John Mozeliak: Good afternoon, I wish we had won last night it would have made for a bit more fun but I hope I can get to many of your questions and you enjoy this experience, I hope I do. Mo

Big Tone...: Hey Mo,

Thanks for taking time out to chat with us today. Very cool indeed.

Would you be able to comment on our organizational infield depth? It seems as though our pitching depth is looking better than ever, while our outfield has shown a great deal of promise early this season as we wait for Mr. Rasmus to make the jump.

However, the infield positions of 2B, SS, and 3B seem to areas of intrigue for the future. Is there a player or two at the minor league level we should keep an eye on this season?

Bernie Miklasz: We do have depth at middle infield positions, Hoffpauir is a true 2b, Tyler Greene (he may be one of the best athletes in our system)is a true SS, and last year we draft Pete Kozma with our 1st pick and he is doing well for our Quad Cities team. When you consider the profile of SS at the major league level it is more than defense and the bat has to play. We do like the idea of adding more depth to this in the future.

roger from lake tahoe: moe, thanks so much for taking our questions. it seems easier to me to promote perez than to ask others in established roles to change. our pitchers are doing the job and i was taught that " if it ain't broke, don't fix it." my thinking is that perez is already used to pitching the ninth. all he would change is the caliber of hitters he would face, his mind would stay where it is. that seems easier than messing with the machine. i understand the money implications, but winning is more important. please share your thoughts. again, thanks

Bernie Miklasz: I agree and I would expect Perez to get his opportunity soon. He has exciting stuff and he making great progress at Memphis. I'm not sure if we would have him close right away put when he does get his chance it will be more than a mop up role.

Snowkid: Sir: does the organization have the fortitude to trade Duncan this year? He is way out of position as a left fielder. He just doesn't have the instincts, arm, or range. Wouldn't he be better suited elsewhere as a 1B/DH where he can concentrate on what he does best: hit. I think he would then flourish w/o all of the criticism.

Much appreciate you taking the time to correspond with the fans.

Bernie Miklasz: Interesting question and no easy answer, I believe he continues to improve in the outfield but for him to have true or real trade value he needs to start hitting more and showing more power, which he is very capable of doing. I don't think he is someone we feel we need to move at this time and will consider other ways to improve our club at this time.

KC_Cardinal: Apart from the obvious games back point near the trade deadline, what key elements help you determine if the team is in a buy or sell mode?

Bernie Miklasz: I believe the clear answer is whether you are contending or not. Consider where teams are in the standings and then see what direction they want to go, salary dumps, trade for prospects, looking at next year, fill a short term void...All of these play into and as we hit the mid-way point of May we believe we can compete so simply put we will look at ways to improve.

Yode: Chuck Diering redux:

Mr. Mozeliak
Living here in Tucson, I took the opportunity last night, to go see Colby Rasmus play. He is a fine centerfielder. He made two nice plays, going back gracefully on long fly balls in a very strong cross wind. He also made an absolutely Rick Ankiel throw to third, from the warning track in dead center field.
At bat however, he leaves a lot to be desired. He entered the game at a barely post Mendoza .205, and Yosmiro Petit ate him alive with off speed pitches deep in the count.
I know the club is counting on him in the future, but his performance last night brought the lamented Chuck Diering, whom I had the chance to see, as kid, growing up in Rochester N.Y.,back when it was a Card AAA farm team.
My question deals with the club's expectations for Colby. What are they, and for how long is the club willing to wait for them to come to fruition?
Thanks
Grandpa Yode

Bernie Miklasz: Rasmus is the real deal, and if though he is struggling at this time believe me he is a special player and will one day be household name here in St. Louis.

nms: Hi John,

Thanks for answering our questions. These amateur draft is drawing near. How much input will you have in the process of picking players that are chosen in the first few rounds?

Bernie Miklasz: As far as my involvment in the draft it will be more about the process than actually picking the players. Luhnow and his staff are seeing games everyday and they will make the final recommendation. Where I get involved is if there is a question on contract, values, and from a more global look on addressing internal needs. Should be a strong draft this year and I'm sure we will get an exciting player.

