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Gordo Live
Join columnist Jeff Gordon for a live chat from 1-2 p.m. about the Cards, Rams, Blues, Mizzou, SLU or whatever sport or team is on your mind.
Monday, February 11, 2008 01:00 PM CST
jack: any chance we see weavz back?
Jeff Gordon: So far, Mozeliak is holding firm with Wellemeyer, Reyes and Thompson bidding for the No. 5 slot while Mulder and Carpenter heal. The better those three throw -- and the better Mulder and Carpenter look in rehab -- the less likely something is to happen.
Jim H: Would you please jog my memory in regards to the following. Who did we give up to aquire Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen. Also we signed David Ecstein by free agency is the correct? Thanks for your Q & A post.
Jeff Gordon: Edmonds: Adam Kennedy, Ken Bottenfield.
Rolen: Placido Polanco, Bud Smith and Mike Timlin.
Eckstein: Free agent
JAllen: I would like to know how Juan Encarnacion is doing. Will he be able to play baseball again.
Thank you
Jeff Gordon: The Cards don't expect him to play again. He is still recovering from catastrophic eye damage.
roger from lake tahoe: there seems to be some pitchers that are still free agents out there. almost all come with baggage. either coming back from injury or asking too much money and time. is there any chance mo might gamble a few million on some of these? now that santana and bedard are off the market, is there any kind of trade likely to be made before spring training? thanks for your hard work
Jeff Gordon: The Cards haven't much to trade, so don't expect anything major. The first step is to see how Clement and all the other candidates are throwing and how the injured guys are healing. My guess: Several pitchers will still be out of work as teams go to the camp. They will be standing by, waiting for somebody to get hurt.
Buzz: Gordo,
It sure will be fun to see if Blues fans will accept Eric Brewer as their captain. Many were calling for him to sit for a few games, to hold him accountable for his share of mistakes. Did you perceive Brewer as the leader of the team? Some fans may believe that Management is trying to bury the ghost of Chris Pronger with this move, rather than picking the best man for the job. What about Jamal Mayers? He has been looked upon as a leader, yet he got no letter at all. Barrett Jackman got one, and he just rejected a team offer to remain with the team. That seemed strange. Thanks.
Jeff Gordon: Jackman wants to stay, but he wants to be paid fairly in an era where veteran D are really cashing in. There is still a chance of that. Mayers is a team leader, but Brewer plays in all situations and logs big minutes against top lines. Murray believes in him -- and that overrides all the other factors, including the Pronger PR front.
Charles Westermayer: Why wouldn't the Rams bring in a guy like Joe Gibbs to run the football department like the Dolphins did with Parcells?
Jeff Gordon: Would Chip Rosenbloom someday go for new, strong leadership? Perhaps. But for now, Shaw slides into an advisory role, Zygmunt has command of the daily franchise operation and Devaney brings much-needed personnel expertise. He and Al Saunders help upgrade the lagging football operation.
Tom R: So Bryce Salvador wants to resign with the Blues. Great! I say re-sign him by all means!!

IN JULY!!!

They should trade Sal at the deadline and give him a well deserved chance to play in the playoffs. Then bring him back in the off-season, like they did with Weight and Tkachuk. JD likes to talk about "asset management". Well, let's see him manage this one properly.
Jeff Gordon: That's assuming he would fetch a lot at the deadline. There are a LOT of defensemen available, many with the ability to play on the power play. I agree that keeping him is a good plan and that renting out players is always a good idea in this scenario.
Joe Sepulveda: Hi Gordo,

Enjoy your work. Can you tell where the 2 remaining Mizzou scholarships are going now that Matt Hall from Arkansas has decided to remain in state. I do not know if the wide receiver out of Kentucky (their #1 rated prep star from Kentucky), whom Andrew Jones was trying to lobby him to coming to Mizzou has decided yet.
Jeff Gordon: Right all the buzz in Columbia centers on the offers make to 2009 recruits. That is shaping up as an exceptional group, too. The Tigers could still add a player or two for '08, but they could also hoard scholarships for next year after taking in such a nice haul.
Scott S.: Now that Jackman has nixed an extension does this mean he'll be gone at the trade deadline? And what does that mean to the defensive unit?
I guess the same is true for Salvador if he doesn't ink an entension too.
Jeff Gordon: Jackman could still stick if the contract demands come down. I think he wants to stay. But the market IS crazy for "D" right now and he knows he can't settle for a lowball effort.

Clearly somebody has to leave this unit -- if not two players -- to make room for Wagner and Polak next season.
Hammer: Do you think the Blues should give Linglet a look? He's leading Peoria in points and is a team high plus 20.

Also, what's the chance Oshie joins the Blues before season end?

Any news on the trade front?
Jeff Gordon: There is an excellent chance Oshie will sign and get his first taste of pro hockey. This would give him a head start on next season. Bishop should do the same.

