Joe Strauss: All right Everybody Up!!! for another free-wheeling, goofy-footing session of Joe Strauss Live!!! Judging by the volume of questions awaiting the ChatMeister five minutes before post time, this week's chat tsunami may possible shut down the Internet. The Cardinals are 8-0-1 in their last nine series, the runaway leaders for the wild card and breathing a sigh of relief that Chris Carpenter will not require additional surgery and that Yadier Molina may be available by the time the locals reach Fenway Park Friday night. Since JSL!!! is expected to generate a 8.8 on this week's cyber-Richter scale, let's get moving before the big waves crash. Let's Get It On!!!

Dave Cobler: Hi Joe;
Although this Cardinal team is hanging in there with the Cubbies, the remaining schedule heading into the Allstar break looks to be really tough. Have you seen enough of this Cardinal team to date to believe this first half of the season not to be a fluke? Do you think they have the team makeup to take the turn for the second half lap and finish with the club that is in that Cardinal dugout right now?

Joe; No doubt some of my questions and comments do not warrant an answer...and I really enjoy reading those that make your post. All in all, it just tells me you are a man of integrity to your clock that makes you tick. As a regular poster on your show, I just wanted you to know I respect that. Thank you always for your considerations.

Joe Strauss: Dave, as a regular ChatHead, your questions are always insightful and posed with the proper reverance. Those of you hoping to hit the board take note. My first impression starts to form after 40 games and usually firms around July 4. That said, many of us had a different vibe about the 2006 team after 40 games than near the All-Star break, when it took a sweep of the Astros to re-inflate the Cards' lead. I think it's safe to say this team has bought into TLR's play-for-now philosophy. There's very little jake in this bunch. How else to explain its 8-2 series record after losing the opening game. At some point, injuries will create more pressure. This rotation will be stressed by Adam Wainwright's extended absence and Carpenter's setback. The recent struggles of Randy Flores and Ron Villone are to be watched. But this is a team that rarely gives away at-bats, rarely gives up on games and is much better fundamentally than last season. I picked this bunch to finish fourth during spring training. The ChatMeister would be insincere if he said he wasn't impressed by what's going on. Bottom Line: This team needs to keep its core of position players healthy. Albert Pujols will be back on time. In the meantime, the Cardinals can't tolerate another major hit.

tc22: O Wizard of Chat,

With the Colby Rasmus train due to depart from Memphis to St. Louis some time this season, which Cardinal outfielders will likely board the next train out? Obviously Ludwick and Ankiel will remain. I really like Skip Schumaker and the strides he's made this season. He could develop into an excellent lead off hitter. His defense, especially his arm, looks very promising despite some recent errors in judgment in the outfield. However, with Rasmus here, that leaves Duncan, Barton, and a promising prospect in Memphis by the name of Joe Mather in limbo. Considering that the Cardinals will only carry five outfielders that leaves two of the aforementioned players on the outside. Each of which show promise at the major league level! In your omniscient opinion, who will depart and how? Thanks, Joe!

Joe Strauss: I assume you're looking past this year.
If so, much depends on how the club views Chris Duncan. If he remains on board, it may be tough to retain Schumaker. I would assume Brian Barton will be projected at Triple-A next season, when the club will have the ability to move him off the 25-man roster. Ludwick and Ankiel are locks, one would assume. Rasmus will have to play his way onto the team next spring and that might be complicated by some recent Internet intrigue surrounding his struggles. We'll see. Mather could be projected as a backup 1B and fifth outfielder. Again, it's hard to project him and Duncan on the same team. Like you, I've been impressed by Schumaker. With Duncan approaching arbitration, it's fair to say the club will have to decide how he fits before December's winter meetings.

Nathan: I've heard a lot of chatter lately about whether the Cards' W-L record reflects that they are a very good team, or reflects that they have had a soft schedule. As of today (June 16), they're 42-29 overall, and I figure they're 10-8 against teams w/ a winning record (including Milwaukee, Chicago, Tampa Bay, and Philedelphia). To me these numbers show that they're a good team that has benefitted from a relatively soft schedule. I think this team can win 90 games (just 48-42 the rest of the way), which should be more than enough for the NL wild card. Your thoughts, oh wise one?

