We promised no NFL free agency coverage.
So naturally we opened the show trying to figure out what exactly happened with Maxx Crosby.
But that was only the beginning of the chaos.
This week, we also covered:
โพ A quick detour into USA's impending loss in the World Baseball Classic
๐ The ridiculous 83-point performance by Bam Adebayo
โฝ Why Brazilian soccer might be the most dangerous sporting environment in the world
โฝ Ronโs deeply disappointing week of soccer fandom
๐ฌ A completely unexpected pop culture rabbit hole
In other wordsโฆ the usual Team of Rivals nonsense.
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๐ Follow: @TeamOfRivalsPod | Elliott @ToR_Elliott | Ron @ToR_Ron75 | @TheParkSTL
๐ง Email: TeamOfRivalsPodcast@gmail.com
The boys showed up with no planโฆ and somehow covered everything.
On this episode of Team of Rivals, we ease into Spring Training with the appropriate level of skepticism (which is to say: none).
We also explore a question Cubs fans may not be emotionally prepared for: Where could Ian Happ play next? Hypothetically. Probably.
Jurickson Profarโs PED suspension becomes a jumping-off point for a broader conversation about accountability, baseball history, and why this stuff still manages to surprise people.
Then we take a hard left turn into Chicago football as Drew Dalmanโs sudden retirement leaves the Bears with an unexpected hole at centerโฆ because of course it does. We break down what it means and how concerned fans should be (answer: itโs the Bears).
We wrap with Ronโs Soccer Minute, where he recounts a week so bad it crossed international borders. Across the pond. Here in the States. Misery without a passport.
No rundown. No structure. Just Cubs, Cardinals, Bears, and a little global suffering.
Leave a 5-star review. Tell a friend. Preferably one who overreacts to Spring Training.
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๐ Follow: @TeamOfRivalsPod | Elliott @ToR_Elliott | Ron @ToR_Ron75 | @TheParkSTL
๐ง Email: TeamOfRivalsPodcast@gmail.com
Spring Training is in full swing, and the Team of Rivals Podcast is back with all the takes you didnโt know you needed. This week we cover:
โข This yearโs Cardinals Hall of Fame ballot โ who joins Albert and Yadi in September?
โข Pete Crow-Armstrongโs debut as a villain in Dodgers territory
โข What to do with a potentially โemptyโ Soldier Field
โข ABS first impressions
Plus, Ron delivers his always-inevitable Soccer Minute, and Elliottโฆ quietly disappears once the recording light goes off.
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๐ Follow: @TeamOfRivalsPod | Elliott @ToR_Elliott | Ron @ToR_Ron75 | @TheParkSTL
๐ง Email: TeamOfRivalsPodcast@gmail.com
Baseball is back. The Cubs and Cardinals will throw their first pitches in anger tomorrow, optimism is in the air, and we are all pretending that whatever happens in Arizona and Florida over the next six weeks will not emotionally ruin our summers.
Tonight on the Team of Rivals Podcast:
โพ FINALLY, baseball returns tomorrow
๐จโ๐ฆ A completely normal and healthy discussion about our love for large adult sons (Pozo/MoBaller edition)
๐๏ธ The Chicago Bears advance the ball to "the half-yard-line" of their increasingly likely move to Northwest Indiana
โฝ Ron might get aggressively out over his skis after Newcastle embarrassed Qarabaฤ
Plus: offseason delusions, civic brinksmanship, and the usual refusal to stay on topic for more than four consecutive minutes.
Are we really doing this?
Yes. Yes, we are.
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๐ Follow: @TeamOfRivalsPod | Elliott @ToR_Elliott | Ron @ToR_Ron75 | @TheParkSTL
๐ง Email: TeamOfRivalsPodcast@gmail.com
This week is a buffet episode.
Will we talk about PECOTA projections and why spreadsheets continue to attack your favorite team? Probably.
Will we mock โbest shape of my lifeโ season in Spring Training? Feels inevitable.
Nick Castellanos? Kris Bryantโs annual injury update? The Chicago stadium saga now featuring Iowa? The preseason #8 Bears? Newcastle winning while Thomas Frankโฆ does not?
All possible. None promised.
