Season 8, Episode 23 – This Is the End

Team of Rivals Podcast

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 update from the Cubs game he attended, highlighting Jameson Taillon’s strong performance against the Reds. The discussion shifts to the Cubs' future, particularly regarding Ian Happ’s no-trade clause and Cody Bellinger’s potential opt-out. The team debates the Cubs' need for a superstar bat and the challenges they face in upgrading their lineup.

The guys also touch on the broader issues in Major League Baseball, including the Oakland A's move to Las Vegas and the impact of poor ownership on fan engagement. They also discuss the White Sox's record-setting season and the discontent among their fan base.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a look at the potential end of Kyle Hendricks' career with the Cubs, reflecting on his contributions and speculating on his future with the team. They also briefly mention Shohei Ohtani’s impressive season and the Dodgers' dilemma regarding his pitching role.

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