Joe Strauss: It ain't football, Nate. Before this season many would have included the Cardinals among the softies. Now that they've beaten Tampa, Philadelphia and gone 4-2 on a West Coast trip that impression no longer implies. The NL East appears down. The West has become a farce. You don't hear anyone rushing to anoint the Diamondbacks as baseball's best team anymore, do you? It's possible that the Cubs, Cardinals and Brewers may be perceived as three of the league's top five teams at season's end. That doesn't sound like a soft schedule to me. My magic number for the wild card is "88." As I write this, that means 46-44 gets it done.

tim: I hate to diss a player, but, Chris Duncan has no business in the NL as an everyday player. Sunday, his arm almost killed us...literally and figuratively...he turned a ground ball double play into a force out...with a high throw to Miles....not the greatest glove either; then made a terrible throw to Molina that he was lucky to make the tag on...and get killed over because Duncan has NO ARM, he can't play defense...thirty five errors at first, in one minor league season and seventeen at first...when he got called up. He is an AL dh'er at best. Also, if Izzy is back...then why wasn't he used Sunday? The Cards didn't deserve Sunday's win but neither did the Phils.
PS...is there a bad seat at the new ballpark? I sat up in the notsocheap seats..422...and the view of the field was great. Food and drink are outrageously high...and you can keep the Team Fredbird whistle blowing obnoxious promotions...just play ball.

Joe Strauss: Apparently Tim bet "short" on gasoline futures... Hopefully tomorrow is a better day, big guy. Your comments are duly noted.

Wells: Hey Joe,
It seems that players are dropping like flies this year. This is a quote from George Steinbrenner from SI.com talking about the NL's lack of a DH

"My only message is simple. The National League needs to join the 21st century," Steinbrenner said in Tampa, Fla. "They need to grow up and join the 21st century.

"Am I [mad] about it? Yes," Steinbrenner added. "I've got my pitchers running the bases, and one of them gets hurt. He's going to be out. I don't like that, and it's about time they address it. That was a rule from the 1800s."

Isn't this a bit of an over reaction? Aren't these guys suppose to be "athletes"? What athlete can't simply "run" the bases? It's not like there doing any major cuts. I just think Steinbrenner is mad that he lost his ace, but having pitchers run doesn't seem to affect any of NL teams, some of them are halfway decent ir marquis and micah owings.

Joe Strauss: The Hankster is trying to grow into the Blowhard role long ago perfected by his father. His public rantings about Joba Chamberlain, Brian Cashman, et cetera strike JSL!!! as a guy trying to create his own shadow. The AL plays a bastardized form of the game. Of course, Steinbrenner Jr. perceives it as a conspiracy to get his pitcher hurt. Only in New York. Of course, given MLB's reaction to a couple controversial foul ball/home run calls in Gotham, I'm pretty certain Cmmr. Selig will appoint a blue-ribbon committee to consider Steinbrenner's concerns.

Kent Beil: Hello El Diablo!

Love JSL Live and your coverage of the Cards...thanks for keeping us informed of what's going in with the team.

My question involves the left-handed side of our bullpen, especially Randy Flores. I know Tony's loyal to his players, especially those that have been around and had some good results in the past... but this guy just isn't getting it done anymore. He was awful last year, and I'd argue that
he's even worse this year. He's afraid to throw the ball over the plate, constantly throwing the slider down and away or in the dirt... players have caught on and are just taking ball after ball. I believe it is essential that this be addressed. Please tell me that Mo, Tony, & Dunc recognize this is a problem and are seeking an alternative. Is there any
rumblings of a trade, possibly Marte from the Pirates?
Thanks!

