Tom: Has Tyler Greene worked his way back into the prospect mix?

Bernie Miklasz: Yes he has and he is taking advantage ofhis opportunity at AAA. He is so athletic he just needs feel comfortable at a higher level. Playing well to date!

Cardsfaninnashville: Hello John from Nashville, Tn. What can you say about finances/player salaries for the future and to the group of fans with the perception that the Mr. DeWitt is not really "in it to win it"? The lack of "name" deals over the last three years, especially with the current team, has many fans concerned/frustrated. The proverbial "bullpen upgrade" issue this season. Also, talk about the plans for the winter. Will be more salary money available, less, about the same, compared to the last several seasons as the free agent pool could be pretty deep. Thanks and GO CARDS!!

Bernie Miklasz: I can assure Mr. DeWitt expects us to win so I have never understood that reputation. With regard to spending I have always believed in a model that allows you to have superstar caliber (Pujols and Carpenter) as well as contracts that are valued in the upper third of their position. This year was diffiuclt because of the number of players injured and there was a time where we had almost a third of our workable payroll on the DL. When you begin to look at '09 we will have money available and so therefore we will have an active off-season. I agree the this years FA market is deeper than last and should allow for more more flexibility during that period.
Last comment here, I have stated and agree if we could have improved our pen that would have been smart. This was not a money decision but a player decision and we never felt we were getting fair value in those deals. You may disagree with my assessment but I assure you we tried.

Ted: Thanks for the chat, do you ever take a gander at Paul DePodesta's blog? Any chance the Cardinals front office might try something similar or with a team in contention is there too little time available for such promotions?

Bernie Miklasz: I have been copied on this but honestly I do not spend much time reading blogs.

azbirdies: Hi Mo:

Do you think Josh Kinney has a legit shot at pitching for us in September? Sure would be nice to see that killer slider again.

Bernie Miklasz: I did see him throw last week and I do believe he has a chance, hopeful he can begin a rehab over the weekend in Springfield. I agree if healthly he can help.

Jason Winders: Greetings, JM. After watching the Cardinals' big league talent slide every year since the final out of the 2004 World Series, I gotta ask what it will be this off season: "Market gone crazy" or "Keeping our powder dry" for that trade deadline 2009 pickup?

Be straight with us, JM, we won't hate you.

But the fans are growing tired of these lines. Why does the Cardinals front office/ownership refuse to play it straight with fans regarding everything from injures to trades? We're suckers, we'll still buy tickets.

Bernie Miklasz: My hope is that I am straight with all of you (but specifically YOU) now saying that I look at this off-season as an opportunity to build on this year, we will have a stronger rotation and and our outfield will have a full year of experience. I do think we need to look for more offense from the middle infield and also add left-handed to strengthen our pen.

But if I fail to deliever it was not from being straight or candid...it was from not getting a deal done.