Josh: Mo, Thanks for doing these chats. It is great that you are so accessable to the fans. Jaime Garcia, Bryan Anderson, and Joe Mather are dominating AAA. All three are obviously blocked right now. Garcia is blocked by a decent starting rotation, so far. Anderson is obviously blocked by Yadi through at least 2011. Mather is blocked by 5 above average outfielders. Will any of them get called up before September despite being blocked by decent players? What do you plan to do with Anderson in the long run?

Bernie Miklasz: All are off to great starts and Garcia and Anderson have both been promoted to Memphis, making that club have three 21 year olds, and it has been along time for us to say that. Mather is liking the closest but they all are proforming well and their chances of getting to the big leagues may depend on our needs here in St. Louis.

Aaron: Mo, outfield has been playing great and it is great to see with all the youth out there. But the big question is WHY NOT BARRY BONDS? You might think I answered my own question with my first line but I didn't. We need Pujols protection! I would walk Pujols every time someone was on base to face either Ludwick, Glaus or Ankiel and I think all 3 are very good players. It has already been proven if they do that you can hold the Cardinals to 4.5 runs a game not bad but not great. Bonds brings FEAR! The fear that might get Pujols 1 or 2 more strikes a game, 1 or 2 more fastballs a game. You give the best player in baseball one or two more hittable pitches a game and it changes everything. Bonds defense would not be that much worse than Duncan's who is one of my favorite players on the team and I know his PT would go way down, but this is the BIGS and we need a protector. Why dont they walk Berkman or Utley since they are on fire, look behind them FEAR. Howard is striking out almost every other time and they don't walk Utley to face him, why FEAR! We get a FEARED player with out having to trade for him, IF Pujols can get one extra at bat a game how much is that worth? I would say a few million dollars!! Can you please tell me why we are not looking seriously at bring Bonds to St. Louis? Finally steriods, thats not a factor either, just ask Franklin, Glaus, etc. Come on Mo, we can win this division with another impact Bat!!

Bernie Miklasz: A lot has been written about us pursuing Bonds, but I assure you they are all rumors. We have tried to stick to our plan and give this outfields a chance to play everyday, and I don't think that will change.

The Striek: John, thanks for taking time to talk. I've been a fan of each move you've made thusfar.

Q: With the way the Cards have lost games this past week, what, if any, has been the brightest red flag that has popped up for you guys in the front office? I was on-hand to see Friday's game in Milwaukee, and that was typical of our play this last week. Offense shows a spark early, starter does well enough to earn win, the birds can't post another run, and the bullpen (Izzy) blows the lead late for a costly loss.

Bernie Miklasz: I believe hif we can get more production out of Glaus that will help. He is trending up and that is a good thing. When you look at this club we are getting on base, but we need three singles to score one run. What we need is what you saw last night and that is the three run homer, or more extra base hits. This team is capable of that and I expect we will see more of that soon.

Bill Siebert: Mr. Mozeliak. Let me say first nice job so far. I would much rather watch these young guys who still have that fire when they play than a some overpaid broken down vets. That said it is still a long season ahead. Are pitching has come to earth here lately, and I think it would be foolish to depend on Mulder or Clement or even Carp. If we find a way to stay in the race midway what, if anything are you looking for in the trade market? Do we stay the course and try get some more young talent? Do we trade away some of the young talent, we are starting to compile, to get pitching or a big bopper? I see more teams than ever this year who are in it now, but I really doubt will be there in September. As much as I love to win I hope we stay the course and think long term. One exception, go get Brian Roberts. If for no other reason than to keep him from the Cubs. Your thoughts?

Bernie Miklasz: Great question and one that we have spent a lot of time discussing. Our strategy is to hold on to the player we believe in most and feel will contribute here, and if we identify an area of depth then we would consider using that to help the major league team. I believe fans will start to see that our minors are very close to producing a lot of home grown talent, and with that send I do not want us to trade them when their value will be at its highest here.

