Joe Strauss: OK, ChatHeads, we're going Live!!! from cloudy Southern California, where the fish tacos are bueno and the view of the harbor even more outstanding. Time to strap in for 60 (or 90) minutes of high-octane, $4.50 per gallon chat. I'm sure y'all are ready to engage in talk about R. Ludwick, J. Pineiro, El Hombre and all things pertinent to a team apparently determined not to go away in the NL Central. Bear with me if it's a little slow. It's only 11 a.m. on the W. Coast. Takes a little time to get rolling. (Late deadlines, y'know.) Let's Get It On!!!

Brent Phx: Professor Chat:

Ramirez, Tulo, Braun, Longoria, Kazmir....even the small market teams are buying out arbitration and free agency and locking up the youngsters. The Cards seem to want to do the same (Wainwright, Molina). What does the Chatmeister think this trend will do for baseball economics in the next few years? These guys are signing for a lot less than what they would have made as a free agent, but does that mean the Carlos Silvas and Kyle Lohses will be harder to get/more expensive?

Also, GM Mo shows the gravity of JSL!!! Serious pull! If there were ever a cause for a fourth exclamation mark...

Joe Strauss: Outstanding observation, B.Man. Cost certainty is front-burner issue in baseball. Arbitration, not free agency, is often alleged to be the engine that drives salary escalation. If teams buy out those years, they cut off air to the engine. Young players who do not enjoy lifetime financial security are far more likely to trade years for guaranteed money. I believe Wainwright's deal will look like a steal for the organization should he remain healthy. But that's the rub. Any young pitcher lives in fear of blowing out. Wainwright circumvented the risk but at a potential financial cost. I know much had to do with a thin market, but only one free agent pitcher (Silva) signed a multi-year deal last winter. Combine that with the absurd deal for Barry Zito after '06 and it's easy to see how teams have found religion.

Paul: Joe,
Love the chat, I wait all week for another installment. My question is with Ludwick playing everyday now and Shumaker doing well will we send Duncan down to AAA and bring up Mather who is absolutely crushing the ball? Duncan needs everyday playing time to improve and doesn't seem to be getting that with the outfield playing like it has. Also, what are your thoughts on Perez keeping the closers role after Sunday's impressive preformance?

Thanks,

Paul

Joe Strauss: Count yourself among the millions possessed by the JSL!!! jones. As for roster movement, I believe it more likely the Cardinals attempt to swing a transaction with the Cleveland Indians that would allow them to option Brian Barton rather than option Duncan. Duncan has previously shown himself a capable pinch hitter. He's been hurt by a crush of lefthanded starting pitching that should ease in upcoming weeks. Perez is much more advanced than I would have admitted during spring training. Dave Duncan' suggestion that he eliminate the wind-up and Memphis pitching coach Blaise Ilsley's influence have made a significant difference. Perez also looks in better condition. There is much reason to be excited, so sayeth the ChatMeister.

roger from lake tahoe: i think the cards need another power bat on the bench. maybe the answer is at memphis. could mather learn to catch well enough to be third catcher? is so, with his ability to play first and third could we trade duncan and have mather available to back up albert and glauss and be available to pinch hit for larue in a late inning game changing situation? thanks for the info.

Joe Strauss: There's a reason Mather plays outfield, and it's not because he could be a future catcher or corner infielder. I'll throw this on top of the pile including Skip Schumaker-to-second base.

Matty: JS,

There have been rumors recently by people very close to Colby Rasmus that claim his recent struggles stem from coaches on the Memphis staff that tried to change his swing, so much so, that he is completely messed up. I, for one, would normally be extremely skeptical but with the Cardinals recent "tinkering" of guys like Anthony Reyes it makes you wonder. Have you heard anything about this? What in the Wide Wide World of Sports would make someone want to change one of the best prospects in baseball? Maybe I've given Luhnow and Co. too much credit if this kind of stupidity is going on?

Thanks for the Chat.

