John Mozeliak: Good afternoon and sorry for the delay...computer problems. I look forward to spending the next hour trying answer as many questions as possible and give all that are participating a chance see how we do things from the inside. Let's get it started.

RP: Carpenter's status aside, wouldn't the sheer amount of innings Wainwright would get as a starter (assuming he's healthy) outweigh the value of using him in high-leverage situations?

I know it's a tough situation, but with Perez seemingly slotted in as the closer, Villone goes back to being a LOOGY, where he's much more effective, you can use Springer/McClellan/Franklin in the 7th and 8th...the bullpen isn't quite the triage center it was a few weeks ago, no?

Bernie Miklasz: I tend to agree and with Carpenter's situation I think we need to keep all our options open. Perez is still learning but he is exciting and of late has responded well to how he is being used. I would also note that the bullpen will get a shot in the arm when we get to September as we can expand our rosters.

elvis26: mo are you working on any trades before the aug 31st deadline? also will we sign any top free agents this winter?thanks
brian

Bernie Miklasz: We are still looking at ways to improve but we do not feel there is much in the way of help. I have said along our success depends on our health...I still hopeful we get to where we thought we would be earlier in the year.

Steve Earp: Mr. Mo, who can we expect to see showcased from our increasingly, majestic farm system come September? Will you offer Cards fans a taste of the future with Rasmus, Wallace, Anderson, D. Jones, Freese, Barden, Greene, et al? BTW, thanks for being disciplined at the deadline.

Bernie Miklasz: I have a meeting scheduled for Friday to determine who we think deserves the call-ups. I have laid out certian criteria that I feel needs to be met before we begin the promotion process. I do think we will benefit from the expanded rosters. At this point I will wait until everyone has had a chance to weigh in before making any public annoucement. Our young players have had a strong year and that is good news for Cardinal fans.

BDAx2: Mr. Mozaliak,

Thank you for doing these chats..it obviously goes above and beyond your duties.

3 REALLY quick questions

1. Where do you realistically envision Colby Rasmus April 1, 2009?
2. Assume Carp and Waino healthy to start 2009, do you see a need to try and go outside the organization to add to the major league starting rotation in the offseason?
3. Do you see the SS position as a position where you are willing to accept below league average offense in exhcange for above league average defense?

Bernie Miklasz: 1. Rasmus will likely find himself competing for a major league job next spring, where he starts will be based on how he performs.
2. Looking at our '09 rotation of Carp, Waino, Wellemeyer, and Pineiro it would make sense to add another arm. I do like what we have seen from Boggs but I do not want to rush him if we do not have to.
3. I would prefer above average offense and above average defense...that is much more desirable.

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.

donald s box: I would like to ask John Mozeliak why don;t the cardinals try craid or freez at second base. With wallace comming on strong like he is they all cannot play third base. And wallace seems like a quick mover, i hope you all will not keep him in the minors like you seem to do all your players.

Bernie Miklasz: We are always looking at ways to improve the value (play-ability)of a player, but moving Freese to second??? Have you seen the man. All these young guys are swinging the bat and that is most important. Honestly we will have all of them work in the outfield this off-season.

GSW: Mo,

Lost in the hue and cry over the lack of a deadline deal is the "thank you" you earned with the Rolen for Glaus trade and the Lohse signing. Consider this an unofficial shout out from Cardinal Nation.

P.S. Lopez looking (surprisingly) good, too.

Bernie Miklasz: Thank you, and most deals we were considering most reader's of this would have killed me a year later.

webslingerinstl: John: Is everyone still "unavailable"?

Bernie Miklasz: No, just you!

old cowboy: Is it possible to utilize Carp/Waino/Thompson in a 5/4 split temporarily to build their arm strength? Thanks for taking our questions!

Bernie Miklasz: Piggybacks are an option, just not optimal at the major league level. But I would rule it out either.

Tom: Hi Mo,

Thanks for the chat. It's very cool that you take the time to do this.

My dad and I have been very impressed with how Aaron Miles has improved as a player over the years for the Cards. Can we expect to see him wearing the Birds on the Bat next year?

Thanks,

tom

Bernie Miklasz: Miles will be a 5+ so there is a strong possiblity that he will be back. He has done a very good job for us this year.

Fuhrig: Dear Mo,

Do you mind being called Mo? Just because most of us are ignore boors who can't spell Ukrainian doesn't mean you should be denied the right to be called Mozeliak. On the other hand, Mo is sort of a cool nickname.

A question about the wounded rotation: Given the nature of their injuries, it seems to me that Wainwright's injury is either healed, or he's gonna be out again. Carpenter, on the other hand, had pitched five innings in the previous 22 months before coming off the DL and needs to condition himself after a very different injury and surgery. Literally, his elbow ligament just made it's first Major League start this month, having previously been in his hamstring or wherever. In that light, Wainwright seems like the guy who should be in the rotation with little if any pitch count limitations. Carpenter currently would be the more logical choice to throw in relief, possibly as closer, partly to limit his innings.

Bernie Miklasz: Feel free to call me Mr. Mo

Joel Koch: Mr. Mozeliak, is Rick Ankiel a free agent at the end of the season?

Also, what do you think about John Jay's future with the team and when we could fesably anticipate Wallace's arrival in St. Louis?

Bernie Miklasz: Ankiel is a 5+. therefore we control his rights for one more year. Jay was injured the other day, and Wallace promoted to Springfield. Wallace will also play in the AFL so afterwards we will have a strong gauge for where he will start next year.

The GOAT (Greatest of All-Time): Mo,
I had an opportunity to listen to your interview yesterday on the radio.
It was interesting to hear you give no definite answers to anything, are you grooming yourself to be a politician?
I understand your position, but I had no idea the implications of actually answering a question and having to deal with the softball media in this town. Just think if this was New York?
Your product on the field this year is competitive and fun to watch, nice work all around by the entire organization.
MO FOR STATE SENATOR! Thanks

Bernie Miklasz: Thank you but no politcal office in my future.

Steve: Have you announced who will be replacing Izzy on the roster yet??

Bernie Miklasz: We have not made a roster as of today and with the off tomorrow it will likely wait until Friday.
Izzy had a great career with the Cardinals, he cared and wanted to compete at a high level. It is a disappointing ending but if he decides to pitch again, I only wish him the best.

John Mozeliak: Thank you all and as always the number of questions were overwhelming! I promise to do this again before October and I thank all of you for your kind words. To all who feel we are doing wrong, well we will try to do better.
Enjoy the next six weeks of baseball, I know I will!
Go Cardinals!