Fuhrig: Big Mo,
A two-parter, please:
-- How much longer do the Cardinals control the rights to Rick Ankiel, and what are the odds of signing him to something longer term?
-- Given what Ankiel has displayed defensively in center, is he still moving to right field when Rasmus arrives either late this season or 2009? If so, wouldn't it make more sense to have the versatile Schumaker play center until Rasmus arrives and let Ankiel focus on right field right away?

Bernie Miklasz: As of today he is our CF and when the time comes for Rasmus we will cross that bridge then. He has done a great job out there, and without trying to pit the two against each other I would add that Rasmus is so smooth in center you may enjoy seeing the two play in the same outfield.

Ankiel will be a 5+ next season and that means after the '09 season he is a free agent.

Cardinal70: How much perusing of the Cardinal blogs do you do on a regular basis? I know that you have mentioned in the past that you read Viva El Birdos. Do you check out any of the other ones around the Cardinal blogosphere? And, as a followup, the Dodgers recently had a Bloggers Night where Dodger bloggers watched the game from a box and talked to front office folks and other related team officials. Would this be something the Cardinals would consider?

Bernie Miklasz: I don't read them as much as I would if I had more time, but I pay attention to what is being said. Abbamondi and Girsch both keep tabs on it and cut and paste things from time to time. I learned years ago you never know where a good idea may come from.

Scott: John: The "impact bat"? It obviously isn't Troy Glaus, so who's it going to be and when will he be in St. Louis?

Bernie Miklasz: Well at this time he is going to get every opportunity.

Wes: Hey, John.

With the recent bad news that Tyler Johnson will have to undergo shoulder surgery, does this influence you to go out and pickup another left-handed reliever?

Maybe a guy like Demaso Marte? He has put up very solid numbers over the past few years.

Bernie Miklasz: After learning that he is going to have to be scoped I think we will continue to be on the lookout for and additional LHR, but at this time not the easiest to find.

Mike: Thanks for chatting with us, John!

Are you content with the middle infield with Izturis and Kennedy as the starters or do you feel that the Cardinals could improve at one of those positions?

Bernie Miklasz: Kennedy has played well and contributing nicely. Izturis was as advertised, but I would like to see him hit for a higher average.

chris: Mo, I was just wondering when we will see Josh Kinney back at the major league level.

Bernie Miklasz: I'm hopeful that Josh can begin his rehab by the end of June, it has been a slow process but I assure you he is working hard.

Jay: Hi Mo -

Any concerns about Rasmus' slow start?

thank you,
Jay

Bernie Miklasz: I'm not that concerned but I would be kdding you if I did not want to see him producing more. I will say the staff feels is average is not a reflection on how he is hitting the ball, they have stated that he hits into a lot of hard outs, and if you do that they will evidently become hits.

Kevin Reynolds: John,

What, if anything, do you see as the answer to our offensive woes? I think the situations that specifically come to mind are the recent issues with the bases loaded. Twice, Izturis has swung on the first pitch immediately following multiple walks in front of him (outs both times) and Luddy did it last night.

I guess I'm wondering if this year's club is struggling with situational hitting. If you agree, how does a club/manager go about solving that issue?

Thanks! Lovin' watching the new team, Mo!

Bernie Miklasz: Naturally we all ask ourselves the same questions, but our BA with runners in scoring position is better than you would think. Again I feel this comes back to the lack of extra base hittes with runners are on base. We need to improve there.

philskill: Hi, Phil here from Granite City IL.

In this years draft, will we take the best available player, even if the contract demands or high, or will we pass once again on a guy like Rick Porcello, who appeared to be the best arm in the draft last year, but slid down to detroit. If we are marketing a youth movement to the fans, then I believe that we need to take the best available player in the draft, even if contract demands are a bit high. If a guy like alvarez somehow slides because of contract demands, do we pull the trigger?

