| Tim: Im sure You have heard alot of reasons on why the Rams should draft Crabtree. I do think the Rams should draft him primalry because of this. Lets face it were a mess right now we need to get rid of bad blood bring in franchise players, and young talent. Were not playing for anything next season other than to develop players and prepare for the future. Not playoffs. I think we should add in our future No. 1 reciever now while we have a chance amd go from there. I cant believe im saying this due to my strong feelings against Cardinal front office but as far as the OT deal is concerned I think we can get the same if not better talent in next years draft than in this years, so take a wait and see approach and sign a couple of OT in free agency Like Gross Carey Andrews or Traucher and see If you can pick up a tackle next year. To me it doesnt make sence to pick 1 out of the four top tackles in the draft, pass up a stud of a WR, and end up at best a solid RT no matter who you take. Do you agree? |
| Jeff Gordon: Landing a free-agent tackle is very expensive and very difficult. Hence the appeal of drafting some beef in the first round. But inside the Rams organization, Crabtree has a lot of support. Larry Fitzgerald made a great case for Crabtree Sunday night. The Rams could draft him, turn the page on Holt and be assured of getting results with their first pick. |
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Steve O'the north: Gordo
Considering how difficult and expensive it is to upgrade a team, I had a wild thought: Would it be possible for the Rams to undertake a wild career salvage attempt of the two disappointing Claude's (Wroten and Terrill)? For example, could they offer them a chance to be supervised, counseled and work out hard for 6 months of so, with a strict schedule? I know the odds of success would be low, but the cost likely would not be so great, and if it worked, the payoff could be big.
Just a crazy thought, but, as costs rise, maybe something like this becomes viable at some point. Certainly, if one or both of them could somehow reach their potential, they could contribute.
Steve |
| Jeff Gordon: Just the sight of those two would make the harder working Rams wince. This is no time to bring in more head cases. Steve Spagnuolo's task is to week out the ones that are still here. This team has some talent. What it needs is more discipline and a collective sense of purpose. |
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| Tim: So do you think Bell will be moved to RT? I wouldnt mind it, hes fairly quick and If you get him back up to 300 he could neusance against quick small DE. He was way to small to be going up against 330 DT and even with that he played ok so Id like to see what he can do when hes out weighing guys. Mabye then add Jason Brown and Jordan Gross if they reach FA, draft Mack the line looks like Gross Brown Mack Grecco Bell. Not sexy but pretty darn solid. |
| Jeff Gordon: People assume a two-win team with below-average cap room will somehow land a top FA tackle. Maybe Devaney can pull that off, but I'm skeptical. Bell's body type does scream "tackle," but I'm can't imagine him starring out there after struggling a guard all season. Maybe he spends next season as an expensive utility lineman for this team, playing several spots as injuries hit. |
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Michael Kent: Jeff ...
Not sure that my question went through when I sent it previously, so let me pose it again just in case. You can skip over this if you got it already.
One consideration not getting any play in the Troy Glaus temporary replacement discussion is the fact that all the minor-league prospects being considered - David Freese, Brett Wallace, Allen Craig - have never been on a 40-man roster. Doesn't a player's countdown to arbitration/free agency clock start ticking the moment they are added to the 40-man roster?
Knowing that, will this weigh heavy on Mo, especially if one of these guys has a monster spring? To me, it seems like the Cards should be giving Joe Mather serious consideration for the temporary 3B role. He's already on the 40-man roster, so his clock has been ticking anyway. Plus he provides Glaus-like power and production.
Not only that, wouldn't time at 3B do some good for Mather's trade value? Not that they are looking to trade him, but it just seems the Cards could do themselves a favor by adding to Mather's value.
What do you think, Jeff?
Thanks. |
| Jeff Gordon: I like the idea of Mather playing third base. He showed his versatility last spring while competing for a utility job. IF he can play third competently enough, it would enhance his value to this franchise and any other. So that is a win-win deal. As for Freese and Wallace, both are destined to play some big league ball this year. In their case, Mozeliak isn't hesitant to start their big league clock -- because there are so many other prospects moving to the cusp. |
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DisCard: We’ll never know for sure, but I’m thinking this was Mo’s plan all along. There was one big free agent (Fuentes) target. Beyond him it was a “one size fits all” situation. With last year’s success of waiting until the pool played out and considering Carpenter might show up as Carpenter, maybe this was Mo’s strategy from the outset. If the Cards get lucky and Carp is right, then they spend on the bullpen or perhaps the everyday lineup.
I confess to reading the Sports Weekly and I was wondering if you saw the Bob Nightengale article labeling the Cards one of the “Biggest Offseason Losers.” His insightful analysis concludes, “The Cards could still use another outfielder.” Apparently he agrees with the previous Post suggestion that we play an outfielder at every position. Initially I thought this suggestion was offered facetiously, but perhaps I rushed to judgment. I would never put you on the spot asking for a comment on another writer and I know he is a prominent scribe, but a little investigation would be nice before issuing an indictment.
I actually have a question; do you think there would be any point in giving Jeff Weaver an invite to camp? He’d be dirt cheap. Duncan had great success with him previously. I know LaRussa doesn’t like retreads, but what’s the risk? |
Jeff Gordon: There will be several Weaver types looking for work when the spring starts. The Cards might add one, but the team's emphasis on player development precludes the addition of too many margin veterans. The team wants to give younger players as much high-level work as possible this spring.
This philosophical shift paid off last season when 10 rookies broke in -- and most did just fine.
As for outside assessments of the Cards, the pessimism is not surprising. I thought Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com offered a pretty balanced look, discussing fan unrest while noting the rapid organizational progress.
If Rasmus, Perez, Motte, Mather, McClellan, Freese, Wallace, Boggs, et al fail to meet expectations, then this will be a hugely disappointing season. But if they continue to progress, then Mozeliak and Tony La Russa will have lots of options. If they make the most of all those options, the Cards will contend. |
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| Nick Rolando: Gordo, appreciate the chats and hope you enjoyed your week off. I know it's been a down year in St. Louis sports but I see light at the end of the tunnel with the Cards, Rams, and Blues. Anyways, I was wondering about the new Rams "cap guy" Kevin Demoff. It seems like seems people are worried that he's actaully working above Devaney and there isn't a clear chain of command. I was wondering basically does Demoff work under Devaney or is he more in the "team president" mold? Thanks! |
Jeff Gordon: Devaney has ultimate control of the football operation. It will be up to Rosenbloom to keep the money guy doing the money stuff and the football guy doing the football stuff.
I'd like to see a strong team president above these two at Rams Park every day, but Chip hasn't gone that route. With the team for sale, that is somewhat understandable. |
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| Brett: Jeff, are the Cards done this winter? I've held by breaht all winter waiting for that big move. Do you see Mo adding to this roster before April? Thanks. |
Jeff Gordon: I would expect change, yes. This team has to deal with its obvious outfield surplus -- unless Mather and Schumaker fall into INF/Of utility roles.
Mozeliak has money to spend and players to deal. What he does depends on what happens in spring training, starting soon enough.
As for a big move, that would be a surprise. |
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| Brett: Will Mozeliak and the Cardinals go after a big time hitter next offseason? Matt Holliday and Jason Bay lead a strong FA class and Ankiel and Glaus are going to leave, so is there any chance we add a power hitting OF even though we already have a lot of quality OFer's? |
| Jeff Gordon: Let's see how Mather, Wallace, Jones and Jay develop. Let's see what happens to Duncan. Let's see what Rasmus really is. Let's see what Ludwick really is. Let's see if the team re-ups Ankiel. Lots of ifs there. But outfield is about the last place I'd expect this team to spend free-agent money. |
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COGzilla: I asked JT a smilar question last week....would like to get your take. With witherspoon going back to weakside olb, what do we do with pisa? please dont tell me he has a chance at sam. they do want to get bigger,right? I say trade him for anything we can get or release him, too much $ for a back-up will backer. He leads in tackles, but im sure you notice like us all of the missed tackles and tackles made fifteen yards downfield.
Rumblings in oakland about dumping their third string back, michael bush. 6'1 245 and he can run. dont know if you have ever watched him, but he is a beast.please let billyd know this guy is available.thanks. |
Jeff Gordon: This team definitely needs another big back to work with Jackson. Leonard and Pittman don't fit that bill. There will be a couple of really interesting RBs hitting free agency.
Pisa is an interesting case. He has become very inconsistent. Injuries took a toll, as they did with Adam Archuleta. And he does make a lot of mistakes out there.
I agree about the front seven -- it must become more stout. They must get a powerful MLB and another huge run-stopper to put in the middle of the line. |
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| mrbing51: Gordo, what do you think the odds are that we see Colby Rasmus in CF this year? Also, if you could give me scenerio in which the Cards would be able to sign Manny Ramirez, with his bat at #4 I believe AP has a very good chance at his first Triple crown. |
Jeff Gordon: I don't see a scenario where the team spends $25 million a year on a flighty, risky slugger. Albert wants Manny. Great. But Albert also recommended Juan Gonzalez last spring and we saw how that turned out.
This team has too many OF prospects to invest at that position. If Rasmus doesn't play CF at some point this season, that will be a major disappointment. |
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DonovanOsborne: Jeff----The Cards are in desperate need of a veteran utility middle infielder. I don't think Brendan Ryan is the man for the job or any of the rookies. What do the Cards plan to do about this serious issue? I guess $2mm for Miles was just too much money for MO and DeWitt. So , now what? Please don't say we will go to Spring Training and then if nothing surfaces within the organization we will dumpster dive for what's left.
Best Regards, D. Osborne |
Jeff Gordon: If Miles would have been willing to take $2 million to be a back-up here, he would still be here. He went to Chicago to start.
Can Joe Thurston or Brian Barden be more than Class 4-A players? We'll see. Can Tyler Greene progress at the plate? We'll see.
Ryan took a step back last year, but his speed and energy are appealing assets. As he matures, he may become more of a La Russa guy.
I don't know if this is a serious problem, but I share some of your skepticism about the current group. But, again, Mozeliak will have every opportunity to upgrade as the spring progresses. |
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James. Bridgeton: gordo,
everywhere, everyone i talk too, We all want manny signed. Does the organization not care about us fans or about keeping Albert happy? |
Jeff Gordon: The organization wants to win. If the Cards win, which is the plan, then fans will be happy. Investing one-fourth of the payroll in a left fielder is probably not the way to get there.
If the Cards win, Albert will be happy. He is locked in for three more years. If the Cards keep developing good players and keep contending, then his mood will improve. |
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| MNCardsFan: Odalis Perez anybody? Cheap, 1 year, LHP, not 100 yrs old (ie- Wolf), why not? Thanks for all the hard work Gordo. |
| Jeff Gordon: I'm surprised more fans aren't unhappy about the lack of left-handed starting pitching. If the goal is to reach postseason play, how can a team NOT have a left-handed starter? The Lesser Perez isn't great, but he made most of his starts the last two seasons. |
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| MNCardsFan: Is there any interest in making a late signing of more lefthanded relief help, Ohman or Biemel? I'm not crazy about what we have now, and the price for these guys has to be getting better and better don't they? Left handed relief is one area where we don't have alot of options on the farm, which is why I am scared about the depth we have there. Thanks. |
Jeff Gordon: I'm baffled by the organization's willingness to go cheap at this position. I don't get it at all. I all but begged for Fuentes. After missing on Brian, the Cards should have been willing to spend whatever it took to get the next best FA lefty.
Again, if the goal is to get to the playoffs, how can you not give the manager a chance to play his beloved matchup game? |
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| MNCardsFan: It seems to me that Skip might be the odd man out in the outfield, so what kind of return do you think we can get on him in a trade? Prospects? Bagain Pitching depth? Also, what do you think the chances are of signing "Rick the Stick" after this season? I wouldn't mind seeing Luddy, Raz, and "The Stick" out there for a while. |
Jeff Gordon: With Boras representing Ankiel, that will be interesting. Rick isn't a kid any more and his injury history speaks for itself. La Russa loves him, however, and would really like to be the manager who gets him over the top. If the Cards are going to buck up for an outfielder -- a big if with all their depth at that position -- then I'd rather see the dough go to a guy capable of helping the team win many ways. Ankiel is that type of player.
Skip doesn't have huge trade value. He is a great outfielder, but he doesn't steal bases or hit homers. He isn't a big run producer, so good teams will see him as a great fourth outfielder.
IF Rasmus gets Skip's ABs this year, If Ankiel stays healthy and if Greene does what he supposed to do at shortstop, this team will hit a lot more homers this year. |
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| Gary Schmidt: I would like to know what you think the chances are of the the Cards acquiring a left handed reliever and an additional starter. Please put a percentage next to the following names: Ohman, Beimel, Sheets and Looper. |
| Jeff Gordon: Maybe 5 percent at each. If the Cards really wanted any of those guys, the club would have already made a move. Maybe one of them will come here on the cheap, but I wouldn't expect it. |
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| mattgarr1: Why is Mo are GM??? He wouldnt be a GM anywhere else if he didnt have this job? And I dont want to hear any cry baby stuff about poor mo, cuz he's not doing a good job! Where I work if you dont do a good job you lose your job and get ragged on!!!! MOMUSTGO!!! |
| Jeff Gordon: I'm sure your well-crafted job criticism really sting him. |
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| dsp763: It seems to me that most people are ignoring Looper. What is the risk with a guy who has only been a starter for 2 years and, to me at least, has contnually improved in this role with no reason not to believe there will be improvement in 2009 ? Is he looking for an outrageous contract, years or money or both ? Thanks for your opinion Jeff. |
Jeff Gordon: He was hoping to get decent money, but he is Just Another Guy in a job market that shrunk. I would heartily endorse his re-signing here, for all the obvious reasons.
Insure the team against Carpenter's injury history, Make Pineiro earn his spot. Set the bar higher for Boggs and Mortensen as they develop. At this point, we're not talking about a lot of money. |
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| Carlos from Ellisville: Hi Gordo, I find myself surprised that it's February, and six Cardinal pitchers are still free agents. Flores, Isringhausen, Johnson, Looper, Mulder, and Villone. If you were GM, taking into account our payroll, who would you resign? Also, which one or ones do you think we will resign? |
Jeff Gordon: I'd sign Johnson and bet on his rehab, unless there is some bigger concern about his future. I'd sign Izzy to an incentive-laden deal and let him compete for a job. Looper I've addressed. Mulder is intriguing, but I don't see him making a successful comeback here. He needs new scenery.
Villone and Flores were terrible last year. No need to go there again. |
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| Monty: Gordo I've tried to hang in there this winter and not join the growing tide of negativism around what has happened or not happened this off season, but I'm becoming weak. The way I see things right now this is deja vu all over again. Why are we assuming that Carp is going to be fine and that the rotation is just fine. The odds are that things are not fine, even if he feels well now and gets through the spring and the first few starts, his health is a time bomb in my mind. Why don't we go ahead and resign Looper before everything but scraps are taken? Also why would Mo shoot down the Manny idea without giving it some lip service at least. Doesn't he think Albert might be paying attention? I'd gladyly pay for my ticket to see AP and Manny back to back in the line up even for just one year. Tell me something is going to change, this team as is can compete for a distant 2nd in the division and nothing more. They won't be within sniffing distance of a wild card slot. |
Jeff Gordon: The Cards made an eight-game improvement last year despite myriad injuries and a bullpen meltdown. If they make the same improvement this year -- with more homers from the OF and SS slots and improved pitching, via healing veterans or progressing kids -- then they will contend.
This will be a fun spring training, so much young competition in the outfield and the bullpen. We'll know more about this team in April than we do today.
If all the kids flop and if DeWitt makes the team play with an $80 million payroll, then fans will have a reason to boycott games. It's a little soon to make that call now. |
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| BleedNred: Some have been quick to defend the lack of aggressiveness by MO, stating that if Carp is back, if Mote/Perez close the door, if Miller & Ring can be effective, if the young prospects like Wallace and Rasmus produce, we will still be a very competitive team as is. This includes yourself who wrote the article describing the great accompolishments by MO. Seems the Cardinals are doing some gambling here. Do you believe this is a Playoff team with Cubs, Phils, Mets, Braves, D-backs all getting better in the NL? Would MO take less heat if they came out and acknowledged that this season is a rebuilding year instead of making empty-promises to improve for 2009 and appearing to be misleading the fans? Any thoughts? |
Jeff Gordon: If this is just a rebuilding year, then fans should wait until 2010 to buy tickets again. The Cards have the resources to contend and they should contend.
Anything less would be disappointing, to say the least.
I don't see the Cards as gambling. The organization is staying the course. Young players will get a long look this spring, as will all the rehabbing veterans. In six weeks, the baseball people will have a better idea of what this team has and doesn't have.
At that point, Mozeliak can shift his assets as needed. Fans are acting as if the 40-man roster is frozen for the year.
Not only will good players remain unsigned when spring training starts, many veterans will be made available as other teams look to promote younger players and "gain efficiencies" in these tough economic times. |
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| Cardinals101: Do you see a move for Cardinals in the near future? |
| Jeff Gordon: To another city? No. To upgrade the roster? Sure, once the kids and the rehabbing veterans show what they can and can't do. |
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| Cardinals101: With the money the Cardinals have invested in Glaus, does Wallace really have any shot of making the team out of ST? Even if he puts up better number. |
Jeff Gordon: Given Wallace's limited pro experience, I'd be surprised if he broke camp with the team. I do expect him to reach the big leagues later this season, though. He can really rake the ball.
A better plan would be to plug Freese or Mather into that spot for the short term and allow Wallace to get more ABs in the minors. The club knows that Freese can do the job defensively and he would be more dangerous than Brian Barden at the plate. Mather is a surer offensive bet, but he would really have to work on his fielding this spring to earn the Opening Day gig. |
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| redbirdswin: I'm excited to see the 3B prospects during Spring Training. As it stands right now, it looks like Freese would be the most likely candidate to fill in for Glaus at the hot corner. Wallace seems ticketed for Memphis to start the season . . . but do you think there is any chance (other than injury) that Wallace could leapfrog Freese with a huge spring and take the 3B job in STL? |
| Jeff Gordon: Actually, I would start Wallace at Springfield and let him face the top pitching prospects for at least half the year before moving him up to Memphis. Remember that Albert just passed though Class AAA ball en route to the majors. His final development came at the Class AA level, where the better young arms are. |
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| redbirdswin: Which left handed OF gets dealt this Spring? Ankiel, Skip, or Dunc? |
Jeff Gordon: That is an excellent question. If Duncan kills the ball, thus proving he has overcome his hernia and neck injuries, he might build some value. Skip already has some value. Ankiel has more value, even with just one year left.
But I wouldn't trade Rick unless the team felt a Duncan/Mather platoon could produce 35 homers this season. Even if Ankiel could fetch a nice pitcher in a deal, I wouldn't want to subtract that much power from a team opening the year without Glaus. |
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mattsquadcar: JD-
There have been a lot of games this year for the Blues like last Saturday's penalty-filled. I can't figure out if the Blues are not adjusting to a lot of the new rules or if it's terrible officiating. As a lifelong hockey fan, it looks to me like these calls are for very minor infractions. I watch other teams around the league when they are infrequently televised and they don't have the same issues.... |
| Jeff Gordon: Andy Murray was concerned about that issue Saturday, but I don't believe this team is inordinately penalty prone. Remember, there are lot of kids and AHL veterans filling bigger-than-expected roles this season. That does create some mismatch issues. |
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Mike Hickey: Jeff,
Has there ever been talk of shifting Alex Barron to guard? It seems many of his issues with false starts relate to him being concerned with protecting the edge versus speed rushers. It seems he would give them some size and speed at the position if they wanted to pull him. The move could also perhaps eliminate his false starts.
Mike |
| Jeff Gordon: Last year's coaching staff gave that some consideration, but the team had more depth at guard than tackle. It will be interesting to see how the New Regime looks at it, especially with Loney returning as OL coach. |
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| Mike: Let's have a new beginning. Let's cut the parts that haven't worked but still have some value. Take this opportunity with the draft to rebuild our team. We will have to eat some of the players salaries but where will we be in 4 years if we keep them? Let's give the new coach and his staff an opportunity and St. Louis - hope. |
| Jeff Gordon: It better not take four years to rebuild this team. If it does, the next owner will have a whole new group running the show. |
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Brian from South Florida: Gordo,
With Fitzgerald and Holmes stealing the show in the super bowl and remembering that when we had our success we had some good receiver's as well. It made me think that in the up coming draft their is a pretty good receiver(Crabtree)that could team up with Avery and Burton and create a real special group. What do you think? |
| Jeff Gordon: As I mentioned before, there was already some pro-Crabtree sentiment building among Rams scouts. Sunday will only ramp up the talk. |
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Gregg Moeller: Hey Jim,
Many of the mock drafts have Seattle taking Crabtree with the 4th pick. So by taking him at #2 we not only get a great weapon that creates constant mismatches on the field, we also (and almost more importantly) keep him from a hated divsion rival and another nightmare of a match up (ala L. Fitzjerald) for years to come.
Thanks,G |
| Jeff Gordon: The Crabtree Movement is starting to win me over . . . |
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| Nathan in MN: Thanks for chats Gordo! Helps keep a lifelong Cardinal fan like myself in the know all the way up here in MN! I'm concerned with the fact that the Cardinals are looking to go into Spring Training with Ludwick, Ankiel, Schumaker, Rasmus, Mather, Duncan, Stavinhova. Isn't that too many major league ready outfielders to have at once? Shouldn't we be trading someone like Ankiel or Schumaker to make room plus get a starter in case Carpenter isn't ready yet? |
| Jeff Gordon: Darryl Jones and Jon Jay are also great prospects, and don't forget Brian Barton -- and the fact that Craig and Wallace will also play some outfield. So, yes, it seems obvious deals will be made. |
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Glenn M: Looks like the Cardinals may not sign another starter and instead rely on someone like McClellan/Boggs/Mortenson or Todd in the event of injury. I agree with this because Perez and Wolf are not real attractive pitchers. Go young I say unless we can get Sheets (OK to do that w/ DeWitt's money but to be honest his inj past would result in a no vote w/ my money). We do need to clear some space in the outfield what type of trade do you see happening?
Great Super Bowl too bad the refs took over the game in the 3rd quarter to the obvious benefit of the Steelers. Hey isnt that two Super Bowls in a row they won with questionable calls in their favor? NFL and NBA similar in that both result in refs favoring the league darlings in playoffs!!! |
Jeff Gordon: I don't know if the officials favored Pittsburgh. When the game turned, though, it was amazing to see how the Steelers were suddenly getting flagged for untimely calls.
I disagree on Wolf and Perez. Both would have looked good in this rotation. |
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Adam S. (Indy): Hey Gordo,
What kind of compensation do we get for losing Springer to the A's? I guess more specifically I'm asking where we can expect to get that extra draft pick next year. It seems to me, with all the emphasis nowadays being put on the farm system and developing players, that we'd value that compensation pick more than a 40 something reliever. Also, are we expecting to get any other compensation picks for our other free agents or is that it? Thanks for your time. |
| Jeff Gordon: I don't believe the Cards offered Russ a deal, so that negated the compensatory pick. I wanted to see the Cards keep the guy as insurance-plus for next season. |
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Your Average Fan: If the Cardinals go into the regular season without picking up a legitimate starter I'll refuse to spend one dime on this team. I'm so sick of the crap Mo feeds us week in and week out. The rest of Cardinal nation should unite, and show them that we're sick of caring more about this team than the Front Office. There are starters out there.. legitimate ones too.. and yet there's NO talk of the Cardinals involved with anyone.
Any chance DeWitt sells the Cards within the next year??????????????????????????????????????????????? PLEASE!!! |
Jeff Gordon: DeWitt will keep the team because he rather enjoyed winning a World Championship in 2006, the first here since 1982. And all those playoff excursions have been fun too. Also, the franchise will only gain value moving forward.
I'm guessing that most fans will buy tickets (or not buy them) based on whether the team is any good -- rather than the free-agent scorecard. |
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| Jeepster: Jeff: Two months ago I commented to you that Mozeliak was in over his head, hasn't followed through on his offseason promisses to the fan base ("aggressive") and simply wasn't doing a good job. You replied (rather rudely and unprofesionally I might add) that you were going to reserve judgement until spring training ended. Care to rethink your position and I hate to say it but..."I told you so". |
Jeff Gordon: Has spring training ended yet?
I campaigned for Brian Fuentes. Elsewhere on this chat, I also complained about the unwillingess to invest in left-handed starting or relief pitching to balance the staff.
But . . .
The roster will evolve as the season progresses. If the farm system really is improved, then we'll see the payoff. If the prospects are frauds -- and if the Cards fail to compensate for that -- then fans will have every right to freak out. |
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| jakestuh: Hey Gordo, Would the chances for Manny go up in the event Boras was put on the back burner come spring training? |
| Jeff Gordon: No. |
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therealdealankiel: Gordo,
Out of market fan here, considering MLB Extra Innings in 2009. Do you think this team, as constructed, will give me my $200 worth? |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd wait to the end of spring training to sign up. If all the young players blow up and Mozeliak refuses to address the resulting team needs, then I'd wait until 2010 to buck up. |
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gregg: Gordo:
A couple of weeks ago Jim Rutherford said that the Blues needed to sign Brett Sonne before June 1 or loose him. Can you explain how this process works.
Sonne has very good statistics for this year but he appears to rank only in the middle or towards the bottom of the Blues prospects. What gives? |
Jeff Gordon: There is clock on players drafted from major junior hockey. They go back into the draft if they go unsigned. Once in a while, like with Scott Jackson, the club decides not to offer a pick a deal. Sometimes a later round pick will shoot for higher-pick bonus money, based on performance. And sometimes a player just doesn't progress as expected.
Unless Sonne makes outrageous demands, the Blues will sign him. |
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RamFanz: 1. Since Trent Green is at or about 15 years in the league, when do we plan on replacing him ... with a lesser talent? or should I say with less experience...
2. I think we need to take a look at older players and their contracts ... as far as restructering them ... or perhaps a flat out trade or release ... I will say if you can't trade a player he probably ain't worth staying on the team ... what do you think?
Ram Fanz |
| Jeff Gordon: The New Regime will have to upgrade at quarterback, for sure, and look at other veterans with big deals. This team needs to create more cap room one way or another. Some of that could come with restructuring, but the team will have to just let some of these guys (Drew Bennett!) go. |
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therealdealankiel: Gordo,
I am sure this will be one of 6,000 entries regarding Manny, so apologies in advance.
If Manny would come to STL to spite his other suitors, or lack thereof, for $15-$18 million dollars, wouldn't he pay for himself?
For Manny: A 1 year deal, re-establish value behind the best hitter in the game, play for one of the best managers in the game, a chance to win another title and he could stick it to the Dodgers at the same time.
For STL: Automatic contention in 2009, opens up a Ankiel for an arm deal, gives Wallace 2009 in Memphis' LF, prepping for 2010, and gives them an OF of Manny/Colby/Ludwick with Skip serving his ultimate role...reserve OF. And most importantly, it wouldn't alienate the fan base and would show Albert and TLR that we are serious about competing during their prime years.
I'm merely thinking that if we were to throw money at something, I'd rather aim for a HOF bat than Ben Sheets. With a Rasmus/Ludwick/Pujols/Ramirez/Glaus/Greene/Molina lineup, we could have a rotation of Wainwright, Lohse, Welly, Piniero and Aaron Miles and still win 95 games.
Thoughts? |
Jeff Gordon: Since the Dodgers are ultimately willing to pay Manny more than $20 million a year for two or maybe three years, I don't see the Cardinals getting involved. I don't see Manny having the wherewithal to take a one-year deal and upgrade his value with a huge deal.
If he is feeling insulted, he will be a mess. |
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| Joe Stafford: Hello Jeff, Just one thing on the superbowl, then I'm going Rams all the way, It was a great game, but I feel that Warners Last play should have been looked at a little better then it was. I personally feel the Refs decided way too fast on that fumble call, they didn't do that to Brady against the Raiders! |
| Jeff Gordon: I'm a big Warner fan, but that wss a good call. |
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| Joey: What are the chances the Rams tag Bartell over Atogwe? What are the percentages you give the Rams signing both? |
| Jeff Gordon: They need them both. Now that the cap guy is on bosrd, look for the Rams to make a big push for both. |
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| Roger Middendorf: I guess I have 2 things to say. Why do you think that John Mo doesn't pursue Braden Looper? He seemed to me like a very good starter for us especially the latter part of the season. He just didn't seem to get much help. I am not pointing fingers but I think he averaged 7 innings and about 3 runs a game in his last 12 starts or so. He lost a few of those games because of no offense and had a few no decisions based on the bullpen blowing the lead. My point is he could have been 16-10 instead or 12-14, if not for a few things. I understand waiting him out til his price goes down, which I believe it has, but its been so long he might not even consider coming back now when I beleive this is where he wanted to stay all along. I suppose I will submit my second question on its own seeing as this 1 is so long, Thanks for your time. |
| Jeff Gordon: I agree on Looper. Sign him and rest more comfortably at night. That would be one less worry heading into spring. The more pitching competition the team has, the better. |
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| Roger Middendorf: Here is my second question. I was wondering if you thought there would be a chance to make a trade with Detroit for Pitching? I was think like Ludwick/Duncan and Kennedy for Nate Robertson and Placido Polanco. I know they don't want to lose out on 3 cheap years of Ludwick, but I believe Robertson is an effective, but average pitcher that would be helped out under DD. I don't know this for sure but a can't imagine he is all that expensive and he did have a bit of a down year for Detroit. Polanco I know will be a FA at the end of the year, like Kennedy, but 1 year of Polanco would be better than 1 year Kennedy I would have to believe. Duncan is kind of a throw in but he could split time with Sheffield as the DH as he is getting close to the end of a great career. Any way just my thought maybe you don't even take things like this from fans seriously but I was just curious. Thanks for your time. |
Jeff Gordon: I would keep Ludwick because he will be one of the best values in the league the next three years. He does have trade value, though, unlike Duncan (at this point) and Kennedy.
That type of deal would make sense for the Cards, though. |
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Mitch from San Diego: Why no review of the last play? I'll tell you why. The game was fixed. It got so bad that I was expecting a personal foul every time they touched Roethlisberger on third down. Roughing the holder??? Never heard of that. Even so he was blocked into him. Ridiculous call.
On the Cards last play, on my HD-DVR and 65 inch screen in slo-mo, Warner's arm was clearly moving forward, the ball went forward. I guess my equipment is better than theirs. If it was Tom Brady it would have been reviewed and overturned. At the very minimum it was disrespectful to Wisenhunt not to review the call. The Cards had a timeout and one challenge left and could not throw throw the red flag. I mean where was the harm? They spent five minutes reviewing the Santonio Holmes TD when it was obvious he made the catch. If I were Wisenhunt when the Steelers lined up for the "victory" formation I would have thrown the red flag anyway.
So why was it not reviewed? Simple. The game was fixed. |
Jeff Gordon: Kurt got his arm moving forward, but the ball was already loose.
I thought the safety call on Pittsburgh was a bit weak. And that late holding call against the Steelers gave the Cardinals D every chance to make the winning stop. |
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| Tackleberry: The adage that "defense wins championships" may have been seriously challenged last night. When Warner and Big Ben had time last night, they made plays, period. What elements of chmapionship-calibur teams did you see last night that you would want the Rams to immediately target in free agency? |
Jeff Gordon: The thing the Rams should take from this game was the Arizona defense, which got a whole lot better with the players on hand. That team became a terrific run-stopping team in the playoffs. The Gridbirds also applied lots of pressure last night, although Ben beat them with his adept scrambling.
Although the Steelers did execute on that final drive, the Arizona "D" became a heck of a story this winter. The Rams need to replicate that story to make progress next year. |
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| Joe Stafford: Hello Jeff, How do you think Spags coaching staff has rounded up? |
Jeff Gordon: It's an interesting bunch for sure. I've heard glowing and also negative reviews about the new D coordinator, for instance.
The big story will be the atmosphere at Rams Park. Can Spags really change the culture? If he can, the assistant coaches and the players will have a chance to succeed.
I see Spagnuolo becoming a forceful head coach, the anti-Linehan. |
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| G: There has been a lot of talk about Torry Holt leaving (especially to Carolina), and there has been a lot of talk about us trying to get Jordan Gross in free agency. Why not try and strike a deal involving those two - allowing the ability to draft Crabtree in the first round. Even if it means giving up a pick somewhere further down in the draft, I think that makes sense and kills two birds with one stone. |
Jeff Gordon: With Crabtree on the board staring at the Rams, there will be some temptation to pluck and move Holt along the trail. Then the first pick's money would just replace Holt's money in the big scheme of things.
Many fans are drooling over FA tackles, but, again, that is a position that could be addressed with the Rams' second draft pick of the team went for the big WR instead. |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, How would Albert Haynesworth look in a Rams uniform? I think he would be the run stuffer that we have lacked for quite a few years. |
| Jeff Gordon: I love Clifton Ryan's work ethic, but, yes, the team could use more beef in the middle of the D-line. |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, Would it really kill the Rams cap if Spags just cut Drew Bennett? He hasn't done a thing for this team, and I firmly believe we need to move in a different direction. |
| Jeff Gordon: Agreed. Even when he was healthy, which was rare, he didn't show much. He even drops too many passes in the Madden game. |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, is Trent Green going to stick around, or should the Rams check out Leftwich or Fitzpatrick? |
| Jeff Gordon: A younger back-up QB with starting experience has to be one of the off-season priorities. |
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| Gabe_A: Since moving into their new digs in 2006, the Cardinals have raised ticket prices 15.9 percent. In the same time period, their annual revenue has increased 28% (from $151 million in 2005 to $194 million in 2008). In the meantime, Cardinals payroll has increased a mere 7 percent (from 92.1 million opending day 2005 to 99.6 million opening day 2008). I'm sure the DeWitts and Mozeliak would tell us to focus on performance, not payroll. Fair enough. Between 2000 and 2005 the Cardinals averaged 96 wins per seasons (95, 93, 97, 85, 105, 100). In the new stadium, they've averaged 82 wins per season (83, 78, 86)---barely a .500 record. Add it all up. Cardinal fans are paying more for less. I thought the new stadium was going to generate greater revenue and make the team more competitive. It seems the opposite has been true. Are the owners just pocketing millions and sticking it to the fans? Or, are the taxpayers to blame, because we didn't pay for 100% of the new stadium and now the Cardinals are stuck paying the mortgage instead of paying, for example, Ben Sheets and/or Will Ohman? |
Jeff Gordon: In the new stadium, they won their first World Championship since 1982 and made dramatic improvements on the player development front. Just one example: They went back to Latin America and spent millions on long-term prospects.
The payroll for this season will actually go down. Will the team improve? We'll see.
Is the Cards' approach the best long-term course of action? I believe so. After all, they won their world title with home-grown players asserting themselves.
Cards fans ARE paying the mortgage on the new stadium. The much-maligned ownership made a huge investment in downtown St. Louis. And the lack of progress on Ballpark Village is the result of economic devastation in this market.
They could build a huge complex and operate it at a massive loss -- with a high vacancy rate -- or the ownership can wait to see if the local economy bounces back.
If St. Louis continues its current decline, then the owners should just fill in the hole and build a park. |
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Tackleberry: To date, the Cardinals off-season has played out a lot like Ballpark Village; there were grand ideas and lots of talk, but right now they have yet to fill major holes with anything more than back-fill.
If you're LaRussa, why would you even consider coming back after this year, when this team is resistant to fill even the simplest needs, even if it means moving some prospects? |
Jeff Gordon: He'll stay of the young players pan out, as they did in '06 when Wainwright saved the bullpen, Kinney and Johnson got big outs and Tony Reyes won a World Series game.
If the kids flop and the ownership group slashes payroll, then Tony should leave. He doesn't need to relive the end of his Oakland tenure here. |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, if the panthers let Jordan Gross test free agency, would the Rams be interested, How much would he cost, and what would we do with Pace? |
Jeff Gordon: Faneca got a five-year, $40 million deal last year, so that would be something Gross could shoot for. That one move could eat up most of the cap space. Getting a top free agent to come to a 2-win team won't be easy.
Pace currently eats up a lot of cap space. Pace, Little, Holt -- these will be tough calls for the New Regime. |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, would Barron work as a guard? Either draft a tackle or pick up a free agent, and use pace at right tackle. |
| Jeff Gordon: He could play guard -- but, actually, he graded out pretty well for much of last season. Aside from his false starts, he actually showed some promise. |
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markus: Of the veteran players on the RAMS, which one or ones do you suspect that RAMS will cut in order to free up cap space? And what hit will we take...
Drew Bennett
Orlando Pace
Corey Chavous
Tye Hill
Torry Holt |
| Jeff Gordon: Hill is too young to give up on. Chavous is a great guy, but he needed to be replaced. The others we've discussed. |
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| Sam: GORDO, Are we done on the free agent market this offseason?Why would We wait on the health of Carpenter, we have been burnt too often waiting on the health of aging pitchers. |
| Jeff Gordon: There may be decent pitchers unsigned at the end of spring training, even, and there will be certainly be starters available for trade. I agree that Carpenter can't be counted on, but the Cards also want to take a long look at Boggs and possibly McClellan this spring before finalizing their pitching plans. |
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| Joey: How many coaches are left to hire by Spags? Would the Rams consider Nolan Cromwell for special teams? What about as DBs' coach? |
| Jeff Gordon: I haven't heard any names still under consideration to fill the remaining slots. |
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| ramfaninCT: Gordo - I'm just curious about the dynamics involved with Spagnuolo; where he's spending most of his time these days. Has he moved to St. Louis already or does he have to commute to his current home? I know he has no kids so I'm sure that makes his move easier. Thanks. |
| Jeff Gordon: The next big event is the scouting combine. And Spags will travel to see the top prospects work out on campus. Other than that, he'll be hunkering down at Rams Park. |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, any news on the Torry Holt front? If he leaves, would Crabtree be a possibility at #2? |
| Jeff Gordon: Can he still run well enough to be a No. 2? And would Carolina want him? |
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| E. W. Stout: What is the projected starting pitching staff come opening day? |
Jeff Gordon: Well, it's TBA, but . . .
Carpenter (until he proves otherwise)
Wainwright
Lohse
Wellemeyer
McClellan
Pineiro
Boggs
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J.W. Carpenter: I am a fourth generation Cardinal fan living in Birmingham, Alabama. I read the Dispatch daily, and was struck by this question during Mozeliak's chat:
Josh: Building solely from within generally takes a couple of years. Is there any concern we could be wasting (Albert) Pujols' prime years while still in somewhat of a rebuilding phase?
Mozeliak: I'm not sure of that perception. When I think of rebuilding, I think of changing your entire strategy. We are not; we want to play in October. I think one thing you need to understand is that we feel we can use our farm system to support our major league team. We understand that the free agent market and our system need to work together for success.
This is the question my father and I have been asking for over a year now. I thought Mozeliak's answer was non-responsive and a bit arrogant. He should be very aware of this widespread perception. While it would be foolish to trade Pujols (now), I wish I had more evidence that the team had a coherent strategy to win while Pujols is playing his best. What are your thoughts on this year and the next few years with Pujols? Do you believe the Cardinals are doing their best to compete now, while Pujols is at his peak? Is there a scenario where the Cards would trade Pujols? Could you provide support to your answers, either way?
Side note: I thought that most of Mozeliak's other responses were defensive and snarky. Granted, the questions could be much better and he was, at times, under siege, but I think that if he plans to continue these chats, he should offer better responses or discontinue them altogether. I have a very favorable impression of him as GM thusfar, but that chat disappointed me as unprofessional and disrespectful. I don't think the GM should sink to the level of the worst fan questions (he could simply ignore them), and should address the legitimate ones with legitimate answers.You probably will talk to him before I do, so I thought I would let you know one fan's thoughts. |
| Jeff Gordon: Mozeliak's view is the team is contending, not rebuilding. He rejects the notion that the team is rebuilding -- and with dollars dedicated to Pujols, Carpenter, Lohse, Glaus, et al, this is hardly the '06 Devil Rays. |
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| Tom Bennett: What is the Status of the Ankiel and Ludwick negotiations? When one looks at production vs salary of similar guys it doesn't seem like either one is asking for an unreasonable amount. (or an amount that would bust the payroll.) Are these deals going to get done before it goes to the panel or is the club going to try and nickle/dime these guys. |
Jeff Gordon: I would expect Ludwick to get done more easily than Ankiel, who is a real x-factor.
Too bad the team isn't looking to lock Ankiel in for a couple years into free agency -- that would be a smart way to invest money that didn't get spent on free agents. What is the point of going "all in" with player development when you don't keep the good players you do grow? |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, I think the Rams have done alot of positive things in the front office. What do you think of the hires, and can you give any further info no any of them? |
| Jeff Gordon: I heard nothing but good things about these folks from NFL types at the Super Bowl. I'm glad they went outside to get their cap/money guy. |
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Jeepster: Jeff:
Departures:
OF Juan Encarnacion
INF Cesar Izturis
INF Aaron Miles
RHP Jason Isringhausen
RHP Mark Worrell
RHP Russ Springer
LHP Randy Flores
LHP Tyler Johnson
LHP Mark Mulder
Arrivals:
LHP Trevor Miller
LHP Royce Ring
LHP Charlie Manning
INF Khalil Greene
INF Joe Thurston
Please look at this objectively and tell us what you possibly like about this offseason. |
Jeff Gordon: Arrivals:
Colby Rasmus
David Freese
Brett Wallace
Injury returns:
Chris Carpenter
Josh Kinney
Rick Ankiel
Chris Duncan
Full seasons:
Chris Perez
Jason Motte
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, now that we got our cap man, have talks begun with Otagawe and Bartell yet? |
| Jeff Gordon: I'm sure the agents now understand who to talk with about new deals, yes. |
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| kerman ram fan: Hi Jim, how much cap money will the Rams have to work with? also do you know how many coaches survived the house cleaning? |
| Jeff Gordon: Loney, the offensive line coach, survived. The current cap space is not great, so the Rams will have to create more space with cuts and restructurings. |
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Ed in Vancouver Canada: Any word on contract talks starting up w/ Bartell & OJ????
What our the top 10 OT free Agents??? |
Jeff Gordon: Here is Scout.com's top 10 potential FA tackles.
OT 1 Jordan Gross UFA 6 6-5/300 Utah Carolina
OT 2 Marvel Smith UFA 9 6-5/321 Arizona State Pittsburgh
OT 3 Mark Tauscher UFA 9 6-4/315 Wisconsin Green Bay
OT 4 Jon Runyan UFA 13 6-7/330 Michigan Philadelphia
OT 5 Tra Thomas UFA 11 6-7/335 Florida State Philadelphia
OT 6 Stacy Andrews UFA 5 6-7/342 Mississippi Cincinnati
OT 7 Khalif Barnes UFA 4 6-5/325 Washington Jacksonville
OT 8 Willie Colon RFA 3 6-3/315 Hofstra Pittsburgh
OT 9 Vernon Carey UFA 5 6-4/333 Miami (FL) Miami
OT 10 Tyson Clabo RFA 4 6-6/314 Wake Forest Atlanta |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, what free agent linebackers might b e out there that would be a good addition for the Rams? |
Jeff Gordon: Here are some potential MLBs, as listed by Scout.com
MLB 1 Ray Lewis UFA 13 6-1/245 Miami (FL) Baltimore
MLB 2 Jonathan Vilma UFA 5 6-1/230 Miami (FL) New Orleans
MLB 3 Channing CrowderUFA 4 6-2/247 Florida Miami
MLB 4 Andra Davis UFA 7 6-1/250 Florida Cleveland
MLB 5 Mike Peterson UFA 10 6-1/235 Florida Jacksonville
MLB 6 Eric Barton UFA 10 6-2/245 Maryland NY Jets |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, without naming names, how many starters on defense last year will probally start this year? |
| Jeff Gordon: Maybe six, maybe seven -- a lot of dough invested in young guys! |
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s.esco@hotmail.com: Gordo: since Free Agency is up next, what is the Rams salary cap situation?Further, do you see any possibilities where a current player could agree to re-structure his contract in order to give the team some room to get a couple of top tier free agents in areas of need, as opposed to just one top FA?
