Locked On St. Louis Cardinals

With news breaking this afternoon about Carlos Martínez going down with a lat strain, most of today's podcast features Jeff and Brenden examining all the angles of that story. Possibilities for the rotation are discussed, as are our surprising confidence in Miles Mikolas and concerns that San Diego may not be the best environment for getting a sputtering offense in order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Cardinals and Cubs played a marathon game last night which ended in a sweep that might be impactful for both clubs. The admirable work of the bullpen is discussed. Jeff and Brenden talk about the attitude around the team last night and the hopefulness that comes along with it. A preview of the quick series with the Twins reveals some of the logic in choosing John Gant for a spot start, and there's time spent trying to figure out the best way to work in some off days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brenden and Jeff dive into the first two games of the series against the Cubs but primarily focus on the injury situation and the way it may affect the Cardinals. The difficulties in balancing the bench and bullpen are discussed, along with the possibility that this series against Chicago may be a more dramatic turning point than either club intended.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brenden and Jeff talk about a quick but effective sweep of the Chicago White Sox and discuss the positives of a Cardinals roster that may be exceeding expectations. Bud Norris's role is highlighted in both the bullpen and the candle-burning business. The cost of candles is analyzed, and some surprise knowledge about catching the first pitch is brought into the light. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it safe to pretend that the sweep doesn't exist? Jeff and Brenden discuss which of the three games was most painful and whether or not Matt Carpenter's numbers have now dropped off far enough that it may be time to sit him down. Miles Mikolas receives praise, the bullpen receives scorn, and Mike Matheny is making people nervous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeff digs into the big series victory over the Mets and the early start of some of the Cardinals most prominent players. The bullpen shuffle from the week is discussed, and the upcoming series in Pittsburgh is viewed through the lens of the moves the Cardinals may have to make with their roster in order to get through the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a solo episode for Jeff today as he works through some of the walks and wildness of last night's extra inning loss to the Mets. Marcell Ozuna is dealing with a slump, José Martínez is hitting into bad luck, and Kolten Wong may finally be coming out of his spring freeze. Jack Flaherty is confirmed to start on Saturday, easing the concerns of some anxious Cardinals fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brenden and Jeff dissect Adam Wainwright's problems with his elbow and go over the virtues of MoviePass. Jeff is incapable of figuring out who's starting for the Mets tonight, and once that's sorted through, playing time of the members of the bench is fully hashed out.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a roller coaster 4-3 victory over the Reds, Brenden and Jeff go through a busy day at the park from the park. The Cardinals have moved Matt Carpenter back to leadoff, Jordan Hicks got an eventful 7 outs, and in between, Carlos Martínez continues his streak of dominance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another weather postponement means Jeff spent four days in Chicago to see a total of one baseball game. Jeff and Brenden talk about today's roster developments and the possibility that Greg Holland may take some time to find his stuff again. There's also discussion on the evolution of the bench, the usage of the newly-promoted Tyler O'Neill, and the possibility that Kolten Wong may be starting to wear out his welcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeff has a solo episode today live from Wrigley Field where the moving and shaking in the Cardinals lineup and pitching staff is discussed. Paul DeJong moves down, Matt Carpenter moves over to second, and the Cardinals are doing their best to make sure Michael Wacha doesn't have to take the mound in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeff is snowed out in Chicago as he and Brenden go through a sweep of the Reds, an abbreviated pending series with the Cubs, and all of the challenges which may be facing the Cardinals' pitching staff as they adjust to their new roles now and throughout the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brenden and Jeff discuss the upcoming Cardinals series in Cincinnati and the hopes that the hitter-friendly park might spark the sputtering offense. Yesterday brawls dominated the conversation around Major League Baseball, and both of them had Cardinals right at the center. Finally, a little Tino Martinez reminiscence wraps up the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brenden and Jeff discuss Adam Wainwright's performance in a rubber game loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. They also work through some of the struggles occurring up and down the lineup and examine some of the bullpen usage that may be putting the Cardinals behind the eight ball. The upcoming road trip to Cincinnati and Chicago is previewed, along with a lovely bit of discussion about the ambient noise that comes along with recording a podcast from a quasi-secluded corner of the ballpark.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeff Jones and Brenden Schaeffer bring you Locked On St. Louis Cardinals, a daily podcast that will bring you the best in Cardinals news and analysis from inside Busch Stadium itself. Our first episode goes through Mike Matheny's decision making process in sticking with Greg Holland in last night's game, breaks down the ongoing struggles of hitters in the lineup who should be more successful, and dissects what the team needs out of Carlos Martínez in order to snap a losing streak.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices