John Mozeliak: Good afternoon, based on the number of pages I have my work cut out. I do intend to address many of topics that are currently being written about either by posts, blogs, or in the PD. Let's get this started!

Cardinals101: If Carpenter is healthy, what do you see the rotation looking like?

Carpenter
Wainwright
Lohse
Wellemeyer
?

I don't think Piniero is good enough to be the 5th starter. Is there going to be a FA acquisition to fill the 5th spot? We want this team in the playoffs not just "competitive."

Bernie Miklasz: Most would agree a rotation is rarely defined by the fifth starter, however I would note that having a rotation of Carp, Wainwright, Lohse, Wellemeyer, and Pineiro is more than strong enough to win games. I would also note that we do have McClellan, Boggs, Walters, and Todd if we need them.

dixie2003: Mr.Mozeliak, do you feel that the bullpen has been adequately adressed with the left handed relievers that have been signed? If not, who might be on your radar? Thank you

Bernie Miklasz: There still are LHR's out there but I do feel comfortable with Miller, Ring, and Manning. But I can't rule another move later in spring.

Jonathan S.: Mr. Mozeliak, I have seen some talk on the possibility of Skip getting some innings at 2B. I was wondering if you could tell me if this is something that is being considered or maybe has been considered. I know Skip has a little history on the infield dating back to his college and high school days. He also made a good leadoff hitter against rightys. I think this would give the platoon of OF's a chance for more AB's by give Skip some of 2B's AB's.

What does this lineup look like to you?
1. Shumaker 2B
2. Rasmus OF
3. Pujols 1B
4. Ludwick OF
5. Ankiel OF
6. Glause 3B
7. Green SS
8. Molina C
9. Pitcher

What do you think?

Bernie Miklasz: Schumaker was drafted as an infielder but has not played there since making the move to the OF. I have spoken with Tony on this and we have included Oquendo in these talks as well. Skip may get a look there this spring to gauge how comfortable he would be with trying to move back to the infield. He had a good offensively and we always look for creative ways to get players more playing time.

dixie2003: Mr. Mozeliak, I would like to know how you were able to make a competitive offer to Brian Fuentes, then sign Royce Ring on the cheap? How do you go from a top tier free agent then sign a guy with an over 8 era? Is there any chance of signing a player that any other team would actually want?

Bernie Miklasz: Interesting question, and the answer is supply and demand. Yes we did try to sign Fuentes, but with him out of the market we simply just don't over pay for some else. We allocate resources when we feel the player is worth the investment. Not to get to detailed on this topic but I feel it is a nice place to address how we make decisions. First we look at the player performance, then scouting reports, then enter the risk factors, and then finally place a dollar value and length we feel comfortable with. I know it is not always popular, but there is a logic to our process.

Run_Sup_Run: With all the depth in the Cardinal system now, will drafting strategy focus on high ceiling instead of what is perceived as low risk / signability picks?

Fer instance... If a Rick Porcello fell to the Cardinals in the 2009 draft, would the Cardinals take him?

Bernie Miklasz: Great question, every situation is a case by case...but I agree given where we are it would make sense to take someone with the highest perceived value.

ColossalCardsfan: Why didn't we give Brad Penny a shot??

Bernie Miklasz: Because we feel there will be other options out there should we need to replace a starter. But we feel good about are rotation as of today.

Cardsfaninnashville: What has been the most suprising part of being the GM of the Cards, both good and bad, in your first years?

GO CARDS!!

Bernie Miklasz: I take great pride to working for an organization with such history. The good is simple we get to watch young man live a dream, and that is playing major league baseball. The bad, nothing of note people always ask me how I deal with the negative posts or comments...honestly I understand people frustrations and more importantly I believe our fans truly appreciate what we are trying to do here. This organization has the forth highest winning percentage since 1996!!! We are committed to winning, but we to do it that may not please everyone.

Jeremy Landreth: First of all, a big Thank You for taking time for these chats. My question: with the current players on our roster, how much payroll flexibility remains (estimating arbritation eligible players' salary) and what is your biggest priority at this point? Thanks for your time and response.

Bernie Miklasz: With regard to the payroll, I'm learning fast to avoid these types of questions so I will answer this way. Given that the landscape is changing (front page of every newspaper, the economy) I feel where the final payroll number ends will reflect on what our needs may be in spring training or in-season. I do feel we focus way too much on that topic and I hope in time we can move away from that as our sole barometer of off-season success.

DonovanOsborne: I hear that we didn't add to the team at last year's trade deadline because the Brewers were so strong and it would be easier to try to win this year because Sheets and Sabathia will be gone. Any truth?

Bernie Miklasz: Zero, I just didn't want to move Motte for a rental.

Eladio Castillo - from the Dominican republi, DR.: Mr. Mozeliak I sure do believe you're doing the best you can to orchestrated a competitive team for this upcoming season; however, I feel in the bottom of my heart the Cards with the team we have today, can't compite next season.

