Talking About Birds: A St. Louis Cardinals Podcast

The Cardinals are off to a hot 4-2 start 🔥 as early storylines take shape. We break down extension buzz around JJ Wetherholt, roster moves, and what we’re seeing from a revamped Jordan Walker—big exit velos, better launch angles, and real signs of a breakout. Plus Burleson staying hot, Gorman/Urías flashing power, McGreevy has a strong start, and debuts from Ryan Stanek and Dustin May. We preview upcoming series vs Detroit and Washington, then hit league news with a wave of extensions and Jason Heyward calling it a career. Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

Opening Day is HERE 🔥 and we’re joined by Daniel Shoptaw (@C70) to break it all down. JJ Wetherholt makes the club, Matthew Liberatore gets the Opening Day start, and the roster is officially set. We dive into surprises like Nathan Church stepping in, Fermin and Saggese cracking the roster, and Nelson Velázquez getting left off, plus bullpen decisions and key IL moves for Lars Nootbaar and Hunter Dobbins. We preview the opening series vs the Rays and Mets, then hit league news including Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cristopher Sánchez getting PAID. Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

We break down a scorching start from Nelson Velázquez and whether it actually matters, plus the latest on Lars Nootbaar’s status as Opening Day looms. We dive into standout Spring Breakout names, Jordan Walker questions, and a loaded camp featuring JJ Wetherholt and the next wave. On the mound, Dustin May flashes triple digits, Andre Pallante tweaks his pitch mix, and George Soriano quietly dominates. We wrap with NL Central preview talk (Cubs) and Team USA falling short in the WBC final.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

We went to Florida for Cardinals spring training and brought back plenty to talk about. We break down the messy outfield situation, Lars Nootbaar’s uncertain Opening Day status, Josh Baez’s monster spring (and potential for the big league club), and strong performances from Matthew Liberatore, Packy Naughton, and JJ Wetherholt. Then we continue our NL Central preview series with the Pirates and wrap with league news, including Team USA’s WBC outlook, Jesús Luzardo’s extension with the Phillies, and Hunter Greene’s upcoming elbow procedure.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

We break down early impressions of the ABS system, Oli Marmol’s contract extension, and key Cardinals injury updates before diving into spring training standouts like JJ’s hot start and some live arms flashing big velocity. Then it’s NL Central preview season with the Brewers and a spin around league news, including a major PED suspension, big-name pitching deals, and WBC matchups.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

Kyle Reis of The Cardinal Nation joins the show for a deep dive into the Cardinals’ farm system and what’s coming soon to St. Louis. We talk realistic MLB roles for Nathan Church (praise be), Victor Scott II, Fermin, and JJ, and whether Blaze Jordan is truly a big-league player. Plus: Deniel Ortiz hype, prospect ranking disagreements, why Chase Davis and Yairo Padilla might be flying under the radar, we start our NL Central previews with a deep dive on the Reds, and the latest league news.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

Ben Clemens of FanGraphs joins the show to break down where the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals are headed, from win expectations and outfield needs to Chaim Bloom’s “down to the studs” rebuild and the strategy behind recent trades and draft-pick flexibility. We dive into the upside-heavy approach highlighted by Jurrangelo Cijntje and other recent additions, react to FanGraphs’ updated Cardinals prospect rankings, see a sneak preview of a new feature on Fangraphs, and wrap with a quick spin around the latest league news.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

Pitchers and catchers are officially in camp, and we’re breaking down the early storylines — including Jurrangelo Cijntje throwing from both sides, a bullpen swap that brings George Soriano to St. Louis, and Bryan Ramos joining the infield mix. We also dive into Victor Scott II’s revamped swing, the possibility of a six-man rotation, a fresh Top 53 prospects list from FanGraphs, and a look at the Cardinals’ massive new spring training complex. Plus, league news featuring Corbin Carroll’s surgery and the state of the free agent market. Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

The Cardinals get it done, trading Brendan Donovan in a blockbuster that brings switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje, outfielders Tai Peete and Colton Ledbetter, plus extra draft capital to St. Louis. We break down what the deal means for the Opening Day lineup, discuss Bloom’s search for an outfield bat, Miguel Andujar landing in San Diego, and the Cardinals moving to an MLB-run broadcast model in 2026, along with rumors, World Series talk, and the latest league news.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

ZiPS creator Dan Szymborski joins us to break down the Cardinals projections, biggest surprises, cats, funny voices, and what the data says about the rebuild. We discuss Jordan Walker, JJ Wetherholt, McGreevy, and the catcher logjam, plus one bold ZiPS miss to watch for 2026, along with rumors, World Series notes, and league news.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

We react to Nolan Arenado’s candid comments on his exit from St. Louis and what they reveal about the Cardinals’ reset, plus Yadier Molina’s return to the organization in a key developmental role. We also dive into the farm system with Josh Baez’s rising stock and a closer look at Deniel Ortiz. In rumor season, we break down reported Cardinals interest in Griffin Canning, Miguel Andújar, and Austin Hays, then wrap with a busy league news roundup including massive deals for Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger, a Luis Robert Jr. blockbuster, Realmuto reuniting with Philly, and an injury update on Ha-Seong Kim.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

