Team Of Rivals Podcast

In this special bonus episode of the Team of Rivals Podcast, we break from our usual schedule to bring you an in-depth conversation with Pete's friend and Dirty Dirty White Sox Fan, Alex Levine. As both the Cubs and Cardinals struggle to stay relevant, we dive into the dismal state of Chicago White Sox baseball and explore the emotional turmoil of being a fan of a team in freefall. First, we reminisce about the optimism surrounding the Craig Kimbrell trade three years ago and how quickly things went south. Alex shares his candid thoughts on the White Sox's current struggles, the failure of Pedro Grifol's managerial tenure, and the deep-rooted issues within the organization. From the disastrous 2023 season to the potential for setting new records of futility in 2024, we leave no stone unturned. We also discuss the broader implications of Jerry Reinsdorf's ownership, the missed opportunities in free agency, and the controversial hiring of Tony La Russa. Alex provides a sobering look at the future of the franchi

After a two-week hiatus, the Team returns – with a remote call-in by Elliott! – to discuss the miserable state of baseball in the NL Central, the retirement of Angel Hernandez, and more. First up, Ron and Pete tackle the current state of the NL Central. It's no secret that the division has been struggling, and they break down exactly why it's been so disappointing. Ron sums it up perfectly: "The NL Central is terrible. I mean, just utterly, utterly terrible." Next, they shift focus to the Chicago White Sox. With their season in a downward spiral, is it possible that they set a new record for losses, and is it okay for fans to root for such futility? But it's not all doom and gloom! In this week's installment of Ron's Soccer Minute, they dive into the exhilarating world of soccer. St. Louis City SC recently faced off against Inter Miami, and what a match it was! Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players of all time, showcased his incredible skills. Even though the match ended in a draw, it was a thrilling expe

In this week's episode, Ron and Pete tackle a whirlwind of topics, all while Pete battles a severe case of sleep deprivation. From managing a thousand kids at the Field Museum and Navy Pier, to the disappointment of a rained-out Cardinals vs. Cubs game, the duo navigates through a myriad of sports and personal anecdotes. They dive into the implications of the missed game, the missed opportunity to hear Chip Caray and Joe Buck call a game together, and the frustration of paying for an MLB.TV subscription only to not watch the game due to rain. The conversation takes a deeper turn as they discuss the state of pitching in Major League Baseball, with insights from a recent article on The Athletic featuring Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Ron and Pete lament the shift away from traditional starting pitchers and the over-reliance on analytics that prioritize velocity over longevity and strategy. They also touch on the increasing frequency of Tommy John surgeries among young pitchers and the impact of strict pitc

In this May the 4th special, the Team of Rivals Podcast takes the celebration outdoors, embracing the beauty of Chicago's spring while diving headfirst into the world of sports and Star Wars. With Elliott MIA once again, Ron and Pete hold down the fort, discussing everything from the Cardinals' broadcast woes to the Cubs' unexpected position in the NL Central. They also delve into the curious case of Nike's MLB uniform mishaps and the implications for merch sales. The duo doesn't shy away from a little intergalactic banter, with Ron sharing his plans for Star Wars Night at a minor league game and Pete reminiscing about French-dubbed Star Wars. They even throw in a hilarious nod to the infamous Chilean Cerveza Cristal commercials spliced into classic Star Wars scenes. Whether you're here for the latest sports takes or just to indulge in some Star Wars nostalgia, this episode has it all. Don't forget, you can catch the live replay on YouTube, Rumble, X, or Facebook, and follow us on social media @TeamOfRivalsPo

We're all over the map this week – from technology tantrums to the state of the Cardinals, from Kyle Hendricks' decline to the NL Central's predictability. Ron vents about Wirecast woes and flings furniture, while Pete ponders whether it's time for the Cubs to cut ties with their soft-tossing stalwart. Plus, Elliott makes a surprise call-in from the soccer fields, offering his take on Hendricks' future. The Cardinals' fanbase is in full revolt, calling for a teardown of the front office, and we discuss whether such drastic changes are overdue. Meanwhile, the Cubs are navigating a sea of injuries and facing tough decisions with their rotation. And don't miss Ron's Soccer Minute, where he shares the latest on St. Louis CITY SC's ups and downs, including the return of a key player amidst personal challenges. Whether you're frustrated with your team's performance, curious about the future of a favorite player, or just here for the chaotic fun, this episode delivers a curveball of content. Don't forget to catch th

Despite some (unsurprising and inevitable) technical hiccups and the absence of our Permanent Occasional Guest Host, Elliott, Ron and Pete take the reins to dissect the highs and lows of the baseball world, from the Cardinals' tenuous position in the NL Central race to the Cubs' surprising tenacity. The duo delves into the curious case of ticket sales in St. Louis, debating whether the dip is due to scheduling, weather, or a deeper discontent with the Cardinals' performance. They also ponder the enigma of player development, with a spotlight on the rollercoaster ride of rookie expectations. The conversation veers into the NFL Draft, as the enthusiasm for the Bears' picks is palpable, and Pete contemplates the implications of a potential shake-up to the Star Wars universe. Ron's Soccer Minute (which is never just a minute) offers an update on St. Louis CITY SC's bye week blues and the anticipation for their next face-off against the Houston Dynamo. Whether you're a baseball purist, a football fanatic, or just