Joe Strauss: We have the first Damaso Marte rumor of spring!!! Flores is mechanically adrift right now. He's a breaking ball guy and his curveball has abandoned him for the time being. Some speculate he is not fully extending on the pitch, which makes it more loopy and harder to control. Flores insists he is fine physically. He's an important guy in this bullpen mix. He needs to get right before the upcoming road trip or Tony may be seen mashing more sunglasses in the late innings. Your Marte suggestion has merit; however, LH hitters are having more success against him this season than RH.

Dave Newman: "Hey Joe,"
Not trying to run Tony out of town, but I remember a few years back hearing that Ron "Pop" Warner was a real favorite in the organization, and he followed the "Rasmus prospect class" from A to AA. Is he still thought of as a future managerial star? Any chance he's the Redbirds next manager? Like I said, not trying to run TLR out of town, but I get tired of reading the same question 6 times on this chat, so I try to get creative.

Thanks
Dave Newman
Sacramento, CA

Joe Strauss: Warner is highly thought of within the organization. He worked well with players, gets kudos for running a game and is an even-tempered guy. I can't say whether he's the Cards' next manager but I do believe he would receive consideration if the move is made from within. (Jose Oquendo would also be on the short list.) And that is a 5-yard infraction for ripping your fellow ChatHeads, Dave. A game misconduct awaits if you turn on the ChatMeister.

BBKingBlues: The Chatmiester is looking wise today. The ousting in Seattle, and maybe lesser in NY could create some movement. Sure would be nice to score Jose Reyes or Ichiro. Yes I am dreaming but Seattle is definitely looking to rebuild, and the Mets have a huge payroll. What conversations have you heard rubbing shoulders with the brass? As always thanks for the E-Tsunami's.

Joe Strauss: No way the M's cut Ichiro loose or the Mets dump Reyes. Those guys are franchise players from a competitive and a marketing standpoint. I don't see an obvious upgrade on either roster among players who might be available. The Phillies, Padres, White Sox, Braves and Rangers may be teams to follow.

Joe O.: Is Mark Mulder really this close to returning? How did he go from near retirement after visiting the doctors two weeks ago to now? Will Anthony Reyes finally be put in the starting rotation? Will Boggs get another start?

Joe Strauss: Mulder starts Thursday in Memphis and could be activated next week in Detroit. That may be a reach, but it's a possibility based on A. Reyes' outing against the Royals and Wellemeyer's health. Mulder was despondent about his situation 3 weeks ago but has been energized by a new, more sidearm delivery that does not stress his shoulder. I can understand skepticism toward Mulder because of what's happened since his last win June 15, 2006. But if the player is excited and no one is talking surgery, it's probably worth watching. Boggs' next turn would be Saturday in Boston. TLR couched his comments about him Tuesday.

Rich: Hello, El Diablo, any word on Welly on whats going on with his elbow or when he might pitch again?
Any news on Carpenter?

Joe Strauss: Wellemeyer's next possible start would be in Detroit next week.
Carpenter was projected for a possible return around the All-Star break. That's been pushed back to mid-August at the earliest. I'm guessing the club waits until after rosters expand Sept. 1.

Ken: Ryan Ludwick has been a great story and a big reason that the Cardinals have had a good first half. However...his minor league career goes back to the 90s and he's hit over .290 only twice and he strikes out way too much for a guy that doesn't have Ryan Howard power. My question is this: Is his value at such a peak that July 31 would be a great time to get a top prospect or two for him?

Joe Strauss: Crack is illegal in Missouri, sir. Put down the pipe.

Kyle Haubrich: My Question is Two Part.

1) Do you see any big bats coming to St. Louis before the trade deadline this year?

2) If no big bat...then do you see any pitching help and if so do you see a trade for a Starter or a Reliever?

Thanks.

Joe Strauss: The ChatMeister is increasingly convinced the Cards will acquire an arm before they get a bat.
News Flash, per Dave Duncan appearing on P-D cyber-guy Jeff Gordon's radio show: Anthony Reyes was examined today by team orthopedic Dr. George Paletta for elbow discomfort. Stay tuned.

