Redbird Rundown: a St. Louis Cardinals Podcast

SHHHH: https://www.patreon.com/posts/you-found-it-in-151595607Spring Training is in full swing at the brand-new Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium! Scott Plaza is joined by Matt Smith and special guest JD Hafron from Locked On Cardinals to break down the early highs and lows from Jupiter.We dive deep into the starting rotation's health—from Libby’s impressive splitter to the "batting practice ball" mysteries. But the real talk starts behind the plate: is Ivan Herrera giving off "Tommy Edman vibes" with his rehab? Matt and JD explain why a "catching freight train" of prospects like Leo Bernal and Rodriguez is barreling toward St. Louis, and what that means for the current roster. Plus, we spotlight the non-roster invitees like Quinn Mathews and Nathan Church who are already making a case for a plane ticket north.

What will decide the 2026 season for the St. Louis Cardinals?In this episode of the Redbird Rundown, Matt, Jonathan, and Scott break down the biggest make-or-break storylines that could define the year — from rotation health to roster surprises.We’re also joined by special guest Daniel Shoptaw (C70 on Twitter) to hear what storylines he’s watching most closely.Plus, Jonathan highlights a lesser-known Cardinals figure in honor of Black History Month — a story every Cards fan should know.• Ranking the Top 3 Make-or-Break Storylines for 2026• Rotation health, young player development & roster depth• Guest interview with Daniel Shoptaw• Black History Month Cardinals spotlight• Final thoughts heading into the season• Cardinals on My Time• Random Cardinal of the Week• Full episodes on YouTubeIf you enjoyed the episode:⭐ Follow & rate on Spotify📢 Share with a fellow Cardinals fan💬 Leave us a reviewTwitter/X: @redbirdrundown2Facebook: Redbird Rundown PodcastBluesky: @redbirdrundown.bsky.socialInstagram: Redbird Rundown PodcastTikTok: @redbird.rundown.pKeep those rally caps on… Let’s go Cards! 🔴⚾#Cardinals #STLCards #MLBPodcast⚾ What We Talk About📺 Check Out More Redbird Rundown👍 Help the Show Grow🔗 Follow Redbird Rundown Everywhere

In this special Black History Month edition of Random Cardinal of the Week, we look at the man who revitalized the Cardinals' outfield during one of the toughest decades in franchise history. Arnold Ray "Bake" McBride didn't even play high school baseball in his hometown of Fulton, Missouri—yet he became a 37th-round draft pick who took the National League by storm.In this episode, we dive into:The Pitcher Who Could Run: How a college pitcher from Westminster showed up to an open tryout at Busch Stadium and was converted to the outfield on the spot because of his world-class sprint speed.A Historic 1974: A deep dive into the "Revelation" season where McBride hit .309, stole 30 bases, and became the first African-American player in St. Louis Cardinals history to win the NL Rookie of the Year.The 25-Inning Dash: The legendary story of McBride scoring the winning run in a seven-hour marathon against the Mets—the second-longest game in MLB history at the time.The .300 Club: The significance of the 1974 all-Black outfield—McBride, Lou Brock, and Reggie Smith—the first Cardinals unit since 1902 to have every member hit over .300.A Misunderstood Legacy: Addressing the "bad rap" McBride faced regarding his injuries and his quiet nature, as defended by his mentor and teammate, Lou Brock.From his iconic Afro and effortless speed in St. Louis to his "Shake and Bake" years in Philadelphia and his eventual induction into the Phillies Wall of Fame, Bake McBride’s journey is the ultimate story of a local kid proving everyone wrong.Key Statistics & Facts:Accolades: 1974 NL Rookie of the Year, 1976 All-Star, 1980 World Series Champion.Cardinals History: One of only two Black Cardinals to ever win Rookie of the Year (alongside Vince Coleman).The Record: Held the Westminster College record for the 220-yard dash.

