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Gordo Live
Join columnist Jeff Gordon for a live chat from 1-2 p.m. about the Cards, Rams, Blues, Mizzou, SLU or whatever sport or team is on your mind.
Monday, January 14, 2008 01:00 PM CST
Ryan: Is it disturbing that the Blues can't score in the shootout? I know it doesn't happen every game, but it is still an integral part of today's hockey. Do you know if they ever practice the shootout?

Its obvious that the "go-to" guys aren't getting in done in the shootout, so why not let Jay McClemment, Tkachuck, Perron or the hardest working forward on the team, Ryan Johnson, have their chances? They deserve them as much as Kariya, Boyes or McDonald, and they certainly can't score any less. What do you think, Gordo?
Jeff Gordon: You use your most skilled guys, period. Tkachuk is not a great breakaway threat, as we saw during regulation play Sunday.

The guys do work on moves, for this reason.

shane gray: Jeff:

First, looks as if there is hope that a HC chance could potentially be on the way in the coming days. First of all, the comment Bernie made about how tough it has been to try to find assistant coaches willing to even consider coming here with Linehan as HC got my attention in a major way. Nobody ever jumped on that, but to me at least, it was as if Shaw may have been trying to express the possibility that a HC change may be necessary or at least explored.

Two, the Jim Thomas article yesterday pointed out other potential reasons for a change including the players only complaint meetings that were at least in part about Linehan, the troubles Linehan has had with Jackson, Bulger, Holt, etc., the miserable '07 season, the inept offensive production, the frustration of the fan base and the growing apathy of part of our fan base, declining home attendence, his leaving the team to go to Arizona rather than travel with the team, and him calling a mandatory team meeting of which many of the team skipped, among other things. His time has come and I hope that Shaw/Jay-Z will make the move.

Two, as the biggest Rams fan in Southern Missouri (imo), Isaac Bruce must remain on the roster. For many reasons that I do not have time to detail such as the fact that he still makes plays, still has a very high yards per catch, runs precise routes, can get seperation (usually more than Torry to be honest), is headed for the Hall of Fame, and is the last of the LA Rams, etc. Ike must stay!

He and all the recievers will be better next year with a healthy line who gives Bulger time to allow the recievers to run the deep ins and plays that we run so well. That is, if someone will actually call the type of plays suited for the Rams.

Let's put it this way: if Ike were to go, and Linny and Bennett were to stay, Rams Nation, including me, would be furious!

Isaac Bruce at 45 would be better than Drew (Dane Looker in heels with worse hands) Bennett at this point or any point in his career.
Jeff Gordon: "Dane Looker in heels" -- we have a winner today!

Chad: How much is the Rolen trade going to free up in salary?
What do you think we still need?
What is the update on Ballpark Village?
Jeff Gordon: The Rolen doesn't impact the immediate budget, but it does offer future flexibility. The team still need a legit starting pitcher and one more RH bat, preferrably a lead-off type to use in the OF. I'm not sure that commoditity is out there in a deal.

Ballpark Village -- no idea.

Andrew: Is AAA really the best place for Colby Rasmus? I feel like a long look in spring training and the majors would be more productive than playing with MLB reserves and emergency relievers. With the team's need for a right handed outfielder AND a leadoff hitter, I don't think it would be the worst idea in the world to have Colby on the team come April. Your thoughts, Gordo?
Jeff Gordon: If he did hit RH, there might be temptation to rush him and at least platoon the guy. Some time at Class AAA could help him adapt to seeing varied stuff. A lot of nibblers pitch down there. It's all part of the education.

Dida: Gordo, as a Rams fan in the UK, what is the best case scenario for the Rams this off-season? Who could we realistically pick-up in Free Agency & what do you think our draft strategy will look like?
Jeff Gordon: The best case is that the ownership issue is resolved in a positive fashion. Everything else is secondary. And everything else is impacted, including free agency and the front-office makeup. Everything is up in the air right now.