The year is coming to a close, but the Cardinals still don’t have a closer.  Some of you have some thoughts on that matter .

Q: Happy Holidays, Commish. I was wondering where the Cardinals are on the starting pitcher and…

The potential signing of shortstop Rafael Furcal by the Atlanta Braves has got folks excited again about Yunel Escobar of the Braves. But Atlanta is likely to keep both if Furcal does return to Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Brian Fuentes watch…

While the Cardinals chase that Carpenter-insurance starting pitching, they seem to be wrestling with how much to invest in the rest of the bullpen. Do they bring in a full-blown closer or just somebody who can tutor Motte/Perez? Some reader…

In the end, it’s all about pitching and GM John Mozeliak is setting out to do something about the Cardinals’ staff this week in Las Vegas. Needed: A potential closer, a lefthanded reliever (could be the same) and another starter.…

Having acquired a power-hitting shortstop in Khalil Greene, the Cardinals still have their outfield surplus with Ludwick, Schumaker, Ankiel, Duncan, Rasmus, Mather. If they bring back Kennedy at second, do you think they should try to trade an outfielder for…

Keep an eye out for how fast lefthanded relievers will be signed. The pool isn’t all that deep, so the good ones, like Ohman and Rhodes, will move fast.

Today’s mailbag includes questions on that topic and other hot-stove baseball issues,…

These are comments I made Monday in response to follow-up questions from readers. Keep the questions coming, either in the comments field below or by e-mail: e-mails to rhummel@post-dispatch.com.

• I’m fully on board with pursuing a closer (preferably lefthanded, like free-agent…