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Cards Central
Cards Central
Author: STL Sports Central
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Cards Central from STL Sports Central is the home for all of the latest St. Louis Cardinals content.
Featuring Cards Central 365, our daily Cardinals show hosted by Joe Roderick along with Cardinals Radio Network Broadcaster Mike Claiborne, Bob Ramsey, Brenden Schaeffer, Ryan Fagan.
STL Sports Central will also have a post-game show for each Cardinals game right here on the Cards Central podcast channel.
246 Episodes
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In this holiday edition of Card Central 365, Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaefer dive into the uncertain future of Cardinals standout Brendan Donovan and the broader direction of the organization under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. Schaefer explains why, despite personally wishing for a long-term extension for Donovan, he believes the Cardinals are more likely to trade him while his value is at its peak following an All-Star season, especially given the club’s ongoing payroll reset and prospect-focused approach. The discussion also touches on recent salary-shedding moves, the organization’s long-term rebuild timeline, and why the front office appears to be prioritizing cost control and flexibility over immediate contention. The episode closes with holiday well-wishes and reflections on how young players like Jordan Walker, Masyn Winn, and Victor Scott will ultimately shape how quickly the Cardinals can return to contention.
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Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox have discussed a trade involving Brendan Donovan, but does this deal make sense after the Willson Contreras move?
Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan break down why Chaim Bloom should stop making small deals with his former team and instead focus on a blockbuster package.
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Cardinals President of Baseball Operations, Chaim Bloom talks with the media after Sunday's trade of Willson Contreras
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The St. Louis Cardinals have traded Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox, but fans are asking if the return package moves the needle for 2026.
We take a deep dive into the new arms headed to St. Louis and where they fit into a crowded, competitive rotation picture.
In this episode of Cards Central 365, Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down the acquisition of Hunter Dobbins and his recovery from a torn ACL. We analyze whether Dobbins is a day-one starter or a depth piece alongside Andre Pallante and Kyle Leahy.
Plus, we look at the high-upside "lottery ticket" prospects included in the deal and what Chaim Bloom’s strategy reveals about the Cardinals' future.
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BREAKING: Willson Contreras is being traded to the Red Sox, per Jeff Passan
Joe Roderick, Randy Karraker, and Brenden Schaeffer bring you the latest news as the details of the trade unfolds
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Ethan Hannaford and Hunter Mulholland bring you Cards Central 365 where they discuss their most intriguing storylines for the 2026 St Louis Cardinals.
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With the St. Louis Cardinals introducing Dustin May to the roster for 2026, the biggest question isn't just about his health, but who actually takes the ball on Opening Day against the Rays.
Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan break down why Matthew Liberatore might deserve the nod over the new acquisition and how Chaim Bloom's new front office could construct the starting five.
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The MLB Hot Stove is officially burning and the St. Louis Cardinals are right in the middle of the rumors.
With the Baltimore Orioles making aggressive moves for star players, could a specific Cardinals lefty reliever be the next piece of their championship puzzle?
Joe Roderick and Ryan Fagan break down the latest buzz surrounding the Redbirds and the rest of the league.
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The St. Louis Cardinals have officially introduced Dustin May, but questions remain about his recovery from a life-threatening esophageal injury.
We break down his first comments to the media, his weight-gain goals for Spring Training, and why this "experimental" signing could be the steal of the offseason.
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Brendan Donovan has finally spoken out regarding the swirling trade rumors, and his comments suggest he knows a move is coming. Joe and Grant break down why Chaim Bloom might be forced to create a bidding war now rather than waiting for the deadline.
In this episode:
* Donovan’s Candid Admission: Hear what Brendan Donovan said at the "Dealin’ the Cards" fundraiser about leaving St. Louis.
* The "Sell High" Debate: Why trading Donovan with two years of control left might be the smartest (but hardest) business move.
* WBC Roster Shock: Nolan Arenado leaves Team USA to play for Puerto Rico under manager Yadier Molina.
