst into last weekend's fireworks at Wrigley, highlighted by an eight-homer beatdown of the Cardinals on the Fourth of July that set league and franchise records (for both teams!). As Elliott, Duke, and Pete gleefully recap every bomb, Ron copes with the Cardinals’ ongoing rotation mismanagement – why hasn't Sonny Gray faced the Cubs this year? – and the baffling decision to keep running Miles Mikolas and Erick Fedde out to the mound.

Duke brings the chaos, sparking classic banter and adding fuel to the fire during All-Star snub season. The guys vent about Seiya Suzuki’s absence from the roster, Michael Busch’s case over Freddie Freeman, and the absurdity of fan voting, especially when it gifts Ronald Acuña Jr. a starting spot with only 42 games played.

Pete pays tribute to the late Lee Elia with a dramatic, profanity-laced replay of Elia's legendary 1983 tirade – a masterclass in manager meltdowns. They also touch on Andre Dawson’s birthday, Wrigley’s misunderstood park factors, and the absolute dumpster fire that is Cardinals Twitter/X.

Other highlights include:

• A trade deadline preview and what the Cubs and Cardinals might do
• Mic’d-up players and the awkward Sunday Night Baseball conversation with Masyn Winn
• The Nationals’ bizarre front office purge
• Rob Manfred’s push for a salary cap and how that might actually work
• A nostalgic detour into He-Man toys and 80s cartoon logic
• Ron’s Soccer Minute: City SC's woes continue, with little hope coming via the transfer window

Whether you're basking in Cubs euphoria or buried under Cardinals frustration, this episode delivers laughs, rants, and the kind of unfiltered takes you’ve come to expect from the Team of Rivals.

It’s the most magical of baseball holidays: Bobby Bonilla Day! Baseball’s most legendary deferred payment continues, and Pete has the updated list of players who will be cashing checks long after their cleats hit the shelf. Bobby may have been the first, but he’s no longer alone.

Meanwhile, the trade deadline is just a month away, but you'd never know it. After what looked like a hot start (Rafael Devers), the stove is lukewarm at best, and the rumor mill is oddly quiet. Should we be concerned, or are the GMs just waiting each other out?

Both the Cardinals and Cubs are trending up, but with very different outlooks. Elliott and Pete are both on board with the Cubs buying — aggressively, if possible — but Ron is still waiting on the Cardinals to make good on their promise to clear the deck and let the kids take the wheel.

Finally, peer pressure pays off, as Pete has agreed to watch Andor. Yes, really. But before you question his judgment, he redeems himself by delivering the finest outro in ToR history. You be the judge.

After nearly three months and 78 games, Major League Baseball finally graced its 2025 fans with one of the best rivalries in sports. This week, the full team joined the end of Game 2 in progress and discussed the latest happenings on both sides of the I-55 Rivalry. Plus, an abridged version of "Ron's Soccer Minute"!

The 2024 trade season has NOTHING on 2025! Luis Arraez may have been traded in May 2024, but Rafael Devers goes to the Giants in mid-June?! Ron, Elliott, and Pete dissect what they think this means for the Cubs, the Cards, and this year's trade deadline. Plus, the most subdued Soccer Minute you've ever heard.

After a week of vacation and old man procedures, all three hosts are back at it. The Cardinals seem to be leveling off, while the Cubs have upped their NL Central lead a bit. Are the Cubs better off with Ian Happ at leadoff, or is PCA the better – and more traditional – choice? The Cards won a series this week against MLB's darling franchise, but then ran into a very good Toronto squad.

The Cubs are already dabbling in the trade market, but are any teams willing to sell so soon? And are the Cardinals in the selling market yet? Will they be come July? They may put themselves there soon if their pitching starts to become an issue. Finally, is there a universe this year where they will actually be buyers? Ron says No.

Plus, Pete dabbles in pop culture and beefs with the Lucasfilm story group… because they're just making shit up.

The Cardinals and Cubs are winning—and the ToR crew is actually in a good mood. For now.

Before diving into baseball, the guys kick things off with a detour into movies and TV, living up to their promise: “everything you want to hear, from the big sports to the big screen.” Expect unsolicited recommendations, sharp takes, and Pete’s signature brand of film snobbery.

Ron falls for a fake PED rumor about PCA (oops), while Pete and Elliott surprise everyone by staying weirdly reasonable about the Cubs’ early success. Ron shares his Cardinals optimism—despite being blacked out by MLB’s truly diabolical streaming policies.

How long will the good vibes last? Tap play and enjoy them while you can.

Pete's back, and he has questions.

With Elliott mere hours away from vacation and madly packing the Family Truckster, Ron and Pete dive deep into the world of baseball and beyond, tackling everything from the clown show in St. Louis to the Cubs' continued early-season success to the Cardinals' surprising stretch of good baseball. The show starts with a disheartening Soccer Minute as Ron delivers a perfectly-timed rant on City's lack of direction. The duo then shares their thoughts on the Cubs' "other" superstar and whether he can maintain his impressive form as the season progresses. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as they reminisce about past baseball stars and compare them to the current crop of talent, pondering the significance of superstars in today’s game. They also touch on the importance of strong defense and how it can impact a team's success.

Elliott makes a surprise appearance at the end of the show for a discussion about Andor's place in the Star Wars universe and the impact – both good and bad – of new streaming series on beloved franchises.

With Pete out, Ron and Elliott get to go wild on Star Wars talk, but not before covering some interesting ground on the baseball front. MLB reinstates Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and others. The Cubs call up one of their top prospects, Cade Horton, while sending Ian Happ to the IL (which will make Pete HAPP-y). The Cardinals are on a nine-game winning streak thanks to Coach Gruden, but are we buying what we're seeing?

No.

Ron and Pete trade places this week, with Pete in the role of Road Warrior, checking in from Orlando, Florida. That's why this week's pod recorded during their original Thursday night slot.

With both the Cubs and Cardinals nearing Ron's critical 40-game mark, it's only a little too early for the guys to engage in a spirited debate about the performance of both teams. Ron shares his cautious optimism about the Cardinals, who have clawed their way back to .500, while Elliot is excited about the Cubs’ surprising success despite MLB's most difficult month.

The conversation takes a humorous turn as the trio discusses the arbitrariness of Ron's 40-game rule, and they reflect on the potential futures of key players like Nolan Arenado and Matthew Liberatore. As the discussion unfolds, they ponder the implications of recent player performances – yes, you, Jordan Walker – and speculate on the trade deadline strategies for both teams.

"Ron's Soccer Minute" returns, with Ron lamenting City's recent struggles in MLS, highlighted by their recent disappointing performances. The episode wraps up with a lively discussion about the latest season of Andor, as Ron and Elliot attempt to convince Pete to give the show a chance, promising that it’s a must-watch for any Star Wars fan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pitchers and catchers have reported, Nolan Arenado is still a Cardinal, and Alex Bregman is now a Red Sock. Ron, Elliott, and Pete bring their usual highly rational takes to the latest in MLB on this special Presidents' Day episode. After the obligatory baseball talk, this week's conversation turns to pop culture, chess, and Ron's Soccer minute.