Tim Boeckelmann: Joe,

Thanks for taking my question!

I heard Bob Gibson talk about the state of the game as it is today opposed to how it was back when he lit up the league with his pitching back in '68. He mentioned how he can barely stand to watch major league teams play besides the RedBirds with how boring it has become and how pitchers cannot command their pitches. I am an avid baseball fan and can and will watch any game, any team, any time. But, I do agree with him. I couldn't imagine being a player of his caliber and era having to watch the game be what it is now. In 2050, will there be 1st,2nd,3rd inning specialists? Go Cards!!

Joe Strauss: I saw the interview on FSN Midwest. I don't quite follow the Hall of Famer. Today's game is designed to give the hitter more of an edge. (Lower mound, smaller strike zone, the DH, smaller parks, etc.). Just because the game is different doesn't mean it isn't as good. Bob enjoyed the Cardinals' 06 World Championships but most traditionalists like himself would consider it an abomination that an 86-win team from a third division skanks itself into the postseason. No one plays the matchup game more than TLR, so I'm not sure why Gibby can only stomach the Redbirds. The athleticism of today's players is at a much higher plane than 30-40 years ago. The game may be played differently, but attendance suggests it's more enjoyable to watch.

Ryan: Joe,

Who ya got for your preferred NL All-Star starting OF? The starting three of Soriano, Fukudome and Griffey have all been outplayed by more well-deserving OFer's - Braun, Lee, Holliday, Ludwick, McLouth, etc. to name a few. I know this is nothing new, popularity (or international votes) make an All-Star starter. Just curious on who you think should get the nods based on performance.

Joe Strauss: It happens this way every year, Ryan. Soriano won't play in the game because's hurt. Griffey is a shell of his former self. Fukudome is an intriguing player who benefits from playing for a winning, highly visible team. I've got no problem with three of your five starting. Consider yourself validated.

Ryan: Rick Ankiel's stats this year are mostly below what he produced in fewer AB's last year, but I suppose that can be attributed to pitchers finding his holes. My question is - do you think Ankiel's AVG will improve over the course of the year(s), or do you see him as a career .250 - .260 hitter with occassional power?

Joe Strauss: Ankiel is a "damage" bat who will also strike out a lot. He still has small sampling of major league at-bats and can be expected to develop further. Right now, it's fair to project him as a .260-.270 hitter. Teams work him up in the strike zone and still dare him to go to the opposite field. There is no question about Ankiel's talent. Plate discipline remains a work in progress.

Matt in Springfield: Do you see Izzy's lack of velocity a problem?

Joe Strauss: Only if he can not locate. Isringhausen has not pitched a great deal since going on the disabled list. Tuesday was his first appearance since last Wednesday. I would expect his velocity to gradually increase. If not, a question needs to be asked.

Joe perkins: Chatmeister- Wednesday's are holy days in our house during baseball season. A couple of quick questions, can El Hombre take any BP with his injury or is he totally shut down? Also, I think it would be a serious mistake to trade away young talent (ie Rasmus, Mather, Todd, Boggs etc.) in an effort to go for it this season. This current team is overachieving, but is not a team that would be strong in a 5 or 7 game series. No real aces, right now we just could not beat Arizona or dare I say it, the Cubs who would simply shut us down and we do not have the arms to match them. I say stockpile the WMD's and see what happens over the winter. What do you think?

Joe Strauss: El Hombre took a convincing round of BP before Tuesday's game. He can do everything -- except run. I don't think this club will mortgage its future for one big push. That said, the system is better stocked than at any time since I began covering the club in 2002. There is enough depth to support a significant deal. As I've said before, the club's biggest decision may revolved around what to do with Chris Duncan. If he is arbitration-eligible after this season, the club may flinch at his price tag if it perceives him as a platoon player or less.

