Joe Strauss: All right, everybody back up as we begin another rousing hour or two of Joe Strauss Live!!! direct from the palacial upper study of StraussHaus in suburban St. Louis. The Commish, Rick Hummel, is working the beat in Detroit while the ChatMeister enjoys some long overdue and well deserved down time with Mrs. ChatMeister and our lovely daughter, both of whom heavily are suggesting I do various household chores that the JSL!!! budget unfortunately can't contract to outside help. As Mark Mulder would say, "Whatever." From the looks of things, the tsunami of questions is rolling in as predictably as the tides. If you're reading this now, consider yourself cutting edge. If you're reading later, you've probably heard many of the bits ripped off by local broadcast media. Such is life as an Internet goliath. Let's Get It On!!!!

Dave Cobler: Hi Joe;
If I understood your closing remarks from last week, you were wanting us chatheads to grade the various parts of the Cardinal club at this point. OK, here goes...

Manager & Coach's: A+
Starting pitching: A
Relief Pitching:
right handers: B+
left handers: C
Team Defense: B+
Team AVG Hitting: B
Team Power: C+
Team Speed: B
Stolen Base: C
Team chemistry: A+

If I were to put a label on this 08 Club, I might call them the "REDBIRD BOBBERS". Just when you think they are down, they "BOB" back up, as we have seen most recently in the KC and Boston series. Also no one is giving them any respect or hope from the start of spring training to present.
But there you have it Joe. Those grades are all from mere observation as I have not missed a game this year.
How would you grade my overall grade and I would be interested to see how you grade these REDBIRD BOBBERS according to the categories I have listed.

As always, thanks for your thoughts Joe!

Joe Strauss: I think you're in the ballpark, Dave. As much scrutiny as the rotation has received, it's second in innings and third in ERA among NL clubs. I might be a little tougher on the bullpen by knocking down each side a half-grade. I'd rate the power a C and the defense a B. Nothing dramatic. Thanks for your opinion. Hopefully others will share as well.

john: You thoughts about Mulder starting again? Is this a sign of the 7 horsemen?

Joe Strauss: Is the Mulder situation such a fiasco that the Almighty has added three more horseman to the Apocalypse. You've got a bigger starting field than the Preakness. War, Famine, Pestilence, Bad Back, Bad Rotator Cuff, Strange Arm Slot, Uninsured Contract... oh, the humanity.

Tackleberry: JSL,

I'm reading your Monday blurb titled "Izzy Acsending" and I am cringing. How in the world do you characterize that performance on Sunday as anything resembling an ascension? Izzy walked two, allowed a hit, and needed 24 pitches to get out of that frame. Plus he got a huge boost from Cora who swung at a ball that almost hit him.

Joe Strauss: The ChatMeister doesn't "blurb," Tackle... He composes, crafts and hones. That said, the reference was to Izzy striking out consecutive hitters in a bases loaded situation on pitches that induced swings and misses. Isringhausen couldn't miss a bat for three weeks before disabled. Would it have been better if he'd thrown 9 pitches and gotten beat? If Cora is swinging at a bat that almost hit him, might it be because there was late movement on the pitch?
Blurb, indeed.

Brett: What do you think the Cardinals 2009 rotation will look like? We have a lot of young guys, although they could use a little more seasoning. Do you see them going after another starter, either at the deadline this year or in the offseason?

Joe Strauss: As stated in last week's chat, I expect the Cardinals to more actively pursue pitching than a bat. Given Mulder's situation, Clement's move to the bullpen, Carpenter's setback and the lack of confidence in A. Reyes, B. Thompson and apparently M. Boggs as this point in his career, I anticipate the team will investigate rentals like Randy Wolf and C.C. Sabathia and perhaps Erik Bedard, who has done a fantastic job of underperforming while alienating the entire population of Seattle. If you're looking for a Pineiro type this season, Miguel Batista could be had after being shipped to the Mariners' bullpen. (Batista is signed through next season and is getting absolutly smoked this season. The M's would have to offer significant salary relief in any such deal.)

JMC: Hi Joe. I have a question concerning Clement, who appears to be a bust as a starter, but may contribute in relief. Who basically is to blame on his signing? I know MO said if he's a bust he made a bad deal and is to blame, but someone had to advise him. Did the scouts screw up, and if so, what does that say about our scouting? Or did the medical staff blow it, and if so, with so many guys on the DL, that doesn't give me the greatest confidence either. So who takes the heat, and how could they not see the lack of arm strength keeping him from pitching probably all year?

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals signed Clement in January (after reaching agreement on Christmas Eve). If anything, they are guilty of seeing what they wantes to see. TLR and D. Duncan saw a chance at getting a pitcher they liked before he signed in Boston. Mo' needed depth within a rotation that at the time looked threadbare. The medical staff said Clement's shoulder integrity was fine but could not gauge his arm strength. The Cardinals basically committed Ponson money for Clement. Mo' has called it a lottery ticket. But JSL!!! has always thought the lure of a lottery ticket was paying a buck for the chance to win millions, not paying millions to win nothing. Semantics, I'm sure. Either way, from a financial standpoint it's not a crippling hit.

Wells: Hey Joe,
Thanks for taking my question last week, love reading JSL.