Happy Holiday to Elliott and all who celebrate! Ron and Pete press on even as the Permanent Occasional Guest Host lives up to his title on a Saturday morning. The founders dissect the latest from the diamond, including the Cardinals' offensive woes and the White Sox's historic struggle at the plate. Is St. Louis's lack of run production just a phase, or are alarm bells ringing in the Gateway City? The guys pay homage to the late, great Whitey Herzog, reminiscing about his impact on the Cardinals and the broader baseball landscape. They ponder the future of MLB managers and whether the era of the revered skipper is fading into the sunset. Tyler O'Neill's latest IL stint sparks a debate on player durability and fan patience, while "Ron's Soccer Minute" takes an unexpected turn into a full-blown analysis of St. Louis CITY SC's current season challenges. Will their tactics need a shake-up to keep up with the competition? Whether you're mourning the loss of a Cardinals legend, mulling over the fate of MLB managers

Gear up for another high-octane episode of the Team of Rivals Podcast, because the guys got up early on a Saturday because … well, just because!! Your favorite trio of die-hard baseball enthusiasts dissect the latest twists and turns of MLB with their signature blend of insight (ha!) and irreverence. Ron, Elliott, and Pete dive headfirst into the rising costs of attending a Major League Baseball game, yet another baffling performance by Angel Hernandez, and the perplexing world of the St. Louis Cardinals. Treading water at .500, the guys dissect the team's performance, including the lackluster starts from key hitters and the promising debut of Sonny Gray. Will the Cardinals find their stride, or is change in the air? Meanwhile, the Brewers and Pirates are off to surprisingly strong starts, but the guys are skeptical. Are they true contenders, or will the rigors of the season reveal their true colors? Ron vents his frustrations with former Cardinal Tyler O'Neill. Is he – yet another – missed opportunity, or ju

Buckle up, baseball aficionados, as the Team of Rivals Podcast unpacks the latest and greatest (or perhaps the worst) from MLB, including the bombshell that Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers might be the sport's biggest villains. The Cubs, on the other hand, are proving to be a delightful surprise, earning the title of one of the most objectively enjoyable teams to watch this season. This week, Ron, Elliott, and Pete take a turn down memory lane with a candid chat about which players from their beloved teams irk them the most. From current nuisances to historical headaches, no player is safe from their unfiltered critiques. And if that wasn't enough for you, the guys also take aim at the announcer's booth, praising the calls of Boog Sciambi and debating the merit of the voices that bring the game to life. Plus, a shocking revelation about the Oakland A's future home has the trio contemplating a road trip that could go down in podcast legend. Don't miss out on the banter, insights, and the occasional off-topic ran

Step up to the plate with the Team of Rivals as they tackle the highs and lows of MLB's opening day. The Cardinals may have had a rough start against the Dodgers, but Ron, Elliott, and Pete aren't losing hope just yet. They're breaking down the Cardinals' struggle against the Dodgers and the Cubs' face-off with the World Series champion Rangers. They also delve into the nuances of player contracts, including the legendary Bobby Bonilla payout scheme and rookie callups. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just love a good sports discussion, this episode is your ticket to the big leagues. Check out Ron's new soccer podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-the-park-stl/id1737715765. We live-streamed this week, so you can rewatch this episode on Rumble, YouTube, or Facebook. Follow us on X, GETTR, and Instagram. Like us on Facebook. Check out Gateway City Sports. Check out Fuel Sports Network.  

Strap in for a rollercoaster ride as Ron, Elliott, and Pete tackle the elephant in the room amid a sea of MLB chaos. In this episode, we're bypassing the usual banter on injuries and player movements to zone in on the Shohei Ohtani saga that's got the baseball world holding its breath. Is the golden boy of the Los Angeles Dodgers in a gambling mess, and if so, what does that mean for him, the team, and the integrity of the game? From the potential implications on Ohtani's mega contract to the eerie silence from MLB's top brass, we dissect the swirling rumors and the deafening lack of concrete information. Plus, we can't help but draw parallels to historical precedents and wonder aloud about the possible double standards at play. As we ponder the future of baseball's poster boy, we also touch upon the state of the sport at the grassroots level, and how the game's changing landscape might be impacting its very soul. Join Ron, Pete, and Elliot as they delve deep into the controversy, share their unfiltered opini

Title says it all.  THE WORST episode in our history.  And that bar was pretty low. Where has our motivation gone for baseball?  We try to figure that out as well as the ultra boring topic of what will the Cubs do with their 40 man roster.  Brandon Crawford check into Busch Stadium III hospice.  We hope he's okay. Sure you can find us on almost all pod catchers.  I'm typing in all of those links.  Pete's supposed to do that. Not live streaming these days so scratch that.  If you want to watch dudes sitting in front of laptops with shitty cameras and bad lighting, there are hundreds of people out there that do that.  Go find them yourself.

