Locked On Cardinals - Daily Podcast On The St. Louis Cardinals Podcast

Baseball is officially BACK!! Despite the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals ending their game in a tie, there is a lot to take away from game one. Jack Flaherty's underwhelming start, the excellence of John Gant and Alex Reyes, the reception Nolan Arenado received and the fact that the starting outfield went 3-6. Lucas gives his short thoughts on the game and then it's part one of the NL Central Roundtable! All 5 hosts of the NL Central teams got together to record a massive crossover. Part one is each hose sharing their elevator pitch for their team. Look forward...

New Cardinal beat writer Zach Silver of MLB.com joins the show to discuss Cardinal baseball. They hit it all, from Jack Flaherty being named the opening day starter to who closes, from what Nolan Arenado means to the lineup and what expectations are for Dylan Carlson and more! Zach and Lucas also give their prediction on the win total for the 2021 season. LOTS more in the last episode of the offseason before Grapefruit League opens up on Sunday. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go...

Jack Flaherty has been named the opening day starter for the St. Louis Cardinals. Flaherty is the obvious choice as he is the best of an already really good rotation. Despite not having big-time names, the rotation/pitching staff could carry St. Louis deep into the postseason. Lucas talks on his love of the pitching staff and shares an interview with Peter Bukowski of Locked on Today about what Albert Pujols means to this generation. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and us...

Matt Carpenter has had a fine career for the St. Louis Cardinals, but for the first time since 2012 his starting spot is not a guarantee. With the offseason acquisition of Nolan Arenado, the 35-year-old is a man without a position. On today's show, Lucas breaks down how Carpenter might find playing time and what he thinks his fit is on this current roster. Also discussed is the new format of the show starting March 1 and the Albert Pujols retirement confusion of last night. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like...

Spring Training is officially here! The Cardinals' pitchers and catchers have reported and workouts have begun. While there's a long time before April 1, even a long time before February 28, there are things to be hopeful about as a Cardinal fan. Nolan Arenado is on top of that list. Lucas gives a general breakdown of what the roster could look like on opening day, discussing Nolan Gorman's transition to second, where does Matt Carpenter fit and how the plethora of closer options is a good thing for St. Louis. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a...

It's a glorious day, as pitchers and catchers get to report to Spring Training today! While the future is widely unknown, we can be happy that baseball is on the way back. On today's show, Lucas answers your questions you submitted online! Questions such as when could the Cards be legit WS contenders, who should the Cards continue to pursue and more! The Machine- Albert Pujols - is also discussed today. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and yo...

Reunions with old teams seem to be popular this offseason, Paxton to Seattle, Davis/Holland to Kansas City and Archer to Tampa Bay to name a few, so Lucas picks four ex-Cardinals to talk about. 3 outfielders that could provide some boost the current Cardinal outfield, and one first basemen that is just fun to think about. The non-roster invitees are discussed, as well as the Jack Flaherty arbitration case. Spring Training is almost here, so Lucas is excited about that as well! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a...

PECOTA came out with their annual projections for the upcoming baseball season and they were... not good. From the Mets winning 96 games to the Cardinals playing .500 ball there are a lot of problems with this list. Lucas breaks those problems down, gives his thoughts and also looks at projections for specific Cardinals. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get 20% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we...

The latest from Atlanta where they are getting ready to host an NBA All-Star game that players don't want and fans are confused over. LeBron James sends the Lakers into overtime against the Thunder. The Suns ended the Milwaukee Bucks win streak. Karl-Anthony Towns returned for the first time since contracting COVID-19. A 5-team trade in the WNBA. Are the Jets the most interesting NFL team this offseason? Plus, Can the Vikings pull off what the Buccaneers did? It's the Q of the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lucas takes a look at more of the positive side of the Yadier Molina signing today- it's all about the intangibles. The relationships he has with the pitchers speaks volumes as to why he re-signed with the Cardinals. This also, for the most part, solidifies the starting 9 for St. Louis. What does an opening day lineup look like? Two things are certain, Goldy and Arenado will be 3-4 and the outfield has more question marks than the infield. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to b...