Linglet will get a look at some point, but for now the team has Rucinsky back. The Blues need to pump him up in case another team would take him at the trade deadline.
Andy from Saint Louis: Dear Jeff,

I have been hearing rumors that Chad Johnson wants out of Cincinati do you think the rams are going to go after him I mean they could trade a third or fourth round pick and drew bennet for him?
Jeff Gordon: In their dreams they make that deal. Saunders does want an explosive WR for his mix, but I don't see Cincinnati trading 85 -- unless he goes completely nuts.
steve: It seems like every hockey season, a lot of hockey players get the flu. Obviously it's flu season, but the proportion seems higher with players than the general populace. Do any teams mandate that their players get flu shots?
Jeff Gordon: As many of my friends found out, flu shots don't guarantee good health. Various forms of the flu have pounded NHL teams this year. The doctors and trainers do all they can, but flying around the country in jets is a good way to pass a bug.
Tim: Would you agree that Garcia and Ottavino are the cards top SP prospects in the Cards system. When they come up do you think they have the stuff be good back of the rotation starters and put up 12-15 wins a year?
Jeff Gordon: Garcia, for sure, could hit that mark. He is a Duncan pleaser, a ground ball getter. Ottavino is further away and the expectations for him are more mixed. Look for Boggs to move himself onto the front burner this spring.
Tim: What do you think the Rams will do at center for next year? I heard Wiegamann is a free agent but isnt he like 34?
Jeff Gordon: I suppose Fry gets another look, but the team would have to weigh Romberg against the available free agents. With the salary cap soaring, there were be fewer good offensive linemen available than during earlier seasons.
steve: Hockey is still way too low scoring (unless you're playing against the Blues in 2008) to entertain the masses. It's probably one of the NHL's biggest hindrances, and one of the most easily fixable. Do you think more measures will be taken soon to increase scoring, like smaller goalie pads, or bigger nets, or even tighter penalty calling?
Jeff Gordon: Some day the bigger nets will happen because the goaltenders are so much bigger. When Ben Bishop gets to the NHL, you will be amazed. To me, the real key is keeping the speed and the flow of the game at good levels. Fans want action, not just scoring. Excessive power plays can bore fans, too.
David Cobler: Hey Gordo;

You have said that you think the Cardinals will compete or hang around until August in 08. After hearing that and following the off-season, I believe that time will confirm your witness to be a prophetic truth.

With that said, do you believe the "change-up" that is being thrown at the Cardinal organization and the fan base has been delivered in a way that the pitch has a chance of being a hit, or have we all been set up for a disappointing strikeout for this season and beyond due to the recent success of the Cardinal organization the past eight years?

Jeff...as always, I value your feedback and appreciate your time with us fans!! THANK YOU!
Jeff Gordon:
This season will disappoint a lot of fans accustomed to constant success. But others will be intrigued by the influx of younger players and potential to build a new nucleus. This sort of season was inevitable -- the team could not go on applying band-aid solutions to systemic problems. It was going to get old someday. IF the Cards do their job in player development, this season could dawn a new era. But that era will start a bit slowly as the management assesses just how good the younger players are.

Once the Cards know what they really have in Wainwright, Duncan, Ankiel, Ryan, Rasmus, Barton, et al, the front office will have a better idea of how to spend money.
Andy K: Dear Sir,

Thanks for taking my question.

I am puzzled. We have many people competing for positions this year, a situation, in some ways, much to TLR's liking. Which of them, other than Mr. Rule 5, can we NOT send back to the minors for more seasoning?
Jeff Gordon: Rasmus and Ryan can go back. If Schumaker isn't going to make the cut, look for the team to deal him. As you said, Brian Barton could return to Cleveland if he doesn't stick -- so he could force the team to make a tough call by playing well this spring.
alan: Jeff
I know we'll all root for the Cardinals every game like always, but if you kind of stand back and look at their personell , pitchers in particular , they don't really have a chance this year do they ?
Thanks,
Alan in La.
Jeff Gordon: Everything would have to break right -- Clement panning out, Mulder getting healthy, Carpenter getting healthy, Ankiel becoming a 500-at-bat force, Duncan becoming a 35-HR, 100-RBI guy, Kennedy hitting .280 again, Ryan becoming a solid everyday SS . . . a LOT would have to happen.
Andrew Schatz: I am currently a student at Parkway Central High School. I am on the newspaper staff and was assigned a story about March Madness for the next issue. My question is, "Do the Independent teams have a conference tournament to qualify for March Madness, or the best team get an automatic spot the tournament? If neither of these are the case, how does an independent team make it to March Madness?" Please write back as soon as possible and thank you for your time.
Jeff Gordon: Here is your answer: Independent teams do NOT have a conference tourney to play in, so they have must gain an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament. This isn't easy, given all the automatic berths given to conference tourney winners. This is why schools like Notre Dame see the value of joining a conference for basketball purposes.
Tim: How worried should we be about Pujols's shoulder
Jeff Gordon: It's his elbow, and Cardinal fans should worry. Once an elbow ligament is damaged, a player gets on the path to surgery and rehab. It sounds like Albert is on that path.
Tim: Will lenord ever play any fullback again or is he pretty muck set as a backup RB? I think he would be a perfect fit for the Rams at Fullback.
Jeff Gordon: He'll do both, although the team ought to add a pure lead blocker for power gun situations. It'll be interesting to see what Saunders does with Leonard's versatility.
matt"mvp"stroehmer: yo jeff, thanks for answering q's.

i know you receive a lot of these questions but, with the Rams most likely taking the D-man Long in the draft, what realistic Free Agents do you see us not only going after but actually signing?

thanks, matt "MVP" stroehmer.
Jeff Gordon: The message from Devaney and Linehan today was to not get excited about free agency. The rising salary cap will allow most teams to keep most of their top players. At best, Devaney said team can add a starter or two in a normal year. And this may be a poor year for free agency, as it was with baseball. A lot of would-be free agents may yet be signed or stuck with the transition tag.
Butch Rosier: I know top 10 list are made to generate humor or discussion but I think your Top 10 Upsets was shallow and probably a quick filler for your column. Since you did not state what you considered when making the list, it looked very much like 10 of the 1st dozen upsets that came to your mind.

