Bernie Central

St. Louis sports fans have endured one of the most frustrating years in recent memory, and it’s time to be honest about the failures of our major franchises. From the Cardinals' attendance plummeting to the Blues' front office disasters, 2025 has left us shouting "Bah Humbug." In this episode of The Bernie Show, Bernie Miklasz breaks down the good, the bad, and the ugly of St. Louis sports in 2025. While SLU Billikens basketball and Mizzou Football provided some sparks, the collapse of the major pro teams has left a void in the city. Bernie gives his unfiltered take on the Braggin' Rights blowout, the departure of Battlehawks coach Anthony Becht, and why the Blues and City SC missed a golden opportunity to capitalize on the Cardinals' rebuild. ⭐️ 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 🔥 Get 10% off your first month 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

Is Chaim Bloom actually a double agent for the Boston Red Sox? Bernie Miklasz breaks down the conspiracy theories following the trades of Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras to Boston and explains why this massive roster overhaul is actually the smartest move for the St. Louis Cardinals' future. While national analysts like Ken Rosenthal mock the Cardinals for being a "piggy bank" for the Red Sox, the return of young pitching prospects offers years of control that the organization desperately needs. Bernie analyzes the new arms, including Hunter Dobbins and Dustin May, and explains the long-term strategy behind the pain. Plus, stay tuned for the "Bernie Guarantee" as he picks a winner for tonight's Mizzou vs. Illinois Bragging Rights 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

Is St. Louis Cardinals super utility man Brendan Donovan overrated, or is the front office playing 4D chess? Bernie Miklasz dives deep into the metrics and trade rumors to separate the marketing hype from the reality of Donovan's value on the field. In this episode: - The Trade Market: Are the rumors about the Mariners (Colt Emerson) and Giants legitimate or front-office leverage? - The Strategy: How Chaim Bloom is potentially inflating Donovan's value to get a "blown away" offer. - The Data: A statistical breakdown comparing Donovan to 93 other MLB hitters with 2,000+ plate appearances since 2022. - Historical Context: How Donovan's first four seasons stack up against franchise icons like Red Schoendienst and Willie McGee. - The Bernie Guarantee: A specific prediction on the exact date Brendan Donovan will be traded. ⭐️ 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

The trade market has stalled, but this specific gridlock might be exactly what Chaim Bloom needs to rebuild the St. Louis Cardinals. With contenders desperate for win-now talent and refusing to trade for other veterans, the Cardinals hold all the leverage to extract massive prospect packages. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🔥 Get 10% off your first month 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

Cardinals baseball is in uncharted territory: angry fans and empty seats. After a decade of postseason failures, the St. Louis Cardinals face a historic low with attendance potentially dropping under 2 million in 2026. Bernie Miklasz breaks down the "pathetic futility" of the last ten years, the loss of franchise icons, and why Chaim Bloom's farm system overhaul is the only path back to glory. Key Takeaways: - The Attendance Cliff: Why home attendance might hit 1980 lows in the 2026 season. - The "Star Power" Void: How losing Yadi, Waino, and Pujols exposed a lack of replacements. - Farm System Hope: Updates on top prospects J.J. Wetherholt, Liam Doyle, Joshua Baez, and the hard-throwing Tanner Franklin. - The 2028 Timeline: Realistic expectations for when the Cardinals will contend for a championship again. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🔥 Get 10% off your first month 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

Two St. Louis sports talk LEGENDS answer spend their Tuesday night taking your questions and talking sports with you, live on our YouTube page. Questions about the Cardinals off-season? Blues injuries? Mizzou football and hoops? And anything else you're interested in. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Critics are already blasting the Cardinals for signing injury-prone pitcher Dustin May, but they are missing the bigger picture of what a rebuild actually looks like. Bernie Miklasz breaks down why this low-risk, high-upside gamble is exactly the kind of move Chaim Bloom should be making right now. In this video: - The Rebuild Reality: Why signing aging stars like Verlander or Scherzer makes zero sense for St. Louis in 2025. - The "Pierpont" Effect: How Director of Pitching Matt Pierpont’s success in Seattle could unlock May’s potential. - Medical Deep Dive: From elbow surgeries to a torn esophagus, we review May's traumatic road back to the mound. - Historical Context: Comparing May to past Cardinals reclamation projects like Chris Carpenter and Jason Isringhausen. - Pitch Lab Analysis: A look at May's elite sweeper spin rate and what changes he needs to make to his pitch arsenal. ⭐️ 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

The Cardinals have cleared the decks for 2026, but who is actually going to pitch? Bernie Miklasz analyzes the "Six-Pack" of internal candidates fighting for a roster spot and reveals the top prospects Baseball America says are ready to launch. Key Takeaways: * The Void: With Gray, Mikolas, and Fedde gone, the Cardinals must replace over 50% of their 2025 starts. * The "Six-Pack": A breakdown of the internal competition including Liberatore, May, and Pallante. * The Experience Gap: Why the projected rotation averages only 35 career starts per man. * Veteran Targets: Potential free agent stop-gaps like Adrian Houser, Jose Quintana, and Tyler Mahle. * Prospect Watch: Why Liam Doyle, Tanner Franklin, and Ixan Henderson are rocketing up the rankings. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🔥 Get 10% off your first month 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

