The Team of Rivals is back with a lively holiday episode, diving deep into the world of baseball and beyond. Ron, Elliott, Pete, and special guest Braden discuss the latest happenings with the Cubs and Cardinals, including the Cubs' exciting offseason moves and the Cardinals' puzzling retooling strategy. The guys debate the implications of the Cardinals' rumored trades and the Cubs' luxury tax situation, all while sharing their Christmas wishes for their favorite teams. They wrap things up by of...
Dec 26, 2024•48 min•Season 9Ep. 2
Ron, Pete, and Elliott are back after a long hiatus – just in time for the season's final episode. With the Chicago Bears making headlines by firing head coach Matt Eberflus, the Team of Rivals Podcast dives into the implications of this major shakeup. Could this be the turning point for the franchise? The guys debate the Bears' future and discuss potential candidates for the next head coach. In a lively conversation, the team wonders if they’ve become a football (or fútbol?) podcast, as both th...
Dec 14, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 8Ep. 24
The morning after the Cubs make a major offseason move, Ron and Pete jump on, even though Elliott is nowhere to be found. Yes, they're going to go deep on the Cubs' signing of Carson Kelly on Friday night. <p>In this week's episode, the founders kick off Season Nine of the podcast with a lively discussion on the Cubs' surprising acquisition of Kyle Tucker. This game-changing move could redefine the Cubs' offseason, but is there more work to be done? As they break down the trade details, Ro...
Dec 14, 2024•43 min•Season 9Ep. 1
Elliott, Ron, and Pete wrap up the 2024 season. Smiles, everybody! This week, we dive into the state of the St. Louis Cardinals' player development. Katie Woo’s latest article in The Athletic reveals that the Cardinals' player development team is significantly smaller compared to other National League teams, raising concerns about their future. Ron shares his thoughts on the Cardinals' struggles and the impact of their lean staffing levels on player development. Meanwhile, Elliott gives us an up...
Oct 01, 2024•56 min•Season 8Ep. 23
While there's little left of the 2024 MLB season – for the Cubs and the Cards anyway – today's episode is dedicated to honoring the legendary James Earl Jones. His passing warrants a special episode, as his voice has been a constant throughout Ron's and Pete's lives, from the big screen to their favorite sports moments. (We assume the same is true for Elliott, but, well, you know…) Join Ron and Pete as they reminisce about the iconic roles and unforgettable voice. From Darth Vader's menacing pre...
Sep 14, 2024•45 min•Season 8Ep. 22
It's a joyous time in Chicago because – despite their miniscule playoff odds – the Cubs have been playing fun baseball. However, there is no joy in Mudville, as one of the National League's crown jewels is experiencing shocking levels of disinterest from the Best Fans in Baseball™. How much longer can DW Sticks put up with the incompetence of a front office that trades for Tommy Pham, subsequently designates him for assignment (poor Pete!), mishandles Jordan Walker, and trades Dylan Carlson and ...
Sep 02, 2024•53 min•Season 8Ep. 21
While the regular season is winding down for both the Cubs and the Cardinals, Ron and Pete have plenty to discuss. From inside-the-park home runs to Campfire Milkshakes, from six-inning minimums to Ron's Soccer Minute, it's still a full episode (even without Elliott). The Team kicks things off with an exhilarating inside-the-park home run by Pete Crow-Armstrong, which inspires a throwback to the time that Ron actually saw one in person. They then shift gears to discuss the state of the Cardinals...
Aug 25, 2024•1 hr•Season 8Ep. 20
Do you remember the innocent days of April, when all five NL Central teams were over .500? Well, reality has hit hard, and now only one team is above .500, with both the Cubs and the Cards struggling. Ron risks a demotion as he gets utterly embarrassed by an on-time and ready-to-perform Elliott. With Ron conspicuously absent, the first half of the show is Cubs-heavy, as E and Pete discuss their frustrations with the Cubs' recent performance, potential future moves, and the recent improvements fo...