Greg: Joe,
How's this for a deal when Pujols returns-
Duncan to KC for Grudzielanek straight up. Gives us a quality veteran in the clubhouse. Release Kennedy and eat the money and platoon Izturis and Ryan. I think having Grudzielanek around could help Ryan out as well. What do you think?
Also, if Clement and Mulder make a couple quality starts at Memphis and return after the all-star break, who do they replace? Wainwright, Lohse, Clement, Mulder & Looper/Wellemeyer/Reyes/Boggs?? Good problem to have.

Joe Strauss: Wainwright is an open-ended question. Clement's velocity has apparently plateaued. Boggs is not viewed as a long-term solution this year. Reyes apparently is dealing with elbow discomfort. I don't believe there are as many options as you suggest, Greg. If Wellemeyer has a protracted problem, this team may be buying pitching rather than selling. I don't believe the club perceives Grudzielanek's addition worth eating Kennedy's '08 and '09 salary while adding Grudz's at the cost of young players.

Chris: Hey Joe,

Does the recent dip in run production force Johnny Mo to make a move for an impact bat up the middle(or anywhere really), or will he wait until Albert comes back? Also, exactly how long is Albert going to be out, is there a timetable?

Joe Strauss: I don't sense an APB for another heavy bat right now. Albert should be back around the All-Star break. The club projected a minimum of three weeks. El Hombre believes he may beat the estimate. We'll have a better read when Pujols resurfaces in Kansas City next weekend.

Yoshiredbird: Has the Cardinlas considered Josh Phelps to play 1st while Albert is out? I have seen him play, and he's got power. He struggles against left handers, but I think Duncan doesn't have the confidence back. Since he was recalled from Triple-A Memphis, Chris Duncan is batting only .125 in 24 at-bats. During that time, he has driven in one run.

Joe Strauss: Phelps is considered a minus-minus defender. (OK, I know your response.) Duncan is going to receive the benefit of the doubt here. That is obvious. TLR agreed to option Duncan for a specific amount of time (2 weeks). It doesn't sound like a battle J. Mozeliak wants to right now. Counting his Memphis experience, Dunc' is 7-for-49 since being optioned. It's difficult to say he's found his stroke. Safe to say he's still pressing.

Frank in Arlington, Virginia: Omniscient Chatmeister,
What's in your crystal ball for Adam Kennedy? Past the one-third stage of the season, he's healthy and apparently fielding better than last season, but hitting .250, .305 OBP, slugging a pathetic .300. He has five extra-base hits in 160 ABs. He wasn't signed for power, but he's not getting on or delivering much of anything, despite a recent first home run. He woke up for a few weeks this spring but is slipping inexorably back to 2007's low standard. Does he survive the season without getting released? Is there any chance he'll be back next season? How long will the team stick with him? I'm not foolish enough to even suggest a trade. It's a sad end, but it seems inevitable.

Joe Strauss: The anti-Kennedy bandwagon is running a close second to the anti-Dunc one. That said, the club is not considering severing ties with Kennedy before season's end, according to several folks within the organization. Of the four middle infielders, Kennedy is signed through next season, B. Ryan is under control, Izturis is a free agent and Miles is arbitration-eligible and a perennial non-tender candidate. The Cardinals do have flexibility at SS/2B. I doubt they will excise Kennedy until they lock up someone better as either part of a winter trade or a free agent signing.

Paul Q.: Hi, Joe!

Obviously there is a lot of vigorous debate on CardsTalk about many things, but one of those has obviously been centered around the topic of Chris Duncan. Everything from his offense and defense to his physical appearance have been questioned of late. I've actually been one of Duncan's supporters on the message boards, but he's giving us less and less material to defend him with lately.

My question(s): (#1) How much longer can we honestly expect to see Duncan being trotted out there to 1B (or DH, during interleague)? The outfield seems to have been sorted out, and Duncan is the odd-man out. When Pujols gets back, he obviously takes over 1B again. With Duncan performing so terribly at the plate, does he go to the bench, back to Memphis, or some place else? (#2) What other LEGIT options do we really have while Pujols is out, for 1B?

