Dave: I'm really torn about as to 'who' and 'why' the Rams need to hire. I initially thought that Haz really deserves a decent chance and still do believe in him. And I also think as he said, those are not his hand picked players, coaches etc..

After listening to Dan Dierdorf a week or so ago describe how Mike Tomlin blew away those that interviewed him, makes things very interesting. Dan spoke how he came out of no where as the dark horse that nobody actually knew a whole lot about. And how knowledgeable he actually was by blowing people away with his football philosophies. Even Dierdorf said after talking to the guy for two minutes, you understood why he was hired for the Steelers.

I can't wait to see which direction the Rams go but my burning question is.. How often are coaches a victim of the players?? I mean, I think Martz inherited a GOOD team from Vermiele and went on a playoff run. I really, really think this Rams team is one of the most talentless teams I've ever seen. And I've been through season ticks with the Big Red and Rams since day one. The Rams have a mixed bag of players who are 'average' at best.

So how much does a coach influence them. The guy in New England is NOT a 'rah-rah' guy... at least during games ..like Vermiel. I really feel bad for Hazlet. I think he's football smart. I used to hate him in New Orleans like Fisher in Tenn but I always said I'd take either of those guys as a coach if we ever had the chance.

Jeff Gordon: There is more talent here than you would think. And former Rams, deemed not good enough for here, are flourishing in other situations. Take the same players you saw in '08 and put them in better situations and you will see better results. There are some exceptions, of course, but this team had enough talent to win a LOT more than two games, even with all the injuries.

brian robertson: hey jeff i was wondering if the cards will sign 1 more lefty for our bullpen? i would love to have will ohman. also are the cards going to trade a outfielder for a starting pitcher? i still feel like we should sign orlando hudson to play 2nd base for us. thanks
brian robertson

Jeff Gordon: IF the Cards could deal Kennedy's remaining contract and IF the team could sign Hudson for a lot less than $10 million a year, perhaps that could make sense. But I'm guessing that another team, like the Nationals, might step up to give Orlando a suitable deal.

I agree that the Cards need a quality lefty to go with the depth guys already signed. And, yes, the team IS likely to deal an outfielder for pitching help at some point in the spring. There are too many guys in the OF if they all stay healthy.

hezkev: Thanks for your time. being from ME. I was wondering if any of your local sports talk shows were accessable on line? will the head coach have to fit our talent or will we blow it up to get the right coach?

Kevin

Jeff Gordon: Check out "The Sports Edge" and other KFNS shows on-line, at http://www.kfns.com/, where we stream the shows.

Franklin: Oh Jeff,

Let's consider SLU a moment. Assets: big-name coach; new arena; talented (if shrinking) freshman class. Anti-chips: lack of major, long-term tradition; lack of NCAA/NIT runs in recent memory; local stars on squad not having definitive, break-out seasons. All things considered, why so little buzz in community and why such poor attendance in the new gym?

It's me,
Franklin!

Jeff Gordon: More than anything, SLU ticket prices are pretty stiff. There are no cheap seats. And Majerus is still looking to win some "statement" games that tells St. Louis that the Billikens are arriving.

Griff21: The cards don't really need THAT much work. position players are basically set( pick up another middle infielder or 2 to compete for the bench). So all we really need is 4(GOOD) pitchers... 2 solid starters, a spot starter/ long relief & a veteran short-term closer/setup guy. Plus we should sign some long shots , more competition the better. Between injuries & ineffectiveness Carp and Pinerio shouldn't/ won't be in the rotation. as it stands only Waino , Welle & Loshe are set in the rotation.

Jeff Gordon: I don't see them adding two starters and a spot starter, but adding at least one more strong starter would be wise. And it's doable.