US vs England in soccer, West Texas vs Kentucky, Clay vs Liston, Rocky vs all six guys, 69 Mets, Jets vs Colts, Hogan vs Zimmerman,

I believe the rise in media hype of any current event and lack of knowledge of history (40 years and beyond) makes upsets from the past or in minor sports seem under rated.

I will not even get into your ranking of the 10 you picked -- too shallow.

Thanks for years of entertainment.
butch
Jeff Gordon: The thing I wrote for FoxSports.com and MSN.com is very much a quick hit, not a detailed historical analysis. Perhaps I should have spelled out the criteria as "biggest impact upsets" or "most famous upsets." You are right, hype had plenty to do with it.
David: Hey Gordo,

Am I the only one who has gotten confused over the past 6 months with the Brian Barden and Brian Barton chat? Is Barden still in the Cardinals organization? Also, hypothetically (or realistically), let's say the Cards are out of the playoff race by the trade deadline...are there any players that the Cards might try to trade to get some younger players or to dump salary?
Jeff Gordon: Yes, Barden is still on the roster. But with Glaus in the house, he appears destined for a one-way ticket to Memphis. Even if Spiezio doesn't make the team as a back-up at 3B, Ryan would be ahead of him. And Phelps, as a RH pinch-hitter, seems likely to stick -- especially with Albert suffering lingering elbow pain.
David: I'm sure I'm not the only Blues fan surprised by Brewer being named team captain. Don't get me wrong, I have a ton of respect for both Andy Murray and Brewer. Murray knows what he's doing, and Brewer stepped into an impossible situation with the Pronger trade and he's done all he can to date. I also find the timing of the naming a bit strategic, what with the final stretch of the season approaching. Do you think Brewer is deserving of the "C," or was this more of a ploy to get the team inspired for a miracle playoff push?
Jeff Gordon: The Blues need their "D" to assert themselves more, for sure. I believe giving Brewer the "C" is a way to get him to the next level. Johnson is young still, McKee and Backman could end up on the block and both Salvador and Jackman are pending UFAs. So Murray does need Brewer to become a cornerstone.
Greg: Gordo: With the hiring of Bill Deveany what do you see as potential changes in philosphy towards free agent signings (i.e. will the Rams be more inclined to go after a Faneca type offensive lineman)?
Jeff Gordon: Devaney today stressed that teams build in the draft. In a given year, no more than one or two starters should come from free agency. Could they shoot for a high-level FA? Sure, but the Rams also expect most of the big names to either re-sign with their teams or get franchise tags. The salary cap jump will diminish this year's free agent pool.
Eric: Gordo, Love the chat! Gives me something to look forward to, to break up the mundane afternoon!


We all know the Blues have trouble scoring and need a forward to boos scoring. The question is, who's out there that the Blues would consider in a trade? The asking price could be high, as everyone is looking for someone to put them over the top.

I also have read that a puck moving defenseman would be a hot commodity and could bring huge value to a contender. Salvador and Jackman don't exactly fit that description, but would teams be willing to take one of them and give up a 20 goal forward? Who else would the Blues have to trade to make a deal happen?

Thanks!
Jeff Gordon: A LOT of good defensemen could had before the trade deadline. The Kings are willing to move anybody older than 25 -- and that includes Rob Blake, among others. So I don't see a great market for what the Blues would have to sell. The Note would love to add Marian Hossa and might even give up future commodoties if the team could extend his deal. But he is looking for monster money and the right opportunity.

Lower-level guys like Comrie and Satan might be possible gets without giving up a ton. But would either fit the Blues plans after this year? If not, why bother?
Ryan: Judging by Mr. Strauss' article on how the Cards roster looks to shape out after the Spring, it seems that either Brian Barton or Skip Schumaker will no longer be with the club. Barton offers a decent bat and speed at the leadoff position, but hasn't seen an AB past AA. Schumaker has hit fairly well in the bigs, but never seems to warrant steady playing time. Who do you see as having the most potential and the favorite to make the 25-man roster?
Jeff Gordon: Barton did get a taste of Class AAA ball last year, hitting .264 in fewer than 100 ABs. But he is an unknown. He is younger than Skip, he bats right handed and he could have more leadoff potential -- all of which could help him win the coin flip, if it came to that. On the other hand, Skip hit well enough at all levels to merit a good look.

Could both stay? Perhaps, if somebody else (like Spiezio) fell out of the mix.
Tacleberry: Now that Linehan has seemingly cleared his head of the two-year version of Sinatra's "My Way" and has begun to embrace the notion that he needs established coaching help, what is his next move with the players?

Also, as we approach free agency, what potential pifalls does Linehan need to avoid in terms of getting effective players?
Jeff Gordon: He just needs to let Saunders and Haslett take charge of those units and make the needed changes. And he must let Devaney take charge of free agency to make sure the Rams at least add some quality depth. Again, there won't be as many impact FAs this year, due to the cap increase, and contenders will first shot at those guys.
Tacleberry: Will Billy Devaney continue the Rams tradition of excellence, bringing in as many Falcons/former Falcons as possible?

So next year our team will have a lot of ex-Falcons/Dolphins/Saints/Vikings. How many chmapionships have these teams won combined in the last 10 years?
Jeff Gordon: Devaney also has been with the Chargers -- and you would love to have some of those guys.
Mark Applegate: Does pride and/or an inferiority complex for our minor-Minor League system play into the decision NOT to trade Rasmus and Anderson for some pitching help now? I watched them both play last year and neither knocked my socks off...at Double A! Neither are ready! I know there is pressure to drive down payroll, but wasting millions on Izturis, Jaun Gone-zalez, and others?? Time to come clean and call it a payroll issue!
Jeff Gordon: The Cards didn't "waste millions" on the guys they've added. All got modest deals. Izturis will get $2.285 million, which is about the least you can pay a veteran shortstop with any expectation of playing. Gonzalez is owed nothing unless he makes the team, which is unlikely. What pitcher could the Cards have gotten for Rasmus and Anderson? Given the deals made this winter, it was going to take more than that to get even a 15-game winner. Now is not the time to trade youngsters. The Cards need to see what they really have and decide which players to build upon. They also need to see where Mulder and Carpenter really are, too, before making a big pitching decision. (Clement and Pineiro were value deals.)

Down the road, with the money have clearly saved, the Cards can try to add quality.

This team needs to overhaul its nucleus, building something that could last a while. It can't do that making short-term deals when this team has so many unanswered questions.
Scott Rhein: Hello Jeff, it is great to talk at you again. After watching both games this weekend. I want to know which team is the real Blues. Is it the team that beat Detroit or the team that just got killed by Dallas. Our powerplay is sad. I saw some light on Sunday but we have to do something. After reading this week that Jackman wants 4 to 5 million. If anyone should get that money, it should be Salvador. Is there a defenseman out there that can help us on the powerplay?
Scott
Jeff Gordon: Neither player will get that money here. It would be nice to add a potential free agent like Dan Boyle, but it appears the new Lightning ownership may want to get him signed.
Dan McGuire: Hey Gordo, I'm not hearing much about Josh Kinney these days. It looks like the Cardinals retain his rights. Is he expected to be good to go? If so, and Reyes doesn't round into form, what would you think of giving Kinney his roster spot and going with "bullpen starts" when a fifth starter is needed until Mulder is ready? The bullpen would seem to be deep enough to handle that if Kinney is there and healthy.
Jeff Gordon: I hate "bullpen starts." They tax the relievers and create more problems than they fix. Wellemeyer or Thompson are also candidates to start for Mulder, in addition to Reyes. Kinney could make the team as a short reliever, if healthy, and take the role Troy Percival grabbed last year.
Kevin: Jeff,

It gets annoying reading other St. Louis writers give over views about the Cards. Those of us who follow the Cards 24/7 for 12 months, who buy tickets, MLB packs and etc get weary with no voice relentlessly hitting the Cards for better solutions for this roster. This is a sub par product and the fans want better. The Cards should not tell us they are going to add quality then add roster rejects and reclamation products. They/we knew the market was thin going into the off season and the price would be high. They should quit telling us what they will do then never do it. Enough with the, "Well who did you want them to get?" That is what they are paid millions to figure out.

I believe this winter we wanted quality...not the best ever. Forget Bedard, Santana, Hunter and those players. But, why no respectable players? Why no real SS? Why no healthy starting pitcher? Why no decent outfielder? No one wanted them to sell the farm. It seems they could have added Weaver or Fogg or Lohse or a healthy innings guy for next season. It seems they could have added Wilson, Bay or Nady as another solid righty bat.

Unless they have a rabbit in their hat they should refund the increased ticket prices and apologize for not trying hard enough to improve this winter.

Thank you for being a voice of reason...please do not soften...they still have time to retool a portion of this roster for a respectable 2008.

Hoping for a Rabbit,
Kevin
Jeff Gordon: Again, what do you really have with Ankiel, Duncan, Ryan, Barton and Rasmus? If the younger guys can play, this is a different team.

How close are young pitchers Garcia and Perez?

What do you really have with Clement, Mulder and Carpenter? Each is an all-star pitcher, IF healthy.

Mozeliak did hedge a few of his bets, spending significant dollars on Izturis and Miles in case Ryan needs more time and Kennedy can't hit anymore.

He also beefed up his bench with Phelps and the left side of his bullpen.

So we'll see. If the kids and rehab pitchers pan out, the Cards will have a decent team AND money to spend in '08. If the team goes south, the team will play more kids and prepare for a bigger '09 overhaul.

Stan: Jim,
Thanks again for the voice. Have a couple of concerns. First of all why the delay in getting to Jackson's extension? The Rams certainly wouldn't consider a draft day trade with McFadden being the first pick would they?
And what are the chance of the Rams actually digging in the pockets and going after Faneca? You would think with Faneca and Pace along with a healthy O-Line we would suddenly become a scary offense once again.
Stan
Jeff Gordon: If Faneca hits the free-agent marketplace, he could set a new record for guards. Roethlisberger has asked the Steelers to keep him, but there is some history between Faneca and the franchise now.