Thanks!

- Paul Q., Ballwin, MO

Joe Strauss: I certainly believe Duncan gets the next road trip to sort things out. Pujols may be close to returning at that point and, yes, the question will then force itself on Tony and the front office if there is no improvement. Short of recalling Mather, I don't see another option at 1B. I do know this: The greater the public/media outcry for something to be done, the more TLR will resist the idea, especially since some close to Chris believed the last time he was optioned had everything to do with a P-D column that ran the previous day. Sound complicated? You bet.

JRF: What is the status of Juan Encarnicon's eyesight. I know that he probably never will play again, but does he have any long term vision problems? We haven't heard anything in a while. Can you share anything about his health?

Joe Strauss: The last I heard, Juan's vision has not improved enough in his left eye to allow him to drive. He needs a miracle to play again.

dolphincardblue: Where had you gone, Joe DiStraussio, Cards nation turns its lonley eyes to you:

Can you explain the reasoning on TLR sending out bad left handers for the lefty righty match-up (and vice versa as well) when you have good pitchers (who use either hand) that are better sitting on the pine? If your lefty stinks, why let him pitch in a tight game just because the batter is a righty? Reminds me of that "Simpsons" episode where Mr. Burns puts Homer in the company softball league game for Darryl Strawberry -- who previously hit a home run in every at bat -- simply because Homer was a righty. How about a trade to fix this problem too: Reyes for quality lefty reliever?

Joe Strauss: If you have pitchers for a role, you either use them when their role arises or go get different relievers. It sounds like you may be suggesting the latter. Villone was called on to face 2 LH hitters with a span of 3 Tuesday. Obviously, he failed. However, the outcry would probably be just as loud if TLR had called on a RH to face two lefts. As for trading Reyes, it's hard to obtain anything that starts with "quality" if he's not good enough to make your 25-man roster or healthy enough to make a spot start.

James Arnold: Mr. Strauss, thank you taking my question: Chris Duncan is simply lost at the plate and in the field. In my opinion he has no business playing for the cardinals big team right now. My question is twofold: What are the other options in pujols absence? secondly, do you believe chris is coddled by TLR and Dunc too much?

Joe Strauss: Mather could play 1B but that would require a subtraction from among the current 12 position players. It's difficult to see an adjustment barring an option of Duncan. Is Duncan "coddled?" I don't see it that way. Little Dunc' is an extremely hard worker. Indeed, he may have hurt himself with too much BP during spring training. He is also sensitive to perceptions that he is here because of his last name. It's unfair to lay that on the player. If fans believe that, they should vent on the front office or manager. It is fair to say that the organization is more sensitive to criticism of Little Dunc' because of 1. its volume, 2. the perception of its disproportionate intensity, 3. his previous production and, yes, 4. because of his close ties to the manager and the coaching staff.

Troy: Thanks for letting me be a part of the greatest on-line chat ever - JSL LIVE!!! I know TLR always has a reason for his strategic moves, even though I might not agree with them. Considering that, what was his reason for going with Villone last night? He could have used McClellen or Perez or Springer (among others), but he chose Villone. Since Aviles was playing in just his 12th MLB game, it's not like TLR could have used head-to-head stats. Can you enlighten the masses, oh great chatmeister?

Joe Strauss: A left-right thing.

JUSTIN: First of all Love your columns and chats, anyway my question is, When do you see the cardinals start trying to resign Ankiel and Ludwick, and how much do you see it taking them to do so? With (Boras) representing Ankiel, will he give us a dicount knowing what we've done for him over the years.

Joe Strauss: Both players are arbitration-eligible after this season. I doubt any long-term signings. As we speak neither has had a season with more than 303 major-league at-bats. Both have had past injury issues. As you not, Ankiel's representation is reluctant to sacrifice free agency. As for the club, it's always dicey to initiate talks during the season because of negative ramifications if talks break down. If something's gonna happen, it'll likely be November or later.