Aug 17, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 8Ep. 19
This week's show is dedicated to Ruby Jade Nuttall. SPOILER ALERT: Elliott was, indeed, drunk already. Ron and Pete hold down the fort this week, kicking off the episode by discussing the MLB trade deadline, with Ron admitting he didn’t follow it closely. The conversation then shifts to the Cubs and Cardinals, who wrap up their season series tonight, an unusually early end for these rivals. The guys also touch on NFL Hall of Fame weekend and Devin Hester’s legendary status, with Pete proudly sho...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 8Ep. 18
This week's episode kicks off with a discussion on the upcoming MLB trade deadline. With just three days left, the Ron, Elliott, and Pete speculate on potential moves for the Cubs and Cardinals. They analyze the trade rumors surrounding numerous Cubs players. Next, the team shifts gears to discuss the blackout issues with MLB.TV and Ron's frustration with being a Cardinals fan in North Carolina. The conversation also touches on the value of advanced metrics versus actual performance, specificall...
Jul 27, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 8Ep. 17
The I-55 Rivalry resumes, the All-Star Break looms, and Ron, Pete, and even Elliott dive into the chaos of a Saturday doubleheader, where the Cubs have already taken a beating, and it's only the fourth inning of Game 1. They kick things off with a recap of the Cubs' disastrous start and the Cardinals' surprising lead. Ron and Pete discuss the mishaps, errors, and unfortunate plays that led to the Cubs' downfall in the early innings. With Elliott joining – err, remotely – you'll get a unique pers...
Jul 14, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 8Ep. 16
In this week's episode, we mark a momentous day in Team of Rivals history – Elliott was in the room before Ron! We kick things off with some friendly banter about Ron's ongoing tech struggles, Elliott's surprising punctuality, and the scorching weather in Charlotte. But don't worry, we quickly shift gears to tackle some hot-button topics in the world of baseball. First up, we discuss the controversial use of defensive positioning cards and how they impact the game. Pete and Ron share their frust...
Jun 22, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 8Ep. 15
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 ...
Jun 13, 2024•40 min
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 Chicag...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 8Ep. 14
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 subs...
May 26, 2024•55 min•Season 8Ep. 13
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...
May 20, 2024•59 min•Season 8Ep. 11
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 ...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 8Ep. 12
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...
Apr 27, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 8Ep. 10
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...
Apr 22, 2024•55 min•Season 8Ep. 9
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 ...
Apr 13, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 8Ep. 8
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 belo...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 8Ep. 7
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 ...
Mar 29, 2024•55 min•Season 8Ep. 6
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 ee...
Mar 24, 2024•39 min•Season 8Ep. 5
It's been a month since Ron, Elliott, and Pete have been willing to record, so they try their best to understand why. They discuss Scott Boras finally overplaying his hand, X/Twitter, Rob Manfred, and the new Nike jerseys, but it ultimately comes down to a lack of interest. You see, baseball has lost that lovin' feelin', and the guys try to get to the root of the matter. Is it the lack of moves this offseason? The new jerseys that look like the free ones they give away at games? Is it too much e...
Mar 24, 2024•1 hr•Season 8Ep. 3
The title says it all: THE WORST episode in our history, and the bar was already pretty low. (Let's be honest: It's all Pete's fault.) Where has our motivation gone for baseball? Ron, Elliott, and Pete try to figure out once again why they've lost their connection to our national pastime, while simultaneously mining the incredibly interesting topics of what the Cubs will do with their 40-man roster and Brandon Crawford checking into Busch Stadium III hospice. (Thoughts and prayers for his well-b...
Mar 24, 2024•56 min•Season 8Ep. 4
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...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 8Ep. 2
The whole Team assembles this week to kick off the start of Season 8! Ron, Elliott, and Pete (with an assist from Ron's son, Braden) cover a lot of territory on this episode. In the midst of a potentially pivotal offseason, the Cardinals announce … a concert. Are the Cubs going to do anything with what's left of free agency? The fans on both sides of the rivalry are getting awfully whiny. And how will changes to streaming rights affect the Cards and the rest of Major League Baseball. BONUS BEARS...
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 8Ep. 1
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. Foll...
Dec 30, 2023•36 min•Season 7Ep. 26
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 $40 million richer for it. Be warned, though: A relationship with the Cubs can get weird. Just ask Dusty, Lou, Dale, Rick, Joe, Rossy… The Cardinals? Well, that isn't even interesting enough to call "weird". They have a ton of work to do. Watch this ...
Nov 26, 2023•54 min•Season 7Ep. 25
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, neithe...
Oct 09, 2023•46 min•Season 7Ep. 24
