The St. Louis Sportists

The St. Louis Sportists

by Ron Cook, Keith Farroll, Doug Lansdown, Tom Mathis and Joe Spurlin

Season 2

A Fence Post Scores More Goals

In this edition of The ST. Louis Sportists Podcast, the Blues face a trade deadline that could be one of the most impactful in franchise history. One trade – since rejected – would have sent Colton Parayko to Buffalo. The guys consider several players and if they will still be wearing the Bluenote after Friday at 2 p.m. It’s officially March and Mizzou is no less Maddening. SLU, despite unique halftime programming is ascending again along with Illinois. Bracketology is all the rage as speculation grows as to where teams could be sent for round one of March Madness. Cardinal spring training is underway, and JJ Wetherholt is getting on base more than he’s making outs. The World Baseball Classic is also starting and there are mercy rules – but will the rules impact gambling? The Cardinals announce a $29 ticket that offers an all-you-can eat menu for 2026 that leads to many questions. Will there be food cops? What if Joey Chestnut approaches? The Chiefs make a shocking trade – was it entirely salary cap-driven? And are the Lenexa/Overland Park Chiefs looking to add running backs through free agency as well as the draft. Speaking of the draft, it was the fastest combine ever. Does it matter? And never fear – Johnny Manzel is giving advice to Diego Pavia. What could go wrong? St. Louis City is shut out in San Diego 2-0. Keith suggests that farm equipment might be more effective in the striker role than certain options. The St. Louis Sportists are brought to you by First Coast Steel Buildings and Black Dog Consulting.

You Play to Win the Game

The Sportists discuss the first signature event of 2026 - the Miracle in Milan. The thrilling US win over Canada takes its place in hockey history and Canadians are unhappy - even with their stuffed animals. Maddening Mizzou continues to ride the season-long roller coaster and SLU has entered a troubling slide. Illinois gets "Tyus Ednied" in UCLA and bracketology is shuffled across the board. Spring training continues for the Cardinals and some are asking where the power will come from. Thomas Saggese and Ivan Herrera have bats that could play, but where? The Angels owner thinks winning doesn't matter to fans and The Sportists wonder if he's seen one-too-many PowerPoint presentations - or perhaps not enough. Travis Kelce may return for one more ride with the Chiefs but offensive line continues to be an obvious need. Will the Chiefs continue their string of drafting and starting running backs? The Blues are back and their playoff chances are close to Bluto's GPA in Animal House. Is this the time to get experimental? St. Louis CITY has a hopeful debut, even if it ends in a draw. All of this plus experimental rule changes and imagining Rickey Henderson being able to challenge pitches on this week's episode of the St. Louis Sportists Podcast. The St. Louis Sportists Podcast is brought to you by 1st Coast Steel Buildings and Black Dog Consulting.

There Would Have Been a Donnybrook

The Sportists cover a wide range this week as basketball, Olympics, NFL, MLB and golf all have newsy weeks. The SLU Billikens take a tumble in a conference game. Suddenly, they only have a half-game lead in the A-10. Is this just a hiccup? Maddening Mizzou lives up to the name as they have a clunker against Texas, but Illinois is crisp and clean against Indiana. Yadi is in Cardinal camp and Lars Nootbaar must walk before he can run. Are the "expert" win projections for the team low? And don't look for the strike zone box on TV this season. Tyreek Hill is available - are the Chiefs interested? Or is this the Jay Leno version of Tyreek? Patrick Mahomes restructures his contract and the impact is significant. Olympic hockey is riveting! Overtime games and tension abounds in the quarterfinals. And who had curling controversies on their Olympic Bingo cards? One of the most entertaining golf tournaments of the year lived up to its billing at Pebble Beach. How long is too long to hit your next shot? And what would players shoot if the wind didn't blow? All of this plus St. Louis CITY and you had better hurry if you want a Chiefs license plate in Missouri on this week's action-packed episode of the St. Louis Sportists podcast. The St. Louis Sportists podcast is brought to you by 1st Coast Steel Buildings and Black Dog Consulting.