Could things actually be worse in St. Louis than they are on the South Side?This week, Scott Plaza is joined by Sean Anderson (@Sean_W_Anderson) of CHGO White Sox (@CHGO_WhiteSox) to perform a "rebuild wellness check" on two of baseball's most storied (and currently struggling) franchises. While Cardinals fans are bracing for a "reset," White Sox fans are finally seeing light at the end of a very dark, 121-loss tunnel.In this episode, we dive into:Major League Caliber?: Scott compares the Cardinals' young core (Winn, Weatherholt, Burleson) to the "slow trickle" of talent the Sox saw in 2025.The Murakami Shock: How the White Sox landed Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami and what it says about their front office's new direction.The Luis Robert Jr. Autopsy: Reflecting on the "Era of Ifs" and whether the trade to the Mets was a masterstroke or a missed opportunity.The Fedde Reunion: Why an old friend is heading back to Chicago after a stint in St. Louis.The 2026 Wager: Scott and Sean put a CHGO Diehard membership on the line—who wins more games this season?Whether you're a Redbird hopeful or a South Side survivor, this episode breaks down the thin line between a "reset" and a total collapse.Follow the Show:Twitter: @mrplaztastic17 | @redbirdrundown2Subscribe to Redbird Rundown for weekly episodes and "Random Cardinal of the Week" every Friday!

The St. Louis Cardinals are heading to Jupiter, Florida, and we’re building the ultimate “packing list” for the players who need a big spring. Andy, Matt, Jonathan, and Scott each pick position players, pitchers, and under-the-radar guys and decide what survival item and luxury item they need to take the next step in 2026.We talk names like Jordan Walker, Lars Nootbaar, Matthew Liberatore, Ivan Herrera, Tink Hence, and more — plus rookies, non-roster invitees, and career minor leaguers who need to pack for the long haul.Then in honor of Black History Month, we spotlight a lesser-known Cardinals figure whose story deserves more attention and share one key takeaway for fans.If you love Cardinals talk with a fun twist, this one’s for you.Follow & SubscribeFollow on Spotify and Apple PodcastsWatch on YouTubeMore shows: Cardinals on My Time, Random Cardinal of the WeekRedbird Rundown SocialsTwitter/X: @redbirdrundown2Bluesky: @redbirdrundown.bsky.socialFacebook: Redbird Rundown PodcastInstagram: Redbird Rundown PodcastTikTok: @redbird.rundown.pLeave a review, share with a friend, and keep those rally caps on. Let’s go Cards! 🔴🐦#STLCards #CardinalsPodcast #MLB #SpringTraining

In honor of Black History Month, Random Cardinal of the Week steps away from the usual deep cuts to profile a true pioneer. Meet William Henry Greason, the man who broke the pitching color barrier for the St. Louis Cardinals.While the story of Jackie Robinson is well-known, the integration of the Cardinals—the southernmost and westernmost team in MLB at the time—was a unique struggle set against the backdrop of a deeply segregated St. Louis.In this episode, we explore:The Hero Before the Mound: Greason’s service as one of the first Black Marines, including his time in combat at the Battle of Iwo Jima.The Birmingham Black Barons: His years in the Negro Leagues playing alongside a teenage phenom named Willie Mays.Integrating the Birds on the Bat: The business and social pressures that led Gussie Busch to finally integrate the roster in 1954, and Greason’s historic debut at Wrigley Field.A Century of Resilience: How Greason transitioned from the mound to the ministry, serving the Birmingham community for decades during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.From growing up across the street from Martin Luther King Jr. to throwing out the first pitch at Rickwood Field at 100 years old, Bill Greason’s legacy is a testament to perseverance in the face of the "gentleman’s agreement" and Jim Crow.Key Statistics & Facts:MLB Debut: May 31, 1954 (First Black pitcher in Cardinals history).Negro Leagues: 2.84 ERA with the 1948 Birmingham Black Barons.Longevity: As of 2026, Bill Greason remains the oldest living Negro Leagues veteran at 101 years old.#BlackHistoryMonth #STLCards #NegroLeagues #BillGreason #MLBHistory #StLouisCardinals

