Scott L: The upper level teams like Anaheim and Detroit are paying nearly $15 to $20 million for defense and $6 million for goaltending, while the Tampa Bay’s and Atlanta’s are paying just over $10 and $3 million respectively. While our goaltending appears to be worth every cent and maybe even a bargain, it doesn’t seem as though our D in the, I guess $15 million range, has differentiated itself relative to the resources it consumes. How many legitimate top four defenseman are currently playing for the note?

Jeff Gordon: Well, there's Erik Johnson for sure. On good days, Brewer is a solid No. 3 or No. 4. But, yes, the team must develop Wagner, Polak, Cole, Fairchild, et al to build a stronger mix of muscle and skill. Backman, Jackman and McKee are coming up short.

Will Patterson: It looks like Anthony Reyes is going to be part of the Cards team at least at the start of the season. My question is what if Reyes bounces back. If he finds his fastball and regains his confidence he could still be a very good pitcher. He should get a chance to pitch while Mulder is still recovering. If he shows promise will the Cards keep him, or will they trade him.

Jeff Gordon: IF he makes to spring training and IF he throws well, he can stay -- because pitching is terribly overpriced.

Jeremy (Denver): Gordo,
I've actually been supportive of keeping Linehan...until this week. Skipping the entire week of Senior Bowl practices in inexcusable! Ok, he went to a funeral...that doesn't take all week. Hop on a plane an hour later and get to work. Don't give me this "I'll watch the tape" stuff either. Seeing prospects in person, comparing notes with your scouts, taking to other teams, talking to the players...all very valuable part of the draft process. Does this guy even want to win???

Jeff Gordon: Yes, he wants to win. But his situation was a bit different, with the summit and the funeral. I wouldn't mind if the Rams scouts had more say in the draft anyway . . .

YoMurphy: Hey Gordo. Thanks for the chat.
I have read you endorse Chris Long for our pick at #2 in the draft. I agree with this, but I am becoming more concerned that he will go #1, as this seems to be the trend on the mock draft sites, who are suddenly deciding that Dorsey doesn't fit in with Parcell's "type" of player, and that Long is just the kind of 3-4 OLB that Parcell's likes.
Now, I know that there is a lot to go, and the mock drafts are not always made by the most informed people, but do you think Long has a good shot of going #1?
If he does, I personally will be disappointed since it seems Ellis and Dorsey are the next best players available who are not named McFadden.
Many are saying that if Long goes first the Rams are in great shape, since drafting Dorsey is a no-brainer. Don't you think DT is a position we are finally ok on? I know Wroten is a bum, but between Glover, Carriker and Ryan, we can add another guy for depth who is not necessarily the #2 player in the draft (who will command mega-bucks.) If we look at DE as our #1 need, and Long is gone, is there anyone you see in the second round who could be an immediate starter like Long would have been?

Jeff Gordon: If Miami drafts Long No. 1 instead of moving down to do that, it could cause quite a stir. This could actually give the Rams great trade leverage, since Dorsey might not fit here, either.

Keith: Where do you see Brendan Ryan starting the season?

Jeff Gordon: I'd like to see him win the shortstop job, given the fact this is likely a rebuilding year. Go all in and let the kids have their fun. Izturis is fine as an insurance.

Gotta wrap this up, owing to computer issues . . .