Quietly But Bodaciously

The Sportists ask, was this the most boring Super Bowl ever? If not, it's certainly in the conversation. In positive developments, Joe finally nails the air-fried Uncrustables. And the stealth hit at one Super Bowl party? Krispy Kreme's! As for the game itself, are we entering a new NFL era of defense and running the football? Did 2025 represent the end of the Chiefs era or just a speedbump? Are they just a running back away from a return to glory or are the problems much deeper? Mizzou plays a shockingly complete game at South Carolina while Illinois stumbles ... twice! SLU continues to win after a very sluggish first half on Saturday and postseason matchups could be intriguing. SLU against Illinois or Missouri? Two different projections have both as possibilities. The Cardinals report to Spring training with a lack of star power, but a sense of optimism. At least they will be more interesting to watch. Who will step forward and take leadership roles? The Olympics continue and you can watch nearly every event. Oh, and if you haven't ever seen the downhill run of Franz Klamer in 1976, do yourself a favor today. City has a fever and the only cure is signing additional center backs. Where will the goals come from? Is Simon Becher ready for prime time? All of this plus naming rights for Memorial Stadium and playing basketball on a big TV on this week's episode of the St. Louis Sportists Podcast. The St. Louis Sportists podcast is brought to you by 1st Coast Steel Buildings and Black Dog Consulting LLC

A Super Bowl Preview Like No Other 2.0

It's the second annual Super Bowl Preview Like No Other! April, Tom, Joe and Ron consider prop bets, Bad Bunny and if Taylor Swift is providing Easter eggs or just messing with everyone. Again. St. Louis is going to be an Olympic city once again, and it was a surprise! Whether it's men's or women's soccer in 2028, it will be a return to the 2004 Olympic roots for the Gateway City. Maddening Mizzou continues to frustrate while SLU and Illinois continue to soar in the world of college basketball. Could SLU and the Ilini start their March Madness journeys right here in St. Louis? Super Bowl 60 is upon us and Blue Horseshoe walks us through all the most popular prop bets. So toss those coins and speculate on the Gatorade if you dare. The Blues find even more creative ways to lose, and Brendan Donnovan departs for a five-player return. One of the prospects has a most unusual ability, which April finds intriguing. All of this plus bidets in the locker rooms, the best of Marvin Barnes and are you as tough as Lindsey Vonn (unlikely) in this week's episode of The St. Louis Sportists Podcast. The St. Louis Sportists Podcast is brought to you by 1st Coast Steel and Black Dog Consulting.

She's My Friend, Too ...

It has finally happened - The Sportists are on Tik Tok! Track suits and dance moves for everyone. In this week's episode, contracts include horses and the case of the shrinking quarterback. On more traditional topics, Maddening Mizzou is hitting shots from the logo (Puxico and Hayti, specifically) in a thrilling game against Oklahoma. SLU and Illinois continue to rocket skyward and face significant tests later this week. Is fourth down and short an automatic go-for-it now in the NFL? And should the elements have a place in deciding championship games? We think we know how kickers would vote. Brady will coach the Bills (not that one) and did pettiness keep Bill Belicheck out of the Hall of Fame on the first ballot? More importantly, how did Jordon react? Blue Horseshoe leads the review of college picks for the season and the Blues continue their tailspin. What can be done with Jordan Binnington? Brendan Donnovan may be a Cardinal in 2026 after all and we're all relieved that Donnovan Osborne will not. The Royals face an uncertain stadium future after bailing on a Kansas site. Hello, Nashville? Speaking of uncertain futures, what's next for LIV? Are they the USFL of golf? All this plus Keith's special friend, livestock in baseball trades and the next former-Cardinal breakout star for the Cubs in this week's action-packed episode of The St. Louis Sportists Podcast. The St. Louis Sportists Podcast is brought to you by 1st Coast Steel Buildings and Black Dog Consulting.