I was voting for the All-Star game yesterday, and I think the NL has a great chance of winning this year.

Catcher: McCann/Soto vs. Mauer/Navarro
1B: Berkman/Pujols vs. Morneau/Youkilis
2B: Utley/Uggla vs. Kinsler/B. Roberts
3B: C. Jones/Wright vs. A-rod/Crede
SS: H. Ramirez/Reyes vs. Jeter/M. Young
OF: McLouth, Ludwig, Holliday vs. Hamilton, Bradley, and Quentin.

Our starting pitches won’t be bad either with Volquez and Lincecum. I’m only worried about the NL relievers. But as always the fans seem to screw it up. Seems Cubs fans are stuffing the ballot with Ryan Theriot and Mark Derosa pushing out more deserving players such as Reyes and Uggla. So I have a two part question, With the current leaders in all star voting, can the NL finally end the all star drought? And do you think there should be a separate vote count for international votes as I see many Japanese fans, while voting for Fukudome blindly voting for the rest of the Cubs.

Joe Strauss: There is nothing more irrelevant than the outcome of the MLB All-Star Game with the possible exception of a regular season NBA tilt. Who starts, who plays for how long, who pitches... it's trivia. The leagues exist in name only now. There is no motivation to win the game, and I include the silly home field advantage for the World Series. (Who can forget, "This time it counts!") MLB has done an outstanding job of marketing a "festival" that is all about sponsors and the networks and very little about competition. Team executives, for the most part, hate going. It's a shame. The game used to be a true competitive spectacle. Now it's about who can get to the airport quickest after being pulled in the second inning. I haven't attended since 2001. Nuf' sed.

Joe Strauss: As you may have noticed, JSL!!! has not been on for several, er, about 30 minutes due to what euphemism is used when there's a SNAFU downtown. Sorry for your inconvenience. I'm even more sorry about mine. But since the tsunami keeps rolling even when there's a cyber-fumble, we resume our discussion after an exchange of punts.

TechnoPhobia: O esteemed Chatmeister, please consult your oracle for this; since the Cardinals have placed Chris Carpenter on the 60 day DL, I am assuming that he has suffered a major setback, and this is their way of telling us that this is sayonara for this season. Is that your take also? Is he really done like Kinney (failed T-J surgery), Mulder and Clement? How many starters and relievers will they be looking to buy or trade for this year? Will the Cards give Izzy away before the trade deadline?

Joe Strauss: I was in the middle of your question, TP, when our system crashed. Moving Carp' to the 60-day is a paper move. Since the 40-man roster was full, something had to give in order to put Nick Stavinoha on the major-league club last weekend. Carpenter had been on the 15-day and was transferred to the 60-day merely as a means to create roster room (since players on the 60-day don't count against the 40-man limit while those on the 15-day do.) Your concerns were shared by many but are not warranted at this time. That said, I'm not sure it's a safe bet that Carpenter will start a game this season. Best case, he's ready by late August. But we've heard a lot of best cases before.

Dave Newman: Mr. CM,
If you'll allow me to start with a comment...isn't it ironic that in response to not "missing any bats" in the 2004 WS the Redbirds stated goal was to find someone that could, and that someone ended up being Mark Mulder, never the King of K's? In return, the Cards gave up a guy that struck out 192 last year. Ouch.

Now to the Q... after Mulder's uber-collapse the last 2 months of 2005, has anyone ever thought to ask (or asked) Billy Beane 2 questions?, "What did you know, and when did you know it?"

Blame makes the world go 'round.

Thanks,
Dave Newman
Sacramento, CA

Joe Strauss: The trade in itself wasn't a train wreck. OK, maybe a derailment. Resigning Mulder to a two-year guarantee after shoulder surgery to justify the trade was the major gaffe. Asked about the Mulder-Haren deal shortly after the fact, W. Jocketty said, "Our opinion is that Dan Haren will never be the pitcher that Mark Mulder is."

Dave Newman: (RESENT DUE TO TYPO - I had mentioned Mulder's "uber-collapse in 2005," when I meant to say 2004)

***************************************************

Mr. CM,
If you'll allow me to start with a comment...isn't it ironic that in response to not "missing any bats" in the 2004 WS the Redbirds stated goal was to find someone that could, and that someone ended up being Mark Mulder, never the King of K's? In return, the Cards gave up a guy that struck out 192 last year. Ouch.

Now to the Q... after Mulder's uber-collapse the last 2 months of 2004, has anyone ever thought to ask (or asked) Billy Beane 2 questions?, "What did you know, and when did you know it?"

Blame makes the world go 'round.

Thanks,
Dave Newman
Sacramento, CA

Joe Strauss: The Mulder trade was a derailment, though he did help the club to 100 wins in 2005 and provided part of the first-half push that got them to the playoffs in '06. The train wreck occurred by signing him to a two-year guarantee shortly after rotator cuff surgery as a way to justify the original deal. Regardless whether Mulder gives the club anything the rest of this season, this contract is arguably the worst in franchise history and could be labeled borderline irresponsible. Billy Beane had nothing to do with the Cardinals re-signing Mulder.