Scott - New Lenox, IL: Joe: What's your take on Steve Stone's prediction of Pujols having Tommy John surgery? Isn't it odd for a media member to speculate on the severity of an injury to a player? For some reason he's still a Cub fan after they canned him.

Joe Strauss: It's funny, but you rarely hear a broadcast guy speculate about pending surgery for a player on the team he's attached to. Odds are that El Hombre will one day undergo the procedure. Stone, however, may be auditioning for one of those ESPN commercials where the guy speaks out of the wrong orifice.

Bruce: Oh Sir Chatmeister!

We all know that Tony loves to play the lefty/righty matchup game with his bullpen, but with the success (so far) of Perez (.167 baa vs. LH hitters), and McClellan (.184, significantly better than vs. RH hitters), why does he not allow them to go full innings in instances such as last night? Perez has been the 8th inning man lately, why not let him have the inning?

And, how long until we see Izzy headed back to the 9th inning duties to get the bullpen roles settled down?

Joe Strauss: Perez was stretched out Sunday and was available for emergency only. Again, if you can't use your LH in role, why carry them? The Izzy question is open-ended. He's got to show a good mix of command and velocity. Tuesday was a start but not a complete answer to the question. It's amazing that more cracks haven't shown within a team relatively short on innings from its rotation and with shifting roles within the bullpen. I believe those concerns are well-founded.

k30: Dude...your quick little comment about Reyes' elbow is now lighting up the forums..."Joe Strauss Says..." or "Strauss reports..." or "According to Strauss..."

Joe Strauss: Hence, the JSL!!! tsunami.

DoubleDown11: JSL!!

The dealer is getting upset with my laptop on the green, so I'll make this quick: what do you think of BP's Dayn Perry suggesting the 'pie-in-the-sky' deal that would send Rasmus and Bryan Anderson for C.C. Sabathia?

Furthering the need for a pitcher, any names you care to throw out that may draw some interest from Mozeliak?

Gotta run -- dealer is showing a bust card.

DoubleDown11

Joe Strauss: The Indians would do that deal in half a heartbeat, I believe. Sabathia is likely to end the season somewhere other than Cleveland. St. Louis would have to do a trade-and-sign to make it work, in the ChatMeister's opinion. Dayn Perry can consider himself semi-validated, though I believe he's with Fox Sports. Good luck on doubling...

K.C.: Joe: A.J. Burnett wants to play baseball in a city "where baseball is breakfast, lunch and dinner". I believe he was referring to Chicago which is generally known as football town and has one of the poorest baseball traditions on the face of the earth. Therefore, is there any chance Mo looks into acquiring him to play in such a city?

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals have expressed previous interest in Burnett, but weren't willing to give him the 5-year, $55 million pop the Blue Jays awarded him before the '06 season. Burnett is owed $12M this year and in '09 and '10. He also had an opt-out clause that would allow him to see free agency after this season. Any team trading for him would likely seek Glaus-like assurances that he would not exercise the clause after '08. Given the rotation's increasingly uncertain state, I would be surprised if Mo' did not at least make a call to the 416 area code.

Stephen Clark: With Molina suffering a concusion, is it wise to let him rest for maybe a 1 week , Marc Bulger sufferd the same thing, but he has 200-300 lb lineman comming at him every week. Is there a chance we will see a call up from memphis

Joe Strauss: All I can say is that many share your concern. I have a hard time believing the Cardinals would roll the dice on Molina's health given the attention concussions have received recently. I tend to believe they would shut Molina down if given warnings by his attending physician at Missouri Baptist, team medical supervisor Dr. George Paletta or the team's training staff.

Joe Strauss: That's going to do it for this week. The tsunami has hit and now the tide is receding. We'll be back next week for more of the same, potentially on the day or the eve of Mark Mulder's first start. Much thanks for the flood of questions... As always, challenging, entertaining and in some cases very lengthy. Amazing, we're only nine games shy of the season's midpoint. Next week's theme may be ChatHead grades for various aspects of the team. Sleep on it.