Spring Training 2026 is underway at the newly renovated Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, and the vibes are… vibin'. As the Cardinals embrace a true rebuild, the rotation is a blank slate.This week on Cardinals On My Time, Scott Plaza is joined by Josh Jacobs (Site Expert at Redbird Rants) to perform a "vibes check" on the pitching staff. We move past the box scores and look at the "Dude vs. Guy" spectrum: Who is a cornerstone you build a franchise around, and who is just a bridge to the next era?In this episode:The Rotation Locks: We break down why Matthew Liberatore, Dustin May, and Michael McGreevy are the only names written in pen—and where they fall on the "Dude" scale.The "Guy" Gauntlet: Sorting through the depth of Kyle Leahy, Richard Fitts, and Andre Pallante. Is Pallante a long-term piece or the ultimate trade bait?Prospect Heat: Why the industry is sleeping on Quinn Mathews and why Brandon Clarke might be the highest-ceiling "Dude" in the system.2026 Projections: We react to PECOTA’s brutal 66-win projection. Are the Cardinals really the 5th-best team in a weak NL Central?Follow the show:Twitter: @MrPlaztastic17 | @RedbirdRundown2Guest: @Joshjaco98Read more: RedbirdRants.comIf you’re enjoying the show, please Like, Subscribe, and let us know in the comments: Who is the one "Dude" the Cardinals cannot afford to lose this season?

The Cardinals made another big move — and this one might shape the next few seasons.On this episode of Redbird Rundown, we break down the Brendan Donovan trade and all of its ripple effects. What did Donovan mean to the Cardinals during his time in St. Louis? How should fans feel about the return, and what does this deal signal about the organization’s direction heading into 2026? We also step back and give Chaim Bloom an overall offseason grade if this ends up being his final move.Plus, we dig into a major change for Cardinals fans: a new way to watch games this season. MLB will now produce and distribute Cardinals broadcasts, with games available on traditional cable and through Cardinals.TV — no blackouts, new pricing, and more details still to come.To wrap things up, Jonathan kicks off a new segment in honor of Black History Month, spotlighting a lesser-known Cardinal whose story deserves more attention — and why their legacy still matters today.If you love smart Cardinals conversation without the hot-take nonsense, you’re in the right place.👉 Subscribe, rate, and review — it really helps the show grow.Twitter/X: @redbirdrundown2Bluesky: @redbirdrundown.bsky.socialFacebook: Redbird Rundown PodcastInstagram: Redbird Rundown PodcastTikTok: @redbird.rundown.pFollow Redbird Rundown

In this episode, we revisit a night in September 2001 that should have been the start of a legendary career. Bud Smith was the Cardinals' #1 prospect—ranked even higher than a young Albert Pujols. At just 21 years old, he achieved what Bob Gibson and Jesse Haines only did once, and what modern aces like Adam Wainwright never could: he threw a no-hitter.But while Bud Smith still holds the title of the last Cardinal to throw a "no-no," his story is also one of the most mysterious "What Ifs" in franchise history.In this episode, we discuss:The Ranking: A look back at the 2001 prospect list where Bud Smith sat at the top, just ahead of future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols.The Masterpiece: The 134-pitch marathon in San Diego where a rookie navigated a lineup featuring Rickey Henderson, Tony Gwynn, and Ryan Klesko.The Trade: How a no-hit hero was packaged in the deal for Scott Rolen, only to never pitch in the Big Leagues again.The Curse: Why the Cardinals haven’t seen a no-hitter in over two decades since Bud walked off the mound."Sometimes the brightest flames burn out the fastest."

The Brendan Donovan era in St. Louis has officially come to an end. After months of "waiting to be blown away," Chaim Bloom pulled the trigger on a complex three-team deal with the Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays.On today's episode, Scott Plaza is joined by Redbird Farmhands, Aidan Gray (Redbirds on the Arch), and Roman Rodriguez to answer the big questions:Did the Cardinals win the trade? We weigh the loss of Donnie’s leadership against a prospect haul headlined by switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje and athlete Tai Peete.The "Peachtree" Report: Farmhands shares his personal history playing with Tai Peete and what Cardinals fans should expect from the young outfielder.The Rays Factor: Why does everyone get nervous when Tampa Bay enters a trade? Roman gives us the outside perspective on Colton Ledbetter and the "conveyor belt of value."Vegas Disrespect: The over/under for 2026 is sitting at 69.5 wins. Are the Cardinals really a 70-win team, or is there value in the "scraps"?Follow the guests: Twitter/X: @MrPlaztastic17, @RedbirdFarm, @AidanGraygray8, @Rome_De_RodAvailable on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your baseball fix.

