Locked On St. Louis Cardinals

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 Sponsors!Built BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice

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 ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 is an understatement. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about you

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 Sponsors!Built BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Sponsors!Built BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Supporting Our Sponsors! Built BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 BarBuilt 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 AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices