gnykin2: I understand the Cardinals owners need to run a successful business. But do you think the Cardinals are waiting out the market, but are willing to add payroll, or do you think that this is it? I know Spring Training hasnt started, but the fact that so many Relievers are just dangling out there (See: Ohman, Will; Biemel, Joe) I am really starting to lean towards cheap...

Do you know if season tickets are down for this year compared to last?

Jeff Gordon: The team is projecting an overall attendance decline of 400,000, owing to the economic collapse. I'd argue that this franchise is strong enough to buck the national trend, exploit the depressed marketplace, add some more talent and head off some of that decline by winning more games.

I do think you will see other teams dump salary this year, more than normal. So there will always be opportunities to buy help as needed.

Mark: Gordo, At this point are the Cards satisfied going into the season with a cast of thousands as their closer. Any interest brewing Izzy either for Cards or anybody else? What's the latest on Carpenter? And chances Looper will resign as a Card? Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Izzy is one of many former all-stars relegated to considering minor league offers. His best bet might be waiting to see if somebody gets hurt.

Looper's seems unlikely, since another team is bound to make him an offer soon.

Carpenter is ready to start spring training, but I wouldn't get excited about him until he has made 10 or 12 regular season starts without incident.

Tackleberry: Do you think that another season that results in missing the playoffs will completely sour a very loyal Cardinal fansbase? I mean how many times can we be Charlie Brown to ownership's Lucy. They hold that football every winter and we come running only to have them yank it away at the last second. Of course, this happens after they have our ticket renewals.

Jeff Gordon: Completely sour? No.

Make a dent in the fan base, in this tough economy? Yes.

But fans who base their satisfaction level on the Hot Stove League results won't like this regime. Much more emphasis is placed on player development, which isn't as sexy.

This season will be an excellent test of the new approach, given the need to find a short-term 3B, a closer and a starting pitching depth internally.

Tim: So do you think theres a remote chance we could sign Haynesworth? If things are done right this offseason we could get cap space of about 30-35 million. You figure he signs for about 13 million and we still have money to bring back Bartell and Atogwe, Sign guys like Jason Brown, Vilma, Ward and Butler. That might be a little too optimistic but if im Devanney I definitly look to sign Haynesworth. Hes a game recking franchise DT to build a defense around. Him Carriker(healthy) and Long could cause Meyham up front and could protect the LB's to make plays. Its fun to think about

Jeff Gordon: That is too big a ticket. A team with this many needs can't sink it all into one guy. To get to $35 million in cap space, a lot of vets would have to go -- leaving big holes at OT and DE in addition to WR.

MNCardsFan: Is it possible that we won't see a trade this Spring? I just read on MLB.com that Schu is planning on putting in significant time at 2B this Spring, possibly looking ahead to 2010. I know that his bat is much more valuable at 2B, but it seems like a long shot that convertion can be made. What do you think?

Jeff Gordon: I've always dismissed this possibility, but TLR really, REALLY wants options to Kennedy. He will go to great lengths. Skip could put up Kennedy-like offensive numbers and add an option in the leadoff slot. But can he turn the double play?

Even if Skip plays there, you could still see an OF trade. Players are stacking up there in a hurry.