Janice: Joe, La Russa and Duncan appear to channel through you. So why did they put Carpenter on the 60 day DL? (Yea, I know to free up a spot on the roster!) If it will be a minimum of 60 days before he can begin his rehab, that leaves him only about 10 days left in the minor league season at Memphis or Springfield. Would it not be better to do what Al Hrabosky suggested, i.e., tell him not to worry about it this year and to just go fishing? I don't see how 2 rehab starts (at the most) at the end of August would possibly benefit him! Do they really think he has no chance of coming back this year and are just stringing him (and us) along? What are the chances of his pitching OK after missing 2 full seasons?

Joe Strauss: You're operating on a flawed premise. The 60-day begins at the start of the season. It's back-dated. Carpenter could come off tomorrow if the club thought him ready.

Richard Platt: I realize you've discussed Chris Duncan ad nauseum, but hope you will offer a reply to my question. Is Duncan likely going back to Memphis once Pujols is activated? My opinion is that for his own good and the good of the Cardinal organization, he simply needs to be moved to anothe MLB team. It's almost impossible to imagine he will have any future success with the Cardinals.

Joe Strauss: I would anticipate Stavinoha's return.

Dean - Atlanta, GA: Are we finally at the point where Weinberg, Hauck, Paletta and staff will recommend that enough is enough with Mulder? What will it take for the Cards to move on? The shoulder surgeries, the below-par outings in rehab, now back stiffness...
There has to be zero chance they will sink another $11million into him (his '09 club option), right? Regardless of how he pitches from July-Sept (I'm not holding my breath on anything productive) I absolutely would rather see that money invested into the younger players or a FA SP like Burnett (if he opts out), Garland, Byrd, or even other injury-risk SPs that are younger (Sheets (by only a year though) or Harden). Thanks for your time.

Joe Strauss: At this point the Cardinals need to know if they can expect anything productive from Mulder the rest of the season. Unlike Clement, Mulder represents a major investement. The club would like nothing more than to show at least a modest return on that investment. That said, it's hard to believe this team will allow Mulder as much rope as last season if he struggles. To trace missing the postseason because of a too-long experiment would only compound an unfortunate situation. By their current actions the Cardinals are saying they expect more from Mulder than Boggs, Parisi, Reyes, Thompson, etc. I'm not sure how many would agree with that assessment.

Jeff: Joe, once again thanks so much for these chats.

Have you heard anything about the Cards looking to extend Lohse and/or Looper? At 34 Looper, starting next year, shouldn't break the bank in $$$ or years. Boras could make Lohse pricey.

Once again the old adage of "you can never have too much pitching" has proven true.

What's your thoughts?

Joe Strauss: The club is positioned to wait for two reasons:
1. Negotiating with a player when he is performing at his peak doesn't help a team's leverage.
2. If talks bog down, the player may become disenchanted and sulk.
This isn't just the Cardinals' philosophy, but a number of clubs. Lohse is also represented by Scott Boras, who is not exactly warm and fuzzy when it comes to sacrifice his clients' free agency. Every long-term deal the Cardinals have signed with a starter since 2006 has resulted in a medical catastrophe (Carpenter, Mulder, Wainwright). It's not hard to understand why the team may exercise patience.

Mike: Joe,

Two questions--

Normally, Schumaker plays left and Ludwick plays right (when both of them + Ankiel are playing). Why does LaRussa prefer this arrangement?

In Fenway, Schumaker played right and Ludwick played left. I assume that this change had something to do with Fenway's unusual layout, but do you know why specifically LaRussa thought that this arrangement was better in Fenway?

Thanks for taking the time to answer questions.

Mike

Joe Strauss: You answered your own second question.
Ludwick is an underrated defender but Schumaker has the stronger arm. It's an interesting point. Schumaker has started more in right and in center than in left. Ludwick has also started more in right than left. There's not an obvious answer but I'll get it for you this week. Good question.

Brian: Hey Joe,

what's going on with Mulder? First, I hear he's gonna pitch in Nashville earlier this week, then he has a "soar back" ... is that something to be concerned about?

Also, with all the young guys coming up from Memphis ( which I actually love to see ), will the Cards wait to bring up Rasmus until there's room for him to stay up permanently, or will he be inserted in the revolving door of outfielders going up and down?

Joe Strauss: The Cardinals would prefer Ras' stay after he gets here. Additionally, if Ras' is here, who goes? Schu, Ankiel and Ludwick are locked in. The organization is apparently locked into Barton for the rest of this season. Promoting Rasmus would appear to doom Chris Duncan unless he is starting at 1B for an injured Pujols. I don't expect to see Ras' until September.
Mulder has a "sore" back, although I guess a "soar" back could come from flying, which usually doesn't help the condition.

Brian: hey Joe,

I just noticed Matt Clement is pitching in the Memphis bullpen. That seems like a weird detour from starting for the Cards ... is he stuck in limbo in Memphis, or are the Cardinals just waiting for some velocity to magically appear?

Joe Strauss: It's an admission by the club that too little time remains on Clement's rehab (7 days) to expect any gainful use in the rotation. An inning or two here or there in long relief may be the only shot. A decision will have to be made about his future soon. If there is not a medical reason to keep Clement on the DL, the club will either have to promote him or designate him for assignment. It will be up to Clement to accept or reject a minor-league assignment if that's what it comes to.