On Monday, Linehan said the club expects Incognito and Setterstrom to be recover fully for next season. If that's the case, why would the team spend record money to for another guard? They could move one of those guys to safety, but it seems more likely the Rams would invest in another need position.
Hen: Hi Jeff,

I'm wondering how much say will Devaney have over the actual draft picks and free agent signings. Is his hiring an end to the head coaches final decision on personnel? When it really comes down to it who has the final say? Zygmunt? Losehan? Devaney can be the best talent evaluator ever but if he doesn't have the final say then his impact is not as great as reported. See Softli. I was excited about his hire but....
Jeff Gordon: Everybody agreed today that the draft picks will be a result of consensus. Devaney will have a bigger say in free agency than this draft, since he is still getting caught up on the college players. But overall, consider his hiring as a strengthening of the footbal decision-making at Rams Park. Devaney will have a strong voice.
Cincy Ram: Hey Gordo,I have two questions for you. I know what the Rams do in free agency will have alot to do with the draft,so do you think re-building the offensive line with a quality free agent Guard,Tackle,Center,and speed receiver could make the offence elite again?Other than cutting LB Pisa T.because I think he is injury prone and overrated, do you think it's time to start drafting quality replacements for DT Glover,DE Little,and a big hard hitting safety and OLB?
Jeff Gordon: They need to upgrade those positions, plus OT, C, and their depth at QB, G, CB . . . well, pretty much everywhere.
Mike Zamniak: Are the Rams looking for a NEW Strength & Conditioning Coach? I understand that they're interviewing for a NEW assisstant.
I feel this area is extremely important, if you take into consideration the amount of injuries they had last season.
Jeff Gordon: A new strength and conditioning coach couldn't prevent other teams from diving into the sides of legs and so forth. There really wasn't a pattern to the Rams injuries. Can't really blame the playing surface or the staff for that.
Hen: Gordo,

Despite all the front office and coaching changes so far the Rams still have Zygmunt and Shaw and very unfortunately Linehan. Any word on the power structure? Did (as anticipated) Zygmunt come out of this with even more power? Until this fan knows that the "power" is given to those they have recently hired (Saunders & Devaney) I doubt my apathy will be reversed.
Jeff Gordon: Jay has more overall power with Shaw moving out of the picture. But the football side is much stronger with Devaney and Saunders helping Linehan address two of his shortcomings.
Brian from Vegas: Gordo,
I think much of the Rams strategy of who they take with the 2nd pick in the draft depends on their assessment of Clifton Ryan. If Ryan and Carriker are "players", then the need for a DT is not great and the obvious pick is a DE or OT. But if Ryan is just a part time player, then passing on Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis could be a big mistake. Do you know if the Rams consider Ryan a full time, high caliber NFL player, or is he just a late round pick that can contribute? I did not hear or see much from him the last 1/3 of the season.
Jeff Gordon: They love Ryan as a true run-stopping nose tackle. Since Carriker can play three spots, I wouldn't rule out a getting a DT first -- it seems more prudent to take a DE, if at all possible.
RICH: I had high hopes for the blue note this year....what a big disappointment!....What do you think is the next step???
Jeff Gordon: Next step: Get younger still. Expiring contracts will give the Blues a lot of flexibility in free agency and/or to promote younger players. The rebuilding is on schedule, with or without a playoff berth this year.
Brandon: How does our current situation in Memphis play into the forming of the Cardinals Major League roster as they break camp? Is it just as important for Memphis to be competitive this year, unlike in years past?
Jeff Gordon: Good point. Having a Class AAA team in Memphis is good marketing for the the Cards. So it's time to put a winner there, to keep ownership happy. Starting this year, the Redbirds WILL be better because of player development. As long as DeWitt is still involved with Cards, the franchise will stress player development more than in the past.
tom s.: If El Hombre's elbow doesn't hold up, will we see Duncan back at first or someone else? Would that be Anderson's chance to get some playing time not behind the plate?
Jeff Gordon: The team signed Josh Phelps for this purpose. And, yes, Duncan would play there, too.
Danny Vogler: Whos your pick to be the 5th starter? Brad Thompson, Todd Wellemeyer, or Anthony Reyes?

Whos your pick for back up infielders? Spezio, Miles, Jiminez, Phelps, Ryan, or Barden?

Whos your pick for back up outfielders? Schumaker, Barton, Rasmus, Juan Gone, Ludwick, or maybe even Spezio?
Jeff Gordon: Fifth starter: Wellemeyer.
Back-up infielder: Ryan, at least until he plays his way to regular work. Miles is the Kennedy insurance; his fate may depend on how Adam looks this spring.
OF: Barton, Ludwick and Schumaker. A great spring by Spiezio changes that, though.
BrotherBri: I have to admit a feeling of satisfaction at the Pats not only losing to the Giants, but battling the Spygate (Rams version) allegations. I've read reports on penalties ranging from a year's suspension for Belicheat to forfeit of all the Pats Super Bowl victories. And while those penalties ease suffering, they don't return momentum to the franchises that were cheated.

