David Cobler: Hey Gordo;
With 3rd, 1st and catcher positions locked down, it seems to me the remainder of the feild could be up for grabs, which leads me to think the competition will be good within the Cardinals clubhouse, but leads me to question will it be good within the NL CENTRAL? There are just a lot of "IFS" to answer the potential of this team. Then to we have Albert already making a statement that leads me to believe he is not planning on playing the whole year due to his on-going elbow problems. So he may not be a lock at 1st base either.
Not looking at the pitching side of it, I just do not know what to expect from the squad on the field. From within the context of this statement, do you think this new Cardinals team will be interesting to watch or an embarrasment in the NL?
Thanks for your time here Jeff!! |
Jeff Gordon: The team could go a lot of ways. All the ifs could go the wrong way -- the pitchers don't heal, the kids don't develop, Albert's elbow blows -- then this could be a terrible season. If all the ifs go the right way, the Cards could actually contend.
What is likely -- some of the ifs will pan out, some won't and the team will meander through a rebuilding year. |
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| Marc Furtado: I have been patient, understanding and even supportive of Scott Linehan, despite what his record says (see Bill Parcells, "You are what your record says you are"). I expressed my strong reservations about his choice for OL coach, and now Madison Hedgecock comes out and reveals something very very unsavory. If you look at what people wrote about him prior to the draft, when he was still at UNC, you would have to agree that his assessment of himself is probably more on the mark than what the Rams organization had to say about him. This outburst buy a quiet, team guy and ex-ram did it for me. Linehan has to go..... |
| Jeff Gordon: Madison held nothing back, eh? People that know the kid say he is a straight-up guy. Those comments stung. Linehan's popularity rating has hit an all-time low. |
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Craig: Jeff,
Inquiring minds would like to know. When guys who are described as "quiet" start trashing Scott Linehan, does he even pay attention? Perhaps he hugs his collection of FOSL's for moral support.
Secondly, I live in the same town in GA where Mitchell Boggs played high school ball. I hear he'll be in camp. Does he have a realistic shot, or is a September callup more likely? |
Jeff Gordon: Boggs is on the radar screen, but he doesn't have electric stuff. If he can put up good minor league numbers this year, though, he will be nearly first in line to get the call from the minors. The Cards don't have many other front-burner prospects.
Of course, Chris Narveson got to this point before breaking down. So there is work to do. |
|
| Ryan Wampler: In looking at teams that might be willing to trade an outfielder, one can't help but notice the Los Angeles Angels. What would it take to pull Juan Rivera or even Garrett Anderson from them? |
| Jeff Gordon: IF the Cards would sign another FA pitcher, the team could get to the end of spring training with a surplus there -- IF everybody else healed or stayed healthy. In that scenario, dealing an extra pitcher for another outfielder makes since. Right now, though, it is tough to consider such deals. |
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| roger from lake tahoe: it looks like the nationals are looking for help at catcher and outfield. do they have any pitching that might make for a deal? |
| Jeff Gordon: They offered something like 35 invites to pitchers for spring training. They are scraping the barrel after the Cards scrape the barrel. So I don't see much happening there . . . |
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| roger from lake tahoe: if the cards are going to pick one of the available free agent pitchers, who do you thing would be the best pickup? if we're going to gamble anyway, shouldn't we try the one who had the biggest upside in the past? can duncan fix any of them? |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd take a look at Kris Benson, and just because of all those fine photos of Anna Benson on the web. |
|
Wes: Hey Jeff.
The NHL trading deadline is only a month away... the Blues are falling, so they have some decisions to make.
Do they sell away vets like Jackman, Tkachuk, and McKee and try to gian more picks and prospects?
Or do they buy and go after a solid scorer like an Erik Cole-type?