Sheldon Toibb: Why does Brad Thompson seem never to get an honest chance this year as a starter or a set-up man in view of all of the injuries to the starters, Mike Parisi's poor performance and Thompson's own credible record as a starter last year? He appears to have been shoved out of sight, first on the DL, and now in Memphis.

Joe Strauss: Indeed, Thompson and Reyes appear to be sharing bunk beds in the organization's doghouse. Both, coincidentally, are either on or just came off the disabled list. Many were non-plussed by Thompson's refusal to acknowledge an elbow condition until he was optioned last month. As a result, Thompson made a start after his rehab and was unceremoniously optioned to Triple-A the same night. If you see it that way, imagine how he reads it.

Michael Brashear: Hello Mr. Strauss,

I am ready for my weekly Wednesday enlightenment. I have a few questions this week.

1. I guess I could have counted this out myself but I thought I would let the all knowing guru answer this. What is the length of the schedule for AAA & AA seasons?

2. What has happened to Blake Hawkesworth? Memphis was here in Nashville this Saturday through Tuesday. They give out a compltete roster along with the starting lineups. Hawkesworth was not listed.

3. That is a good segue for my next question. Any chance Jess Todd gets moved to Memphis before the season is over? He has an ERA of 1.79, 2-2 through 8 starts for Springfield. I know that it is early but considering that none of Memphis starters have an ERA of less than 4, they need help.

4. What is up with Chris Duncan? TLR has been playing people out of position during the last few games (Molina & Kennedy at 1st). Has Tony given up on Chris?

5. I may have missed but what is happening with neogotiations with Brett Wallace? I don't remember seeing where the Cards had signed him. Also, Sean Deveny of Sporting News listed Wallace as one he believes could be in the majors by next season. I haven't seen this guy play. Is he that good?

Thanks till next week.

Joe Strauss: A few questions? My SAT had fewer questions than your post... C'mon, man, leave some room on the Internet for someone else.
Triple-A plays 144 games, Double-A plays 140. Hawksworth is suffering from a sprained knee and is performing some drills. Currently on the DL, he's expected to throw a side tomorrow. Jess Todd is starting tonight's Double-A All-Star Game and may be promoted shortly into the second half. I don't think TLR is giving up on Duncan. He's looking for positive match-ups. I have a hard time envisioning Wallace in the majors next year. I do expect movement in his signing in the next several days.

corey clark: a scale from 1 to 10 whats the chance the redbirds win it all this year

Joe Strauss: At the end of the '06 season, I would have given that team a '2'. It's hard to dismiss a team that this year has played well against Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston and on the West Coast. The NL has no dominant teams. I give them a '4' of reaching the postseason. After that, all bets are off.

Dave in Bowling Green: Validate me by allowing me to ride the crest of the tsunami. The Jays need a power bat and we need a LH reliever. Any chance of a trade for Carlson or Downs? If so, who would they want from us?

Joe Strauss: You mention two outstanding names. Downs signed a three-year, $10 million contract before this season. Carlson is a rookie. Both have been excellent. I have no idea what the Cardinals would have to give up. But, obviously, Chris Duncan fits the profile of what the low-scoring Jays may need.

Tim Boeckelmann: Have you seen Tony LaRussa, or anybody ever, do any better of a job not only managing a mediocre team talent-wise, but also getting the most out of each and every player he writes into his lineup on a daily basis? Every night we wonder how and why this team is as good as it is and sure enough every night we see something that reminds us why (Miles last night getting to 2nd on a bloop past the SS). TLR's passion and intensity rubs off on his team more than any other manager possibly in the history of the game. Yes, in the end you have to give the credit to the players because they are the ones who play the game, but you do not win over 2,000 games without deserving at least partial credit. Kudos to him and his staff (Oquendo, Petini, Duncan, McKay) who have taken a bunch of bench players and turned this team into a World Series contender. Although this team(with Ankiel, Glaus, Izturis) has a different feel than the 2006 Championship team (with Edmonds, Rolen, Eckstein), it's almost the same sort of feeling that if we can just make it into October then we have a good chance. Most importantly, the players believe that as well. Will LaRussa go down as the best manager ever to put on a uniform? In my opinion, yes!

Go Cards!!

Joe Strauss: I almost missed the ARF e-mail address on the end of your post, Tim. It is interesting how many arrows TLR takes, even in a season when his team is overachieving, such as this. He's mixed and matched extremely well. Has he had a couple bad games this year? Absolutely, as has every other manager in the game. But if putting players in the best spot to succeed is the measure of a manager, TLR deserves Manager of the Year consideration. His coaching staff did a tremendous job in spring training. Now it's showing. A healthy debate can be had about the best manager currently in a major-league dugout: TLR or Bobby Cox. If Cox had not spent four years as Braves GM, he would be No. 3 all-time in managerial wins. I've covered both. They are very different people, but both deserve the recognition they receive.

G Money: Do you believe Ryan can be an everyday player at SS or 2b? Or is he better off being a utility guy who adds some speed of the bench?

Any rumors about the Cards trading for a LHRP?