Joe Strauss: There have been web postings by some family members to that effect (since retracted). Rasmus is clearly struggling and has played sparingly in the last week. Those at the major league level were recently alarmed to hear of alleged "tinkering." It is an issue. It may soon be more fully developed in print.

Brian: hey Joe,

what are the chances of Barton staying on the ML roster all year if Ludwick or Schumaker get into a funk and Mather or Rasmus are hot in AAA? Is there any chance the Cards would offer Barton back to Cleveland or try to work out a deal to get him to AAA in order to get someone else up to the majors, like Mather or Rasmus?

also, what's the deal with Clement. I've read so many times that he's "not even close", but what does that mean, what's actually wrong with him?

Joe Strauss: There is a chance a deal could be worked with Cleveland but the Indians have so far shown more interesting in regaining Barton than taking a fringe prospect for him. Clement's velocity has peaked at 83-85, a level the club does not allow him to be effective in the major leagues. His signing (for a $1.5 million guarantee) increasingly looks like a write-off. Unfortunate because many, including the ChatMeister, thought Clement could have an impact. Shoulder surgeries are a jump ball.

HEG: Joe sometimes I cannot figure TLR on his strategy; for example using Kennedy last night in S.D. instead of Miles or Ryan & Sunday using the pitcher pinch hitting when he had several other options but the bottom line is they won both games!!! Do you find yourself questing a lot of his decisions??

Joe Strauss: As a know-it-all member of the Knights of the Keyboard, it is my job to question a lot of his decisions. As the game's third-winningest manager all-time, it is TLR's job to enlighten the Knights or to summarily dismiss their questions as infantile musings or B.S. This is my seventh season covering TLR and his team. My impression is that more often than not he appreciates a tough question... even takes it as a challenge. There have been few times after hearing his answer that I didn't understand where he was coming from. That doesn't mean I always agree, but most people would take TLR's resume over mine when it comes to such matters.

Tackleberry: JSL,

What kind of leash do you imagine Izzy will get when/if he returns? The worst possible scenario would be him grabbing 4 or 5 quick saves and then relapsing into his current form. I'm not sure Cards fans have confidence in LaRussa's ability to say "uncle" even when the signs are glaring that there is an issue with him. While I never doubt LaRussa's desire to win, that blown "hold" in Pitt last week was defititely Tony choosing Izzy over the team. Wins are a precious commodity, especially with the streaky hitting and slowly ballooning ERA, fans & players would not take too kindly to blown leads & losses just to watch Izzy attempt to make his personal milestone (not MLB record). Remember, this isn't Bonds hitting 756, there are 21 pitchers who have hit this milestone before. While it would be special for Cardinal Nation, is it worth a trip back to the post-season? (Was that too dramatic of a conclusion?)

Joe Strauss: I believe the worst possible scenario would be Izzy failing to return, T'berry. Izzy wants badly to reach 300 saves before the people he grew up around. The last month tore him up. TLR conceded the decision to bring in Izzy last Thursday was not his best decision. Frankly, it blew up. But Tony is a loyal guy to those loyal to him. Few have shown him more loyalty than Izzy. I think your conclusion is a bit dramatic. The club acted fairly quickly to the situation, giving Izzy time to pull it back together and the bullpen time to mold to different roles.

Catman: Hey Chatmeister,

Your recent articles have been some of your finest to date! Keep up the good work! Joe, since it looks like Ludwick is turning into the player we hoped he would be and his presence in the lineup behind Albert has made a big difference for this team, isn't it about time to be shopping Chris Duncan? Ankiel and Shumaker are for real and of course there's Colby Rasmus waiting in the wings. I like Chris, but do you think he has a real future with this team?

Joe Strauss: The club is going to have to make a decision on Duncan sometime this year. They have so far not approached him about a multi-year deal a la Wainwright or Molina. His production is certainly down and another LH outfielder, Rasmus, is still expected to arrive no later than next season. Duncan also projects as a "Super-Two" arbitration case next winter. Duncan is here for his power. So far it's been lagging. I don't think you toss a guy who last season hit 16 home runs in 236 at-bats before the All-Star break. Even if the club were inclined to shop him, his value is currently below peak.