In a Michael Jordan-like announcement, St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina has announced he is back with the Cardinals. Reports are the deal is a 1 year, $9 million contract. While Molina is a future Hall of Famer, this move still comes with negatives. The positives are Molina will (most likely) retire in a Cardinal uniform, it's not a multiyear contract and he is able to use his intangibles with the Cardinals for another year. Some negatives are the production is going to be a question and what are the Cardinals planning on doing with Andrew Knizner? Support Us By Supporting Our...

In a surprising and unexpected move, the Cardinals have traded Dexter Fowler to the Los Angeles Angels for player to be named later or cash. This move isn't necessarily a salary dump - Cardinals still paying $12.75 million of Fowler's contract - so it begs the question: why did St. Louis trade him? Was it just to give the young outfielders more opportunities? Or does this mean more moves are coming? Possibilities include a Marcell Ozuna reunion or adding a pitcher like Jake Odorizzi. The last week has shown us the Cardinals are capable of surprising us. Learn more about your...

Nolan Arenado had his first press conference (over zoom) on Tuesday, so Lucas shares his thoughts and reactions. It was an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the fans, and the press conference focused highly on the posititves. There aren't many (if any) negatives from this deal, so that makes sense. There are 4 clips from the presser about Nolan's fit with St. Louis, how he doesn't plan on leaving, how John Mozeliak might not be done and Nolan's relationship with current/former Cardinals. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy...

It's official, Nolan Arenado is a St. Louis Cardinal! The deal was approved by MLB and the MLBPA Monday evening. The eight-time Gold Glove winner will be wearing Cardinal Red in 2021. The return package was worse than initially reported, as zero top-100 prospects are heading back to Colorado. The highest rated prospect in the Cardinal system in this deal is third basemen Elehuris Montero (No. 8). With the Rockies paying Arenado's contract in 2021, the Cardinals are essentially getting a free year of one of the top third basemen in the game. To say this move was a win for St. Louis...

It's crossover time as Ryan Ladika of Locked On Rockies joins the show to discuss the Nolan Arenado trade. In a lenghy discussion, Ryan and Lucas talk about this trade from a ton of different angle. The different reaction of Rockies' fans and Cardinal fans, what this means for the future of the Rockies, where does Arenado fit in the Cardinal lineup and more! Ryan isn't optimistic for Colorado's future, whereas Lucas thinks this moves sets the Cardinals up for NL Central dominance for a handful of years. (Apologies for subpar audio on Lucas' end) Support Us By Supporting Our...

It's finally happening: Nolan Arenado is a ST. LOUIS CARDINAL. This has been rumored for the past couple offseasons, but the Cardinals have finally got it done. The trade is extremely complex due to the opt out and the no-trade clause, but everything is expected to be completed by Monday. This team just went from NL Central contenders to NL Central favorites and legit postseason contenders. To say Lucas is thrilled is an understatement. After an offseason of eh for St. Louis, the fanbase has something to celebrate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed Adam Wainwright! Finally, the Cardinals have made a move, their first MLB-level move of the offseason. Wainwright's one year deal could earn him $8 million dollars with incentives, as he takes an incentive-based deal for the third season in a row. This is a major win for the Cardinals' front office, and they have the fan base somewhat excited about Cardinal baseball again. Lucas also discusses the late-night news that the Cardinals and Rockies have been talking more about a possible Nolan Arenado trade. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is...

The Hall of Fame vote has passed, and no one was elected. The 2021 ceremony will still go on, with Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, Ted Simmons and Marvin Miller being elected in 2020. The top three vote getters this year were Curt Schilling, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens. Schilling has created a schism between himself and the writers, which is a big reason he's not getting voted in. Lucas also discusses Scott Rolen's surge in numbers and how 2022 might be his year to get in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Finishing up the batch of questions you sent in last week, Lucas discusses the starting rotation in 2021 for the Cardinals. If Adam Wainwright leaves or retires, then who is starting in 2021? The three guarantees are Jack Flaherty, KK Kim and Miles Mikolas. Behind them, the Cardinals have some options. Lucas also discusses who Dylan Carlson is competing with for Rookie of the Year and if Lane Thomas fits in the Cardinal lineup. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCK...