Joe Strauss: I believe Ryan projects as a starting 2B or a utility player. Either way, he is a valuable commodity. Finding more punch at the plate would help his cause. The Cardinals are seeking LHRP; they have been since spring training.

Dan in Dublin: Joe,

Thanks for taking my question One thing that's been bothering me: how is it possibly fair that the NL Central is the only division in baseball with six teams, especially when the AL West has only four? Obviously it's harder to win your division and make it to the playoffs when you have additional teams to compete against. In years past, perhaps it didn't seem like an issue with the overall weakness of the division, but now that the Cubs, Cards, and Brewers have the best three records in the NL, it seems very relevant. With those three teams looking good for the next few years, and with the Astros having some pieces and the committed ownership needed to possibly compete in upcoming years as well, it could be a concern for the forseeable future. Is competitive disadvantage something that the Cardinals organization worries about at all?

Joe Strauss: It's inherently unfair. But as interleague scheduling proves, fairness and integrity of schedule aren't MLB's primary concerns. If MLB is so concerned about fairness, create six five-team divisions. Allow an interleague game every night as a way to keep the practice alive, but don't retain the current abomination that forces the Cardinals, for example, to play the Tigers in Detroit three consecutive years for no apparent reason. I've long shared your opinion that asking one team to win a 6-team division and another to win a 4-team division is absurd.

I B4 E: YO Chatmaster - Methinx that Aaron Miles is pound for pound the best buy in baseball - they need to finally sign him to a long term contract. The guy does everything they ask, and more. He tried to win the Sunday game - they lost - in Boston singlehandedly. On a more ominous note, do you think they cans sign (or will sign - or at least try to sign) Lohse to a long term contract. Also, is there ANY place that Nick S. can play - or is he destined to be a DH in the Amer League - like Chris D????

Joe Strauss: Miles remains a role player, a guy who a club is unlikely to go through arbitration with. I can see a similar scenario next year in which the Cardinals non-tender him then re-sign him to a "reasonable" 1-year contract. I believe it difficult to envision the Cardinals signing Lohse long-term if Boras represents him. That's only a hunch and not based on any recent whispers. I do know Lohse likes St. Louis and would like to stay. However, I would have once said the same of Jeff Weaver.
There is a reason Stavinoha's nickname is "Nick the Stick."

Gerald Hildabrand: Joe,I greatly admire your work at the Post-Dispatch. Keep up the great work. I recently saw the Memphis Redbirds play while Joe Mather, Colby Rasmus, and Nick Stavinoha were all in their outfield. I was very impressed with all three of them. Which ones of those three do you believe figure prominently in the Cardinals' long-range plans? Which ones are more likely to be used as trade chips? Thank you. Gerald Hildabrand

Joe Strauss: Ras' is the only one who projects as an everyday player. Stavinoha may become someone's enforcer off the bench. I believe Mather has enough trade value that he could be packaged elsewhere. I don't see how he fits here long-term with Rasmus looming. Mather turns 26 next month and is an intriguing guy. It's just hard to see how he fits here if the club is sold in Ankiel and Ludwick in addition to Ras'.

Dave K.: Once again we have made it to the best day of the week, JSL Day!!! I was wondering if you have heard any rumors on the Cardinals having interest in Brian Fuentes. As bad as our left handed relief has been this year, I think this would be someone worth getting. IF you could shed some light on the situation that would be much appreciated. Keep up the great work.

Joe Strauss: Every team would have interest in Fuentes if he is made available. The Rockies are looking for young depth and would likely have interest in talents such as Jess Todd, Jaime Garcia, Rasmus, et cetera. He's a pending free agent who might be had at a lesser price around the trade deadline. Question: if the Rockies want a major league player (an OF?) do the Cardinals deal?

Jim Hency: Good afternoon JSL, This is only my 2nd time to write into you. I always read your Q&A because you have a humorous way with you knowledge to answer all the comments. My 1st time was back in March (which I am sure you can't remember) and as you put it, sent you down memory lane in a horse and buggy ride. I said then that I felt this team had a good chance of winning anywhere from 10-12 more games than last year and of course you ask me what kind of acid I was on. They still may fall on their faces but I feel if nothing else happens in the way of injuries they have a good shot of making Oct. and if they do I think the other teams will not be too comfortable in playing them no matter how better they may appear on paper. My reasons fo making my comments in March were the following. 1. I could not imagine any two of our starters losing 31 games between the as Reyes & Wells did. 2. Anyone of our candidates for center field would do as well or better than Edmonds performed last yr. (I am a Big Edmonds fan though) 3. I also felt that we would be better off without Rolen as things were developing between he and La Russa. My question to you is, Have you changed your mind about this team and if not why? I know we still have the hardest part of the season ahead but I have a lot of faith in this group.

Joe Strauss: YOu're 2-for-2 hitting the board, Jim. Talk about validation!!! I do remember your comment, but I'm unsure whether it was before or after the Lohse signing. I still find it tough to project 88-90 wins for this team. They have an imposing schedule ahead of them, including two more series against Philadelphia, a road trip to NY and ATL (two teams currently underachieving), and the four series against the Cubs. But if you nail it, the ChatMeister may be calling for your connection.