* Dustin May Update: The latest on when the ink will dry on the new pitcher's contract.
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The rumors surrounding a Brendan Donovan trade are intensifying, with reports indicating that nearly 18 teams have reached out to the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe and Brenden analyze the potential return packages from top contenders like the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants, debating if the Cardinals can land a premium arm like Bryce Miller.
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The St. Louis Cardinals have added former Dodgers phenom Dustin May to their pitching staff, but what does this move mean for the existing rotation? Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer analyze the low-risk, high-reward signing and predict a blockbuster trade involving Brendan Donovan could happen before Christmas.
In this episode:
* The Dustin May Archetype: Why Chaim Bloom and the front office targeted May despite his injury history.
* Contract Strategy: How the deal offers flexibility for a deadline flip or a long-term extension.
* Rotation Battles: Does Dustin May push Andre Pallante or Richard Fitts to the bullpen (or Triple-A)?
* Brendan Donovan Rumors: Why the guys believe a Donovan trade is imminent and which teams (Giants/Mariners) are frontrunners.
* Switch-Pitcher Target: The intrigue surrounding Mariners prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje.
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Just a day following their acquisition of Free Agent Starting Pitcher Dustin May, Ethan Hannaford and Hunter Mulholland bring you Cards Central 365 to break down their thoughts and reactions to the addition.
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Why do modern MLB teams bat power hitters like Kyle Schwarber and Aaron Judge first instead of the traditional speedsters of the past? CBS Sports’ Matt Snyder joins the show to reveal the hidden history and analytics behind baseball's most important lineup change.
Key Takeaways:
- The Shift: How the role of the leadoff man evolved from "get on and steal" to "hit nukes immediately."
- Smoltz vs. Analytics: Matt shares a fiery story about Hall of Famer John Smoltz’s disdain for power hitters in the #1 spot.
- Cardinals History: Where legends like Lou Brock, Vince Coleman, and Matt Carpenter fit into the all-time rankings.
- Hall of Fame Debate: The case for Kenny Lofton and why the voters got it wrong.
- Historical Oddities: Crazy stats from the Negro Leagues and the story of the one-armed leadoff hitter.Buy the Book:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G5JY3NVG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
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Is Jordan Walker the key to the Cardinals' 2026 resurgence or a trade chip waiting to happen? Manager Oli Marmol dropped some major hints about the young slugger's future on STL Sports Central that every fan needs to hear. Ryan Fagan and Joe Roderick break down the metrics, the trade rumors, and the one specific pitch Walker must conquer to stay in the lineup.
Key Takeaways:
- Marmol’s Vote of Confidence: Why the manager believes Walker is the right fielder of the future.
- The "Untouchable" Status: Analysis of why Walker is staying put while others like Arenado or Nootbaar might be on the block.
- Statcast Deep Dive: A look at Walker’s elite exit velocity and bat speed rankings (90th+ percentile).
The Jo Adell Comparison: How Walker’s trajectory mirrors the Angels’ slugger and what that means for his development.
- The Slider Issue: Identifying the specific plate discipline flaw holding Walker back from stardom.
2026 Outlook: Why the organization is giving him a full "runway" to succeed or fail this season.
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0:00 -- Open
1:10 -- Could Willson ever catch again for the Cardinals if he stays?
2:05 -- What's the best defensive position for JJ when he comes up?
3:35 -- What should Cardinals fans know about Liam Doyle?
4:20 -- The one big change Gorman needs to make in 2026
6:00 -- Walker's growth in 2025 & reasons for expectations in '26
7:55 -- Kyle Leahy's transition from the bullpen to the rotation
9:25 -- What does the next level for Masyn Winn look like?
10:45 -- The luxury in lineup construction if Herrera can play catcher
11:55 -- Oli answers questions from the fans!
-- How the minors taught him to show players that you care
-- People's obsession over the way he wears a hat
-- He finds a rogue comment!
