Viva El Birdos Podcast

VEB Podcast #78: Contract extensions and the first week of the 2017 season

John and Heather discuss extensions for Yadier Molina and Stephen Piscotty and discuss early pitching performances, Mike Matheny's early season managing, and Matt Adams's struggles in left field.

VEB Podcast #77: A bunch of trivia, the Molina extension, and the Wong controversy

John and Heather do a bunch of trivia and discuss Yadier Molina's potential extension, Tommy Pham vs. Jose Martinez, Kolten Wong's platoon controversy, Matt Adams in left field, and other topics.

VEB Podcast #76: The NL Central preview edition

John and Heather break down the NL Central with Brandon Kraeling of Red Reporter (2:24), Kyle Lesniewski of Brew Crew Ball (20:36), Charlie Wilmoth of Bucs Dugout (40:09), and Al Yellon of Bleed Cubbie Blue (53:39).

VEB Podcast #75: The MLB season preview edition

John and Heather are joined by Viva El Birdos writer Alex Crisafulli to break down each's projected order of finish for each division in Major League Baseball in 2017.

VEB Podcast #74: The Craig Edwards season preview episode

John and Heather are joined by Viva El Birdos managing editor Craig Edwards to discuss early Spring Training results and to forecast the 2017 Cardinals.

VEB Podcast #73: Listener questions about future catcher dilemmas, the worst Cardinals players, and food

John and Heather are joined by Viva El Birdos writer Ben Markham to answer listener questions about Carson Kelly, Jaime Garcia, Kolten Wong, Aledmys Diaz, and other baseball and non-baseball topics.

VEB Podcast 72: Fowler, Reyes, and prospects

John and Heather discuss controversy surrounding Dexter Fowler and Cardinals fans, and at 20:39 discuss Alex Reyes's injury and top Cardinals prospects with VEB's Aaron Schafer, aka the red baron, and Josey Curtis.

VEB Podcast #71: Bench and bullpen predictions and the latest Matheny interview

John and Heather are joined by VEB writer Josey Curtis to discuss Mike Matheny's interview with ESPN's Mark Saxon and to discuss 2017 options for reserve roles with the Cardinals

VEB Podcast #70: The Martinez extension, Pecota projections, and a pitching preview

John and Heather are joined by Viva El Birdos writer/editor Joe Schwarz for another round of Cardinals trivia and to discuss Carlos Martinez's contract extension, forecasts for Cardinals pitching in 2017, and Baseball Prospectus's projected Cardinals record.

VEB Podcast #69: The Top 20 Cardinals, Fantasy Baseball, and trivia

John and Heather are joined by Rotoworld editor (and Cardinals fan) Drew Silva, where they discuss their top 20 Cardinals ever, while Heather and Drew compete in a super-edition of Cardinals trivia.

VEB Podcast #68: Arbitration, ZiPS projections, and the community Hall of Fame results

John and Heather discuss the looming arbitration hearings for Carlos Martinez and Michael Wacha, unveil the VEB community's picks for the 2017 Hall of Fame class, and discuss the Cardinals' ZiPS projections with ZiPS creator and ESPN writer Dan Szymborski (at 14:14).

VEB Podcast #67: The Game 6 draft and Hall of Fame ballot discussion

John and Heather draft their favorite moments from Game 6 of the 2011 World Series and discuss their ballot for the 2017 Hall of Fame class.

VEB Podcast #66: A 2016 Cardinals Year in Review

John and Heather are joined by Chase Woodruff of Double Birds, and they discuss long-term perceptions of Cardinals ownership, controversies with Jason Heyward and Aroldis Chapman, and Cardinals media coverage.

VEB Podcast #65: Cardinals trivia, creating an alumni team, and listener questions

John and Heather attempt to stump each other with 21st century Cardinals trivia, create a Cardinals lineup for a hypothetical alumni game, and answer a host of listener questions.