Mark: Joe, first timer, life long Cards fan living in Cubs country. It is looking more and more likely that the Cards will not make a major deal this year. But with Milwaukee playing so well it could get interesting. I know you have been asked this a lot, but do you see a trade for a starter happening this year? If so, who and who besides Duncan or Reyes would we have to give up?

Thanks.

Joe Strauss: Trades at the deadline usually involving prospects. Names like Jay, Todd, B. Anderson, D. Jones, Motte and C. Mortensen are more likely to be involved. Reyes and Thompson will be shopped.

jasmemphis: Hello. Bet I'm the only one asking about Mulder . . That said, never mind what's next for Muddler, what I am curious about is how come a man is allowed to hand an excuse like "I hurt my back carrying my suitcase and therefore I can't pitch"? I don't care if it's true - it's stupid. Here is a guy trying to make a comeback to major league baseball and he is so weak and so inept that he strains his back carrying luggage? Please, Mr. Chatmaster, tell us the truth about Mulder.

Thank you in advance for your honesty. - jasmemphis

Joe Strauss: What am I supposed to say, jas? Don't pack your wallet in your luggage? The ChatMeister frankly finds it hard to reconcile any back strain not suffered while striping a 285-yard drive down No. 14 fairway. I don't understand taking another man's misfortune so personally. (Unless, of course, some 20-year-old college kid bricks the front end of a 1-and-1 to miss the number in some Colonial Athletic Association tilt.)

Frank in Arlington, Virginia: Oh, Chairman of Chat, King of Keyboarding, Tyrant of Typing,

I'm not too enthused about replay in baseball, but it seems like the biggest issue is with home run calls because of their impact on the game. Many of these errors could be avoided by having better designed field perimeters. I've never like those cases where there's a wall with a yellow line across it. If there's a fence or a wall, it's a home run if it clears. Why does MLB allow it to be more complicated than that? Couldn't a large part of the disputed home runs be avoided if the MLB office decreed that home runs have to clear a wall? That would leave only fan interference, foul-pole questions and the roof in Tampa. I read somewhere recently that Busch III is one of only two stadiums in baseball with completely clean home run boundaries.

Joe Strauss: If the walls were offset farther from the stands it would be less of a problem. But such a configuration means lost revenue, so forget it. I like the idea employed locally: If the ball flies into the empty ditch beyond the left field wall, it's a home run.

Brandon Turner: Reading the article on LaRussa and the cardinals fans, I could not agree more. The man speaks his mind, and he speaks my mind. I said since the cards moved to the new stadium, that there wasn't enough energy in the ball park. Don't know if it's a different crowd or they just needed these young players to provide a spark, but I can't envision why more people aren't voting these guys in. I got on and voted the max 25 times and it took 10 min. Only because these young guys deserve it. Ludwick is cool of late, but as a whole, he is playing his tail off and has been through so much, it would be nice to see him in there. And Molina finally deserves his due. Ankiel deserves consideration at least and Albert should probably be in there. But at the very least get Ludwick in there. Tell me what you think.

Joe Strauss: It's the fans' game. Vote early, vote often and vote with a shred of a clue. There are enough local honks pimping for certain players. You can either vote for players who have had the best careers or those having the best seasons. It would be a great story for Ludwick to make it. I've said before Molina is the game's best defender never to have won a Gold Glove. I also believe this is not among his best defensive seasons. If Lohse has 11 wins by the break, it's hard to keep him off. Soto, Martin and McCann are tough candidates. Glaus has had a quietly productive year but does not seem to benefit from the same volume of pimping. El Hombre's gotta be there.

vianden: With Mulder's continuing ambiguities, and lower LH arm slot, do you believe he could effectively occupy the LH specialist role for now?

Joe Strauss: In a word... No.

Rich (Sun Valley, ID): I would just like to say that I am PLEASED the Cardinals are getting no respect from All-Star voters. That lack of respect has worked well so far this year-LaRussa uses it like a paint brush. Your thoughts?

Joe Strauss: Apparently voters are unwilling to send Cardinals to the game after their own manager wouldn't use his only representative last year. Why ask Clint Hurdle to deal with three or four?

Dave Elliott: Is it really too much to ask an umpire to appeal a check swing to the first base umpire, as Laz Diaz refused to twice last night? What possible reason would he have for denying an appeal?

Joe Strauss: Perhaps what they consider excessive chatter from the bench?

Ken Griffey Jr.: Hey Chatmeister! I would like to come to play in St. Louis, what do you think??

Joe Strauss: I don't think the Cardinals are thrilled with your Hall of Fame but decidedly slider-speed bat. But thanks, Jr., for becoming the latest superstar to check in with JSL!!!

KH: Thanks for the chat Joe!

Looking towards the trade deadline in July, the Cards most certainly will be buyers right? What is the bigger priority to go get, pitching or a big bat to protect Albert? Is there a chance to get a guy like Matt Holliday?

Joe Strauss: Pitching in the priority.
The possibilities for a starter include: Padilla, Bedard, Sabathia, Wolf, Washburn, Lowe and Batista.
No, I do not believe there is a chance to acquire Matt Holliday.