Dave Cobler: Hi Joe;
I do not think that it is mere coincidence that Albert Pujols may be seeing more pitches to his liking due to the surfacing presence of Ryan Ludwicks hot bat. Unless an injury takes Ryan out, I do not see his bat cooling off because of his "quiet" consistency since he came up. Perhaps we acquired our impact bat in 2006 and just did not know it.
With that said, Izturis is clicking with his new team and performing far better than I ever thought he would at the plate. If he continues to get on base and plays in the field the ways he has, do you think the Cards would still want to upgrade at SS with a better bat such as a Michael Young would bring?
It is a very intriguing year indeed Joe.
As always Joe...THANK YOU for your time here with Cardinal nation and for taking the time to comment on my comments and questions!

Very respectfully,
Dave

Joe Strauss: The ChatMeister contends another bat is needed to better fill the No. 6 spot in the order. Y. Molina is an improved hitter but is not yet a consistent run producer. Look around the league. The dangerous lineups have "damage" in the No. 6 spot. The Cardinals currently have 22 RBI from the No. 6 spot, only three more than the leadoff spot. (That said, the No. 6 spot has more hits than the cleanup spot.)

BradV: Any chance TLR allows Ludwick to hit in the #4 spot for an extended amount of time, or does he lose that spot to Ankiel when he comes back? I'm guessing, the first game Ludwick goes 0 for 4, he gets benched for a game or 2. It kind of follows TLR's pattern of not batting anyone (except El Hombre), in a specific lineup spot for any length of time.

Joe Strauss: Ludwick's performance will dictate. Tony has moved guys all around the lineup with Albert as the exception. We said during spring training this is a mix-and-match team. Like you (I'm guessing) I like Ankiel in the second spot. However, the lacking support for Pujols makes TLR increasingly prone to putting damage behind El Hombre. That leaves Ankiel batting cleanup or sixth most days. The Lud is hitting .328 batting cleanup, .387 fifth. He's had more than twice the number of AB's hitting fourth than fifth.

cardsfanchicago: I believe the Cards did what they had to do, given their rising outfield talent and his waning skills, but do you think Jim Edmonds signed with the Cubs specifically to spite the Cardinals? Thanks Joe,
Marty in Chicago

Joe Strauss: Edmonds signed with the Cubs because: 1. They're a contender and the favorite to win the NL Central, 2. Wrigley Field is a smallish outfield that Edmonds can still handle, 3. He now plays most games against familiar opposition, 4. He has a chance to rub the Cardinals' face in it. Right now he's hit into as many DPs as he has hits while still searching for his first RBI with the Cubs. He has one RBI overall since April 21. We all wish Jimbo well. However, there is a reason he is currently being paid by three teams.

Ted: Chatmeister,

Long time listener, first time caller. There's a lot of positive chatter about the live arms down in Memphis and some of those guys are starting to matriculate to St Louis. We know about McClellan, Parisi, and Perez. With the continued uncertainty of Mulder, Clement, Carpenter, and now possibly Lohse, and with Reyes in seemingly permanent exile, do you see McClellan or Parisi moving into a spot starter role, or are they firmly entrenched in their setup roles? Are they considered as starters for the future, or have they impressed to the point that their roles might be redefined?

Also, who's the best pitcher in the farm system we might not be aware of? And of course, when I say "we", I don't mean you and I, as you are the All Knowing Master of All Things Cardinals. I mean "we" in the unwashed, reactionary masses of Cardinal fans that lurk on Cards Talk and JSL!!! sort of way.

Thanks, and I'll hang up and listen.

Joe Strauss: McClellan is a four-pitch guy who is likely to get a shot one day as a No. 4 or No. 5 starter. Parisi needs to develop a third pitch but has advocates within the system. I don't think either will happen this season as Todd Wellemeyer remains solid, Joel Pineiro is well-compensated, Waino is bueno and Looper is much improved over last season. Lohse's arm could be a complication, but Jaime Garcia is currently conditioned as a starter and may make more sense as a fill-in unless the club returns to Reyes. Last year's second-round pick, Arkansas alum Jesse Todd, is a fast riser. He was the org's pitcher of the month last July and this April. Not a big guy, but a good arm with advanced command. Thanks for the call.