VEB Podcast #64: Dexter Fowler and the Cardinals shirsey draft

John and Heather discuss the Dexter Fowler signing, the philosophies of winning now vs. winning in the future, and draft the most desirable Cardinals shirseys to give as Christmas gifts.

VEB Podcast #63: VEB Podcast #63: The Garcia/Holliday departures and examining potential Winter Meetings targets

John and Heather discuss the Cardinals careers of now ex-Birdos Jaime Garcia and Matt Holliday and consider such potential targets as Justin Turner, Adam Eaton, and Jarrod Dyson.

VEB Podcast #62: Brett Cecil, Michael Wacha, and listener questions

John and Heather discuss the Cardinals' signing of Brett Cecil, 40-man roster moves, Michael Wacha trade rumors, and answer more questions about baseball and food.

VEB Podcast #61: The Cubs, the Matheny extension, and free agency

John and Heather discuss the Chicago Cubs' World Series title, extensions for Mike Matheny and Jaime Garcia, potential free agents, and have another round of VEB trivia.

VEB Podcast #60: An interview with Kyle McClellan

John and Heather sit down with former Cardinals pitcher Kyle McClellan about what it was like to be drafted by his hometown team, his experiences as a St. Louis Cardinal, and his current charitable work with Brace for Impact 46.

VEB Podcast 59.1: The VEB Awards (NL edition)

In Part 2 of the VEB Awards, John and Heather talk with As You Van Slyke, mister_manager, zoomzoomj88, and Alex Crisafulli about VEB listeners' choices for National League awards

VEB Podcast 59: The VEB Awards (AL edition)

In Part 1 of the VEB Awards, John and Heather talk with dr. howl, zoomzoomj88, Alex Crisafulli, and mister_manager about VEB listeners' choices for American League awards.

VEB Podcast 59.2: The VEB Awards (Cardinals edition)

In Part 3 of the VEB Awards, John and Heather talk with mister_manager, Ben Godar, Alex Crisafulli, and As You Van Slyke It about VEB listeners' choices for Cardinals Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP awards.

VEB Podcast 58: A bittersweet final week

John and Heather discuss the final week of the Cardinals season, including stat leader trivia, and compare Mike Matheny and Buck Showalter.

VEB Podcast 57: Jose Fernandez and the playoff roster

John and Heather discuss the legacy of Jose Fernandez and speculate (at 22:44) on the potential Cardinals postseason roster.

Viva El Birdos Podcast #56: State of the Rotation

John and Heather are joined by Ben Godar to discuss the latest Cardinals results, Matt Holliday, the state of the rotation, and some listener questions.

VEB Podcast Episode 55: Dingers

John and Heather are joined by VEB managing editor Craig Edwards to discuss recent Cardinals struggles and the upcoming series against the Giants, and then John and Heather discuss the conflicting legacy of Mark McGwire and the 1998 Home Run Chase.

VEB Podcast Episode 54: Cardinals Devil Magic

John and Heather discuss the relationship between the Cardinals' power and Devil Magic and answer listener questions about Tyler Lyons and the 2006 Cardinals.

VEB Podcast 53: Young Guns

In this week’s episode, Heather and John were joined by Joe Schwarz and discussed starts by young guns Alex Reyes and Luke Weaver, as well as the latter’s facial hair. Additionally, we discussed what role Kolten Wong will have for the Cardinals for the remainder of the season as well as for the remainder of his contract.

VEB Episode 52

Alex Crisafulli joins the podcast and discusses Jaime Garcia, the Mets and various other Cardinals-related topics.

VEB Podcast Episode 51: We're Back

Viva El Birdos Writer John Fleming and Editor Heather Simon discuss the Cardinals' recent success and potential playoff future, recent discussion on Carlos Martinez's maturity (and haircut), and baseball's attitude towards Aroldis Chapman.

VEB Podcast 50: Howard Megdal

The Cardinals Way author Howard Megdal discusses his new book.

