Bernie Central

The St. Louis Cardinals have officially fallen from Major League Baseball's financial elite and will receive revenue sharing payments for the first time ever. Bernie Miklasz breaks down the shocking data behind this decline and what it means for the future of the franchise under the DeWitt ownership. Key Takeaways: * A Historic Shift: For the first time since the program began in 1996, the Cardinals are revenue sharing recipients rather than payers. * Attendance Freefall: Home attendance dropped to 2.2 million in 2024, the lowest full-season average since 1984. * The "Small Market" Reality: The team is now financially grouped with franchises like the Oakland A's, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Miami Marlins. * Financial Hits: Ticket revenue is down 31% over two seasons, and the TV broadcast deal was slashed by 23%. * Ownership Accountability: Bernie argues that the DeWitt family is responsible for the product's decline by neglecting player development and spending poorly. * The Rebuild Road: Chaim Bloom faces a massive challenge in winning back a fanbase that has grown apathetic. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should the St. Louis Cardinals trade fan-favorite Brendan Donovan? On this episode of The Bernie Show, Bernie Miklasz argues that while it hurts to lose a leader, trading Donovan might be the smartest move for the franchise's rebuild. Bernie dives into the numbers, highlighting how Donovan ranks among the league's best in OBP and wRC+, but explains why his contract timeline and the rise of top prospect JJ Wetherholt make him a prime trade candidate. Bernie also reacts to reports that the Cardinals need to be "blown away" by an offer and discusses how potential moves involving Nolan Arenado or Lars Nootbaar could impact Donovan’s future. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willson Contreras is reportedly open to waiving his no-trade clause, signaling a major shift for the St. Louis Cardinals' offseason. On today's Bernie Show, Bernie Miklasz dives deep into the latest reporting from The Athletic’s Katie Woo and what it means for the franchise. Bernie analyzes the pros and cons of trading the veteran slugger. On one hand, moving Contreras clears payroll and opens up first base for Alec Burleson and potentially Lars Nootbaar in the outfield. On the other hand, Bernie highlights stats that prove Contreras is one of the top right-handed hitters in baseball, ranking alongside names like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge in offensive production. Is the return worth the loss of offense? ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eli Drinkwitz is staying in Columbia with a massive contract extension, but is Mizzou Football ready to take the next step? On today’s episode of The Bernie Show, Bernie Miklasz dives deep into the numbers behind the Drinkwitz era. Bernie compares the program's winning percentage before and after Drinkwitz arrived, debates the "strength of schedule" criticism, and highlights the one glaring hole in the coach's resume: his record against Top 10 teams. With Drinkwitz now paid like an elite SEC coach, Bernie explains why the fans and administration have the right to demand elite results starting now. Plus, a huge day for sports fans in the Show-Me State as DraftKings Sportsbook officially goes live in Missouri. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🌊 Sponsored by Saint Louis Hot Tub Warehouse, premium hot tubs, price match guarantee. Visit BestHotTubPrices.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Miklasz reacts to the major news of Chaim Bloom dealing starting pitcher Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox. In this episode of The Bernie Show, Bernie analyzes the return package including hard-throwing lefty Brandon Clark and MLB-ready right-hander Richard Fitts. Bernie dives deep into why this move signals a definitive shift in the St. Louis Cardinals' strategy and compares Bloom's decisiveness to the hesitation shown by John Mozeliak regarding Ryan Helsley and Erick Fedde in previous seasons. He also examines Sonny Gray's drastic home vs. road splits and why moving the 36-year-old pitcher fits the Cardinals' rebuilding timeline. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Bernie Show, Bernie Miklasz highlights the rapid rise of St. Louis Cardinals catching prospect Rainiel Rodriguez. At just 18 years old, Rodriguez is drawing comparisons to some of the game's biggest stars due to his historic offensive production in the minor leagues. Bernie breaks down the stats, including his impressive weighted runs created plus (wRC+), and discusses Baseball America's scouting report that praises his elite bat speed and power. Bernie also looks at the history of teenage catchers debuting in the MLB, citing legends like Pudge Rodriguez and Ted Simmons, to predict when Cardinals fans might see Rainiel in St. Louis. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🌊 Sponsored by Saint Louis Hot Tub Warehouse, premium hot tubs, price match guarantee. Visit BestHotTubPrices.