Randy in PA: Hi Jeff

It is obvious the Rams are going to take a lineman in the draft with he 2nd pick going on either of the Longs or Dorsey. With the 33rd pick in the draft I think it would be wise to take a Wide Reciever since the Rams WR corp is getting a little long in the tooth with Bruce, Holt and the big time free agent bust Bennett. The draft seems to be kind of deep at that position. I am hoping that Hardy from Indiana or Kelly from Oklahoma are still available. What is your opinion on this? Thanks

Jeff Gordon: The running argument against Dorsey is the Rams depth at DT, with Ryan and Carriker. If the team went to a 3-4, that might change things. But Dorsey is one of those guys capable "wrecking a game" as Linehan says. I agree that the Rams need to freshen up at WR, although other needs may make a first-day pick there unlikely. Unless Al Saunders gets his way . . .

David Cobler: Hey Gordo;
Looking at the Cards schedule, I have them winning as few as 62 games, (if all the "IFS" turn out bad) and 86 to 91 games if Albert and the starting pitchers can overcome there injuries and play in most of the games, and as many as 92+ games if the season really comes together positively for all the "IFS" concerned.
I cannot remember a Cardinals team in the 44 years I have followed them whereby the "IF" factor, factored in so much coming into a season.
I threw out my sonar of the "IF", (factor games won numbers) toward you, hoping to find out if your position is close to mine. Will I hear a loud ping (of agreement), or will you redirect my course of thought?

THANKS AGAIN Gordo, it is always fun getting one on one with you. Thanks for your time here with us fans!

Jeff Gordon: You are right on the money. Spring training will be most interesting. Which players are healing? Which kids are ready to help? What does the team have, really, in Ankiel and Duncan. Many X-factors and ifs, as you say. Logic tells you about half the stuff will break the Cards' way, which would leave them in the hunt until August or so. I see this as a retooling year, albeit an interesting one.

Randy in PA: Hi Jeff,

The Blues have to many great defenseman. How about trading 2 of them for Mats Sundin? I am thinking maybe Salvadore and Backman since neither of them are signed for next year. Do you think Toronto would go for that?

Jeff Gordon: If Toronto moves Sundin, the Leafs will want No. 1 picks and top prospects. That franchise is trying to move pricey defensemen (like Kubina) rather than add them. If the Blues move a "D," they are more likely to send the player to a contender looking to fortify rather than a team trying to rebuild.

Glenn Turner: The signing of Saunders is a good move. The Rams have clear areas of weakness but they are not 3-13 bad. A healthy OL, 2-3 draft picks who contribute right way and another 2-3 free agent pickups who help out and things look a lot brighter. Too much to ask?

Jeff Gordon: Not at all. Saunders' arrival makes the team more appealing to offensive free agents. But player agents will still want to know more about the direction of this franchise under the revised ownership.

Glenn Turner: Missouri Basketball. Are any of the new recruits capable of being a real star next year? I looked at Rivals.com and they are all 3 star types. No 4 or 5 star recruits. Is a turnaround most likely 2-3 years away? I like coach Anderson and the style of play he likes. Tough situation to come into.

Jeff Gordon: The staff seems excited about KC guard Marcus Denmon -- but you're right, his class of commitments looks good for depth, not star quality. Next year the keys will be Carroll, Lyons and the Lawrences.