Oli Marmol claims it wouldn't be awkward if Nolan Arenado returns to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2026, but the roster math tells a different story. Bernie Miklasz breaks down why retaining Arenado creates an impossible logjam for young talent like JJ Wetherholt and explains how the manager's refusal to rest injured veterans has backfired. Key Takeaways from this episode: * The Arenado Dilemma: Why Marmol is wrong about the "awkwardness" of Arenado returning after his farewell gestures in 2025. * Roster Congestion: How keeping Arenado blocks playing time for JJ Wetherholt, Thomas Saggese, and Nolan Gorman. * Trade Scenarios: Why trading Brendan Donovan seems more likely than moving Gorman right now. * Marmol’s Management: A critical look at how playing through injuries hurt the stats and trade value of both Arenado and Donovan. * Army-Navy Game: Bernie breaks down the matchup and gives his "Bernie Guarantee" pick for the big 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

Some Cardinals fans are panicking after Chaim Bloom left the Winter Meetings without making a single trade, but should they be worried? Bernie Miklasz explains why the silence is actually part of a calculated strategy and breaks down the latest rumors surrounding Brendon Donovan and Willson Contreras. Key Takeaways: * Why the "Whitey Herzog Era" of rapid-fire trades is dead and why modern analytics slow down the process. * The market interest for Brendon Donovan (12+ teams) and Willson Contreras. * How top prospect JJ Wetherholt’s 2026 arrival impacts the infield logjam. * Bernie’s ultimatum for the front office: Either trade Donovan for a haul or sign him to a long-term extension. * Updates on Nolan Arenado, Lars Nootbaar, and Nolan Gorman. ⭐️ Become an STL Sports Central Insider: https://stlsportscentral.com/2025/11/15/stl-sports-central-insiders 🔥 Get 10% off your first month at BlueChew with code ‘BERNIE’ bluechew.com 🔗 Visit: https://stlsportscentral.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are the St. Louis Cardinals being cheap or smart? Bernie Miklasz defends President of Baseball Ops Chaim Bloom’s track record and reveals exactly when ownership needs to spend big money to contend. While the current MLB free agency market sees teams spending nearly $800 million in a week, the Cardinals are taking a different approach. Bernie breaks down why payroll efficiency is the key to the rebuild and why the "Mookie Betts narrative" surrounding Bloom is completely wrong. Key Takeaways: - Why the current MLB free agent market is too expensive for a rebuilding team. - The history of Bill DeWitt’s spending on stars like Matt Holliday and Paul Goldschmidt. - Why Chaim Bloom deserves credit for the 2021 and 2025 Red Sox playoff rosters. - The specific timeline for when the Cardinals must increase payroll. ⭐️ 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

Notre Dame fans are furious about the College Football Playoff snub, but the real culprit for their exclusion is not who you think. Bernie Miklasz exposes the mismanagement within the ACC that created this chaos and breaks down why the Fighting Irish resume simply did not stack up against the SEC. Key Takeaways: - Why Notre Dame’s decision to boycott a bowl game fits their "brand." - A statistical comparison of Alabama's Strength of Schedule vs. Notre Dame. - Why the 12-team bracket structure hurt the Irish this year. - Bernie’s winning recap of the Ohio State vs. Indiana "Bernie Guarantee." - Why the weekly ESPN ranking shows are manipulative and misleading. ⭐️ 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

It looks like Chaim Bloom has made his decision regarding the future of the St. Louis dugout, and fans might not like it. Bernie Miklasz explains why an Oli Marmol contract extension is imminent and why the stats suggest he deserves a longer look than you think. Key Takeaways: * The Bloom Endorsement: Breaking down Chaim Bloom’s comments from the winter meetings about his relationship with Marmol. * Marmol vs. La Russa: A side-by-side comparison of winning percentages and postseason appearances in their first four seasons. * The Roster Context: Why Marmol’s "losing" seasons occurred with significantly less talent and payroll support than La Russa’s early struggles. * Rebuild Reality: Why Bloom prefers Marmol’s temperament and communication style for developing young players like Jordan Walker. * The Authority Factor: Why Bloom must be allowed to pick his own manager to be truly accountable for the franchise'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

Bernie Miklasz doesn't hold back on what the St. Louis Cardinals need to do this offseason: it is time to trade Nolan Arenado and fully commit to the rebuild. With the MLB Winter Meetings approaching, here is the controversial 10-step blueprint for Chaim Bloom to fix the franchise. Key Takeaways: * Why trading Nolan Arenado is the #1 priority for the Cardinals offense. * Targeting the Seattle Mariners (Bryan Woo, Logan Gilbert) for pitching help. * The case for trading fan-favorite Brendan Donovan to maximize value. * Why Lars Nootbaar and Willson Contreras should be on the trading block. * Strategy for the Rule 5 Draft and finding lefty relievers like Jojo Romero. * Why the Cardinals should keep Alec Burleson and Nolan Gorman. * Bernie Guarantee: Betting pick for Ohio State vs. Indiana. ⭐️ 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

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