So here's my hopeful question -- any chance the league might award the Rams that first round pick the Pats got from the Niners?
Jeff Gordon: God no. The NFL hates the Rams. I'm sure Goodell's "investigation" will turn up nothing. It sounds like the old Pats video guy is keeping his piehole closed.
Andrew Sampson: I was jazzed at the acquisition of Hannu last summer. Now, it looks like he can't be counted on to give Senori Legace a night off. What do you think the Blues should do at this point? There are still a good number of back to back games on the way.
Jeff Gordon: Right now, they just have to ride Legace as long as he can last. Toivonen needs some work to get on track, but this team can't afford to give it to him. I'm Davidson is eager to swap out Bishop for Schwarz to create another viable option.
JOE: Hey Jeff

Sadly the blues are most likely out of the playoffs and will be sellers in the next few weeks. everybody wants trades , I'm sure we well make a couple moves. but what about bringing up some guys from the minors and seeing what they can do. an infusion of some young/fresh talent could revive a stagnant lineup. any names we might keep an eye on?
Jeff Gordon: Linglet has to get a look, it seems. Then Oshie and Bishop after their college seasons. We need to see more of Wagner, too, and Polak when he is back to 100 percent.
R Weyrauch: Questions concerning the cardinals opening day roster. Do you think its a possibillity the cards start the season with only four sp? Wainright,Looper,Pinero,clement and Thompson,Wellemeyer,Flores,Johnson,Springer,Franklin,Izzy in the bullpen. This would allow Reyes to go to AAA for a couple starts where hopefully he will increase his trade value.Also I was wondering if Shumaker has any minor league options left and if Phelps and Gonzalez would be willing to start the season at AAA? Thanks
Jeff Gordon: Juan Gone has little choice on where to play. The dude's been out of the bigs for a while. I see Phelps on this team, protecting Albert's elbow. I see Schumaker moving in a deal if it appears Barton is the real thing or if Spiezio looks great.

As the four-starter concept, La Russa could do that. But I think it is a huge mistakes, even with all the April off days. This team has hae a lot of arm and shoulder injuries. Why risk more?
JOE: whats your opinion of Amaury Marti? i think he could have a big impact on the club. he seems to hit where ever he plays, defensively i have not heard a lot. & I know there have been issues with his actual age, but if he can hit he can hit. he has gotten lost in the shuffle of rebuilding and i have not heard anything new this winter. where do you project him for the coming year?
Jeff Gordon: There are so many outfielders -- including Joe Mather, who had a Springfield power surge last year -- that it's tough to give Marti much of a look. Ten years ago the Cards would have been excited about him. Now? Not so much. Perhaps he can kill the ball at Memphis and force the Cards' hand.
Jeremy (Denver): Gordo,
Rams question...regarding Devaney's hire, I understand the "decisions will be made by the group" thing...but does Devaney have final say over all personnel decisions, or does the final say still sit with Linehan?
Jeff Gordon: The coach always has the final say because he can always refuse to play somebody the personnel guy gets. Joe Gibbs did this to Bobby Beathard all the time when Devaney was there. Having said that, Linehan will rely on Devaney's expertise on NFL veterans. In time, I see the new guy controlling the draft as well -- since he has strong field experience there. He intends to scout college games this coming season.
Jeremy (Denver): Another question...has Haslett decided if he is running a 3-4 or 4-3 defense yet? This will be important for how the Rams approach off-season acquisitions!
Jeff Gordon: How much 3-4 the team will play is still in discussion. Some of that may depend on what becomes available in the draft and free agency. It's a two-way street there.
Nick: Gordo,

Do you Devaney is the answer to the Ram's draft problems? Seems like there is not enough time before the draft to effectively evaluate colloege talent for the later rounds.
Jeff Gordon: I didn't mind the '07 Rams draft, since Carriker was as good as advertised, Ryan was a happy surprise, Leonard did his job and Stanley showed well late. Devaney will be more help in free agency, as limited as that may be.
JOE: Hey Jeff

How about those Bandits huh ? I have followed them casually since they moved here. they are playing the best hockey in the st. louis area, tops in the league in points and goals scored. Kudos to the Bandits and major kudos to Chase, et al for bringing a winning franchise to STL. maybe the Blues should send a scout to chesterfield.
I know its rather unlikely but could we eventually see the the bandits as a Blues affiliate?
Jeff Gordon: The Blues will scout the Bandits, but not as an affiliate -- that doesn't happen at the junior level.
Todd: Gordo,
Don't you think the Illini fans should be angry at Bruce Weber for not securing Eric Gordon? It's not a commitment until there is a signature anyway. Why don't people understand that? Again it shows Illinois has no class.
Jeff Gordon: Lots of anger there, at Gordon, at Weber and Sampson. Bruce is a class act, but he does have to ramp up the recruiting to keep his gig. The same goes for Anderson at Mizzou.
Ed: Gordo,

What's the real story with Tony Softli? The press has indicated that the Rams seemingly going to ax him after the draft (I know this is not certain). Hasn't he only presided over the 2007 draft which actually may be the best draft in recent Ram's draft history? He also did a very good job in Carolina as I understand it. Bernie M is saying the Rams are making the right moves but I don't see this as a positive. So what gives?