Gotta Find My Sugar Daddy

We all need a helping hand from time-to-time, sometimes even a generous benefactor. The National Champion Indiana Hoosiers rocketed to the top of the college football universe in only two seasons. What does Mizzou need to do the same? What is a catch? What is pass interference? It depends on the game you're watching. In the NFL, the Rams and Broncos approve of recent interpretations. The trickle-down from some of these calls have brought sweeping changes in Buffalo. Did the Bills make a panic move? Jao Klauss may be departing St. Louis CITY. If a team that has trouble scoring goals deals their leading scorer, there are additional moves upcoming. Right? Please? The Billikens are now a top 25 team and on top of the A-10. Ahh, but with attention comes people noticing your head coach - perhaps for other opportunities. Maddening Mizzou gives up a jaw-dropping five offensive rebounds in one sequence and coughs up a game against SEC rival Georgia. The guys review their 2025 college football predictions with some good, some bad, and some points where the screen becomes unreadable. Oddly, few mentions of Indiana. All of this along with an Olympic hockey facility update (not good) and how to use cayenne pepper on this upcoming snowy weekend on this edition of The St. Louis Sportists Podcast. The St. Louis Sportists Podcast is brought to you by 1st Coast Steel Buildings and Black Dog Consulting.

Mississippi Burning

The Sportists wonder, would Lane Kiffin have made a difference for Ole' Miss in such a close game against Miami? Just don't call them Mississippi. The National Championship game is set to be memorable (and expensive!) with a potential Pitbull sighting. Can the Canes keep it close or pull one out? Or is this just another entry on Curt Cignetti's Google search results? The NFL Wild Card games followed the script with all but one coming down to the wire. The guys make their picks for this weekend, including a triple digit loss forecast for one unlucky team. The Arenado era ends in St. Louis and Keith considers the good, bad and ugly. Tom ponders who may emerge as the "face of the franchise" and a long-running streak could be in great jeopardy. The Blues continue to drift through the season, and it seems like every player is available if the price is right. And why doesn't Jordan Kyrou have a letter after all this time? CITY will play soccer in five weeks, and they finally added a player. All of this along with the education of TJ Finley, the Mike Tomlin coaching tree and Pablo Escobar on this week's action-packed edition of the St. Louis Sportists. The St. Louis Sportists are brought to you by 1st Coast Steel Buildings and Black Dog Consulting.

The 2026 Prediction Episode

It's time for The Sportists to dust off the crystal ball and look ahead with the 2026 prediction episode. Before charging ahead, the team looks back at the predictions for 2025 - the good, bad and ugly. Some were spot-on (thank you, Cleveland bullpen). Others...not so much. College football playoffs charge ahead and we ask the traditional question, can anyone stop Indiana? Well, it's a new tradition. Oregon is low on running backs and my have to resort to a four-star option. Ratings are up for bowl games despite portal madness. Iowa State had 14 players on their football roster at one point - barely more than the basketball team! And Mizzou gains a quarterback, but loses their entire defense. Are we cheering for laundry? Massive change isn't limited to the NCAA ranks - the Eastern Kansas Chiefs are facing a significant roster turnover. Perhaps this is for the best since they may be a solid third in the AFC West. The gang takes their weekly visit to Blue Horseshoe's corner before moving to with 15 sports predictions for 2026. All of this and how not to prepare Uncrustables on this week's action-packed episode of The St. Louis Sportists Podcast. The St. Louis Sportists are brought to you by 1st Coast Steel Buildings and Black Dog Consulting.

World Cup 101 - With Jen Siess

It’s World Cup time and The Sportists have you covered. Jen Siess, the host of the pre- and post-game coverage for St. Louis City SC on Y98 and can be heard regularly on KMOX radio joins Ron for World Cup 101. If you are new to watching soccer or a life-long fan, you’re bound to learn something in this overview of the upcoming World Cup. Jen and Ron discuss the global impact of the tournament that can shut down conflicts or assembly lines. They look at the structure of the tournament from qualifying to pool play, the knockout rounds and ultimately the championship. Who are the favorites to win it all this year, and which players will take over the headlines of the sports world for the next several weeks? And what about the US Team? How are they selected and why can’t they break through on the international stage? The Sportists give you the world in this episode – with a dash of St. Louis CITY at the end. Happy World Cup! The St. Louis Sportists Podcast is brought to you by 1st Coast Steel Buildings and Black Dog Consulting.

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