With the loss of Aaron Miles and the closer’s job still open, the rotation hasn’t been discussed as much lately, but there is one spot to be filled. Your thoughts? Some of mine are contained below in the answers to your questions.

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Q: With the Cardinals needing another starting pitcher in the rotation for next year, why don’t they attempt to deal for Jake Peavy? The Cardinals were one of the last seven teams on his list a while ago. After talks fell through with the Cubs, why don’t the Cards jump in to get him? The Cards have outfielders for trading; the Padres have a mess in their outfield.

Ray

A: Ideally, a good idea. But the Padres don’t seem to have any large interest in any of the Cardinals’ outfielders other than Colby Rasmus, whom the Cardinals don’t want to trade. Ankiel and Ludwick will be making considerable money this season and the Padres don’t want to take on payroll when they’re unloading payroll.

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Q: First, belated congrats on your Hall Of Fame induction. Do you think the Cards have interest in Oliver Perez and if so what type of free agent contract would it take to land him? I think he’s still young enough that we haven’t seen his best just yet. My second question is what do you think it would take to acquire Bobby Jenks from the White Sox? It seems the Sox are looking to reduce their payroll and Jenks would make a nice fit here. Thanks for taking the time to read my questions.
Golferguy

A: Thanks for your kind words. The Cardinals have interest in Perez, but Perez probably has interest in a three-year contract, which does not suit the Cardinals’ desires. Let’s see what Derek Lowe gets and then some of the other pitchers like Perez will fall in line. I’d love to have Jenks, although you would have to decide if you want him to be your closer for several years or just one, until Perez and Motte are more ready.

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Q: Hi, Commish. I’ve seen early where the Cardinals may not be able to afford to sign Looper, but haven’t heard a word about him since. I would just as soon have him back than to sign Randy Wolf or Oliver Perez. Looper has progressed nicely since moving from the bullpen and now could very well be the innings-eater the Cardinals need. Would Looper cost more than Wolf or Perez?
Bill

A: Looper probably would cost less because he isn’t lefthanded, as Perez and Wolf are, in a market not rife with lefthanded starters. If the Cardinals can’t fill their starting pitching need another way, Looper would be a good fit. But he may not choose to wait and might want to sign elsewhere.

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Q: Mr. Commish, some thoughts have been rolling around in my head over the latest losses for the Cards. Even though the Cards do not like to give starter money to backups, hence the departure of Miles, what about sucking up that notion, moving Kennedy into a supersub (if he can handle the role, it would set him up nice for the future because he won’t be a starter after his showing in STL) and sign O. Hudson to take over second. It doesn’t give us a power bat like Tony would like, but it gives us consistency both on defense and offense. He could be a legit No. 2 hitter and possible leadoff man, depending on Schumaker. The other idea is signing Trevor Hoffman for a year or two to lead the bullpen and give Motte and Perez some wonderful guidance and teaching. Your thoughts?
Derek

A: If you sign Hudson, then you’re paying Kennedy $4 million to be a utility player and the Cardnals don’t want a utility player making that much. Hudson probably would cost that much and suddenly you have $8 million at second base, which the Cardinals won’t do. For whatever reasons, they have shown little interest in Hoffman.

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