Ed C.
Jeff Gordon: Let's see how he works within the new structure. Perhaps there will still be something for him here. Devaney addresses the pro personnel side, too, which was his forte in Atlanta. I would assume Softli can still make his case to stay as the college guru. But there was a sense that more leadership was needed in this realm of the football operation, too.
Zac Humboldt, TN: Gordo,

I had read in the past months that the Cardinals were thinking about giving Anderson a shot at second base in spring training. I know he is a catcher, but is there any history of him playing second base? Wouild this be a good move if they gave him that shot? Thanks!
Jeff Gordon: The Cards have a zillion second basemen, with Hoffpauir on the cusp, so this wouldn't improve his job prospects much. He is a good hitting prospect at catcher, but he would be just another guy at second base -- IF he could even play there.
Steve: i have to be honest...super bowl 42 healed some wounds remaining from super bowl 36, gordo. the rams played at foxborough in '01. was that game played before the patriots began spying? some of this is sour grapes, some of it is looking for an explanation of how we lost that game, and some of it is looking for an explanation of the rams' demise since that game. what are your feelings regarding appropriate 'punishment' for the pats if this all turns out to be true?
Jeff Gordon: A draft pick would nice, but I'm not holding my breath. As for the Super Bowl 36 incident, the Rams lost that game because Mike Martz failed to make earlier adjustments. Also, Ricky Proehl fumbled away points as the Rams we taking control of the game. Spygate is just an excuse. If the other side is sitting on your plays for whatever reason, change them.
Derrick H.: Have we heard anything about Duncan's groin injury? Is he expected to be full strength this year? Also, why doesn't Albert just sit down and have the surgery right now? Rather than getting half way through the season and blowing it out so he misses a bunch of next year too.
Jeff Gordon: I agree on Albert -- if he couldn't straighten out his arm this winter, then he needed surgical repairs. Come back in '09. It's not like this team is going to win it all. As for Duncan, he should be fine.
Noah McCloud: Gordo,

There is a rumor surfacing that Albert Pujols is going to be shut down before the season for Tommy John surgery? We have absolutly no shot if he does. Have you heard this rumor and is there any truth?

Thanks.

Noah
Jeff Gordon: Sure, it could happen. And, yes, that would officially doom the Cards.
Matt: Hey Jeff. Thanks for taking our questions today. Good to hear your input.

Concerning the Rams. Don't you think that it would be better to have a new owner come in and make changes? One that would make a clean sweep for the better. The front office seems to be dysfunctional, with so many "General Managers". Now we hire a guy to "run the draft", when we already have a "VP" filling that role, AND we're only 2 months away from the Draft taking place!

I would prefer a clean sweep, and start from scratch, rather then watch a high potent offense play well below their abilities for another year. If we are in a rebuilding year, then maybe we should rebuild from every aspect.

I personally would rather watch something new, then to sit through another year like last year. There seems to be a lack of respect and discipline in the organization, from top to bottom.

Thanks.
Jeff Gordon: Chip Rosenbloom IS the new owner and he is overseeing some change. The start-over you speak of likely wouldn't happen unless he told the team.
San Diego Paul: Why is the St. Louis sports media so down on Reyes and so optimistic about veteran pitchers who have either failed repeatedly with other clubs (Piniero) or are attempting comebacks from serious disabling injuries. It was obvious that Reyes had a horrible year in 2007 but he is still young and his minor league record was outstanding.
The Cardinals have had a history of giving up on young pitchers. Haren is only the latest. Look up the sorry tale of Steve Carlton. Also look at Bob Gibson's early history with the Cardinals as a counterexample where the Cardinals showed patients with a young pitcher who seemed unlikely to ever find home plate with his pitches.
Jeff Gordon: Don't compare Reyes to Gibson and Carlton. And he NEVER dominated, not in college, not in the minors. The dude kept getting hurt. I agree that giving him away would be a bad idea, but he has a long way to go to accomplish what Joel and Matt have done at the big league level.
Don: Gordo--Do you think that the hiring of Billy Devaney was a good move? Does it signal a change in how things will be done, or will he be marginalized like Softi?
Jeff Gordon: He didn't come here to get marginalized. He came here to run a football operation. He doesn't appear to be an egomaniac, so he can do this with a spirit of cooperation.
jrocke217: hey gordo

do you see mitch boggs, dewon brazelton, jaime garcia, clayton mortensen, adam ottavino, & p.j. walters getting some time this spring as starters or will they be used out of the bullpen? starters with a minimum of innings or letting them loose to pitch some innings?

thanks
Jeff Gordon: Boggs and Garcia could earn looks as starters, but remember how spring training works -- starters won't really be starters until late in the spring schedule. By then, most of the young guys will be long gone.
steven: Who should the Rams aggressively pursue during free agency?

Al Saunders is a big fan of fast WR who can streach the field. Just look at the guys he had in Washington with Brandon Lloyd and Santana Moss. Both lines need some help or at least be able to stay healthy. Having Orlando Pace and Leonard Little out all sure season doesn't help anything.

Who do You think the Rams will take a look at?
Jeff Gordon: They DO want an impact receiver, one with speed. That could come in the second round or in free agency.
jrocke217: so what did you think of our boys in the caribbean series? jose martinez finally got some starting time, but didn't really shine til the 5th game. hugo castellanos kinda crumbled in the final game. d'angelo jimenez only got 1 start.
Jeff Gordon: Martinez caught the Cards' eyes this spring. He is worth watching. D'Angelo is what he is, a talented underachiever. He has to beat out scrappy players and impress a manager big on work ethic. Longshot!
Steve A: It seems like the Rams picked a rough year to wind up with the 2nd overall pick. Chris Long is an interesting possibility, but he could be off the board. Every candidate for the spot has areas of concern or doesn't appear to be a great fit.