Because I don't know, what exactly does it mean for a player to restructure; does he take less money than originally contracted for in exchange for having his contract length extended a year to two? How does it generally work? Thanks as always. |
Jeff Gordon: Players often restructure to avoid being cut -- which would likely force them to take less money on the open market. That is why teams are able to get older players to redo their deals. Veterans don't want to risk getting washed out completely.
A guy like Bennett would fit that category, although the team ought to just whack him. |
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| itdsntmttr: Is anything going on that you have heard on the trade front or should we be content with the team we have because the cardinal organization is not going to do anything. I cannot see them being any better then last year, well maybe they will finish third in the division this year. |
| Jeff Gordon: Expect change before the end of spring. Then we'll see how the team looks while ACTUALLY PLAYING GAMES. |
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mightymike105: Hi Jeff,
Do u think there is a good chance even though many people are thinking OL and MLB that the Rams would draft Crabtree?
Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: Yes, there is a chance. |
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Bill: Jeff,
Do you think the Cards will make any additions prior to camp opening? I am still holding out hope to see Joe Beimel or Wil Ohman in a Cardinal uniform this Spring. Thanks. |
| Jeff Gordon: I'm with you. I'm totally underwhelmed with the team's left-handed relief options. |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, if Corey Chavous isn't resigned and he desides to retire, would the Rams consider hiring him to help scout draft picks? I have watched him several times while coverin the draft and he seems to have quite a bit of draft knowledge. I would say he is even close to Kiper and Mayock, maybe even a little better. |
| Jeff Gordon: Corey is a smart guy, which is why Haslett liked him. Too bad he couldn't play at a high level any more. |
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markus: Thanks for doing this live discussion...it gives us all something to look forward to especially during the offseason.
Living in New York and forced to see almost every Giants game each week. I'm curious how you think Long and Carriker match to our new coach's style of defense. Neither player has shown an ability to relentlessly get after the QB, more importantly, they both don't impress against the run. I don't feel like we have a Justin Tuck on the team (A player with size and speed)...Little could possibly pass as Osi...but in all seriousness...where's our pass rush going to come from? |
| Jeff Gordon: Carriker and Long can both certainly improve from last season. Long might become a decent pass rusher, but Little's advancing age/injury history does make you wonder about the team's ability to apply pressure. New coach might have to get creative . . . |
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| glenn: The Cardinals were again out smarted this past week when the Rays signed Brian Shouse. The Rays gained a better situational lefthander than they had last year (Trever Miller) and he has a clean bill of health. We settled for Miller even though he is hurt but mainly he was cheap. Our lefthanders now stand as no improvement over last year. Don't you think Beimel is needed our somebody like him? John Garland would also have been a good fit in the National league. Arizona and Tampa are not bigmarkets but these were great decisions. When will the Cardinals actually sign someone that will improve the club? |
Jeff Gordon: I share your skepticism about the current bullpen, but I'm not a Shouse guy. I agree on Garland, he would have been a nice innings eater here.
Arizona and Tampa aren't big markets, but they don't have $15 million players like the Cards have. I'm certain the Cards will have a much bigger payroll than those teams this year. |
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| joie: As more quality pitchers come off the board and the few that are left( O Perez R Wolf etc ) the front office seems to have no desire to pursue I find myself being more frustrated than I was during Maxvill's tenure as GM I just feel if Jocketty were still here things would be happening to at least make the fans excited about the up coming season at this rate I fear Albert will be wearing pinstripes in 3 years and I can not stomach that thought please give me some positive news |
Jeff Gordon: Again, if the team wins, people will come out. If the Cards lose, people should stay away.
The Blues were always big on signing players to sell tickets. We saw how that worked. I'm sure Walt would have done more because Walt seldom had more than one or two prospects worth looking at in any given year. |
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Steve Reynolds: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. I had a question about the outfield situation. I keep hearing contradicting reports from different sources. What is your opinion of what will happen as far as Skip playing 2B, Mather moving to 3B, Dunc or Ankiel getting traded, etc?
Steve
Bloomsdale, MO |
| Jeff Gordon: Since Kennedy is a .280 hitter with a good glove, the Skip deal might be a bit far-fetched. Mather got a look at 3B last spring and he could be a short-term fill-in for Glaus, IF his glove is adequate. |
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Ed in Vancouver Canada: HELLO GORDO
Will we be adding any "entry level" coaches??
Can you breakdown our new cap guy, and does he have a connect w/ Devaney or Spags??? |
Jeff Gordon: Don't know much about Demoff, other than that his background looks perfect.
The coaching staff will include some less experienced guys, but nobody will come off the street with zero experience and have responsibility.
Here is the last thing I saw from the Rams:
St. Louis Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo announced today that he has hired five more coaches for his 2009 coaching staff.
The new coaches include Sylvester Croom, running backs; Rock Gullickson, strength and conditioning; Tom McMahon, special teams coordinator; Matt House, defensive quality control, and Brendan Daly, defensive line.
“We are closing in on completing our staff,” said Spagnuolo. “We are happy to announce the addition of five new members. They bring a wealth of knowledge and a wide variety of experiences. We look forward to getting them settled in and working toward the success of the St. Louis Rams.”
Spagnuolo was named head coach of the Rams on Jan. 17. He has announced the hiring of 14 coaches in the last 16 days.
Others on the 2009 Rams staff include Ken Flajole, defensive coordinator; Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator; Andre Curtis, defensive staff; Paul Ferraro, defensive staff; Dick Curl, assistant head coach/quarterbacks; Charlie Baggett, wide receivers; Steve Loney, offensive line; Frank Leonard, offensive staff, and Bruce Warwick, assistant to the head coach/football operations. |
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cbensinger: Not that it mattered in the grand scheme of things; but on the Steelers first drive when Big Ben was going for the end zone one of his lineman all but dragged him in. I was under the impression that aiding the runner was a penalty. It's one thing when there is a big scrum and people are all pushing; but this one couldn't have been any more obvious and an official was standing there staring at it. Why have the rule on the books if it's going to be ignored?
The officials didn't cost the Cardinals the game; but for a crew that you would think is the best of the best it was a sorry display in my opinion... |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, the dude just threw into the end zone. There was a lot of questionable stuff out there. |
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| burchie18: I recently read that the Tigers were open to trading at least one of their starting pitchers due to the fact that they have 7 starters going into camp. I know it would be nearly impossible to get Justin Verlander, but a couple of the other names are intriguing. Do you think there is any chance that the Cardinals could get their hands on Edwin Jackson or Jeremy Bonderman in a trade for one of our outfielders? If not, do you think that Dontrelle Willis could be a reclamation project for Dave Duncan? He has had many struggles lately and seems like somebody Duncan might be able to turn around, he is still young enough and I'm always a fan of having a lefty in the rotation. Would the Cardinals be interested and what would it take for this trade to happen? |
| Jeff Gordon: Sure, that is one of the scenarios IF the outfield depth turns out to be what it is supposed to be. |
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therealdealankiel: What type of player (numbers and current player comparison) does David Freese project to be?
Is he a 15 HR Bill Hall or a 25-30 HR Troy Glaus? |
| Jeff Gordon: Bill Hall is supposed to be a 25- to 30-HR guy, which shows you that projections are tricky. Freese has always hit for a solid average, but he isn't a huge dude like Glaus. Maybe .275, 20 homers, 85 RBI and a good glove would be a reasonable expectation. But he still must become more disciplined at the plate. Big league pitchers hit their spots. He must adapt to that, as Ludwick did. |
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therealdealankiel: Gordo,
Of our non-roster pitching invites, do any of these guys (Ottavino, Todd, Herron, Mortensen, Ostlund, Salas, Samuel or Walters) have electric swing and miss stuff? Is there one guy that stands out as a front-mid rotation starter, or are these guys all fringe players/bullpen arms? |
| Jeff Gordon: None of those guys fit that category. Todd has good command, which gives him a chance to help more quickly than the others. Walters is a change-up artist who frustrates hitters, but I don't know how that will translate here. |
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| cards fan in iowa: Do you think there might be a suprise or dark horse name out there that the Cardinals may bring in (either a suprise free agent or possible trade)? Obviously there has been some rumblings about Manny (I don't see that), but is there anyone else that might be a pleasant suprise to us Cardinal fans? Thanks for your time! |
| Jeff Gordon: What the Cards do, or don't do, will depend on how all the rehabbing veterans and all the kids look. That will help Mozeliak define what he has or doesn't have. |
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Brett W: Gordo,
I know this is extremely unlikely, but let's say Mo was informed by Boras that Manny would accept a 2-yr, $40M deal to hit in the same lineup with his buddy Albert. That 2 year deal would be coming off the books at the same time that Albert's current contract is set to expire, so it wouldn't necessarily affect Albert's extension. Any chance the Cards might consider moving Ludwick, Schumaker, & a pitching prospect for a Matt Cain type to make this happen? |
| Jeff Gordon: Manny has turned two two years and $45 million from LA, where he starred. So why would he come here for less? If the Cards got involved with this guy, it would be a shocking development. Fun, but shocking. |
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signed s. j.: Gordo,
My question is about The Rams & OTA'S.When do they start ?