Do you know anyone they're interested in? |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd like to see them stay focused on the future. A guy like Dumont is interesting, given his prime age. Moving a veteran D (McKee, Backman, Jackman, Salvador) has to happen anyway because the Blues have a logjam. And I don't see how they can give Jackman and Salvador new deals while McKee is still here. Something has to give. |
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| virginiatom: Hi Jeff. I am so angry and feel so powerless in this situation, as I am sure many Rams fans do. Can they ever get it right? WIlliams for secondary coach? How insulting for WIlliams is that? The Rams defense under Haslet performed well in one half of one season out of two. So in two years, they were respectfable, at best, 25% of the time, and clearly awful 75% of the time. Thats in two years! Lets give credit to the fact that the defense played hard to the quality of players we have on that side of the ball and not Haslet, and reward them by giving them a true leader and a proven coach to play for. Williams is one of the best defensive minds out there, and the Rams have a good chance to get him, and yet they handle this like everything else, amatuerish and wrong. So what if Haslet has time and money on his contract? He has had his chance. Pay him off and pay Williams whatever he wants to bring this defense back to the glory days of the Fearsome Foursome. This is a great opportunity for the Rams, but like everything else, they will fail to grasp it until the defense struggles again next year, and the Ram's look back and say we "should" have hired WIlliams. |
| Jeff Gordon: I liked Haslett's work with a lot of young Rams. The unit buckled at the end, but a lot of that was the overall team malaise. You're right about Williams, he has to be a coordinator and he can certainly pick his spots. But replacing Haslett with Williams wouldn't make much difference unless the whole organization is overhauled. There is much to do! |
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| Tackleberry: I am not a conspiracy theorist, but it is incredibly ironic that Pujols opted not to have a "necessary" surgery in an off-season where the Cardinals ownership moved very conservatively. If this team stumbles out of the gate and Mulder & Carpenter seem like better bets for '09, Would it shock you if Pujols used the balance of the 2008 season to have the elbow surgery and recover rather than play out another disappointing season? |
| Jeff Gordon: Many players avoid surgery at all cost, and I don't blame them. The thought a long rehab doesn't appeal to him. But we all wonder if the elbow will heal, stay the way it is or get worse. It'll be interesting to see how many ABs Albert gets this year. |
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Catman: Gordo,
Do the Cardinals really think that their current starting pitching is going to actually compete in the NL Central? Too many question marks and too little talent. Are Duncan and TLR finally going to allow Reyes to rely on his fastball this year and quit trying to make him something he's not? If Reyes had better location, better consistency,and a fastball that reached in the low 90's (like he does in Spingfield) he could be productive. If Reyes faulters early this year as a starter will the Cardinals give up on him? |
| Jeff Gordon: The Cards could give up on Reyes before then, if another team makes the right offer. Reyes has shown spurts of good velocity in his career, but he also has an extensive injury history and consistency issues. The Cards will let him lean on his fastball IF he gets his velocity up and his location down. It's on Anthony to fix it - he was the one getting shelled out there, not Dave Duncan or TLR. |
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| Tim: What kind of package would it take for the Blues to get Marion Hossa? It looks like we definitly have the prospects but would the blues be willing to give that much up for him? |
| Jeff Gordon: IF you could sign Hossa to a long-term deal, the team would have to spend at least one No. 1 pick, a decent position player that Atlanta wants (probably not Backman)and a couple of their blue-chip prospects. It would be smarter to keep the prospects and pick and see what happens in free agency. It was nice to add a Kariya without giving up anything but money, right? |
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| Tim: Whem Colby comes up what spot do you see him in our batting order and what type of numbers do you see him putting up? |
| Jeff Gordon: It would be great to see him hit leadoff, no? But I wouldn't promote him unless he could hit .270 with plenty of walks and 20 stolen bases. Those are realistic goals. |
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| Tim: Are the Rams going to be high bidders for Briggs? |
| Jeff Gordon: Could be, but why would he come here? |
|
Tackleberry: Is it me or is Scott Linehan a dead man walking? Whether it is a former player detailing his short comings, a handful of assistants showing little or no interest in the team's coaching vacancies, or just the season long drama that surrounded him, Linehan just doesn't seem to inspire anyone.
My question: if the Rams had a legitimate ownership group, is there anyway Linehan is back in '08? It just seems comical that he retains his position while coaches like Billick, Greg Williams, Lane Kiffin, ect. are being forced out.
As a fan it is hard to fathom that a year from now we could be loathing yet another Linehan campaign. But I guess by then we'll be excited about our new coach, too bad Holt, Bruce, Pace, and company will all be a year older. |
| Jeff Gordon: Linehan IS fortunate to survive. Had ownership been set and a new, stronger front office been in place, there is no way he could survive this situation. Too many signs of hopelessness. |
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| Tackleberry: WHat are the odds that the combined Cards/Rams seasons will be more disappointing in 2008 than they were in 2007? |
| Jeff Gordon: Great question. By now, I don't believe fans have great expectations for either team -- so there is a chance we could actually get a pleasant surprise in there. But I wouldn't be setting aside money for playoff tickets. |
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Brett Mueller: Gordo
Heaven forbid, but if the Blues fall out of contention in the second half, do you think they would trade Manny Legace in the right deal? I know they wouldn't give him away, but they seem committed to youth in other areas and this would free up some minutes for Toivonen and perhaps others? |
| Jeff Gordon: In my mind, Legace stays in the nets at least until next season. If the Note falls out of it, perhaps Toivonen plays more and Manny gets the knee fixed. But let's see what the team has in Hannu and Ben Bishop before getting that point. |
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Eric Piper: Jeff,
What are Tony Temple's chances of being drafted especially after he put a stomping on Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl? |
| Jeff Gordon: He'll be in a NFL camp, for sure, but this is a deep draft for running backs. I assume he'll go on the second day or sign as a street free agent. |
|
Mike: Hi, Jeff!!
I watched the NHL All-Star festivities this weekend and found it to be pretty entertaining. During the Saturday and Sunday contests the network had Manny wired and had a couple of interviews with him. What a wonderful, humble, and funny guy he is! So I was wondering....did the network select him for this or did he volunteer? Regardless, I thought it was a great chance for other fans to get know him a little better.
Thanks,
Mike |
| Jeff Gordon: The network knew that Manny was chatty. Many of those all-stars were not -- at least not in English. Manny IS a delight. Big upgrade from, say, Roman Turek that way. |
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matt"mvp"stroehmer: hey what's going on?
alright, love the way the blues and cards (believe it or not) are going. But not the Rams. Seems like that we would have to develop talent through the draft to get good. But we aren't excellent in the drafting area, so it would be a long process for us to get good again. What FA would want to come to st.louis unless it was his last choice? i certainly wouldn't. not with a coach who has no idea what he's doing and gets bashed by players that weren't his friends. Please tell me how the bleeding will stop?
thanks, Matt. |
| Jeff Gordon: The bleeding has to start at the top. Settle the ownership situation. Install a strong president on site. Install a real football guy as GM. Do all that, let them make the needed changes and good players will come . . . |
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| Scott Rhein: The All Star game has come and passed. It was nice to see Legace out there for us. It also tells us that it is the Midseason point and it is going to be make or break for a lot of teams. Also, the trade deadline is the 26th of February. If you look at the stats of our Forwards and Defensemen. We are not doing as well as other teams. Our Forwards are as good as Nashville, Chicago, and Columbus but we are no Detroit. Are Defense is middle to bad. For the top names that we have. I would expect more. The season started great but were are we now? Our top 3 are Johnson, Salvador and Wagner. How many stay at home defensemen do we need? What place is our powerplay? Wagner is 3 points behind Brewer and has played 20 less games. Mckee was a scrach in the lass game. How does your top defensemen become a scrach? I am also sick of seeing Legace hold the team together. If he is not in, is it an automatic loss? I guess my question to you is this. If you could move any or all players. Which need to go and who should stay from looking at their performance from the season so far? |
| Jeff Gordon: I would move McKee, if possible, and free up some payroll. Even losing half of his remaining money on reentry waivers might help -- although that is a last resort. Also, I'd move Jackman now, since it seems quite unlikely the Blues will meet his financial demands as a UFA. Promote Wagner and either Woywitka or Polak, depending on the latter's health. I would re-sign Salvador, based on his solid play this year. |
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| Dave L: Didn't Michael Strahan say something about taking Jessica Simpson off Romo's hands? Well, she is now available and he is in the Super Bowl, he needs to get after that! |
| Jeff Gordon: Lots of baggage there . . . every date is a photo op . . . dad always in tow . . . Michael has already been through a tough divorce. He doesn't need this grief. |
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| Bryan: What would it take for the Blues to get an All Star Game here in St. Louis? |
| Jeff Gordon: We've had it before and it was fabulous. What a show -- and what a great media party! With Checketts in place, STL could get in line, for sure. The Blues are not on the NHL's "good" list. |
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| Paul: I want to know if the Cardinals interested in trading for Bay, Morris and Wilson from Pittsburgh. The Cardinals do not have a very good farm system, but the Cardinals also need to be loyal to their fans. |
| Jeff Gordon: Fans throw that deal out there every week, but it seems more likely that DeWitt will hold back his money, see how all the X-factor players (Ankiel, Duncan, Rasmus) evolve, see how Carpenter, Mulder and Clement heal, see how the prospects developand then see which course to take. If this is going to be a rebuilding year, then so be it -- the money could be for a bigger splash later on. Along the way, you learn more about all your players still in development. |
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alex ferrario: Hey Jeff, Thanks for your time
I was wondering if you think the Blues are going to be in the playoffs and if you think they will make any trades before the trade deadline that will help them out. And last, if you think the Blues will resign Jackman,Salvador, and Johnson or just let them go and sign any big players in the offseason.