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Miklasz breaks down the St. Louis Cardinals' 2025-2026 offseason by ranking the organization's top trade candidates based on their market value. With Chaim Bloom calling the shots, which players are safe and who might be on the move? In this episode, Bernie counts down from number 10 to number 1, analyzing the trade value of veterans like Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray, as well as young stars like Jordan Walker and Lars Nootbaar. Plus, Bernie discusses why Brendan Donovan might be the team's most valuable trade chip this winter. Later in the show, get ready for the "Bernie Guarantee" as he predicts the outcome of the Chiefs vs. Colts game. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🌊 Sponsored by Saint Louis Hot Tub Warehouse, premium hot tubs, price match guarantee. Visit BestHotTubPrices.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Miklasz is back on The Bernie Show at STL Sports Central, presented by DraftKings. In this episode, Bernie takes a hard look at Jordan Walker's performance over the last two seasons and asks the tough questions: Is he the worst position player in baseball right now, and can he turn it around in 2026? Bernie dives deep into the analytics, highlighting Walker's concerning plate discipline and negative WAR. However, it is not all doom and gloom. Bernie examines historical comparisons, looking at players like Carlos Beltrán, Wil Myers, and Brett Baty, who struggled at age 23 but found success later. Can the new Cardinals development team, led by Chaim Bloom and Rob Cerfolio, unlock Walker's potential? ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Bernie Show on STL Sports Central, Bernie Miklasz argues that for Mizzou football to truly compete with the heavyweights of the SEC, they need a financial game-changer. Bernie points to the massive success of programs like Oregon (Phil Knight) and Texas Tech (Cody Campbell) to show how billionaire donors can fast-track a team to the top. Bernie proposes a controversial solution: Stan Kroenke. Despite the lingering bad blood regarding the Rams' departure from St. Louis, Bernie explains why the "Man from Mora" is the only person with the resources to turn Mizzou into a perennial contender. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Miklasz returns for another episode of The Bernie Show on STL Sports Central, presented by DraftKings. In this episode, Bernie sounds off on the absolute chaos of the college football coaching carousel. With rumors swirling around Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin potentially leaving for Florida or LSU while the season is still active, Bernie asks the hard questions: Why are contracts not binding? Why is tampering allowed and even endorsed by university administrators? Bernie breaks down the influence of super-agent Jimmy Sexton and compares the college football landscape to Major League Baseball to show just how ridiculous the current system is. Later in the show, Bernie discusses what this chaotic environment means for Mizzou Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz. Could Drinkwitz be a target for big openings? ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie breaks down a growing St. Louis sports debate. Fans love comparing the St. Louis Blues and the St. Louis Cardinals, but are the Blues held to the same standard. In this episode, Bernie looks at the Blues terrible 2025 start, their payroll decisions, the lack of effort on the ice, and the long term issues that Doug Armstrong and Alexander Steen must face if a rebuild becomes necessary. Bernie also explains why the Cardinals struggles are rooted in talent and direction, not culture or effort, and how Chaim Bloom is reshaping the organization from top to bottom. Later, Bernie checks in on his Mizzou prediction as the Tigers crushed Mississippi State behind a dominant rushing attack. 🌊 Sponsored by Saint Louis Hot Tub Warehouse, premium hot tubs, price match guarantee. Visit BestHotTubPrices.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chaim Bloom has already helped rebuild the St. Louis Cardinals farm system into FanGraphs’ No. 1 ranked pipeline in Major League Baseball, but now the pressure shifts to the big league club and a massive 2025 to 2026 offseason.  In today’s episode of The Bernie Show on STL Sports Central, Bernie Miklasz explains why this winter is Bloom’s first real “prove it” moment as Cardinals president of baseball operations. Bernie details how Bloom overhauled player development, highlights the Joshua Baez transformation as an example of the new system working, and contrasts that with how prospects like Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker never got this level of help on their way up. Bernie also digs into Bloom’s messy exit from Boston, including the anonymous front office criticism that he was “too indecisive” and the “analysis by paralysis” label, then shows how Bloom says he has learned from that experience and rebuilt his leadership style around alignment and clear accountability in St. Louis. From there, Bernie lays out the huge questions in front of Bloom this offseason. Will he move Sonny Gray to a contender. Can he find the right Nolan Arenado trade. Is Brendan Donovan the piece that brings back a cost controlled starter. Does Lars Nootbaar become a chip for more upside or more depth. What happens with Willson Contreras and the rest of the core as the Cardinals try to turn an elite farm system into a legitimate contender.  