Do The Rams also get extra practice time in spring because of the new coaching staff ? Go Ram !! |
| Jeff Gordon: I haven't seen a schedule yet. There is still work to do with the coaching staff. |
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| Michael Scriven: Is there any chance the Cardinals try to sign a long-term option into the rotation instead of a short-term arm who could be a long reliever? |
| Jeff Gordon: Long-term? No, because the team already has Carpenter, Lohse and Wainwright signed long term. |
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Michael Scriven: Hey Gordo,
Do you think the Cardinals are really laying low and will make a big move during Spring Training that will excite the fan base or is it more likely they sign a few undervalued players they think can fill the team's needs? |
| Jeff Gordon: Any moves the Cards make will be to make the team better, not to excite the fan base. Winning will excite the fan base, as it has in the past. |
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| Dan in Honolulu: Some draft mockers are saying that this is a deep draft for OT's. What the Sam H are they looking at? I don't see it. Oher, Smith, Monroe, etc. seem to have motivational, weight, size, mobility, and not-true-LT issues. No Joe Thomas', Jake Long's, or anyone I'd hang my hat on as a "franchise" LT in this pool? Do you Jeff? I say veteran FA, or trade down (maybe to a team hot for Sanchez or Crabtree) a few notches and get another pick or better postion in the mid rounds. What say you? Aloha! |
| Jeff Gordon: The Rams scouts believe this is a deep tackle draft. Maybe you won't find another Pace down in the 30s, but there is good depth. |
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Jordon W.: Gordo--thanks for the chats.
I know this is a few years away, but what do you think the chances are that Albert leaves via free agency (or trade)? If it did happen, what do you see the fans' reactions being? |
| Jeff Gordon: Fans will be disappointed if Albert leaves after three more years, especially if he is still playing at a high level. Fans should expect the owners to offer a competitive extension, as it did the last time he neared free agency. If that is not enough to keep him, then that will be a tough blow for Cardinal Nation. |
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Hawkeye in IN: Hello Gordo and thanks in advance for reading my comment and then answering my question. I'm one of those negative fans who just doesn't see good things in store for our '09 Cards.
Why? Well; we finished 4th in the division last year and...
A. Our starting pitching staff is downgraded from a year ago. (Same men, minus Looper and an unproven "healthwise" Carpenter)
B. Our relief pitching is downgraged from a year ago. (Same men, minus Springer and Villone... yes; we've added Kinney & 3 very mediocre lefties. Kinney's durability is also questionable and those lefties... oh, my!!!)
C. We've went back to plan 'A' from 2007 & 2008 with our starting second baseman... it didn't work before and '09's not likely to bring better results. (Expected by the team which is why they're considering things like using "Schu" there.)
D. And now we find out that it will be early May before we get Glaus back on the field... and perhaps late May before he'll be back on an everyday basis.
The big "Q" is: What do you see in this roster that makes you think they'll finish higher than 4th this season... or do you think 4th is about where we're likely to finish? Thank you.
Hawkeye |
| Jeff Gordon: The Cards added more power at SS and CF and added more power from the right side of the bullpen. Let's see how the injured guys and the young guys look this spring -- and what else Mozeliak does based on how the team looks this spring. |
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Colin: Is Keith Tkachuk a Hall of Famer? How many more years do you think Keith Tkachuk will play?
Which team do you think Keith Tkachuk will be traded to at the trade deadline? |
Jeff Gordon: If he is serious about not getting traded, then he won't get traded.
Hall of Fame? Borderline at best.
How many years? This could be it. |
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| Tiger J: Jeff we all know(or at least think) that StL is looking for a bargain of sorts. So let's assume we don't get Gross, Butler or Pierce. You are a few moderate priced Free Agents we could get at those positions. Also Sir fruit seems to be falling anything on the ground we can pick up as far as pitching be it starter or closer. As always thanks. Hey Jeff I will even take the see earlier post. |
Jeff Gordon: I listed 10 tackles elsewhere on the site. There might be a depth guy at the right price. I'd rather draft help at OT.
No closers are left on the market, so it's up to the current group -- unless Izzy makes a great comeback. There will be starting help available later. |
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| sltest: Putting on your scouting hat, is Tyson Sachrin (?) a real player for the Blues, a possible top four defensive defenseman and possible replacement for McKee when his contract is up? Not a knock on McKee, he is what he is, but the Blues need a physical D man besides Jackman. |
| Jeff Gordon: Tyson Strachan is a decent depth defenseman, but I don't that he is more than that. It's a good story, though, a guy coming up from the ECHL to play in the big league. |
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donovanosborne: Hello Mr. Gordon,
We really appreciate you doing these chats with us fans. One of your recent articles stated that Mo has done a great job as GM. However, we couldn't beat the Cubs last year, and if we still can't beat the Cubs this year, do you think maybe his greatness will have worn off with the dispatch writers? Because it certainly will have with the fans.
Thanks
donovanosborne |
| Jeff Gordon: In his one year-plus, yes, he has done a great job. Remember, his mandate is a bit different than Hendry's mandate with the Cubs. Their budgets are different, too. |
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Paul: Gordo-
Thanks for the live chat as always. What's the deal with Ohman? I know the Braves offer is still on the table but I've read some recent articles in Atlanta that it's not necessarily about the money with him. Do we have continued interest in him and as time goes by could his years/price drop enough for the cards to pick him up?
Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: Unless there is something wrong with him, I can't understand why there was a delay -- and why the Cards haven't jumped in. |
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he shoots he scores: Gordo
with spring training 2 weeks away what is the status of Puljols and Carpenters surgeries. Will they be ready to participate in full activities, or will they be held back? |
| Jeff Gordon: Albert will need some time, which is he is skipping the WBC. And Chris will be a process, too, since the team will be super careful. |
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Ed Johnson: Dear Gordo
How come if we have been needing a wide body, run stuffing DT that Devaney never brought in Grady Jackson for a try out before he signed with Atlanta? |
| Jeff Gordon: Once this team has its staff together, then we'll see the football staff lock in on wide bodies. |
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| cards27: hey gordo, heard any interest from the cards in someone like livan hernandez? i would think he could fill looper's spot well, but i do not know if he'd cost more or not. |
Jeff Gordon: That guy knows how to pitch, but how much is left? I'm sure the price will be right.
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BrotherBri: Thoughts on the end of the '08-09 NFL season:
1. Have you noticed that in Kurt Warner's three Super Bowls, his ability to fling it has led to the game being decided in the final plays? All three he has played in have been EXCELLENT games with tons of excitement. Bravo, sir!
2. That said, sorry, Kurt fans, but it was right to promote Bulger and dump Warner at the end here. He had lost it and wasn't getting it back here ... not behind the injured Tom Nuttens and declining Doughnut Brothers.
3. But after that game, don't you think both Big Ben and Kurt belong in the Hall? True warriors, true team leaders, true big game QBs.
4. Think that Larry's performance yesterday will whet some appetites for Michael Crabtree ... and the Rams' pick at #2, which may well be where he comes off the board?
For the Blues: When do we finally give McKee for Afinogenov? Don't we have to dump Jay's salary for next year? And any rumors on Hinote moving on?
For the Cards: Is anyone in Jupiter early to get a jump on camp? |
Jeff Gordon: Ben's 51 victories in five years, plus two Super Bowl victories, gives him a running start at the Hall. Kurt is in the discussion, for change.
Brewer's lingering back woes may preclude moving McKee until the summer.
I agree on Crabtree -- Fitzgerald shows what a big WR can do. |
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bobincorona: Gordo,
What's the Rams cap number right now. I've seen it reported anywhere from 21 million under the cap to 9 million under. |
| Jeff Gordon: I believe is closer to the latter, although there are ways to create more space. That process will start soon. |
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| Greg: Whats the deal with Manny?? Any chance Cards will get him? |
| Jeff Gordon: Almost nil. |
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Colin: You do not think 500 goals and 1,000 career points makes him a Hall of Famer?
A lot of people I have talked to think he a Hall of Famer.
You disagree that he is a Hall of Famer? Why do you disagree? |
Jeff Gordon: Right now, I'm skeptical -- given the high number of high-point guys in the game today. Modano, for instance, has the Cup thing going for him.
Hawerchuk got in, so that might be a comparable for Keith. Different position, but a similar story. |
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Alex Ferrario: Hey Gordo,
Three questions for you:
Any timetable on McDonald or Polak?
Any news on Blues and McDonald resigning?
Will the Blues make the playoffs?
Thanks |
Jeff Gordon: Playoffs, no.
McDonald has a good chance of re-signing. He should be back before Polak -- although all the false starts make you wonder. |
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| Griff21: Do you know which Dmen are banged up? |
Jeff Gordon: The Blues were being evasive to JR. From his blog:
The Blues have played their last three games with only six defensemen on the roster. But when they departed for their two-game road trip this afternoon, there were eight.
The Blues called up defensemen Steve Wagner and Andy Wozniewski and they will be available when the team plays in Detroit Monday.
Many figured the Blues would take one extra defensemen on the trip. But two?
Blues President John Davidson said the team has a couple of defensemen who are banged up, and Wagner and Wozniewski were added in case of emergency. Davidson declined to say which defensemen were banged up. There were no apparent injuries in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Philadelphia.
“I think everybody is going to play,” Davidson said. ”But if not, we have guys ready.” |
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r.sullivan: Gordo, couple questions. First a question regarding the compensation of a type A free agent. When will the baggage of of a top pick leave a player like Juan Cruz?
Next what do you know among mlb executives regarding the problems with the free agent system? I don't blame teams for not wanting to lose a top pick but it is not fair to the players trapped on an island. Is there any chance baseball will maybe get with the times regarding the draft and let teams trade draft picks too? I think it would help free agents and be intertaining for the fans. With the mlb network and other media outlets covering baseball hard, imagine the stories leading up to the draft of the small market team trading compensation picks to move up to the top of the round. Or a large market team trying to work it's way into the 1st round after losing picks. There has to be some talk in the industry regarding this issue, right?
Thanks |
Jeff Gordon: Teams are less willing to give up those top picks, so baseball will have to look at the compensation system. And I agree about dealing picks.
Right now, a team can get the Yankees to sign Cruz and deal him to get around the pick thing, since the Yankess don't have a high pick to give as compensation. |
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ronjon1702: A local player not expected back with the Vikings is center Matt Birk, and the team will take a marketing hit for that. Add the St. Louis Rams among teams expected to bid for the six-time Pro Bowler, who can become a free agent Feb. 27.
I took that from Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press. What I want to know is if this has any credit? |
Jeff Gordon: I dunno . . . could he beat out Nick Leckey?
But seriously, do the Rams have money to spend at that position? We'll see. The Rams do need a new leader for the line. |
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bobincorona: Gordo,
Any word on what Bulger will be doing this off season to improve on the weaknesses in his game? Also does he work with his receivers in the off season like Peyton Manning does? |
Jeff Gordon: His problem is how he reacts to pressure in the games. His mechanics on the practice field are OK.
The big thing with the Rams WRs is to learn the offense this year.Run the right routes! |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, would Orlando Pace consider changing his contract to help the Rams free up some cap space? |
| Jeff Gordon: Good question. If the Rams threatened to make him walk, he might walk and get a big one-year deal elsewhere. |
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therealdealankiel: Gordo,
I hear you, but the only reason I have even considered the thought of Manny coming back is because it seems the 2 year $40-50 million is no longer on the table for Manny. I thought I heard 2 years $30 million. Manny doesn't need money, we all know he is on an ego trip...which is why I see him taking less to play in a place like STL, where he would have a great shot at a title, on a one year deal.
However, there are very few teams that can spend on Manny, and in the above scenario, he would have alienated 2 of them in one year's time (Boston and LA). That would leave him on next year's market trying to land a gig with NYY, LAA or NYM. |
| Jeff Gordon: The concern with Manny is that if you get him cheap, he will play cheap -- he will act offended and be all pouty. He is moody, to say the least. If he feels like he is not respected, look out. |
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| Griff21: Is Mather back to 100% i think he missed some time late last season with a wrist injury |
| Jeff Gordon: The diagnosis was pretty good when he had the procedure done. Off the top of my head, I haven't heard any concerns about it. |
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| Leecard: Do you think Wallace will be in the starting lineup in St. Louis sometime this year? I know it is hard to know now, but what does your gut tell you? He seems to have some special talent. |
| Jeff Gordon: Starting lineup? I wouldn't say that, but I would expect him to mix in by September anyway. Can he field well enough to play anywhere but first. |
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Mike: Thanks for answering the questions. Why do you think the Cards weren't more interested in Jake Peavy? Do you think something like Ankiel or Ludwick for Peavy would have been enough for the Padres, and if so do you think that is too much to trade for him?
Thanks. |
| Jeff Gordon: San Diego demanded quality young starting pitching, good enough to help right away. The Cards didn't have a lot of that. |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, what free agent centers are available this year? The Rams could use a more beefy line. |
Jeff Gordon: Again, from Scout.com:
2008 Team Signed Team
C 1 Jason Brown UFA 4 6-3/320 North Carolina Baltimore
C 2 Matt Birk UFA 11 6-4/309 Harvard Minnesota
C 3 Jeff Saturday UFA 10 6-2/295 North Carolina Indianapolis
C 4 Brad Meester UFA 9 6-3/300 Northern Iowa Jacksonville
C 5 Richie IncognitoUFA 4 6-3/305 Nebraska St. Louis
C 6 Tom Nalen UFA 15 6-3/286 Boston College Denver
C 7 Eric Ghiaciuc UFA 4 6-4/300 Central MichiganCincinnati
C 8 Melvin Fowler UFA 7 6-3/310 Maryland Buffalo
C 9 Jeremy Newberry UFA 11 6-5/315 California San Diego
C 10 Rudy Niswanger RFA 3 6-5/301 LSU Kansas City
C 11 Matt Lehr UFA 8 6-2/290 Virginia Tech New Orleans |
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| Griff21: Ideally who would start at 3rd while Glaus is out? I'd like to see Mather and Freese split the time. Are guys likely to play off the bench like thurston who would get a look |
Jeff Gordon: Thurston has been a middle infielder, so that may not work.
I'm eager to see Mather field at 3B this spring and Freese hit against big-league pitching.
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Kevin: Any chance we add an OF next year because Ankiel will be gone? Wallace is the 3B of the future am I right? Glaus and Ank are a lot of our power. If Luddy's 2008 was a fluke, we'll need a power hitter. Pujols wants mor eprotection. Should we buck up for Jason Bay? My ideal 2009 Offseason:
Placido Polanco 2B
Jason Bay LF (power bat)
Is that a realistic expectation? Thanks ahead. |
Jeff Gordon: Wallace could be an outfielder, with Freese playing third.
Wallace could put up Bay-like numbers in time. |
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Luke: Gordo:
What are the chances that the cards start the season without both Glaus and Pujols? |
| Jeff Gordon: I wouldn't worry about Pujols just yet. |
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| AJ: Jeff, I would say that it has been a down last few years for St. Louis sports, but I think it is just how the sports cycle goes. How long do you think it will be before St. Louis sports return the the top? I think all our teams are just young and are gaining experience in the big leagues, who do you think will emerge as the new face of St. Louis sports? |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd expect the Cards to at least contend this year and be pretty good for a while. The Blues could make a move next year. The Rams will be better, but we're probably looking at two years. |
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| Joe Stafford: Jeff, any chance that the Klop will be shown the door? And I have to agree with you, Bennett does drop way too many passes in Madden, if he isn't on IR! |
| Jeff Gordon: Yes, he could be shown the door. |
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Luke: Gordo:
Do you think that Pedro Martinez could be a good fit for the cards for one year on the cheap. He could fill in this year and give the kids one more year of seasoning(I previously liked this role for Randy Johnson but that didnt happen). |
| Jeff Gordon: I see Pedro as a more logical Cards addition than Manny. |
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| Mike: There have been a few questions about being competitive in Pujols's prime. Has there been some indication that Pujols is unhappy with the direction of the Cardinals organization? |
| Jeff Gordon: Albert wants to win. If the Cards don't contend this year, he won't be happy at all. |
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Andy: Jeff,
With the Rams’ turnover in the front office and coaching staff, I was wondering why scouting is not included? Couldn’t it be possible that some of the Rams scouts have done a poor job and that has led to bad drafts, or am I completely off here? I don’t know the process.
Thanks,
Andy |
| Jeff Gordon: Actually, the scouts got overruled more than you would think. But the '08 draft was really good, so there is no need to shake up that staff too much, |
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Luke: Gordo:
Is there a scenerio where all 6 of our outfielders break camp on the opening day roster? |
| Jeff Gordon: If Mather can play third and Skip can back up at second, yes . . . |
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AJ: Do you agree with Mel Kiper's projection of the draft and that the Rams will take Andre Smith out of Alabama?
I think its time that the Rams take a legitimate skills player with their high draft pick. I think if Detroit passes on Stafford that they should pick him up. We need a QB that is more mobile in the pocket and his big arm could be ideal for hooking up with Avery down the field after they both mature for a year or two. |
| Jeff Gordon: I don't see a QB coming at the top of the draft, given all the dough invested in Bulger. Smith is an interesting guy, but some folks wonder if he can play tackle in the NFL. Maybe he is a guard instead. |