VEB Podcast 49: Craig Edwards and Joe Schwarz break down the offseason

Viva El Birdos Podcast 48: Aaron Schafer joins Craig Edwards to talk Cardinals free agency and the MLB Draft

Viva El Birdos Editor Aaron Schafer (aka red baron) joins Managing Editor Craig Edwards to talk about the Cardinals offseason so far and preview next year's MLB Draft.

Viva El Birdos Podcast 47: Aaron Finkel & Ben Humphrey discuss Lance Lynn's Tommy John surgery, Mark Buerhle, David Price, Marco Gonzales, Alex Reyes, Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist

VEB editor emeritus Aaron Finkel joined site editor Ben Humphrey to discuss the Hot Stove season, including Lance Lynn, David Price, Mark Beurhle, Marco Gonzales, Alex Reyes, Jason Heyward, and Ben Zobrist.

Viva El Birdos Podcast 46 - Jaime Garcia extension, John Lackey's forthcoming contract, the bullpen, and Alex Reyes

VEB editor and Fangraphs writer Craig Edwards joins VEB site editor Ben Humphrey to discuss Jaime Garcia extension, John Lackey's forthcoming contract, the bullpen, and pitching prospect Alex Reyes.

Viva El Birdos Podcast 45: Aaron Schafer joins Ben Humphrey to preview the St. Louis Cardinals' offseason

Viva El Birdos editor Aaron Schafer (aka The Red Baron) joins site manager Ben Humphrey to preview the St. Louis Cardinals Hot Stove.

VEB Podcast 44: A review of NLDS Games 1 and 2 between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs with a look ahead at the rest of the series

VEB Editor Joe Schwarz joins site manager Ben Humphrey on the morning of October 11, 2015, to discuss NLDS Games 1 and 2 between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, and look ahead at the remainder of the series.

VEB Podcast 43: St. Louis Cardinals NLDS preview

The VEB Podcast returns. VEB site manager Ben Humphrey and editor emeritus Aaron Finkel preview the 2015 NLDS, discussing the Cardinals' rotation and roster options.

2015.08.30 -- VEB Podcast with Nicholas Lampe.mp3

VEB Podcast Ep. 41: Heather joined Ben to discuss the St. Louis Cardinals' recent poor performance, whether it's time for fans to panic, and the timetables for various injured Cardinals to return

VEB editor Heather Simon joined site manager Ben Humphrey to discuss the St. Louis Cardinals' recent poor performance, whether it's time for fans to panic, and the timetables for various injured Cardinals to return.

Viva El Birdos Podcast - Ep. 40 - Kolten Wong's slump; Randal Grichuk's health; the Cardinals' outfield depth chart; Nick Plummer and Bryce Denton's respective starts; and Corey Littrell

Ben Humphrey and Aaron Schafer discuss Kolten Wong's slump; Randal Grichuk's health; the Cardinals' outfield depth chart; Nick Plummer and Bryce Denton's respective starts; and Corey Littrell.

VEB Podcast ep. 38: Reliever vs. batter platoon splits; Garcia's health and club options; Adams and Jay's health; potential postseason roster crunch; and Carpenter's hot streak

Joe Schwarz joins Ben Humphrey to discuss: Jonathan Broxton vs. Khris Davis platoon splits; Jaime Garcia's health and club options; Matt Adams and Jon Jay's health; the potential postseason roster; and Matt Carpenter's hot streak.

Viva El Birdos Podcast - Ep. 38 - John Nagel & Ben Humphrey discuss the Barraclough-for-Cishek, Kaminsky-for-Moss, and Collymore-for-Broxton trades; the Cards' pitching prospect depth; which prospects have seen their stock rise and fall in 2015

New Viva El Birdos prospect editor John Nagel makes his VEB podcast debut. He & Ben Humphrey discuss the Barraclough-for-Cishek, Kaminsky-for-Moss, and Collymore-for-Broxton trades; the Cards' pitching prospect depth; which prospects have seen their stock rise and fall in 2015.