15:05 -- His relationship with St. Louis and the Best Fans in Baseball
17:40 -- Some parting shots for The Cat from the Cardinals manager
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The New York Mets just lost Pete Alonso to the Orioles, and now they are eyeing two St. Louis Cardinals stars to fill the void. Are the Cardinals ready to pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal that sends Willson Contreras and Lars Nootbaar to Queens in exchange for top-tier pitching prospects?
Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down why the Mets' desperation is the Cardinals' opportunity to retool the rotation with young arms.
Key Takeaways:
- The Alonso Domino: How Pete Alonso's $155M deal with Baltimore forces the Mets to pivot quickly.
- The Package: Why bundling Willson Contreras and Lars Nootbaar maximizes the return for St. Louis.
- The Return: Scouting Mets pitching prospects Jonah Tong, Nolan McLean, and Brandon Sproat.
- Payroll Flexibility: How this trade helps the Cardinals reset their financial outlook for 2026.
- Why Not Senga?: Debunking the rumors of a Kodai Senga return to the Cardinals.
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The San Francisco Giants have emerged as a leading candidate to trade for Brendan Donovan, and the return package could be exactly what the Cardinals need. Joe and Brenden break down the specific pitching prospects the Cardinals should target and how a trade of this magnitude would reshape the infield for 2025.
In this episode:
- The Donovan Rumor: Why the Giants are aggressively pursuing Brendan Donovan to compete with the Dodgers and Padres.
- The Return: detailed analysis of Giants pitching prospects Landon Roupp, Carson Whisenhunt, and others.
- Infield Shuffle: How Thomas Saggese, Nolan Gorman, and JJ Wetherholt fit into the lineup if Donovan is moved.
- Rule 5 Draft: The Cardinals select a reliever from the Marlins system but lose a hard-throwing arm to the Yankees.
- MLB Hot Stove: Reaction to Pete Alonso’s massive deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
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Is Brendan Donovan actually available in a trade? Chaim Bloom addresses the rumors head-on, admitting that the Cardinals "have to listen" to offers on core players if they want to acquire elite pitching assets. In this raw audio from the MLB Winter Meetings, Bloom breaks down the team's aggressive strategy and reveals a surprising new development plan to save Ivan Herrera’s career behind the plate.
Key Takeaways:
- Chaim Bloom’s candid response to the Brendan Donovan trade rumors.
- Why the Cardinals are "aggressively hunting" specific pitchers right now.
- The truth about Nolan Gorman’s potential move to shortstop in 2026.
- Details on the new "curriculum" designed to fix Ivan Herrera's defense.
- Why the front office refuses to "tank" like Sam Hinkie's 76ers.
- The strategy behind using the Rule 5 Draft to find hidden gems.
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🎧 You can also listen to this content:
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cards-hub/id1796503718
🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PlArXkIL0cpvSxHjuqjF4
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New reports from the Winter Meetings suggest the St. Louis Cardinals are changing their strategy regarding Lars Nootbaar, which could spell trouble for a fan-favorite infielder. Joe and Brenden break down why the Cardinals are hesitant to sell low on their outfielders and what this means for Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado moving forward.
Key Takeaways:
- The Nootbaar Report: Analysis of why the Cardinals are not actively shopping Lars Nootbaar and the strategy behind waiting for his value to rebound.
- The Lefty Logjam: Why Brendan Donovan is the most likely trade candidate among the left-handed hitting core to maximize return.
- Nolan Gorman's Market: Why trade talk surrounding Gorman has been quiet and his potential role in 2025.
- Arenado Update: Chaim Bloom’s stance on not releasing Arenado and the potential awkwardness of him reporting to Spring Training.
- MLB News: Reactions to Kyle Schwarber re-signing with the Phillies, Steven Matz to the Rays, and World Baseball Classic roster updates.
- Scott Boras Soundbites: A look at the agent's bizarre puns regarding Cody Bellinger's free agency.
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