We need badly need a from liner pitcher such as Toronto's Roy Holladay. Alternatevely, Andy Pettite or the St. Louis native who's pitching for Chicago Whitesox LP Mark Bhuler. I think one of these guys can make the diffrence if you can sign of trade for one of them.

Are you interested to give the Cards nation a championship next season?

Bernie Miklasz: I understand your concern, but remeber we have strong everyday line-up and our younger pitchers now have experience. This will be a good year, hang in there.

I Hate Bill Dewitt!!: Mo,
Please describe what it's like living in your little land of make believe where you honestly believe that Cardinal fans should be excited about this team. If you wouldn't mind, go into details, about how in MO's world people are celebrating are three horrible new lefty relievers, and the signing of our awesome new .213 hitting shortstop.

Bernie Miklasz: First I rather live in my world then yours...it is sunny out today??? No you're right it is 30 something degrees, my girl friend dumped me, and my car won't start.
First, it is not we stink (unless you ask yourself these questions in the mirror) and we make decisions based on scouts, stats, and other information. If we thought Greene was going to hit .213 we would not, I repeat, not make the deal.
Go back to your world and I hope by mid summer you're ready to come out for air.

Jack Donaghy: John - What si your opinion on TLR remaining as manager after 2009 and if heleaves do you think Duncan will be back? Will the next manager be required to bat the pitcher eigth?

Bernie Miklasz: This year is no different for any other, Tony will address next after this one. I know this we are grateful for his leadership.

allang: Can you please use the phrase "low hanging fruit" at some point in this session so the whiners can have something to cry about this afternoon?

Bernie Miklasz: That is funny, perhaps instead of low hanging fruit...for the rest of the off-season I will try to boil the ocean.

8ball: What are the chances that Kyle McClellan ends up in the starting rotation? I personally would love to see it.

Bernie Miklasz: To hard to predict but to makes more sense for him to prepare as a starter should we need him. He will benefit from that.

jmp_stl: Are you guys done as far as taking a risk on pitchers who have injury problems since you never saw good return on clement and mulder. For instance maybe signing bartolo colon when he was available or maybe even now with ben sheets still being out there?

Bernie Miklasz: We are always looking at ways to improve, and will continue to do so.

Matt Stephens: MO,

No question here, just letting you know, you are doing a great job. I'm really excited about the season.

Bernie Miklasz: Thank you for kind note.

CardsFan247: Mr Mo,

What would benefit the organization's needs barring an unhealthy Carp or Waino. A FA rental? or an all out trade (just in case) Also, how serious are you in acquiring an "upgrade" at second base?

Bernie Miklasz: This would likely have to be addressed in a trade, and is would think late March.

Josh: Mo,
I understand the importance of player developement and the need to keep costs down in this economy. Especially with the way the free agent market generally moves. Building soley from within generally takes a couple of years. Is there any concern we could be wasting Pujols prime years while still in somewhat of a rebuilding phase?

Thanks

Bernie Miklasz: I'm not sure of that perception, when I think of rebiulding I think of changing your entire strategy. We are not, we want to play in October. I think one thing you need to understand is that we feel we can use our farm system to support our major league team. We understand that the free agent market and our system need to work together for success.

rippey720: So Smoltz, Colon, Penny etc all signing for next to nothing deals with teams they feel can win recently...why do we not attack those opportunities? We could use another starter no doubt, and what is harm on incentive laden deals? Its not like we are chopped liver on winning...why is it we never land the veteran looking to win?

Bernie Miklasz: Nothing, but your definition of nothing is not the same as mine. Understand some teams can assume more risk than others.

Nate: Mr. Mozeliak-

Thank you for taking the time to chat with the fans. When evaluating offensive player performance, what are the most important stats you take into consideration (i.e. is BA more imporant that OBP, etc).

Keep up the good work!

Bernie Miklasz: We use a varied of rate stats plus we have our own internal metrics we value. When looking at an offensive player I feel average is overvalued.

Lscham: Looking forward to the new season. Now that you have one season under your belt as GM, has any of your philosophies changed regarding growing a team?

Keep up the good work. I believe your "waiting strategy" is a good one and will pay dividends

Bernie Miklasz: Not really, I do think when you go through this you do have more appreciation for the position. Overall though I believe in the direction we are going.

I Hate Bill Dewitt!!: Hey Johnny-
After this are you going to go into the yahoo teen chat room, and talk about designer clothes, and playing spin the bottle. GO DO SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE LOSER!!!! Other G.M's are working on deals, don't you get it!!

Bernie Miklasz: Clever, and with that I will sign off big guy.

CORRY: MR. MO I THINK THAT YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB. ALRIHGT HERE IS MY QUESTION ARE YOU PLANNING ON TRADING ANY OF THE OUTFIELDERS AND IF YOU DO PLAN ON IT,WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET FOR THEM?

Bernie Miklasz: Thank you, and at this time we cannot rule this out.

John Mozeliak: I would like to thank all of you for your great questions and I look forward to doing this again when we get to Jupiter. In the meantime we will continue to look at ways to improve this team as we get closer to Opening Day.