Tackleberry: JSL,

I, like most Cards fans, love the Ankiel story and want to just see the legend build. That being said, has he earned the right to play every day with no questions asked? It seems like he was more effective when he was trying to separate himself from the pack and trying to earn his spot. But somewhere between that time and now he has cemented himself in the starting line-up like Ludwick, yet has prolonged periods of ineffectiveness. He has the same number of extra base hits has Ludwick & Glaus, yet his RBI total is significantly lower. Is that due to his time in the #2 spot?

Joe Strauss: Rick had 13 extra-base hits and 16 RBI in April. He has 15 extra-base hits and 16 RBI since. He's hitting .217 Vs. LHP and .196 in June. He's having to make adjustments, some of which have to do with controlling his strike zone. He's 1-for-18 with bases loaded, a runner at third or runners at second and third. That largely explains the RBI lag. That said, Ankiel is a streaky hitter with explosive power. He is also developing as a hitter and is rated a Gold Glove contender. You want to see more of that, not less.

PA_Redbird: Hi Joe,

As a big fan of jim Edmonds, and one who hated to see him go, why did the Cardinals show no interest in him after he was let go by San Diego? We love him, just hate to see him producing for the Cubs.

A Redbird Fan in PA

Joe Strauss: Jimbo showed little enough in SD that the Padres were willing to eat about $7 million worth of contract. The Cubs picked up only $290K as a pro-rated share of the major-league minimum. At the time they were dealing with a struggling young player, Felix Pie. The Cardinals were receiving massive production from their outfield. Next week at Busch should be great theatre.

Creston: Somewhere on STLtoday I read that Wainrights injury could take him out for 6 weeks, I believe it was a DG article, anyhow what is the status on the Wagonmaker and his finger, any sort of timetable or update?

Joe Strauss: It was reported in the June 16 edition of the Post-Dispatch that Wainwright will miss at least 40-45 days due to damage to a pulley attached to the sheath of his right middle finger. Goold did a nice job elaborating on the injury and the range of severity last Sunday. The timetable hasn't changed. Don't expect much before the All-Star break.

Creston: How close is Carp to going out on a rehab assignment?

Joe Strauss: About 3-4 weeks, minimum.

Snake: Joe-

Thanks again for taking my question. I'm headed to KC for the games on Saturday and Sunday. Will I be seeing Albert Pujols at DH?

Joe Strauss: You will see El Hombre as DH and, I believe, Mulder as Saturday's starting pitcher. Buckle up.

Ryan Judd: Hey Chatmeister,
I posed this to Gordo the other day and wanted your thoughts as well. We get to watch one of the best baseball players and arguably the best of this generation on a daily basis. How is he received from a national media standpoint? Do you think his legacy will be hurt because he plays in a smaller market and not in Boston, New York, or LA? We seem to get Ramirez and Rodriguez shoved down our throat yet Albert is on pace to blow their numbers away. Is this also true of players in the past being remembered more because of the market they played in and not their true abilities. Thanks.

Joe Strauss: First of all, why am I getting retreat questions from Gordo? Second, what difference does it make how media in Philadelphia, Boston or Baltimore perceive Pujols. You get Ramirez and Rodriguez because of ESPN's infatuation with all things Red Sox and Yankees. Rodriguez may also be one of the best five (or three) players ever. Albert is seen as one of, if not the best player in the game today. Not just in St. Louis. But on both coasts. JSL!!! remains confused by fans' fixation on what "national media" have to say. Let his agents worry about that and enjoy his talent. If Albert stays healthy, he is a first-ballot HOF. Next...

Christopher Bye: Hello there Joe, I just had a question regarding the likelihood of picking up another pitcher at some point in the season. With all of the injuries and/or set-backs we have had with our pitchers, I think it's imperative that we pick up a front line starter if possible. Do you foresee MO picking up another pitcher to improve our overall depth?

Thank you.

Joe Strauss: I'd rate it an 8 on a scale of 1-10... Either bullpen or rotation.

rho1313: Why did TLR start Kennedy at first against lefthander Rogers, instead of keeping his Sunday lineup with Molina at first and LaRue catching?

How does he rationalize his lefty-righty moves on some occasions and his ignoring them on others?

Thanks

Joe Strauss: He did as you cited because it improved the team defensively at two positions. Kennedy has been en fuego the last two weeks.

Peter G: Mr Chatmeister!

What rumors are you hearing about possible trades involving our Cardinals and the hated cubbies?

Joe Strauss: The Cubs are very interested in Sabathia... Apparently so, too, are the Cardinals. The arms race between the two the next month will be very interesting...

S Mont: If I read what you wrote correctly, you're saying that the Cardinals would rather hold off on bringing up Rasmus until September because they don't want to send Duncan to Memphis?????? How long are we going to kid ourselves and act like Duncan is a major league ballplayer? Don't get me wrong, I think Duncan is a hard worker and probably a good guy but he can't hit his weight and his power is all but gone. Why oh why are we so against sending him down? I've always been one who's defended the organization against people who say it's just because his dad's the pitching coach but that argument is getting harder and harder to win.

