From the back fields and press box at Sloan Park, the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Post-Dispatch baseball Derrick Goold and Cincinnati Enquirer baseball writer Gordon Wittenmyer survey the National League Central and discuss ballpark factors, dead zones, and whether any of these teams is actually going to win the division, or will it be won by default?
A long-time baseball writer who has been on both the Cubs and Reds beat, Wittenmyer is skeptical of the Cardinals' pitching additions and the Cubs bringing back the same team, while he sees a wide bandwidth for possibilities with the upstart Reds.
The volatility of talented youth could mean anywhere from 75 wins to 95 wins. And just how many wins will it take to claim the National League Central? Could it be 84 or less? The two baseball writers discuss building a team based on the home ballpark -- something both the Reds and Cardinals are doing this season from opposite directions.
They also touch on the state of the game going into the 2024 season and if the quality of play has been enhanced by new rules. If the game is finally letting its talent play at full pace, is it possible that a division loaded with parity and no real big-spending juggernaut becomes ... dramatic.
Talk a plot twist. What if, while all of the attention is on the coasts and the titans, the worst division in the National League is actually the most entertaining division in the National League? Wouldn't be the first time for fly-over country.
The Best Podcast in Baseball, brought to you by Closets by Design of St. Louis, is a production of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, StlToday.com, and Derrick Goold.
The meatball factor and super-size problem with Cardinals offense
Can Cardinals' outfield of recent past, Memphis' outfield in the present become St. Louis' outfield for the future?
What it was like to be born as a baseball fan into Whiteyball, a force multiplier for Cardinals history
Taking hacks to determine if Cardinals' frostbit offense is a warning sign or small sample size
Cardinals starter Lance Lynn joins BPIB to discuss returning home, baseball's 'sense of humor'
What did Cardinals learn from disastrous '23 that they can already apply to early '24 challenges?
Cardinals near the breakpoint. How will mid-spring injuries strain roster, reveal new talents?
10 Cardinals prospects, 2 minutes each on how they're poised for a leap year in 2024
Seeking the 'Legend of Sonny Gray' and how spring can be the season of storytelling
Hello, 2024. What way is the wind blowing as Cardinals open pivotal spring for top players, management?
What tone must Cardinals set during spring training? Follow the leaders
New Cardinals reliever Andrew Kittredge talks trade, slider, and his Huskies
Comedian Greg Warren wrestles with Cardinals moves, MLB gifts (Part 2)
Comedian Greg Warren checks the sizzle and substance on Cardinals' Hot Stove (Part 1)
How Shohei Ohtani's unicorn contract stokes Dodgers' threat to Cardinals' historic NL reign
Welcome to the Sonny side of the Cardinals' winter spruce-up
Crank up the volume! Cardinals need to deal in bulk for pitching
New rules the World Series: What's now for Rangers & Diamondbacks? What's next for Astros?
What can Cardinals take from Phillies' ongoing, outgoing October vibes?
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Fly Racing Moto:60 Show
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Keefer Tested
The Pulp Hockey Show
Mike Lange Highlights
The Underdog Sports NFL Show