This is that time of year where optimism is undefeated, renderings look incredible, power rankings mean everything, and we convince ourselves itโs different this time.
Weโll attempt structure. We make no guarantees.
Come hungry.
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๐ Follow: @TeamOfRivalsPod | Elliott @ToR_Elliott | Ron @ToR_Ron75 | @TheParkSTL
๐ง Email: TeamOfRivalsPodcast@gmail.com
This week on the Team of Rivals Podcast: Ron, Pete, and Elliott are back with plenty to say, including
โพ The Cardinals rebuild and some Cubs conversation
โฝ Ronโs Soccer Minute
๐ Is the end in sight for the Bears' new stadium?
All rivalry. All opinions. No filters.
๐ Powered by GatewaySports.Net
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๐ Follow: @TeamOfRivalsPod | Elliott @ToR_Elliott | Ron @ToR_Ron75 | @TheParkSTL
๐ง Email: TeamOfRivalsPodcast@gmail.com
The Partyโs Over.
And no, weโre not talking about your weekend. Kyle Tucker signed, the baseball hot stove is finally boiling over, and the Bearsโฆ well, theyโve left their fans with the perfect mix of sadness, frustration, and hopeful optimism.
Join Pete, Ron, and Elliott as they break down:
The Kyle Tucker contract and why baseball might be careening toward irrelevance.
Trades, rumors, and chaos โ how the 2026 hot stove is finally living up to the hype.
The Bears' season finale: disappointment, confusion, and a faint glimmer of hope.
Plus, Ron delivers a fresh Soccer Minute โ because we like to keep chaos international.
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๐ Follow: @TeamOfRivalsPod | Elliott @ToR_Elliott | Ron @ToR_Ron75 | @TheParkSTL
๐ง Email: TeamOfRivalsPodcast@gmail.com
Itโs a big week in Cubs, Cardinals, Bears, and soccer news, and the Team of Rivals Podcast is here to break it all down. This week we discuss:
โข The Cubs trade for Edward Cabrera
โข Alex Bregman signs with the Cubs
โข The Cardinals finally move Nolan Arenado
โข Rob Manfredโs in-season tournament proposal
โข Da Bears, making their usual noise, this time in the playoffs!
โข Ronโs Soccer Minute
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๐ Follow: @TeamOfRivalsPod | Elliott @ToR_Elliott | Ron @ToR_Ron75 | @TheParkSTL
๐ง Email: TeamOfRivalsPodcast@gmail.com
New Logo. Old Feed. Same Arguments.
After a two-week hiatus that accomplished absolutely nothing, the Team of Rivals Podcast is back.
Weโre kicking off Season 10, Episode 3 with:
โพ A check-in on the offseason (yes, Cubs and Cardinals fans, we know you're still mad)
๐ The Bearsโ upcoming playoff run and how confident weโre supposed to feel
๐๏ธ The latest chapter in the never-ending Bears stadium saga
โฝ And, of course, Ronโs Soccer Minute, which he swears will be quick. (It will not.)
Nothing has changed. We regret nothing.
๐ Like, ๐ฌ comment, and ๐ subscribe so the algorithm knows we still exist (and hasnโt replaced us yet).
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๐ Follow: @TeamOfRivalsPod | Elliott @ToR_Elliott | Ron @ToR_Ron75 | @TheParkSTL
๐ง Email: TeamOfRivalsPodcast@gmail.com
You thought you were getting a break from us for a couple of weeks.
(And, honestly, we were looking forward to a break from you.)
But here we are.
This surprise episode has nothing to do with the Bearsโ wild Saturday night win.
It also has absolutely nothing to do with the Cardinals trading Willson Contreras.
We justโฆ missed you. Probably.
We do a quick hit on everything thatโs happened over the last four days before we send you back into your holiday haze.
Short episode. Loose agenda. Zero promises.
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๐ Follow: @TeamOfRivalsPod | Elliott @ToR_Elliott | Ron @ToR_Ron75 | @TheParkSTL
๐ง Email: TeamOfRivalsPodcast@gmail.com
In this week's episode, the guys dive headfirst into the "excitement" of the 2025 MLB season kickoff! With Ron logging in remotely from a convention in Orlando, Pete and Elliott kick things off with a lively discussion about the Cubsโ frustrating first loss to the Dodgers in Tokyo. The duo reflects on the early morning game, the challenges of international matchups, and the implications for Major League Baseball's global expansion efforts.
As they dissect the game, the guys touch on the performance of Shohei Ohtani and the questionable decisions made by the Dodgers, specifically their recent moves with player contracts. The conversation flows into a broader critique of MLB's marketing strategies and how the concentration of talent on a few teams might affect the league's appeal. The guys also discuss the Cardinalsโ offseason and how their roster decisions are shaping up as they prepare for the season ahead.
Ron shifts gears with his Soccer Minute to offer his take on the impact of goalkeeper Roman Burkiโs hand injury and City's surprising shift into a defensive powerhouse. The guys wrap up with a review of the Bearsโ offseason moves to-date, highlighting the changes made to the offensive line and the potential for a more competitive season ahead.
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It's a special Sunday evening episode of the Team of Rivals Podcast this week. Exciting things lie ahead for the formerly UNDEFEATED Cubs, the UNDEFEATED City FC, and the Star Wars franchise. (Well, maybe not the latter.)
In this lively episode, Ron, Elliott, and Pete tackle the latest in sports and pop culture with their signature humor and insight. Kicking things off, the trio dives into the perplexing situation surrounding the Cardinals and their offseason struggles, with Ron sharing his frustrations over the team's stagnant moves and the ongoing mystery of Nolan Arenado's future. Meanwhile, Elliott can't help but gloat about the Cubs' formerly undefeated spring training record, leading to a spirited debate about both teams' prospects for the upcoming season. The conversation shifts gears as they discuss St. Louis City FC's recent performance, and Ron laments their scoreless draws and the challenges faced on the field.
As the episode wraps, the guys touch on the Chicago Bears' upcoming draft and free agent strategies, speculating on potential player acquisitions that could shape the team's future. The discussion draws to a close with a nerdy turn, as they delve into the latest rumors surrounding Kathleen Kennedy's tenure at Lucasfilm, with the hosts sharing their thoughts on the future of Star Wars and what it would take to reignite their passion for the franchise.
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Pitchers and catchers have reported, Nolan Arenado is still a Cardinal, and Alex Bregman is now a Red Sock. Ron, Elliott, and Pete bring their usual highly rational takes to the latest in MLB on this special Presidents' Day episode. After the obligatory baseball talk, this week's conversation turns to pop culture, chess, and Ron's Soccer minute.
โข 10 vs. 2 MMA: https://x.com/i/status/1891674697542046063
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What did we do to deserve this?
In this Cards-heavy episode of the Team of Rivals Podcast, Ron, Elliott, and Pete are joined by special guests Holy Elle and Dan Buffa for a deep dive into the current state of St. Louis Cardinals baseball. The conversation kicks off with Ron expressing his frustrations about the team's stagnant offseason, drawing parallels to the dark days of the early '90s. The group debates the implications of the Cardinals' roster decisions, particularly focusing on the future of former stars like Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt.
The discussion shifts as they analyze the potential impact of new players and the importance of allowing young talent like Mason Wynn and Jordan Walker to shine without being yanked back and forth between the majors and minors. The group shares their hopes and concerns about the upcoming season, exploring whether the team is truly committed to a rebuild or merely treading water. The conversation takes a humorous turn, with the group discussing about Jim Edmonds' recent interview and critique of his broadcasting style.
We wrap up with "Ron's Soccer Minute," as he shares his excitement for the upcoming MLS season and City's home opener.
Catch up with Elle at www.holyelle.com. Read Dan's latest at doseofbuffa.com.
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Ron, Elliott, and Pete dive into the lackluster offseason for the St. Louis Cardinals, with Ron expressing his disinterest in this year's Winter Warm-Up and the team's failure to make significant moves. The guys discuss the ambiguous "reset" strategy announced by the Cardinals' management, questioning what it really means for the future of the team.
Elliott counters with a look at the Chicago Cubs' recent signings, highlighting their efforts to improve the roster while Pete pokes fun at the expectations of Cubs fans regarding team profitability. The conversation takes a comedic turn as the hosts explore the absurdity of fan expectations in the current sports landscape.
As the episode progresses, the trio shifts gears to the Hall of Fame announcements, celebrating the induction of Ichiro and reflecting on the careers of other inductees like Billy Wagner and CC Sabathia. They discuss the implications of the steroid era on Hall of Fame voting and speculate on future inductees, including Carlos Beltrรกn and Ryan Braun.
Wrapping up the episode, they touch on the Chicago Bears' recent coaching hires before celebrating the return of "Ron's Soccer Minute"! That's right, the excitement for the upcoming MLS season is palpable, as Ron shares his hopes for St. Louis City SC and their new coach.
The guys also share a laugh over the latest Star Wars news, including the unexpected fate of Watto the Toydarian.
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In this fiery episode of the Team of Rivals Podcast, Ron, Elliott, and Pete tear into the latest MLB drama with all the fire and flair youโd expect. It kicks off with Ron going off on the Dodgers' controversial signing of Roki Sasaki, sparking a heated debate about the growing imbalance in the game. Ronโs so fed up with baseballโs direction, he might just quit being a fan altogether.
The guys then stumble upon a shocking discovery โ another podcast using the Team of Rivals name! Naturally, they debate whether to send in the lawyers or just invite the copycats on for a showdown. They dive into the absurdity of not even Googling your podcast name before launching and the lengths people will go for some lazy branding.
Things take a turn when Pete rips into Cubs fans for rolling out the red carpet for Sammy Sosaโs return at this weekendโs Cubs Convention. Peteโs not having it, especially with Sammyโs nonstop thirst for attention โ heโs fired up, to say the least.
The mood lightens as the trio shifts gears to honor the legendary Bob Uecker, sharing some of their favorite stories and clips from his career. Ueckโs humor and wit made him a beloved icon in the world of baseball broadcasting, and the guys give him the shout-out he deserves.
Finally, the guys wrap things up with a chat about the Chicago Bearsโ coaching search, tossing around names like Mike McCarthy and wondering if the team can finally find a leader whoโll bring some much-needed success.
It's a jam-packed episode full of rants, laughs, and some seriously hot takes. You wonโt want to miss it!
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This week, Ron, Pete, and Elliott explores Jim Bowden's recent article grading MLB teams' offseasons, sparking a debate on whether the Cubs truly deserve an A-minus and if the Cardinals' inactivity justifies their F grade. They delve into the implications of team movements, the Cubs' bullpen needs, and the Cardinals' potential trade scenarios.
Switching gears, the guys then tackle the ongoing Chicago Bears coaching search, pondering how the team might navigate the hiring process and what potential candidates could bring to the table. With a mix of skepticism and hope, they discuss the Bears' strategy and the importance of getting the right leadership in place. (TRANSLATION: "How are the Bears going to screw up this time?")
Finally, the Team shares their thoughts on the broader sports landscape, touching on the Padres' hat options, potential player signings, and the ever-entertaining John Gruden. They even discuss the possibility of a Team of Rivals field trip to an A's game in Sacramento.
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Welcome to the first Team of Rivals Podcast episode of 2025! Ron, Elliott, and Pete kick off the new year with a passionate discussion on the state of Major League Baseball and the ongoing struggles of their beloved teams. The guys dive into the Cubs' financial constraints and the impact of institutional investors on team operations, questioning whether the Cubs are truly committed to building a competitive squad. Meanwhile, the Cardinals' lack of involvement in top free-agent talks leaves fans frustrated and yearning for a change in strategy.
As the conversation unfolds, the Team reflects on the broader issues facing baseball, including the dominance of elite teams like the Dodgers and the Mets, and the potential need for a hard salary cap to level the playing field. The guys also discuss the challenges faced by small-market teams and the implications for the future of the sport.
Shifting gears, the hosts tackle the Bears' disappointing season and the toxic culture within the locker room. With the team's future uncertain, they explore potential changes in leadership and what it might take to turn things around.
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The Team of Rivals is back with a lively holiday episode, diving deep into the world of baseball and beyond. Ron, Elliott, Pete, and special guest Braden discuss the latest happenings with the Cubs and Cardinals, including the Cubs' exciting offseason moves and the Cardinals' puzzling retooling strategy. The guys debate the implications of the Cardinals' rumored trades and the Cubs' luxury tax situation, all while sharing their Christmas wishes for their favorite teams. They wrap things up by offering their thoughts on the broader sports landscape, including the Bears' ongoing struggles and the future of Chicago sports.
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Ron, Pete, and Elliott are back after a long hiatus โ just in time for the season's final episode.
With the Chicago Bears making headlines by firing head coach Matt Eberflus, the Team of Rivals Podcast dives into the implications of this major shakeup. Could this be the turning point for the franchise? The guys debate the Bears' future and discuss potential candidates for the next head coach.
In a lively conversation, the team wonders if theyโve become a football (or fรบtbol?) podcast, as both the Cubs and Cardinals wrap up disappointing seasons. With baseball falling further into the background, the focus shifts back to the NFL and the ongoing challenges faced by the Bears. The discussion covers Chicagoโs Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions, questionable coaching decisions, and what the teamโs strategy should be moving forward.
As the episode unfolds, the guys offer their thoughts on the broader sports landscape, including the state of Chicago sports and the struggles of Midwestern teams. They also touch on the Dodgers' aggressive offseason moves and what that means for the rest of the league.
Join the Team of Rivals for a candid, entertaining discussion on the current state of sports โ especially the Bears โ and whether Chicago sports can turn things around.
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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 Wooโs 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 Taillonโs strong performance against the Reds. The discussion shifts to the Cubs' future, particularly regarding Ian Happโs no-trade clause and Cody Bellingerโs 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 Ohtaniโs impressive season and the Dodgers' dilemma regarding his pitching role.
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While there's little left of the 2024 MLB season โ for the Cubs and the Cards anyway โ today's episode is dedicated to honoring the legendary James Earl Jones. His passing warrants a special episode, as his voice has been a constant throughout Ron's and Pete's lives, from the big screen to their favorite sports moments. (We assume the same is true for Elliott, but, well, you knowโฆ)
Join Ron and Pete as they reminisce about the iconic roles and unforgettable voice. From Darth Vader's menacing presence to the nostalgic monologue in Field of Dreams, they explore the impact of his work on our lives and our love for baseball and cinema.
Ron shares a heartfelt trip down memory lane, recalling the days of early gaming and the evolution of technology, while Pete dives into the significance of timeless storytelling and the universal truths that make films, television, and even podcasts long-lasting.
In a lighter segment, the guys discuss the advancements in computing, from the days of floppy disks, cassettes, and CEDs to the instant digital downloads of today. They also touch on the importance of creating new, original content in Hollywood and the need for fresh stories for the next generation.
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It's a joyous time in Chicago because โ despite their miniscule playoff odds โ the Cubs have been playing fun baseball. However, there is no joy in Mudville, as one of the National League's crown jewels is experiencing shocking levels of disinterest from the Best Fans in Baseballโข.
How much longer can DW Sticks put up with the incompetence of a front office that trades for Tommy Pham, subsequently designates him for assignment (poor Pete!), mishandles Jordan Walker, and trades Dylan Carlson and releases the return (who is โ of course โ signed by the Cubs)?
Thankfully, we have Ron's Soccer Minute to bring you a welcome respite, updating listeners on City's thrilling 4-4 draw against the Portland Timbers and previewing their upcoming match against the LA Galaxy.
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While the regular season is winding down for both the Cubs and the Cardinals, Ron and Pete have plenty to discuss. From inside-the-park home runs to Campfire Milkshakes, from six-inning minimums to Ron's Soccer Minute, it's still a full episode (even without Elliott).
The Team kicks things off with an exhilarating inside-the-park home run by Pete Crow-Armstrong, which inspires a throwback to the time that Ron actually saw one in person. They then shift gears to discuss the state of the Cardinals and Cubs, including their respective frustrations with the Cubs' playoff hopes and the Cardinals' need for a rebuild. Ron shares his thoughts on recent comments from Cardinals' ownership and the team's future direction.
In "Ron's Soccer Minute", they dive into City's recent performance, including their thrilling match against Portland and the impact of new signings on the team's future. They also touch on the upcoming game against the LA Galaxy and the end of the supporters' boycott.
Finally, Ron and Pete wrap up with a discussion on the current state of the Star Wars franchise, comparing it to the Cardinals' struggles.
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