Michael B.: I am hearing the Rockies may consider trading Matt Holliday. Do you think the Cardinals would be interested? Who would they have to give up? Would a package of Duncan, Schumaker, and a pitcher be enough to get him?

Joe Strauss: Any team would have to be interested in the ChatMeister's choice as 2007 NL MVP. I believe any package would have to include Rasmus, Garcia, plus... Still interested?

rdesutter: What's the real deal with Mulder? He sure is expensive.
-Robby in WV

Joe Strauss: He ain't pitching and, yes, he's expensive. That's the deal. It is increasingly likely the Cardinals shelled out $11.5 million after the '06 season for a pitcher coming off shoulder surgery and unable to deliver a win during the length of the contract. If so, the Danny Jackson deal becomes only the second-worst contract in team history.

Brad from Lakeland, TN.: Chatmeister,
Supposing the Cardinals need an emergency starter and both Reyes and Parisi are available, who do you think gets the ball?
Thanks,
Brad

Joe Strauss: Depends if a roster move is required. If so, Reyes is being conditioned to start. Parisi is not. The better question might be: Jaime Garcia or Anthony Reyes? If it's a one-shot deal, hand it to Parisi and play a bullpen game.

Les: Oh great Chatmeister, can you set the odds on the first player to be traded from the Cards? Thanks for all the hard work man!

Joe Strauss: Even money, A. Reyes.

Jason: I know its kind of a mute point, but what are your thoughts on the Cards actually signing Barry Bonds to play left field? Barton and Duncan are horrible and Bonds(even with all the baggage) makes this team better instantly with his presence in the lineup. An outfield of Bonds, Ludwick and Ankiel would work out just fine and give Albert all the protection he needs. Your thoughts?

Joe Strauss: It can't be a mute point since you're asking. But it is a moot point. Ownership doesn't want to upset the Commissioner by signing a guy under federal indictment who represents a clubhouse distraction and a dark cloud for an organization trying to build from within. Maybe Bonds can still hit, but he is probably physically unable to play (or even stand) in left field for nine innings.

Larry Harnly: Outfielder Nick Stavinoha is leading Memphis with .378-6-28 stats through Monday. Yet what is his future in the organization when he is behind right-handed hitters Ryan Ludwick, Brian Barton and Joe Mather? How good is he defensively?

Joe Strauss: Stavinoha appears blocked. He is considered minus defensively. He is also not currently on the 40-man roster.

wlc: Dear Joe,
I am a medical doctor. From what I have seen of Isringhausen, his hip injury history, and my medical background (and if I were a betting man) I would put my money on him having trouble with his hip again. It just makes sense. That he has no obvious symptoms would not be surprising. It takes very little to throw off a major league pitcher. They perform at such a high level. If it is his hip it would be unfair for him to continue to pitch this year. And, if so since it is a recurrent problem it would need further surgery. It doesn't take a rocket scientist (or doctor) to know that his chronic hip problem could be a career ending problem. Your comments?
wlc

Joe Strauss: Izzy's hip has received attention this season, though the club insisted it checked out fine during last Friday's examination. It would be a legitimate question to ask a team doctor, but the club no longer affords the opportunity. My guess is you're closer to right than wrong. Please forward your credentials to my e-mail address, or at the very least disclose what Holiday Inn Express you stayed at last night.

k30: Joe,

At what point do the Cardinals say to Joel, "Look...you've got one more start to learn how to stay focused and execute throughout the game...we have too many young starters waiting behind you..."?

Seems that possibly the best option at this point is to give Joel one more start...then, if it doesn't go well...plug Parisi in the rotation and see what he can do...Either send Joel to the Bullpen to learn to focus or package him up and trade him for a very young prospect or two...I know his contract and so-so performance lowers his trade value, but he DOES have good stuff...and someone is going to think they can fix his focus issues if they are hurting badly enough for pitching.

Thoughts?

(all that being said, we could've helped the guy out a bit more on offense...does Wellemeyer pitch the same way with less run support throughout the first game of the series...?)

Thanks!

Joe Strauss: Fair question but I don't forsee a role change as imminent. Pineiro should have at least three wins this month. He has none. Tuesday's two runs were not impressive, but they should have been enough to win the game. The two walks were more egregious than the Kouzmanoff home run in the ChatMeister's omniscient opinion.

Troy in Florissant: Mr. Strauss,

A few quick hitters for the mighty Chatmeister:

It is documented that John Mozeliak was responsible for the Ryan Ludwick signing. Did he have a hand in bringing Todd Wellemeyer aboard as well? What were your initial thoughts when the subject of Wellemeyer starting games was first broached?

I see that Colby Rasmus is continuing to struggle at Memphis. Do you think it a better idea for him to work his way through this at Memphis or maybe go back to Springfield for further seasoning? What would be worse for his confidence? Continued struggle or demotion?

Would you please give me your thoughts on the Hall of Fame credentials of Mike Piazza and Chris Perez?

I know that you detest sarcasm but I could not help myself. The constant panting about Perez is just a little overboard. I would like to hear your thoughts on Piazza. He is an interesting case in my opinion.

As always, thanks for the continued excellence. I really appreciate the insight.

Joe Strauss: Wellemeyer was acquired when the Royals designated him for assignment. The Cardinals liked his arm and moved quickly. The ChatMeister was not impressed by the decision to put Wellemeyer in the rotation but admits to underestimating the guy's tenacity. Dave Duncan and Marty Mason have done much for him, basically reshaping Todd's career. If Rasmus isn't going to play at Memphis, he should return to Springfield. Such decisions are not made lightly, however, as it's a tough thing to acknowledge a top prospect stumbling on a step.
Piazza, a Hall of Famer.
Chris Perez, I'll let you know after a couple more outings.

RedRedRed: I heard the news about Piazza retiring, makes me feel old, as I am getting. People are already talking about his hall of fame credentials. I can see that. It does make me think of our old friend Ted Simmons again.

Let's look at a comparison. Piazza did hit quite a few more home runs, and had a somewhat better lifetime BA, OBP, and SLG, but...Ted outdid Mike on: hits, rbi, runs, doubles, triples, BB, and even SB, while striking out fewer times. True, Simmons played more games, but that should at least be no penalty. He caught more games as well.

So, what do you think about how this, and shouldn't we continue to once in a while salute Ted. Thanks.

Joe Strauss: I think it possible Simmons will one day gain induction through the Veterans Committee. It is amazing he was eligible for only one year on the writers' ballot. Not our finest moment.

BP: Two random questions...

1. In your opinion, is Stan Musial the greatest living baseball player?

2. Why don't more pitchers learn to throw a knuckleball as an offspeed pitch?

Joe Strauss: 1. Musial, Mays, Bonds, A. Rodriguez. That's my superfecta. You can box them if you like.

2. It's a pain to catch or to coach. It opens up the running game. "Real" pitchers don't throw it. (Just don't tell it to Tim Wakefield.) The knuckle-curve is a more mainstream pitch. Mike Mussina was the master.

PJ: Joe,
What is the story with Brad Thompson?
Thanks,

Joe Strauss: He resumed throwing off a mound on Monday.

John, Mountain Top PA: Joe

Lance Berkman is off to a heckuva start - near the top in almost all offensive categories. He looks like a Triple Crown candidate. What say
ye?

Thanks
John

Joe Strauss: He's at the top of the JSL!!! MVP ballot as we speak.

Truman T.: Oh great and powerful Oz, er, Chatmeister: You don't sound like a Mizzou grad. Must be ... Northwestern?

Joe Strauss: Mizzou invented journalism. Northwestern perfected it. The ChatMeister graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, predominantly a commuter school in Richmond's beautiful Fan District. It's J-school's claim to fame was disowning the student publication, The Commonwealth Times, for its frequent use of profanities and semi-libelous comments about faculty and administration. We're Talkin' Proud!!!

Mark Giljum: Joe

I love your entertaining and sophisticated writing, including the weekly chats. I have two complaints about TLR, and would like your opinion on them. Overall I greatly admire and appreciate our manager, and these gripes are minor in the big picture, but it is a fan's lot in life to find fault. Please help me understand the following:

1) Why has Tony not completely committed to Schumaker as the everyday leadoff hitter? His lineup tinkering is usually sensible and sometimes absolutely necessary (like last year), but why mess with leadoff (i.e. overexposing Barton) when he has found the answer in Skip?

2) Why does Tony waste outs by sacrificing runners to second? It has been proven that the only good time for a bunt is when there is an automatic out at the plate (i.e. most pitchers or Padre hitters) or to get a runner to third with fewer than 2 outs. Twice in the past week in a tie game in the ninth he has pinch hit Wainwright to bunt a leadoff runner to second. Notwithstanding the fact that Wainwright is worthy of actually swinging the bat, it seems a waste to bunt in that spot. On Sunday Adam struck out bunting, although 2 hits later they scored anyway.

Thanks for your time.

Joe Strauss: Many within the P-D newsroom would suggest anyone who considers JSL!!! "entertaining and sophisticated" requires an intervention. But I appreciate your well-grounded opinion, Mark. Your suggestion that Schu' play daily will enfuriate the Barton crowd. Schu', however, has not been overly productive against lefthanded pitching. Barton deserves some time, though he has appeared exposed in recent weeks. I applaud using Wainwright to pinch bunt. He's a threat to hit and a decent bunter. Sabermetric types look down on the bunt as a waste of an out. I tend to disagree. It seemed that Kennedy was told to bunt a two-strike pitch as penance for his feeble attempts on the first two.

Steve from Carbondale: O Wise 1...I think I already know the answer, but is Chris Perez a dominant future closer for the Cards? I've heard about him for awhile but after watching him these past few appearances....WOW!

Joe Strauss: He's got a shot, but let's not turn him into Eric Gagne yet. (Please...)

STLFANWI: Thanks Joe for your time. Can you tell us why Brendan Ryan is not playing more? He provides the spark & hustle that Kennedy doesn't.

Joe Strauss: Kennedy continues to receive time against RH pitching. He's definitely struggling at the plate right now but his defense has been solid. Aaron Miles' bat has earned him time at second base. Ryan appears primarily the backup to Izturis, who is also en fuego.

The Pastor: While the Cards ARE exceeding expecations, at various times,the offense has had a lull, the pitching has had a lull, and the defense has had a lull. Which of these three areas do you think is our greatest long-term weakness, and what do you think would be required (other than prayer!) to help us make significant progress forward?

Joe Strauss: The offense needs an additional "presence." That's not news to anyone who has heard the organization say much the same for the last three years.

GoRams2001: Chatmeister,

Who is the biggest surprise this year? Izturis, Ludwick, Wellemeyer or Izzy? I'll hang up and listen.

Joe Strauss: Let's see. Ludwick was signed as an extra outfielder/DH for Memphis. Right now he deserves consideration for the All-Star Game.
Game, set, match... The 'Lud, hands down.

PB from Milwaukee: Hey, Joe, love the chat each week. Here's my question... we have what looks to be an abundance of outfielders for the foreseaable future (Ankiel, Schu, Ludwick, Duncan, Barton, Mather, Rasmus), and we have Pujols and Molina at first and catcher, who are both still young. Izturis is a big improvement at short in terms of fielding, which is frankly what you need there... after all, we won three pennants in the 1980s with a weak-hitting, great fielding shortstop. (I'm not quite ready to call him the "Wizard of Iz" yet, but anybody who doesn't seem him as an upgrade from Eckstein isn't thinking straight.) Second base is a position where you can usually find someone serviceable, and rarely find someone better than that, because if they were better than that they'd be playing somewhere else. The position that concerns me long-term is third, where Glaus looks to be on the down side (although he's picked it up lately). What is the organization's outlook on David Freese at Memphis? If he turns into a player, the Jim Edmonds deal will look really good.

Joe Strauss: Freese has performed well after skipping Double-A following his acquisition from the Padres. Glaus is entrenched for next season. Right now, the Edmonds deal looks good regardless of what happens with Freese.

Free: Good Day ;-) Would of been a little better via a win last night but..

Who is this cat Nick Stavinoha?? His numbers are looking really good!! Thanks for taking the time to help us Card Fans!

Rawk On!!

Free

Joe Strauss: Stavinoha was the club's 7th round pick in the very productive 2005 draft. He's a big dude, hits right, has minus range and has been tagged a high strikeout guy. That said, he's advanced steadily and is now spending his second season at Memphis. He labored against RH pitching last season but appears to have made an adjustment. He's 26 and will have to be included on the 40-man roster after this season. I can see the club including him in a deal elsewhere. He's an increasingly intriguing name.

Kevin: Hey Joe,

Do you think there's a chance of seeing a broadcast team of Dan McLaughlin and Ricky Horton on a regular basis or is Hrabosky locked in for the long-term? But, more importantly, who wins on the golf course . . . you or Danny Mac???? Thanks!

Joe Strauss: I think most would agree the dream broadcast "team" would be turning JSL!!! loose solo for three hours one night.
Simply put: Game Over.
As for comparing our golf games, DMac is an excellent caddy.

John: Joe,
I have always asked good questions, but you have never responded to any of my questions. You respond to questions like: Michael B.: I am hearing the Rockies may consider trading Matt Holliday. Do you think the Cardinals would be interested? Who would they have to give up? Would a package of Duncan, Schumaker, and a pitcher be enough to get him?

What idiot would not know the Rockies would ask for probably our top ten prospects for Matt Holliday?

Here is another question: If the Cardinals fall out of the race, who are the most likely players, if any, the Cardinals will shop? Thanks-John

Joe Strauss: Good questions are in the eye of the ChatMeister, John. There, you have hit the board. Your existence is validated, Grasshopper.

Aaron: Hey there sir!

With Peavy going down and Arizona pulling farther and farther away from the others in the NL west. Do you think the Padres woudl swing a deal with us? I was thinking they would be interested in Reyes and Ryan, and since Reyes has a good link with Prior and Ryan is so enamoured with his west coast roots they may be willing to make a deal. Perhaps we could get Khalil Greene, Heath Bell, and if we threw in Skip (for their CF woes) plus Anderson (for their future catcher) and maybe one of our good SP prospects (Ottavino,Boggs, or Mortenson after his year is up) we could snag Chris Young too?
I like a rotation of Carp/Waino/Young/Garcia/etc. with Heath Bell and Perez holding down the bullpen for the next 4ish years.

just an idea...thanks for the great read!!

Joe Strauss: The Pads had previous interest in including Reyes in a larger deal. There could be a future fit, but I don't see a blockbuster as you propose. Greene is owed $6.5M next year before becoming a free agent. It's an interesting proposal but I believe the Cardinals would have to throw in a higher end prospect to make it work.

Greg: Joe, thanks for the chat. In your previous discussions about up-and-coming pitchers, you didn't mention Mitch Boggs. I would have thought he'd a candidate should the need for a spot start arise. Is there a reason you didn't mention him?

Joe Strauss: I stand corrected, though Boggs is not currently on the 40-man. That's a big move to make if you're only looking at a spot start.

Joe Strauss: That's going to have to do it for this week, folks. I'll be back next Wednesday in the Central Time Zone and will devote more time to your draft and minor league questions. Sorry I didn't get to many today. Derrick Goold will have more insight on the draft in Sunday's P-D. Thanks for the interest and the well-informed questions. Please forward your thoughts on the Chat to the sports department as we have a new sports editor and JSL!!! is not above brownie points. Ciao!!!