Plus, in the weekly Bernie Guarantee presented by St. Louis Hot Tub Warehouse, Bernie gives his pick on Missouri vs Mississippi State, explains why he is taking Mizzou on the moneyline, and leans on the Tigers rushing attack against a soft Mississippi State run defense, with Missouri sitting as roughly a touchdown favorite at home.  He wraps by circling back to Bloom’s own challenge to St. Louis, including his recent comments with Randy Karraker inviting fans and media to “come at me” and hold him accountable. Cardinals fans want action, not slogans, and this winter is where Bloom can finally bust up the old Boston narrative and show who he is in his second chance. 🌊 Sponsored by Saint Louis Hot Tub Warehouse, premium hot tubs, price match guarantee. Visit BestHotTubPrices.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Miklasz breaks down a surprising note from The Athletic suggesting the St. Louis Cardinals would listen on Iván Herrera. Bernie explains why Herrera is one of St. Louis’ most valuable hitters, how his elite production against left handed pitching changes the conversation, and what Chaim Bloom should demand in any trade talks. Bernie also lays out the few reasons the Cardinals might even consider it, including Herrera’s injuries, defensive questions, and the crowded catcher pipeline with Rainiel Rodriguez, Jimmy Crooks, Leonardo Bernal, and Pedro Pages. 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Miklasz dives deep into Sonny Gray’s future with the St. Louis Cardinals. With a massive $35 million salary due in 2026 and a no-trade clause to consider, Bernie breaks down why Chaim Bloom may look to trade Gray this offseason, and why it makes perfect sense for the Cardinals’ long-term rebuild. 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Miklasz takes the gloves off on the latest St. Louis chatter about bringing back Miles Mikolas for 2026. The stats are brutal, the road splits are worse, and the franchise has moved on. With Chaim Bloom reshaping the St. Louis Cardinals, this episode lays out why a Mikolas reunion is a non-starter and what a sensible pitching plan looks like instead: short-term bargains, depth buys, possible trades for controllable arms, and selective looks at Japan and the KBO. He also discusses why leaning on “innings eater” narratives and clubhouse quotes misses the point in 2026. 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Miklasz breaks down Missouri’s 38–17 loss to No. 3 Texas A&M, why true freshman QB Matt Zollers struggled in his first start, and how the Tigers’ coaching staff set him up for a long day. He digs into predictable route concepts, protection issues, and the SEC-only numbers that show Mizzou’s passing offense has cratered. We also look at the broader trend under Eli Drinkwitz, strong against unranked opponents, not good enough vs ranked teams, and what has to change now. 🌊 Sponsored by Saint Louis Hot Tub Warehouse, premium hot tubs, price match guarantee. Visit BestHotTubPrices.com 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Miklasz breaks down Alec Burleson’s breakout 2025 season, his surprising Silver Slugger win, and why the St. Louis Cardinals young slugger may finally be earning the recognition he deserves. Bernie compares Burleson to Brendan Donovan, highlights his major defensive improvements, and makes the case for why St. Louis should consider locking him up long-term. Plus: Bernie’s first “Bernie Guarantee” of the season presented by St. Louis Hot Tub Warehouse, where he previews Mizzou vs. No. 3 Texas A&M and predicts whether the Tigers can cover the spread .🌊 Sponsored by Saint Louis Hot Tub Warehouse, premium hot tubs, price match guarantee. Visit BestHotTubPrices.com 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Miklasz breaks down the wild scene in Washington where Alex Ovechkin scored his 900th career goal and Jordan Binnington briefly tucked the puck into his pants before a linesman retrieved it. He talks about why Binnington did it, how it landed with fans and media, and what it reveals about a brutal start for the Blues. Then Bernie dives into the goaltending metrics, quality starts, high-danger save rates, and where this season has gone wrong in front of the crease. 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Miklasz lays out an 8-point blueprint for Chaim Bloom’s first full St. Louis Cardinals offseason as President of Baseball Operations. No shortcuts, no empty promises, just a realistic plan to modernize the franchise and build a winner. 🔥 Get your first month free at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ https://bluechew.com 👑 Presented by DraftKings. The Crown is Yours. 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices