Team of Rivals Podcast Team of Rivals Podcast

In this special bonus episode of the Team of Rivals Podcast, we break from our usual schedule to bring you an in-depth conversation with Pete's friend and Dirty Dirty White Sox Fan, Alex Levine. As both the Cubs and Cardinals struggle to stay relevant, we dive into the dismal state of Chicago White Sox baseball and explore the emotional turmoil of being a fan of a team in freefall.
First, we reminisce about the optimism surrounding the Craig Kimbrell trade three years ago and how quickly things went south. Alex shares his candid thoughts on the White Sox's current struggles, the failure of Pedro Grifol's managerial tenure, and the deep-rooted issues within the organization. From the disastrous 2023 season to the potential for setting new records of futility in 2024, we leave no stone unturned.
We also discuss the broader implications of Jerry Reinsdorf's ownership, the missed opportunities in free agency, and the controversial hiring of Tony La Russa. Alex provides a sobering look at the future of the franchise, including the prospect of a move to Nashville and what it means for die-hard fans.
Whether you're a White Sox fan looking for a therapy session or just a baseball enthusiast interested in the inner workings of a struggling franchise, this episode is a must-listen.
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After a two-week hiatus, the Team returns – with a remote call-in by Elliott! – to discuss the miserable state of baseball in the NL Central, the retirement of Angel Hernandez, and more.
First up, Ron and Pete tackle the current state of the NL Central. It's no secret that the division has been struggling, and they break down exactly why it's been so disappointing. Ron sums it up perfectly: "The NL Central is terrible. I mean, just utterly, utterly terrible."
Next, they shift focus to the Chicago White Sox. With their season in a downward spiral, is it possible that they set a new record for losses, and is it okay for fans to root for such futility?
But it's not all doom and gloom! In this week's installment of Ron's Soccer Minute, they dive into the exhilarating world of soccer. St. Louis City SC recently faced off against Inter Miami, and what a match it was! Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players of all time, showcased his incredible skills. Even though the match ended in a draw, it was a thrilling experience for fans and a testament to the growing popularity of soccer in the U.S.
Chip Caray follows in his grandfather's footsteps, leading to a ToR brainstorm of a million-dollar idea that could revolutionize the ticket resale market. Imagine a platform where you can choose to sit next to someone attractive who shares your interests. It's a combination of ticket resales and a dating site, and we think it has the potential to be a game-changer.
Which old man yells at clouds and why? Stick around to the end to find out...
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In this week's episode, Ron and Pete tackle a whirlwind of topics, all while Pete battles a severe case of sleep deprivation. From managing a thousand kids at the Field Museum and Navy Pier, to the disappointment of a rained-out Cardinals vs. Cubs game, the duo navigates through a myriad of sports and personal anecdotes. They dive into the implications of the missed game, the missed opportunity to hear Chip Caray and Joe Buck call a game together, and the frustration of paying for an MLB.TV subscription only to not watch the game due to rain.
The conversation takes a deeper turn as they discuss the state of pitching in Major League Baseball, with insights from a recent article on The Athletic featuring Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Ron and Pete lament the shift away from traditional starting pitchers and the over-reliance on analytics that prioritize velocity over longevity and strategy. They also touch on the increasing frequency of Tommy John surgeries among young pitchers and the impact of strict pitch counts in youth baseball.
"Ron's Soccer Minute" (which is never just a minute) offers an update on St. Louis CITY SC's recent struggles and his anticipation for their upcoming match against Seattle. He also shares exciting news about potential new signings from the Bundesliga and Sydney FC, which could bolster the team's attacking options.
Whether you're here for the latest sports takes, candid banter, or just to hear Ron and Pete's unique perspectives, this episode has it all.
Happy listening, and may your favorite teams exceed expectations – on the field and on the screen!
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In this May the 4th special, the Team of Rivals Podcast takes the celebration outdoors, embracing the beauty of Chicago's spring while diving headfirst into the world of sports and Star Wars. With Elliott MIA once again, Ron and Pete hold down the fort, discussing everything from the Cardinals' broadcast woes to the Cubs' unexpected position in the NL Central. They also delve into the curious case of Nike's MLB uniform mishaps and the implications for merch sales.
The duo doesn't shy away from a little intergalactic banter, with Ron sharing his plans for Star Wars Night at a minor league game and Pete reminiscing about French-dubbed Star Wars. They even throw in a hilarious nod to the infamous Chilean Cerveza Cristal commercials spliced into classic Star Wars scenes. Whether you're here for the latest sports takes or just to indulge in some Star Wars nostalgia, this episode has it all.
Don't forget, you can catch the live replay on YouTube, Rumble, X, or Facebook, and follow us on social media @TeamOfRivalsPod for more sports insights. Check out Gateway City Sports and Fuel Sports Network for an even deeper dive into the world of sports.
Happy listening, and may the Force be with you!

We're all over the map this week – from technology tantrums to the state of the Cardinals, from Kyle Hendricks' decline to the NL Central's predictability. Ron vents about Wirecast woes and flings furniture, while Pete ponders whether it's time for the Cubs to cut ties with their soft-tossing stalwart. Plus, Elliott makes a surprise call-in from the soccer fields, offering his take on Hendricks' future.
The Cardinals' fanbase is in full revolt, calling for a teardown of the front office, and we discuss whether such drastic changes are overdue. Meanwhile, the Cubs are navigating a sea of injuries and facing tough decisions with their rotation.
And don't miss Ron's Soccer Minute, where he shares the latest on St. Louis CITY SC's ups and downs, including the return of a key player amidst personal challenges.
Whether you're frustrated with your team's performance, curious about the future of a favorite player, or just here for the chaotic fun, this episode delivers a curveball of content.
Don't forget to catch the live replay on YouTube, Rumble, X, or Facebook, and follow us on social media @TeamOfRivalsPod for more sports insights. Check out Gateway City Sports and Fuel Sports Network for an even deeper dive into the world of sports.
Happy listening, and may your team's strategy be better than our tech setup!

Despite some (unsurprising and inevitable) technical hiccups and the absence of our Permanent Occasional Guest Host, Elliott, Ron and Pete take the reins to dissect the highs and lows of the baseball world, from the Cardinals' tenuous position in the NL Central race to the Cubs' surprising tenacity.
The duo delves into the curious case of ticket sales in St. Louis, debating whether the dip is due to scheduling, weather, or a deeper discontent with the Cardinals' performance. They also ponder the enigma of player development, with a spotlight on the rollercoaster ride of rookie expectations.
The conversation veers into the NFL Draft, as the enthusiasm for the Bears' picks is palpable, and Pete contemplates the implications of a potential shake-up to the Star Wars universe.
Ron's Soccer Minute (which is never just a minute) offers an update on St. Louis CITY SC's bye week blues and the anticipation for their next face-off against the Houston Dynamo.
Whether you're a baseball purist, a football fanatic, or just here for the laughs, this episode serves up a smorgasbord of sports insights and candid banter.
Don't forget to catch the live replay on YouTube, Rumble, X, or Facebook, and follow us on social media @TeamOfRivalsPod for more sports insights. Check out Gateway City Sports and Fuel Sports Network for an even deeper dive into the world of sports.
Happy listening, and may your favorite teams exceed expectations – on the field and on the screen!
Follow us on X, GETTR, and Instagram. Like us on Facebook.