ZIPS projections are out… and Cardinals fans are once again staring straight into the void.In this episode of Redbird Rundown, we dig into Dan Szymborski’s ZIPS projections from FanGraphs and ask the only questions that matter:👉 Are the Cardinals actually better than they look on paper?👉 Who’s being underrated, overrated, or outright disrespected?👉 And how much copium is too much copium?We break down:Mason Winn’s surprising place among MLB shortstopsWhy the offense still feels… thinBullpen projections that don’t pass the sniff testOptimism (and skepticism) around Jordan Walker, Victor Scott II, Nolan Gorman, and Brendan DonovanWhy JJ Weatherholt has become the fanbase’s collective emotional support prospectAnd how stolen bases might quietly become this team’s identityPlus:🧠 A very real debate about truth vs. consequences🩺 A shockingly detailed discussion of the piriformis💸 $100 over/under bets that may or may not age terriblyThis isn’t doom. This isn’t blind optimism.It’s January Cardinals baseball discourse at its purest.Follow Redbird Rundown:🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/redbirdrundown2📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedbirdRundownPodcast🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/redbirdrundown.bsky.social📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbirdrundownpodcast🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@redbird.rundown.p

In the premiere episode of Random Cardinal of the Week, we look back at one of the most talented—and tragic—shortstops to ever wear the uniform: Khalil Greene.Acquired in December 2008 to anchor a position previously held by legends like "The Wizard," Greene arrived in St. Louis with a highlight reel that rivaled the best in the game. But beneath the diving plays and the "monster" power he showed in San Diego, a much tougher battle was brewing.In this episode:The Trade: Why the Cardinals gave up future steady reliever Luke Gregerson to get Greene.The Hope: A blistering .408 spring training and the rare sight of a shortstop batting cleanup on Opening Day behind Albert Pujols.The Struggle: The heartbreaking reality of Greene’s battle with Social Anxiety Disorder and how the mental rigors of the game eventually led to his retirement at just 29 years old.The Legacy: How Adam Wainwright’s account of Greene’s "quiet exit" reminds us that the toughest battles in baseball never show up in the box score.Khalil Greene’s time in St. Louis was short, and it didn't end with a parade. However, his story remains a vital chapter in Cardinals history—a reminder that the "mental game" is more than just a cliché.#STLCards #MLBHistory #KhalilGreene

What stat actually defines Alec Burleson’s value to the Cardinals?On this episode of The Redbird Rundown, we’re drafting the Baseball Savant metrics we believe matter most when evaluating Alec Burleson—both now and in the years ahead. After a quick five-word vibe check from the past week, we jump into a stat draft designed to separate the noise from the numbers that truly matter.Using 15 Baseball Savant metrics (batting, fielding, and baserunning), Matt, Scott, and Jonathan each build their case for what best captures Burleson’s current role and future upside, with Andy facilitating and weighing in along the way.Burleson’s role with the Cardinals right nowWhy advanced stats and percentiles matterDrafting analytics with real stakes (once a stat is picked, it’s gone)Post-draft debate and final thoughts on Burly’s outlookIf you enjoy Cardinals talk that blends analytics, thoughtful debate, and fan perspective, you’re in the right place.⭐ Follow, rate, and review the show—it really helps us growTwitter/X: @redbirdrundown2Facebook: Redbird Rundown PodcastBluesky: @redbirdrundown.bsky.socialTikTok: @redbird.rundown.pInstagram: Redbird Rundown PodcastThanks for listening, and as always—keep those rally caps on.Topics include:

The Cardinals are officially rebuilding, but the energy at the 2026 Winter Warm-Up didn't feel like a 73-win team. Today, we’re recapping our time at Busch Stadium, featuring exclusive interview reactions from the next generation of St. Louis baseball.In this episode:The Leadership Gap: How Alec Burleson and Masyn Winn are handling the "Veteran" tag at age 27.The Pitching Lab: Why everyone from Andre Pallante to Gordon Graceffo is throwing the "Kick Change" this spring.JJ Wetherholt is Legit: Why the star prospect isn't just looking for "experience" in Jupiter—he’s looking to make the Opening Day roster.The Bloom Checklist: Chaim Bloom has cleared the books, but the roster isn't finished. We discuss the catcher logjam and the search for a veteran right-handed bat (Bader? Andujar?).Timestamps: 0:00 – Cold Open: Winter Warm-Up Vibes 2:15 – The New Clubhouse Culture: Burleson, Winn, & Saggese 5:30 – The Pitching Rotation: Is Quinn Mathews on the outside looking in? 8:45 – Andre Pallante & Michael McGreevy: The "91-Day" Veteran 12:10 – What is a "Kick Change"? 14:30 – JJ Wetherholt’s Mission for Spring Training 18:20 – Chaim Bloom’s Remaining Offseason Checklist 22:15 – The Brendan Donovan & Jojo Romero Trade RumorsFollow Scott: @MrPlaztastic17 on Twitter/X Follow Thomas: @ThomasGauvain#STLCards #Cardinals #MLB #JJWetherholt #ChaimBloom #WinterWarmUp #MasynWinn #BaseballPodcast