Viva El Birdos Podcast - Ep. 37 - Ben Godar and Ben Humphrey discuss the St. Louis Cardinals' second-half strength of schedule; the Steve Cishek trade; first-base trades; Stephen Piscotty; Randal Grichuk; and Matt Carpenter's mental slump

Ben Godar and Ben Humphrey discuss the St. Louis Cardinals' second-half strength of schedule; the Steve Cishek trade; first-base trades; Stephen Piscotty; Randal Grichuk; and Matt Carpenter's mental slump.

Viva El Birdos Podcast Ep. 36 - Craig & Ben discuss the 2015 MLB All-Star Game; wanting to watch Carlos Martinez pitch; how good Jhonny Peralta is as a SS; why Pete Kozma is on the roster; OF playing time after Matt Holliday's activation; Randal Grichuk a

Craig Edwards, Fangraphs writer and Viva El Birdos Editor, joins Ben Humphrey, Viva El Birdos Editor-in-Chief to discuss the 2015 MLB All-Star Game; wanting to watch Carlos Martinez pitch; how good Jhonny Peralta is as a SS; why Pete Kozma is on the roster; OF playing time after Matt Holliday's activation; Randal Grichuk as trade bait; the Stephen Piscotty at 1B experiment; and the Cardinals' Franchise Four

Viva El Birdos Podcast - Ep. 35 - Jason Heyward's resurgence; Carlos Martinez's first half; Mark Reynolds is a rather bad everyday first baseman; and the latest in the FBI investigation

Site manager Ben Humphrey and editor emeritus Aaron Finkel discuss Jason Heyward's resurgence; Carlos Martinez's first half; just bad Mark Reynolds is as an everyday first baseman; trade deadline considerations in the two-wild-card era, and the latest in the FBI investigation.

Viva El Birdos Podcast - Ep. 34 - Ben Humphrey & Aaron Schafer discuss the St. Louis Cardinals' MLB Draft pick signings, potential trades, and Carlos Martinez's workload

Aaron Schafer (The Red Baron) joins site manager Ben Humphrey to discuss the St. Louis Cardinals' signings of Bryce Denton and Harrison Bader as well as whether they have enough money left to sign tenth-rounder Kep Brown, whether St. Louis will add a first baseman or pitcher via trade, and whether Carlos Martinez's workload will allow him to start in October (if the Cards qualify for the postseason).

Viva El Birdos Podcast - Ep. 33 - Ben Humphrey & Heather Simon discuss the FBI investigation of the St. Louis Cardinals, Lance Lynn's health, Jason Heyward's resurgence, and Randal Grichuk's hot start

VEB Site Manager Ben Humphrey and Editor Heather Simon discuss the FBI's investigation of the St. Louis Cardinals for hacking the Houston Astros, Lance Lynn's health, Jason Heyward's resurgence, and Randal Grichuk's hot start.

Viva El Birdos Podcast - Ep. 32 - Ben Humphrey and Joe Schwarz discuss 1987 Topps baseball cards, Ken Dayley, the 2015 MLB Draft, the Lance Lynn and Matt Holliday injuries, Jaime Garcia's performance to date, the Cards' need to add a pitcher, and Bo Jacks

Viva El Birdos Podcast - Ep. 32 - Ben and Joe discuss 1987 Topps baseball cards, Ken Dayley, the 2015 MLB Draft, the Lance Lynn and Matt Holliday injuries, Jaime Garcia's performance to date, the Cards' need to add a pitcher, and Bo Jackson's physique

Viva El Birdos Podcast Ep. 31: MLB Draft Preview

Viva El Birdos editor-in-chief Ben Humphrey is joined by residence VEB draft guru Aaron Schafer (The Red Baron) and Future Redbirds editor Eric Johnson to discuss the 2015 MLB amateur draft, which will start this coming Monday, June 8 and conclude on Wednesday June 10. The trio discussed the St. Louis Cardinals' tendencies in the draft, their farm system's weaknesses heading into this year's draft, and what players they might select in the opening rounds.