You all submitted some great questions for Lucas to answer, the first one being where is Dylan Carlson going to play on opening day? This question has a couple of different layers to it, as maybe the Cardinals make some moves to free up some outfield space. Maybe the DH is in the NL, opening up some playing time. Bottom line, Carlson will be an everyday player in 2021, regardless of what position he's playing. Lucas wraps up the show by giving his prediction on who is going to step up in 2021 to help the offense. Support Us By Supporting Our...

More free agent signings in the past number of days for teams like the Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels has Lucas frustrated. The St. Louis Cardinals are yet to make any major-league-level signings or trades as Spring Training draws ever nearer. While this team might be able to compete for a NL Central title in 2021, this team as it stands will have a very tough time in October. Lucas does a rare rant of an episode as he explains his frustration with the Cardinals' front office. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein...

Two Cardinal legends are in the news this week, one for announcing his retirement and one for announcing he would consider retiring. Cardinal catcher Yadier Molina said he would "consider retirement" if he wasn't given the right offer. Meanwhile, Mike Shannon will stop broadcasting games after this season, his 50th in the Cardinal broadcast booth. Lucas reflects on the two legends, and shares why it might be better for the Cardinals if Yadi retires. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use pr...

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed contracts with Alex Reyes and Harrison Bader, avoiding arbitration with both of them. Reyes will get $900,000 while Bader will get $2 million in 2021. The Reyes deal could be a steal if he pitches to his skill level, while the Cardinals are betting on Bader to have a fantastic year. St. Louis also signed No. 47 international prospect Adari Grant. Finally, Lucas discusses what DJ Lemahieu's deal could mean for Kolten Wong. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use...

It's a Locked On Crossover as John Miller of Locked On Mizzou joins the show! John and Lucas talk college during a pandemic and whether or not Mizzou fans realize how good the football team was this season. They also discuss how baseball might being losing a sense of emotion in the sport. And it wouldn't be a LOC show without some Yadier Molina talk! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get 20% off your next order...

On today's show, Lucas answers YOUR questions! Is David Peralta a good fit for the St. Louis Cardinals? Would he rather trade for Peralta or Andrew Benintendi? And why aren't the Cardinals taking advantage of a weak NL Central? It's also a good thing that the commissioner (yes, Rob Manfred did something good) announced that Spring Training is officially on schedule and there is a 162-game season planned for 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part two of Sean Sears and Lucas' conversation, they talk about the weakened NL Central. With the division looking at a down year, what teams are most capable to take advantage? Does Lorenzo Cain coming back help the Brewers enough? Are the Reds losing too much to remain competitive? Lucas and Sean come to the conclusion that the Cubs and Cardinals might be the favorites to win the division right now. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKE...

In the first part of a two-part release, Sean Sears of Locked On Cubs joins the show to give the Cubs perspective on the Yu Darvish trade. Chicago gave up the Cy-Young runner-up and his personal catcher for a solid start and four "lottery tickets," as Sean likes to call them. The bottom line is that the return was a little weak, and it has Sean worried on what the return for a Kris Bryant or Javier Baez might be. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. G...

The first show of 2021 has some good news to share! MLB is reportedly "likely" to start Spring Training and the regular season on time, which is a good thing for the sport. Yes, there will be unforeseen problems come up, but for the league to come out and say this is a huge win for the sport. Also, the Cardinals came in at No. 12 in mlb.com's first power rankings. While this is just middle of the pack, they are the highest-ranked NL Central team and St. Louis is in the best shape to win the division. Support Us By...

2020 is FINALLY coming to an end. On the final show of this unbearable year, Lucas gives his three New Year's Resolutions for the St. Louis Cardinals. Resolution number one is to SIGN SOMEBODY to help improve this team. Resolution number two is to improve the slugging numbers for the team. And Resolution number three is to continue the pitching success. Here's to better times in 2021! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get 20% off your next order...

