Scott Plaza is joined by Jake Wood of Viva El Birdos to break down the blockbuster trade sending Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks. We discuss the $26 million cash swap, the return of Jack Martinez, and why Chaim Bloom finally hit the "reset" button on the veteran core.

We also dive into the fallout for the rest of the roster:

• The Winners: Who takes over at third base? Weatherholt, Gorman, or Saggese?
• The Rumors: Is Brendan Donovan the next to go? Analyzing the Giants' aggressive pursuit.
• The Rankings: Ivan Herrera cracks the MLB Top 100—is he a catcher or a future DH?

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Chaim Bloom promised a transition this offseason and kicked things off with an early trade of Sonny Gray. Things then hit a standstill until Christmas, when Bloom came out of nowhere and convinced Willson Contreras to waive his no-trade clause in another deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Now, we head into 2026 with Brendan Donovan and Nolan Arenado still on the roster and clogging up the infield. The trade chatter has been slow since the holidays and the trickle down effect is real on the rest of the Cardinals' roster.

Scott brought on guests Aidan Gray of Redbirds on the Arch and returner DeWallet Inspector to discuss if that feeling is an overreaction or deserved.

Make sure you like, follow, and support everyone that makes this podcast possible:

Interstate 70 Sports Media: Facebook, YouTube

Baseball Banter Broadcast: YouTube

Aidan Gray: Twitter, Redbirds on the Arch Podcast

DeWallet Inspector: Twitter

Can's Can Ministry: Twitter

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https://www.shankitgolf.com/MrPlaztastic

Scott has returning guests and fellow teachers Matt Smith and Thomas Gauvain on to hand out our grades for the St. Louis Cardinals before we head to winter break. The trio grades Chaim Bloom and Co on their trade market performance, their ability to attract some free agents, and how well they have managed the public view of the organization. Finally, we give the team something to work on before coming back to work.

Make sure you like, follow, and support everyone that makes this podcast possible:

Interstate 70 Sports Media: Facebook, YouTube

Baseball Banter Broadcast: YouTube

Thomas Gauvain: Twitter, Redbird Rants

Matt Smith: Twitter, Redbird Rundown Podcast

ShankIt Golf Link:

https://www.shankitgolf.com/MrPlaztastic