Bernie Miklasz: Our strategy will be to take the best player available, and if that means we have to go above the slot then we are prepared to do it. I would also add that we want to sign the best players we can, but we do have a value system the players meet for us to invest in them. Our scouts play a huge role in this.

ARich: Mo,
Has sending Chris Duncan to AAA so he can get more at bats ever been discussed? I think I read on Cards Talk that he has one option left. It seems like this could be beneficial for everyone involved; Duncan could get the at bats he needs but isn't playing well enough to get at the big league level, and we could get a chance to see what outfield prospect such as Joe Mather can do at the big league level for a short period of time. I'm not suggesting a permanent demotion for Chris; he just seems to need some more reps to get everything clicking. Your thoughts?

Bernie Miklasz: Interest observation and when you have five guys competing for three spots I think you are seeing the results of not playing everyday for Duncan and Barton. This is a difficult problem for Tony and I know he is looking at ways to get all of them more playing time.

kdw005: I know you have to be diplomatic with your responses... but do you think we were fooled by Clement and his agent this offseason? It was made to sound like he would be ready opening day, now we don't know if he'll be ready by the all-star break

Bernie Miklasz: I don't think so, but I will be candid here by saying that it has been frustrating. I know Matt wants to get back to the big leagues and I assure you that was our intentions when signed. However from a player evaluation standpoint he is not there yet, and it has taken far longer than expected. My hope is my the first week of June we can send him out on a 30 day rehab and find out if he can do it or not. I'm no longer trying to guess here, it will be as simple as if he can great if not then I made a mistake.

JW: What sabermetric stats do you use the most to evaluate Major League players? Do you use stats like VORP, WARP, and WPA?

Bernie Miklasz: Yes we do look at those, but we also have our own metrics that are proprietary. Using these tools in combination with traditional scouting techniques have proven positive.

Bob in Denver: Mo,

I haven't read anything about Carp lately. With the dissapointment in Mulder's rehab, how is Carp coming along?

Bernie Miklasz: I try to speak or write on Carp because everything is going so well, so I do not want to jinx it. He is currently throwing all his pitches and more importantly he feels good. Mulder should begin his next rehab in the next few weeks, and we are hopeful his latest setback is behind him.

Peter: I have two questions for you...

1. Are you going to trade Anthony Reyes & one of the many Outfielders?
Since we need a good Starting Pitcher or a Closer now that Izzy is down?

2. Are we going to be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline?

Bernie Miklasz: Reyes, I'm asked about him all the time. From are we going to trade him and then I hear we are asking too much. But for the record we are listening but more importantly until we know the exact status of Mulder, Clement, and Carp I don't feel it is prudent to trade pitching at this time.

Aric: John, thanks for the access...amazed that you find the time.

Is there a thought to a Bryan Anderson position switch...all the kid does is flat out HIT...but we can't lose Yadi's gold glove defense...is he being groomed for a trade or position switch (3B) because I have to believe he's more than a backup major leaguer.

Bernie Miklasz: Anderson is becoming a complete player as he improves daily as a catcher and I know everyone believes he will succeed as a hitter. With regard to moving to another position, the answer today is no. His highest value will be as a catcher and if he did need to play another position that transition would be simple as he is a tremendous athlete.

Matt: Mo,

Do you think the Memphis Redbirds will be back as a Cardinals farm team in 2009?

Bernie Miklasz: I'm very hopeful we will remian in Memphis for years to come.

Larry Harnly: How would you critique coverage of the Cardinals by the Post-Dispatch? If you have one criticism, what would it be? I believe accuracy to be on paramount importance. Do you believe coverage is accurate?

Bernie Miklasz: I could have so much fun with this question, but to be honest my working relationship with the writer's has been a great experience and a fair one. My only compliant would be the headlines, they appears misleading at times, but the coverage has been fair.

John Mozeliak: Thanks for all your great questions, but I have to get back to work. I look forward to doing this again and when I do I hope it is after a few more wins. Go Cards!