With the San Diego Padres making a flurry of moves in the last 3-4 days, the Cardinals still are yet to do just about anything. This has the Cardinal fanbase wondering, what is going on? What's the wait? Lucas takes a look at the questions you submitted and gives an unfortunate answer. Don't expect the Cardinals to make any moves anytime soon. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get 20% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is...

The San Diego Padres just got a whole lot better. All happening in the span of two days, the Padres acquired Blake Snell from the Tampa Bay Rays and Yu Darvish from the Chicago Cubs. And they did all of that without giving up too much prospect talent. The question has to be raised, are the Cardinals doing enough to stay competitive? In the NL Central, sure they are. But for a World Series ring? probably not. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.co...

It's episode 100 for Lucas!! The baseball offseason is extremely slow and painful, and in a time when it's already losing popularity, that's a major problem for the sport. Lucas also defends his take on Mike Shildt being a good manager and a good fit for this team. Shildt is a guy who is huge on communication and being close with his players, which resonates with them. While his decision making needs to improve, Shildt isn't as bad of a manager as people think. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a...

The St. Louis Cardinals will be down a bullpen arm in 2021 as John Brebbia signed a 1-year, $800,000 contract with the San Francisco Giants. Brebbia is coming off Tommy John surgery, but that's no reason to let him walk for a cheap price. Lucas also discusses the small rumor of the Kansas City Rumors being interested in Adam Wanwright, and he gives a semi hit take on Cardinal manager Mike Shildt. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll...

Aram Leighton of Locked On MLB Prospects joins the show to discuss Dylan Carlson and Ivan Herrera! When it comes to Carlson, should the Cardinals look more to the slow start or the fast finished? Leighton says Carlson struggling but then figuring things out is something he's accustomed to in the minor leagues. With the Molina situation casting a sea of doubt on the Cardinals, what can Ivan Herrera bring to the table, and when will he be MLB ready? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go...

The Cardinals have a lot of starting pitching depth, and two of their "guarantees" for next year's rotation are KK Kim and Miles Mikolas. With Mikolas, the question is will he be more like his 2018 self or his 2019 self in 2021? A healthy offseason is helpful, but what do the stats have to say? For Kim, the question is will he regress just like Mikolas did after the league gets a better look at him? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use pro...

It's no secret the Cardinals have a lot of pitching. All of that pitching was a large reason as to why they made the postseason in 2020. With all of the depth they have, there are going to be around 7-10 people going for 3 open rotation spots. Lucas breaks down a few names to keep your eye on, such as Carlos Martinez, Daniel Ponce de Leon and Austin Gomber. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get 20% o...

Yadier Molina returning to the St. Louis Cardinals is far from a guarantee. His replacement will have a burden on their hands, and it will be a tall task to replace #4 behind the plate. That said, fans shouldn't be too sad if Andrew Knizner is given the reigns next season. Despite a lack of MLB success, Knizner has done nothing but hit at the minor league level and has improved defensively year after year. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use pro...

It's mid-December and the Cardinals are yet to make any major roster moves. The question has to be asked, are the Cardinals moving too slow and being left behind? There have already been two outfielders off the board. This is largely due to the priority of keeping Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina. Is this too much of a priority for the Cardinals? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get 20% off your next order. Learn more about...

Lucas takes a look at your questions/comments/complaints/concerns on the Yadier Molina contract issue. While everyone has an opinion, this is not a cut-and-dry issue. There are countless factors to keep in mind and it is not simple to figure out if the Cardinals should re-sign the All-Star. Some factors are the price tag on him, the fans' opinion, the stats, the intangibles and how much money can you invest into Molina without sacrificing other areas to improve? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!  Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. G...

It's been reported that the Cardinals and Yadier Molina are no where close on a contract as both sides look to come back together for 2021. This has sparked a heated discussion among the St. Louis Cardinals' fans, and Lucas gives his take on today's show. It is not as cut and dry as some make it seem, as the stats and intangible factors must both be taken into account. Also, the blame game needs to stop being played: both sides need to come together to figure it out. A question Lucas has is, is it worth it to bring these...