Joe Strauss: JSL!!! calls 'em as they see 'em.
Rasmus will be here when he is ready to play and the team is committed to playing him regularly. Right now, Duncan is a platoon player. That role does not suit Rasmus at this time. The Cardinals instead prefer him to receive five plate appearances every night, especially since he has established momentum after a tough start at Triple-A. The guy's 21... A month ago discussions had started about whether to return Rasmus to Springfield. Not everything revolves around C. Duncan. Once Rasmus is promoted, no one wants to see him have to go back down. If the club seeks to move Duncan at some point, optioning him does little for his value.

GSW: Chatmeister,

I know a deadline deal for an impact player (and maybe even a role player) will cost the Cards one or more of their better prospects. I know what I think about it (DON'T DO IT!). I don't know what you think - but I'd bet Cardinal Nation would like to find out. Help?

Joe Strauss: Position players with upside are fine. Renting a pitcher for the rest of the season, fine. Unless you're advocating a small-market model, at some point the Cardinals will deal prospects to fill major-league needs. Those needs appear to be in the middle infield, LH relief, and for power. If Carp, Wainwright and Pineiro are projected for next season, the club has to decide if it can trust Wellemeyer as a starter (durability), and intends to resign Lohse or Looper. If the answer to either is no, a short-term signing of a starter is also doable. (Garcia, Boggs, Todd, Mortensen, etc, not projected before 2009; Boggs could surface in relief). The Cardinals are going to have too many 3B (Freese, Wallace and Craig). What to do with Bryan Anderson with Molina signed long-term? Stockpiling prospects does no good if they're not used to improve the big club.

wlc: Joe,
Apparently my previous question didn't get sent (maybe I goofed). It concerned maple bats. I don't know how many Cardinal use maple bats. They don't break normally but when they do they explode. There have been injuries from Ash bats (Steve Yeager pierced esophogus 9/6/1976 and Larry Jackson's broken jaw 3/27/1961). The injuries to occur with ash bats. I think the solution is thicker handles (thin part of bat). What do you think?
By the way, with the way the Cardinals are doing why do anything but upgrade the left-handed relief pitching?

Joe Strauss: Your previous question was sent. I just didn't answer it. Maybe next week.

7dez7: Is it the excitement for this week's edition of JSL! that brought the STLtoday servers to their knees this morning?

1. What does the future portend for Chris Duncan? The injuries to Pujols and Izturis provided Duncan opportunity for regular playing time. So far, his ascension from his lengthy slump has been gradual and halting, as opposed to quick and dramatic. How long can the lineup persevere with a big hole in the six slot?

2. I have been pleased by what I have seen from Brian Barton when he gets to play. Not only has he greatly exceeded the Cardinals' previous Rule V pickups, he actually belongs on the roster. (Not that playing every day at AAA would not have aided the development of a player in only his fourth pro season.) What will we see of him in the season's second half?

Really enjoy what you do, el Diablo. Keep bringing the heat.

Joe Strauss: I believe the combination of Duncan becoming arbitration-eligible, the arrival of Rasmus (if he's not first traded) and Duncan's skill set make it likely he will be traded. I think the reason will be as much for his future as for the club's improvement. As long as C. Duncan remains in St. Louis, his struggles will be more obvious than his successes to many within the fan base and to some media. He is struggling now. The struggles have likely been compounded by him pressing. In any other city, little Dunc' would be another player. Here, he represents a wedge issue for many. Barton had received very little playing time until Sunday in Boston. He has responded with two strong starts. However, it's obvious TLR remains uncomfortable with his defense as Barton is quickly double-switched from most games he starts. If Barton becomes a better defender (and he has worked diligently at it this season), he has a future as a fourth or fifth outfielder for a contending club.

Rob Sumner: St. Pete Cards Fan
Joe -- Help me understand something, as I try to follow the Cards from Florida. Seem to recall that one of the reasons for Jocketty's firing was the way the farm system was handled. Walt would trade prospects and load up on veterans (McGwire, Mulder, Walker), and there was much moaning about the shape of the system -- nothing there to trade. Now, less than a year later, the system is pouring prospects into the big leagues, keeping the team in contention. Mo couldn't have done this in less than a year. Where the prospects there all along and Walt would have traded them? How do you think he would have handled the season if he were still runnng the show?

Joe Strauss: There was a lack of prospects at Triple-A last year drafted and developed by the Cardinals. (Ludwick signed as a minor-league free agent.) The 2005 draft started a rush of talent, some good (Rasmus, Boggs) and some questionable (Greene, McCormick). The Cardinals no longer hang on to unproductive high picks. Jeff Luhnow angered rival factions by releasing some once-prized players the last two years; however, blockages within the system are fewer. The progress of Clayton Mortensen (too fast for some tastes) is an example. Bill DeWitt long chafed at the lack of respect shown player development by rival teams and outside publications like Baseball America. Jocketty did not share the concern. The split between Luhnow and Jocketty only fed DeWitt's frustration. Hence, last October happened.

Joe Strauss: That's going to do it for this week's surf. I stayed way too late only because of a guilty conscious created by faulty connections at the P-D. Far be it for the ChatMeister to rip off his legions of followers because of too few gerbils running the computer wheels downtown. Whatever. I can't wait until the overtime check arrives. I'm sure Albert and Mulder will feed the frenzy for next week. Until then, revel in Rick Hummel's coverage from Detroit before the ChatMeister does KC. As always, it's been almost as much my pleasure as it has been yours.