Been a month since they've been willing to record, and so they try their best to explain.  Baseball has just lost that loving feeling and they try to get to the root of the matter.  Is it lack of moves?  The new jerseys that look like the free ones they give away at games? Too much exposure to the social media fandom? Sydney Sweeney?  Nope, it's not her.  So what is it? Follow us on X and Facebook at @teamofrivalspod. Check us out along with all of the other stuff over at gatewaycitysports.com.

Cubs' fans inner fire got lit this week, but is that wise? The Cubs guys think so, but Ron throws some shade because he's seen this before (and he's a dick!) Former and current Cardinals pitchers are talking about Wilson Contreras and the tire tracks they left on his back last year. They are saying the right things now, but why didn't they do so last year? (Because they're full of shit?) And finally, a word of advice for the Bears: Don't f$&k up that first pick! Please? We live-streamed this week, so you can rewatch this episode on YouTube, Rumble, or Facebook. Follow us on X, GETTR, and Instagram. Like us on Facebook. Check out Gateway City Sports.

Pete, Ron and Elliott cover a lot of territory on this episode.  A concert announced by the St. Louis Cardinals.  No shit!  What's left of free agency and are the Cubs going to do anything?  Whiny fans on both sides.  Streaming rights.  Bears and what do they do with that #1 pick?   Follow us on X, GETTR, and Instagram. Like us on Facebook. Check out Gateway City Sports and Team of Rivals Podcast.

How about a little holiday cheer while you prep for your New Year celebrations? One week before Shohei Ohtani signed with the Dodgers, Ron and Pete jumped on to lament how frozen the market has been because of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. And while he’s willing to admit that he was wrong about Ohtani’s skill level, Ron is not a fan. Same goes for Yamamoto. They also set the stage for the eventual rage podcast directed at both Jed and Mo. It’s going to be a fun Season Eight in 2024. Follow us on X, GETTR, and Instagram. Like us on Facebook. Check out Gateway City Sports and Team of Rivals Podcast.

In a super double secret probation type of way, Jed Hoyer pulled off a doozy right before this year's GM meetings.  Nobody saw it coming.  Not even the insiders.  Craig Counsell is the new manager of the Chicago Cubs.  He'll move 90 miles south and be $40M richer for it.  Be warned though.  A relationship with the Cubs can get wierd.  Just ask Dusty, Lou, Dale, Rick, Joe and David.   The Cardinals? Well, that isn't even interesting enough to call "wierd". They have a ton of work to do. Watch this week's video on YouTube, Rumble, or Facebook. Follow us on X, GETTR, and Instagram. Like us on Facebook. Check out Gateway City Sports.

On the final Thursday of the regular season, Ron and Pete jumped on to discuss the Cubs' collapse and the impending end of the 2023 season. "God does not want us to be in the playoffs this year." And while Elliott didn't join with a live report from Atlanta, he did send a drunken message to you, the "Team of Rivals Peoples". The guys discuss the offseason math and speculate about the moves that both front offices will (and won't) make as, for the first time in the history of this podcast, neither team will participate in the postseason. They wrap up the night by switching to football talk and commiserating over the embarrassment that is the 2023 Chicago Bears. Watch this week's video – including "Dandy Don" Meredith ripping a heater and Elliott's inspiring message – on YouTube, Rumble, or Facebook. Follow us on X, GETTR, and Instagram. Like us on Facebook. Check out Gateway City Sports and Team of Rivals Podcast.

As the season fizzles out, Ron and Pete get a chance to do a face to face show for the first time in 5 years.  It was kinda wierd...and the Bears suck.  They talk most about baseball and the season nears the end.  Will the Cubs hang on to a playoff spot?  Nothing more to say about the Cardinals that hasn't already been said.  Cardinals fans are in the acceptance stage of their trauma.  More Shohei drama to address, and it looks like it's going to be a long season for Bears fans.  The $300 Ron dropped on the Sunday Ticket was a gamble he lost. Follow us on X, GETTR, and Instagram. Like us on Facebook. Check out Gateway City Sports and Team of Rivals Podcast.

Team of Rivals on a Sunday?!?! When there's this much news to cover, Ron, Elliott, and Pete just can't wait until Thursday. So here you are, a rare Sunday episode that talks about the big unicorn in the room, a terrible hand of Cards, too much analytics, Jordan WicKKKKKKKKKs, City SC, and the embarrassment on the South Side of Chicago. You heard a clip on this episode, so why not check out Talking Sports on the Bleachers with Don Glenn? Follow us on X, GETTR, and Instagram. Like us on Facebook. Check out Gateway City Sports and Team of Rivals Podcast.