Viva El Birdos Podcast Episode 30: Assessing the Shelby Miller for Jason Heyward trade; assessing the John Lackey for Joe Kelly and Allen Craig trade; Jaime Garcia's 2015 debut; Marco Gonzales's injury; and whether a base-runner impacts the pitcher

Viva El Birdos editor Heather Simon and writer Tyler Kinzy discuss the Cardinals' resurgence in the standings, what the road back to the postseason entails as the pennant chase heats up, how expanded rosters will impact the bench and pitching staff, and Matt Carpenter and Harrison Bader's chances of claiming an individual award this year.

Viva El Birdos writers Tyler Kinzy, Ben Clemens, and editor Heather Simon discuss the frenzy of roster transactions leading up to the non-waiver trade deadline and where these decisions will lead the Cardinals in the 2018 season and beyond.

VEB editor Heather Simon and writers Lance Brozdowski and Tyler Kinzy break down the Cardinals’ lackluster play to begin the second half and consider what additional changes could be in store as the trade deadline nears. They also discuss the recent success of the organization’s minor league affiliates and potential shifts in the team’s player development and drafting strategies.

VEB writers Tyler Kinzy and Tanner Puckett discuss the firing of Mike Matheny with VEB editor Heather Simon before assessing the Cardinals' long-term outlook at each position and debating the merit of a potential Carlos Martinez trade.

The Viva El Birdos Podcast makes its triumphant return as VEB writer Tyler Kinzy, editor Heather Simon, and managing editor Josey Curtis contemplate what direction the Cardinals should head in as the trade deadline approaches. They also discuss the latest clubhouse drama involving Jordan Hicks, Bud Norris, and Mike Matheny before tackling a trivia competition and answering listener questions ranging from organizational philosophies about tanking to Fortnite prowess.

John and Heather participate in trivia about Cardinals walk-off home runs and discuss the highs and lows of the first four games of the Cardinals season.

In this episode, originally recorded on November 18, 2017, John and Heather discuss the (at the time) hot Giancarlo Stanton rumors and how the Cardinals should plan their off-season.

John and Heather are joined by MLB.com, etc. writer Will Leitch (@willliamfleitch) and local wanderer Brendan Corkery (@BCorks09) to discuss the start of the 2018 season, how the Cardinals' recent past affects their present, and at 40:49, the group partakes in trivia about Opening Day, famous baseball names, and the Cardinals and Illinois Fighting Illini.