It finally happened — the Cardinals traded Nolan Arenado.On this episode of The Redbird Rundown, Andy, Matt, Jonathan, and Scott react to the long-anticipated Nolan Arenado trade to the Arizona Diamondbacks. We unpack the full deal, reflect on Arenado’s time in St. Louis, and discuss what the move means for the Cardinals’ future at third base.Scott also joins with live insight from Cardinals Winter Warm-Up, and we kick things off with our weekly vibe check to capture the mood of Cardinals Nation.Nolan Arenado traded to ArizonaInitial reactions before the detailsCardinals receive RHP Jack MartinezWhat’s next at 3B in 2026 and beyond?Winter Warm-Up notes from the sceneIf you enjoy the show, please follow, rate, and review — it truly helps us grow.Follow The Redbird Rundown on Twitter/X, Bluesky, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram for daily Cardinals talk.⚾ In this episode:

Scott Plaza is joined by Jake Wood of Viva El Birdos to break down the blockbuster trade sending Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks. We discuss the $26 million cash swap, the return of Jack Martinez, and why Chaim Bloom finally hit the "reset" button on the veteran core.We also dive into the fallout for the rest of the roster: • The Winners: Who takes over at third base? Weatherholt, Gorman, or Saggese? • The Rumors: Is Brendan Donovan the next to go? Analyzing the Giants' aggressive pursuit. • The Rankings: Ivan Herrera cracks the MLB Top 100—is he a catcher or a future DH?Follow Jake! • Read Viva El Birdos: vivaelbirdos.com (http://vivaelbirdos.com) • Jake Wood on X: @Woodbat28 (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://twitter.com/Woodbat28)

Welcome back to Redbird Rundown, your go-to podcast for everything St. Louis Cardinals ⚾️Andy is joined by Matt, Jonathan, and welcoming Scott Plaza as a new regular voice on the show. You’ll be hearing a lot more from Scott (@MrPlaztastic17 on X) moving forward — on this podcast and beyond.On this episode, we start with a quick vibe check from the past week (five words or less), then dive into recent Cardinals bullpen moves, including:The trade for LHP Justin Bruihl from the Cleveland GuardiansThe signing of veteran reliever Ryne StanekAfter that, we take an analytical deep dive into Masyn Winn. Cardinals fans already know the elite defense — but what does Winn need to improve offensively to take the next step?Why has power been slow to develop?What changes could unlock his bat?Can Winn become a true two-way star for the Cardinals?If you enjoy the show, please share, subscribe, and leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — it really helps us grow.Follow Redbird Rundown:Facebook: Redbird Rundown PodcastTwitter/X: @redbirdrundown2Bluesky: redbirdrundown.bsky.socialWatch full episodes on YouTube and stay locked in for all things Cardinals baseball.

In this family fun version of Redbird Rundown, the wives of the guys hop on to give hot takes, play some games, and offer advice to all those people out there with a spouse or partner who just can't quit the Birds.Thanks for supporting the show! Follow, rate, and review to help grow the community.

Willson Contreras was an awesome part of the Cardinals in a bad era. The guys reflect on his time in St. Louis - including what worked and what didn't. Then, they speculate on the position player side of the roster as is and dive into the prospect return.Thanks for supporting the show! Follow, rate, and review to help grow the community.

With the offseason creeping along, the guys do a proper deep dive into Dustin May. They talk about his repertoire, pedigree as a prospect, injury history, and what might make him more successful as a Cardinal. After this pod, you'll know Dustin May as well as his own mom does.Thanks for supporting the show! Follow, rate, and review to help grow the community.