The Cardinals officially close the book on the Nolan Arenado era, trading the longtime third baseman and cash to the Diamondbacks (Butts'n'cracks) and ushering in a new phase for the franchise. We break down what Arenado meant to St. Louis, what the Cardinals are paying to move on, and what they’re getting back in hard-throwing right-hander Jack Martinez. Plus, we hit the rest of a busy offseason with new bullpen additions, growing trade buzz around Brendan Donovan, and a rapid-fire look at major league moves around baseball.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

The Cardinals make yet another bullpen pitching move, but the spotlight stays firmly on JJ Wetherholt as league executives anoint him the early NL Rookie of the Year favorite and the organization’s most important position player since Yadier Molina. We debate whether St. Louis needs a veteran bat to support the youth movement, break down major upgrades coming to spring training facilities in Jupiter, and dive into the growing uncertainty around the Cardinals’ TV future as FanDuel’s financial troubles loom. Plus, jersey-buying dilemmas, Joe Kelly’s retirement, and a round of league news as the offseason keeps delivering.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

The Brendan Donovan trade saga takes center stage as the Cardinals slow-play their best asset, hoping to turn patience into a real prospect haul while the market shifts around them. We break down why Contreras moved first, how Arizona’s Ketel Marte situation could reshape Donovan’s value, and where teams like the Mariners, Giants, and Red Sox fit in. Plus, the Arenado market remains frozen as St. Louis waits on bigger dominoes to fall, the offseason clock keeps ticking toward Spring Training, and league news includes Anthony Rendon’s Angels exit, a long-term deal in Oakland, and Team USA loading up for the WBC.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

In this historic, recorded live and in person, 200th episode, we discuss how the Cardinals make another major offseason move, sending Willson Contreras to Boston in a cash-assisted deal headlined by right-hander Hunter Dobbins. We break down what St. Louis is getting in Dobbins — his injury, stuff, and fit under Chaim Bloom — plus minor league depth additions and the team’s search for a right-handed outfield bat. Around the league, O’Hearn lands in Pittsburgh, Murakami heads to Chicago, and we check in on the World Series as the hot stove keeps moving.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

The Cardinals make a big pitching bet, signing Dustin May and betting on a reshaped arsenal after one of the strangest injury arcs in recent MLB history. We break down what’s changed in his stuff, velocity, and pitch mix — and what it means for 2026. Plus, trade chatter is heating up around Brendan Donovan, JoJo Romero, and Willson Contreras as the offseason market takes shape, while Arenado’s situation remains a waiting game. And around the league: Polanco, Kelly, García, Kim, and more find new homes as the World Series conversation rolls on.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

We’re talking Cardinals news as St. Louis grabs Zak Kent off waivers, weighs growing trade interest in Brendan Donovan, drops in the 2026 draft lottery, and continues exploring a 2026 role for Yadi. Then we dive into Jordan Walker’s big Driveline overhaul and what Fangraphs sees as the path to unlocking his elite raw power. Plus: all the latest league chaos — massive contracts for Schwarber and Alonso, Edwin Díaz to the Dodgers, a flurry of trades across MLB, and Jeff Kent heading to Cooperstown.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

The Winter Meetings are here, and the Cardinals might actually be ready to move Willson Contreras — with reports he’s now open to waiving his no-trade for the right fit. We dig into what that means, what happens with Donnie, Lars, and Nado, plus the Cardinals landing the No. 4 Comp Balance A pick and early extension talks with Oli Marmol. Then we break down Ryan Helsley’s big deal with Baltimore, Jordan Walker’s “earn it” spring ahead, and the wild news that the Cardinals will be revenue-sharing recipients for the first time in decades. And around the league: Devin Williams gets paid, Alek Manoah finds a new home, and the Blue Jays hand out another big contract.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

The Cardinals kick off the offseason with a blockbuster: Sonny Gray is shipped to Boston in a restructured deal that guarantees him $41M for 2026, while St. Louis brings back young arms Richard Fitts and top prospect Brandon Clarke. We break down what the new rotation pieces bring, plus the Cardinals’ smaller moves with Yohel Pozo, Scott Blewett, and Sem Robberse. Trade chatter heats up around JoJo Romero and Ryan Helsley, and we check in on early World Series action and the latest league news, including Ohtani heading to the WBC and a surprising Semien/Nimmo trade.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.

The St. Louis Cardinals are gearing up for a busy offseason, planning for JJ Wetherholt to debut in 2025 and preparing potential trades involving Arenado, Gray, Donovan, and even Nootbaar. They protected four prospects on the 40-man, DFA’d Jorge Alcalá, and left Blaze Jordan unprotected. We break down the growing trade buzz, the potential options St. Louis is exploring, the Hall of Fame ballot, and big league news including Grayson Rodriguez’s blockbuster trade and several major qualifying-offer decisions.Have a question or comment for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at: (848) 48-BIRDS (848-482-4737)Talking About Birds is listener supported on Patreon. Support the show and join our private discord server at: www.patreon.com/talkingaboutbirds.