ueaces: Hi Gordo,
Thanks for doing these chats...you do a great job with them!

This may seem like a strange thought, but if I had to decide whom I thought would have a better year this coming season between Russ Springer and Izzy I would chose Russ by far. Now, even though he doesn't have all the expereince that Izzy has as a closer, I just can't help but think he would be the more effective pitcher. My contention is if the Cards are contemplating in making Izzy the "bridge" this season as they await for Motte and Perez to assume the role as closer, I think they are looking at the wrong pitcher. Any thoughts?

Jeff Gordon: I don't mind Izzy coming back on a make-good deal, an incentive-based deal based on his number of appearances. It would be interesting to see what he could do with a fresh start. But I agree: Springer would be a more valuable addition. He would be a great fit down there with the kids.

KENO: Hey Gordo. Three quick ones for ya.

1. Is it realistic to think that Spags can turn around Tye Hill like he did to Corey Webster?

2. In your opinion what can Spags bring to this young D-line? (I imagine Chris/Howie Long are excited about his hiring)

3. Will anything be done to the sound system in the Dome with the upgrades? Also is there anything that is being done (in the upgrades) that wasn't previously announced, or anything your excited about?

Guess that's actually four.

THANKS JEFF!

Jeff Gordon: I hope the sound is better. I haven't been convinced yet that The Ed will be significantly better, but we'll see.

Spagnuolo will make the "D" better by creating more ways to apply pass pressure. He is a pretty creative guy.

As for Hill, we'll see. That guy really lost his confidence. The Rams will make him earn his spot back. Look for upgrades at corner, as you will see at other positions.

ballhawk32: Gordo:
I'll start off by saying I don't mind the Spagnoulo hiring. I would have been fine with Frazier, Spag, or Ryan. However, given the big name coaches who will be available next year, I thought it would have been wiser to keep Haslett around for one more year. We give him a full year to try and turn this around. Odds are he probably wouldnt, and then we could go after either Shanahan, Cowher, Gruden, or Holmgren. I know its all water under the bridge at this point, but did anyone consider this????

Jeff Gordon: Given the uncertain ownership future with the Rams, Chip wasn't likely to attract one of the big guns lining up for 2010. I believe the team needed change NOW and he did well to land Spagnuolo, one of the rising stars of the business. Devaney's relationship with him was vital to getting this done.

drelboc: Hello Gordo;

I don't see how the Cards could break camp with six outfielders on the 25 man roster unless they have in mind to use Mather and Schumacher in the infield as well as the outfield. If Rasmus makes the club, TLR has said that he does not want him to sit. So it seems that most of the playing time in the outfield will go to Rasmus, Ankiel and Ludwick. If Duncan turns out to be healthy and has a good spring I think the Cards will make a deal. How do you see the outfield mix shaking out Gordo?

Thank you Jeff!

Jeff Gordon: At the winter warm-up, both Mather and Schumaker talked about the prospect of getting infield work. Wouldn't it be wild to the towering Mather at second base? He played shortstop and third base earlier in his pro career and Skip played shortstop in college.

Tackleberry: Do you think having Spagnuolo as the Rams' new leader makes this a more desirable location for free agents?

Jeff Gordon: This hiring does add credibility, yes. He and Devaney will command respect.