Thanks Alot |
| Jeff Gordon: As I noted elsewhere, the Note will likely sign just one of those two defensemen. Right now, Salvador is playing better and is probably more affordable. The Blues will have to do a lot of heavy lifting to reach the playoffs, but I don't see them mortgaging much future to get there this year. This is a process and it is still early. |
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| zn2003: This is a combination of speculation and questions regarding Saunders. If Saunders entertains coming to the Rams, given the uncertain status of the coaches and front office, do you think it's possible he will ask to be contractually guaranteed that he remains the coordinator for the length of his deal, regardless who the head coach is? Is that even do-able? If memory serves, the Rams did something *kind of* like that before. When Shaw hired Knox II in 92, he asked Knox to keep Zampese Sr. on as the coordinator. |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd hire Saunders, give him head coach money and set him up to succeed Linehan if need be. That's tough on Scott, but then again 3-13 was tough on all of us. |
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| Glenn Turner: Seems like the next 10-15 games are crucial. Blues need more balanced scoring from lines 2 and 3. Any news on a deal? Hope we keep all the young talent. This team is a few players away from being a real Stanley Cup contender. |
| Jeff Gordon: Names like Prospal and Dumont excite Blues fans, given their proven scoring ability and the inability of McClement and Backes (and even Stempniak) to score as much as the team hoped. If the Note could make a deal moving a defenseman and SOME future commodities, I suppose I could live with that. Again, I'd rather see these guys grind it out and lose a key piece of their future. |
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| Glenn Turner: Just wondering is Hedgecock up for the Football Hall of Fame? I thought he was a bit below average here in St. Louis. Maybe someone should tell him to zip it about Linehan. Lack of class. Easy to bad mouth people when they are down. |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, Madison isn't quite a Pro Bowler either. But more Rams fans are happy that he popped off than the other way around. Hedgecock said what a lot of current Rams can't say. |
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| Glenn Turner: Missouri Football is looking good. Next years team should be very good. This years recruiting class is very good and next years should also be good. Texas replaces Oklahoma on the schedule. Do we beat them? |
| Jeff Gordon: That will be a heck of a game. First things first -- if Mizzou can beat Illinois, they will be a Top Five team facing the Longhorns. They would have lots of momentum. Yes, they could win. But will they? Can't promise you that. My wife is a UT girl, so I have to be diplomatic. |
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| Jimmy: What chance is there that the Rams actually get Al Saunders to come to st. louis? To me it seems like a great fit but why would anyone want to coach here. Seems to me that even if the Offense plays well, the defense will be our downfall again and a losing season would mean goodbye for linehan. Once that happens, quite likely a new offensive and defensive co-ordinater will come in. Surely the rams wont get lucky and saunders have no other option but the rams... |
| Jeff Gordon: There is plenty to build on with the "D". If Saunders straightened out Bulger and the offense, this team could win some games. What that means for Linehan is uncertain, because he still must prove he can command a team at this level. |
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Mike: With the 1st pick in the draft the Miami dolphins select Chris Long DE Viginia.....
Who do the rams take? Dorsey and be stuck with a guy that is not good for a 3-4. McFadden and lose S-Jax. J. Long and have 2 underachieving takles.....wait a minute. I thought drafting at the top was gonna help us come back to the field. |
| Jeff Gordon: Taking Dorsey wouldn't be automatic, unless the team commits to the change you suggest. I'd trade down a few spots at that point, assuming that another team really wants McFadden. Then J. Long would make more sense for fewer dollars. |
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David Johns: Hey Jeff,
wondering your thoughts on the TE situation for the Rams? Who is going to be around here next year? Byrd, Klop, Walker. |
| Jeff Gordon: McMichaels, for sure. Klopfenstein, maybe. Byrd and Walker, no. |
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| Bruce F.: Since it appears that Anthony Reyes is going to make it to Spring Training as a Cardinal, what are his chances of breaking camp as our 4th or 5th starter? Hopefully he found his fastball and didn't surf all winter! |
| Jeff Gordon: If another move isn't made, Reyes would fall into that slot by default. And Dave Duncan agrees with your wishes . . . |
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Todd W.: Gordo,
Who would you feel would be better as OC. Zampese or Saunders?
Who is more pass oriented of the 2 in your opinion?
Thanks
Todd |
| Jeff Gordon: Saunders has the experience and the history with this offense when it was better. He'd be the first choice. But Zampese IS an intriguing candidate, especially in this difficult circumstance. |
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Hen: Hi Gordo,
It would be interesting to know what Rams former players and coaches think of Linehan (like the Hedgecock interview). To me it spoke volumes about how poorly Linehan is at leading people and for that matter judging talent. It has been said many times in this forum but he is not head coach material. Do you know if there are any other interviews scheduled with guys like Budreaux, Curtis, Fitzpatrick or anyone else that has "some freedom" to talk about Linehan? It would be nice to get their perspective regarding the inner workings of how players and other coaches feel about Linehan. I know some would be reluctant to speak up because it might give them a bad name but there could be a few.... |
| Jeff Gordon: Few players will pop off like that -- and few of the ex-Rams had a much of a beef with the coach. But it's worth a try. |
|
Greg Wurth: Jeff,
Love the chat! Hey with the spring training invitees released, of the minor league pitchers, do any of them have a chance to make the big leap? |
| Jeff Gordon: Of the non-roster invitees, the other Flores would have the best shot. He fits a potential need. |
|
| Jim Ledbetter: Incidents off the court at the University of Missouri are becoming routine. With the loss of Hannah, the teams leading scorer, that totals four student athletes from the basketball progrma that have ran into altercations away from Mizzou arena. It's unacceptable, does Mike Anderson really have control of this team? If you look at the perinial powers in college basketball, i.e. North Carolina, Kansas, Memphis, etc. how often do you read they've lost their best player for the year due to an altercation outside a local night club? Anderson was hired to restructure a tainted program. He was hired to regain integrity and class amoungst the college basketball fraternity. It hasn't happened on or off the the court. I believe his hiring was a mistake. |
| Jeff Gordon: This is not the Duke lacrosse team. Anderson dismissed one player and has suspended a couple of others. In the cases of Hannah and Carroll, it appears they were victims of violence. It's frustrating, for sure, but I believe Anderson is strong enough to clean up Snyder's mess. |
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| Ryan: With the Blues currently in the midst of the longest losing streak in a billion years, do you think they try and turn it around and make the playoffs this season, or do they let the fact that, technically, this is still a rebuilding year, allow them to play for another high draft pick? |
| Jeff Gordon: The Blues want to make the playoffs. They don't want to bail and play for another pick. But dealing future commodities for short-term help wouldn't make much sense either. |
|
Hen: Gordo,
This might have gotten lost with some Rams fans. But do you recall when Archuleta was a free agent and we wanted to resign him but Washington paid way too much. He doesn't start for the Bears now! We got lucky but we still wanted him. Again another potential poor personnel decision. What gets me is the poor personnel decisions with the free agents...I can understand the draft to some degree as it is more difficult to evaluate if a player is going to be good or not but those that have played for you or you can watch play in the pros? Like Hedgecock, Ferrotte, Curtis, Bennett, James Hall, 4 tight ends, Chavous...if that kind of evaluation continues this off season, we're screwed (even more). Your thoughts on if this management in place gets it right this offseason? |
| Jeff Gordon: Letting Archuleta walk was one of the better moves, since he was done. Washington and Chicago figure that out too late. Losing Pickett or Curtis was more problematic. And, no, there is no reason to expect better, given the current management structure (or lack thereof). |
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| Adam: Manny Legace should have a mic on him every game. He is very funny! |
| Jeff Gordon: Mic him and put him over the sound system for the whole game -- better than free hot dogs! |
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Hen: Gordo...please tell me that we can get Saunders and more importantly that Linehan doesn't interfere with the offense. Please.
From sick and tired of watching pee-wee football plays being called. |
| Jeff Gordon: I can't make such bold guarantees. |
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Buzz: Gordo,
After he had hired his pals Valero and Loney, Linehan made a comment that they could tell the new OC how things are done around here. Should we be alarmed by this comment? Do you think Linehan's intent is innocent enough, that he just wants everyone on the same page in a broad sense? Or is there something more ominous behind what he said, an intent to maintain excessive control over his new playcaller, even if he allows him to install a new system? Remember, Linehan was involved up to his ears in game planning, even when he had Olson calling the plays in games. If he can't let go of some of that control, he may have trouble getting Saunders, or even Zampese, to join his staff. Thanks. |
| Jeff Gordon: Will the Rams hire a strong offensive coordinator with the juice to do the whole scheme and philosophy? I suppose Shaw could force Scott to do that. And it would be a good idea. Will it happen? In the current leadership vacuum, probably not. |
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Adam: What are the real reasons the Cardinals Ballpark Village is being delayed? Is the money not in place?
What does the Cardinals opening day starting five look like? |
| Jeff Gordon: The money is always there. But is the revenue there? That is the question. |
|
| brian: What a great year for Mizzou. I did not see any mention or article of Bob Broeg through all of this. Bob was great for Mizzou and unfortunately passed away the year prior to its greatest football season. If there was a good article about Bob and Mizzou please give me a link, if not it seems long overdue. |
| Jeff Gordon: Can't do that here, but I'm sure you could Google up a Broeg tribute or search for it elsewhere on this site, through the archives. |
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| Brucefan: If Al Saunders is hired and Bruce's contract is renegotiated, do you think that the Rams might rethink their stance on moving Bruce to slot receiver? I think that Bruce is on the downside of his career, but I do think that he still can produce at an above average level in the right system. |
| Jeff Gordon: At this late stage of Ike's career, I'd rather see him in the slot most of the time. |
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Rob Miller: Hey Jeff,
David Freese and Allen Craig have similar careers so far and both appear to be headed for Springfield this year. Is there any plan to have one of them switch positions or might one of them end up in Memphis. Craig looked pretty good in a late season promotion to Double A last year. Which one do the Cards feel is the better prospect? Maybe Craig because he is a year younger? Is Freese related to former Cardinal, Gene Freese? |
| Jeff Gordon: Freese is probably further along as a hitter, so it would make sense to promote him first and let Craig play at Double A for the year. |
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Ryan: Gordo,
Is there even a RH outfield bat out there that would benefit the Cards at this point? Kenny Lofton, albeit a fossil, can play OF and hit leadoff but I doubt he's on Mo's radar. Anyone else come to mind that could be wearing the birds on the bat come March? |
| Jeff Gordon: There aren't any good fits in free agency right now, unless you go way down the list and take on some long shots. Some fans wanted Reggie Sanders, but he is mulling retirement. |
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| JR: Thanks for the chat, first of all. It appears that the Rams and Linny will take whoever is left over for the OC position. IF Saunders is going to interview in Oakland after talking to the Rams, there is not much chance in him working for Linehan. Of course, who in their right mind would want to work for someone as inferior as Linehan? |
| Jeff Gordon: For the right money and security, he could work for a lame-duck coach. But it isn't a great situation for man still harboring his own head-coaching ambitions. Unless there come future guarantees came with it . . . |
|
| Danny Vogler: With the Edmonds salary dump, the Rolen-Glause swap, the Ankiel and Molina contracts, and the Clement deal, what is the new projected payroll of the 2008 Cards? Is Mo saving room for a mid-summer aquisition, or is he going to buy one more scrap yard player(pitcher or outfielder) before spring training? |
| Jeff Gordon: DeWitt suggested the payroll could climb as high as $110 million, but that could include dead money like Encarnacion's remaining year. Certainly this team would have the jack to make a mid-summer addition -- but will the franchise be inclined to do it? Will the Cards be in contention come July or out of it? Would the team be better off waiting a year? |
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| pdub: I read something that indicated there might be tension between Linehan and Haslett? Any truth to that in your opinion? If so, how do you think that will affect the Rams this off-season and upcoming season? |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, there was tension. And I'm as curious as you are to see how it plays out. |
|
| sdxandy@yahoo.com: who is going to be the team captin for the red birds now that edmonds is gone? |
| Jeff Gordon: Well, it's Albert's team. Period. |
|
Brian from Vegas: Gordo,
Thanks for the chats!
I was a Rams fan back in the 1980's when the Rams consistently made to the playoffs with one great player (Eric Dickerson), a strong offensive line and a good defense. Could the current Rams use that same theory by building a strong offensive line and then running the ball down peoples throats with Steven Jackson? I know that Jackson seems to be a little eccentric, but my god, he is big, fast and strong. I hate to admit it, but the era of Bruce and Holt is coming to an end, it is time for the next era, and I don't mean the Drew Bennett era. |
| Jeff Gordon: Linehan would love to start a power-running era. That will be his focus for next year. Unless, of course, a new O.C. could take the team back to its more free-wheeling days. That would not be Scott's first choice. |
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| Danny Vogler: MLB.com recently ran the staples offseason fantasy report(http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/fantasy/easy_report/index.jsp). It projects a huge impact for Colby Rasmus this season. What are the chances that Colby is the starting center fielder by March 31. If not March, when do you see him as the everyday centerfielder? |
Jeff Gordon: La Russa likes to point out that he has had previous Rookies of the Year and each one arrived more quickly than necessarily expected. Rasmus could make the team and start in CF IF he stars in the spring. It's not like the Cards have so much depth that keeping him would force "Mo" to make a tough decision. Edmonds and Taguchi are already gone.
I still expect him to start at Memphis, but let's see what he does. He WILL make an impact at some point this year, either way. |
|
| Danny Vogler: If Johan Santana becomes a free agent for the 2009 season, will the Cardinals have any money available for a bid at the ace. |
| Jeff Gordon: IF Johan hit free agency, a big if, there is no way DeWitt would outbid Team Steinbrenner or the Red Sox for his services. No way. |
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| gabriel: gordo ive been thinking about how this draft could go down and one outcome i have no problem with is takeing jake long i keep seeing a line with pace long and if we get lucky alan faneca i think barron is a bust i mean he has the skill but needs discipline maybe puting him inside would help but he looks like a lost cause. do you this some how happening? thank you in advance |
| Jeff Gordon: I do not see the Rams attracting the top interior line FA, especially when the team returns too solid, low-cost guards. If the Rams draft Long, he would either fill in for Pace if the Big O got hurt or he would push Barron. The Rams must make decisions on both Pace (a big cap eater) and Barron (potential FA) going forward. |
|
Greg: Gordo,
I guess I missed something. I thought the Rams hired Cam Cameron as offensive coordinator 3-4 weeks ago. Was the deal not completed? |
| Jeff Gordon: No, it was not. Cam is otherwise employed and the team is still looking. Too bad, too. |
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Catman: Gordo,
Ankiel's best position is obviously RF. Since he is a liability in CF, what's all the talk about him starting there when the season opens? Aren't the Cardinals hiding the obvious that unless he totally flops in spring training, Rasmus will be the Cardinal's opening day center fielder?
When Brendan Ryan played SS last season he looked very good. His poor play at 3rd and 2nd led to his high error total. Won't he be the one to beat out for SS? Izturis can't hit his own body weight despite his defensive skills. In this line up the last thing we need is an automatic out! |
| Jeff Gordon: Izturis could hit .265 again, but with no walks and little speed. Even with that, Ryan could take that job at some point. Ankiel is OK in center, and then the team has Schumaker, Ludwick and Barton capable of playing there too. So Rasmus will have to earn his spot, not just wait for Rick to flop. |
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pdub: Gordo:
Sedrick Ellis, Glenn Dorsey, Chris Long, Jake Long, Darren McFadden (or anyone else)... who do you like w/ the Rams' first pick? |
| Jeff Gordon: I've been persuaded that Chris Long would be the best pick. But Mel Kiper Jr. I'm not. |
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| Scott L: I know there are lots of reasons to be a fan of coach Murray, but a week or so ago he was quoted as saying something like if the team doesn’t make it in the playoffs it doesn’t deserve to be there. Can these same words be applied to the coach given the recent winless streak, and apparently solid if not spectacular team skill level. |
| Jeff Gordon: Murray holds himself accountable. The playoffs were the goal, but everybody knew it would take a push. Murray's winning percentage since taking over -- compared to the team's extending winning percentage under Kitchen -- speaks well of his ability. But he knows he has to find solutions. If the Blues miss this year, I'd expect major personnel changes and a big run at it next year. Then the pressure would shift to the coach. |
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| Will Patterson: There is a lot of debate about who is going to bat leadoff in 08. Why is no one talking about Ryan. He seems to have all of the tools to be a good leadoff hitter. He has gap power, and he has some decent speed. I hear all this talk about getting on base being the number one priority. Look at Ecksteins on base percentage. It was not that great and we loved him. |
| Jeff Gordon: He could end up there. He has to zero in, clean up his baserunning and dedicate himself to making the pitcher to work hard (as Eckstein did). He has the tools. Like a lot of things this year, the leadoff spot is an open competition. |
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| joie: Just a comment living on the East Coast and with the Cardinals visting Fenway again this year thought it would be a good chance to see my favorite team forget it the Cardinal games were the first to go to single tickets / SRO only and not only that the bus trip from a local company to the Saturday game sold out as well just shows though it could be a long year record wise this Cardinal team is still a great draw |
| Jeff Gordon: Cardinal Nation still stands strong! |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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 . . . |
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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. |
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| 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 . . . |
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| Fyten: What did you think of the All-Star weekend? Over on another sports website, there is an article that claims most media outlets lambasted the event. I watched most of the skills competition and the game on Sunday and enjoyed it quite a bit. |
| Jeff Gordon: It's the NHL -- of course it got ripped! I agree, the hockey was fine. The skill competition needs some work, through. |
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Mitch From San Diego: Hi Gordo,
Thanks for answering our questions an responding to our comments. If the Rams hire Al Saunders I would be thrilled for several reasons. I have great respect for leaders who recognize their shortcomings and do not let egos stand in the way of doing the best for their organization. Jimmy Johnson did this with the Cowboys in hiring Norv Turner to run the offense during his chapionship runs. The Cowboys did nothing until Turner came aboard. Johnson got out of Turner's way and the rest is history. J.J. got the credit for the Cowboys championships but, I believe it was Turner's offense that was the catylist. After all, what did Jimmy do in Miami without Turner?
Scott Linehan has the same opportunity to demostrate great leadership by putting away his ego and turning the offense over to Saunders. Saunder's offense is from the same tree as Turner and Mike Martz. The offensive players will play like their hair is on fire after playing in Linny's dull, play not to lose system. The Rams will need a better back up QB though because Gus "The Check Down Queen of the NFL" Freotte could not play in the New GSOT offense. Saunders, like Turner and Martz, is not much for checkdowns. He is going to spread defenses out, run hard and hit the deep dig routes, slants and skinny posts that are known so well to Torry and Issac. Which brings me to another "must go" player in Drew "oops" Bennett. He is a misfit for the GSOT offense because he can't run and chew gum at the same time. Just ask Marc Bulger.
Another by-product of turning the offense to Saunders is that Haslett will be free to take some chances with his big play defensive designs because hopefully he'll have some leads and can play down hill for a change.
I believe with a few additions in personnel they can get back to scaring other teams again and possibly win the division. Scotty would get an extension and the ED would be full of Rams ans again. Your take? |
| Jeff Gordon: It's a well thought-out post, but I'm not sure Linehan has the leadership to pull all that off. |