With the risk in paying all that guaranteed money, what are the chances the Rams trade out of the spot to some safer contracts and additional talent (even if it means not getting the full "point" pick value in return.) Some team has to have a little bit of interest in Dorsey, McFadden or one of the Longs right?
Jeff Gordon: Devaney said the Rams will decide what is the "dropoff pick" in this first round. And don't expect them to move lower than that. This draft could go a lot of ways for this team, but DE seems like the ideal route.
Dan in Dodge City, KS: Gordo, anything new on the Patsies and Belicheat and the taping of the Rams walk through before Super Bowl XXXVI? Will Goodell man-up and suspend this clown?

Thanks.
Jeff Gordon: Expect a wrist slap, at most.
jrocke217: is it safe to say thank goodness we didn't sign curt schilling? lol. i already knew he wasn't coming to st. louis, but just imagine the world of hurt the cards would be in if this guy came here? carp, mulder, schilling riding the bench. we probably would of never made a move for clement if schill was signed either. we would probably be making calls to over pay for pitchers such as benson, lohse, weaver, hernandez, or maybe even colon right now.
Jeff Gordon: Not a shock with Curt, given all the mileage on him. Colon would be a similar risk. I wouldn't mind Benson, but he is in the same category as Mulder and Carpenter -- coming back at some point during the season.
Dan: Am I the only one who thinks its wrong to not support the Cards this year? Everyone I know is yelling at me for spending money on season tix when they haven't done anything to really improve the club. I'm not a fairweather fan, and St. Louis has never had fairweather baseball fans. I know we will improve next year, but i'm excited in not seeing edmonds and rolen pop out everytime at bat. your thoughts?
Jeff Gordon: If you like youth movements, this season could be fun. Otherwise, it could really get frustrating as the Brewers come of age and the big budget Cubs take their shot with Piniella.
Russell: Where does Jackman get off thinking he deserves the big money? Ever since his shoulder injury he has been pathetic. He has shown glimpses of the Jackman prior to the shoulder injury, but those glimpses have been few and far between. If he really thinks he deserves the money then cut his ties and let him go - Salvador gets half as much and plays twice as hard. Give Salvador the raise and long term contract and dump Jackman. Jackmans a bum and should feel lucky he hasn't been sent down with the way he has played.
Jeff Gordon: Barret is not greedy. He is just paying attention to the marketplace, which is favorable to veteran defensemen. Jackman plays hard, but he does need to clean up his defensive zone play. Can he star for Murray in this system, in the era of the NHL? I'm not sure we know. That is what Davidson and Pleau must decide, with Andy's advice.
bob: Gordo- It seems it will be a long summer for Cardinal nation. Chris Carpenter the ace will not be ready till tshe all star break (I believe it when I see it), Mark Moulder, who knows, we have the newst rehap project in Matt Clement and a bunch, at best middle releif guys. You can not compete with pitching and the cards hace no pitching- even the prospect of pitching.

Albert is hurting and will miss a chunk of the season or will be less effective.

There no one in the outfiled that causes alsrm for anyone.

THe only hope is that the Cubs remain the cubs, and the Brewers and Asaors flop and hoefully the cards can squuze into contention.

I nsee no hope and at best a .500 season-show me where I am wrong
Jeff Gordon: It could certainly go that way. As noted earlier, a LOT of ifs would have to fall right for this team to contend.

But if Wainwright, Carpenter, Mulder and Clement are all pitching in August -- and pitching like their old selves -- that would be a heck of a rotation.
Gabriel to Snow: I saw Marshall interview Holt in Hawaii a couple days ago & it left me concerned. I am heartened by the additions of Saunders & Devaney, but Holt gave me the impression that there is little respect for Linehan. I hope Scott is smart enough to revisit the issues that still concern our veterans in a way that will clear the air early in camp. I do believe they will give Scott support if he evolves as a leader, but that's a big if. How concerned are you Gordo?
On Devaney, I am aware of some of his past decisions & am cautiously optimistic. However, I don't recall any trades he worked. Do you know of any representative examples? And do you think his addition makes us more or less likely to trade out of the second slot?
Jeff Gordon: You don't build with trades. And the rare big deal (like the Faulk maneuver) often happens at the team president level. It's all drafting, with a mix of free agency.

As for Linehan, the Saunders addition fixing much of this. Al can win back the players.
Louis: Gordo, why does it seem that most St. Louis columnists are a little paranoid that the Rams organazation might move back to Southern Cal?

Even one of your earlier columns on how SoCal fans were a little off when it came to Georgia seemed a bit desperate.

Ram fans in SoCal didn't show up to the final games because upper management wasn't doing much with the team in upgrading and don't forget, they would not pay the greatest running back in history the money he deserved therefore had to trade him (for awful picks!)

We STILL support the team out here but the facts about Georgia (no disrespect) remain and had you witnessed it yourself ('88-'94), you would really know how frustating it is to see her say things about it being the "right" move. Carrol Rosenbloom would NEVER have done what she did.
Jeff Gordon: LA will get a team sooner or later. And Chip Rosenbloom is a LA guy. And the Rams stadium will be outdated sooner than later. If the Raiders can go back and forth, then so can the Rams.
dennis m: i thought schumaker hit well last year. Articles ive read seem to indicate he needs to do a lot better to earn a starting job. How much better does he have to do to accomplice a starting role?
Jeff Gordon: Skip did hit will, but he has no power and little base stealing ability. If he can improve his on-base percentage, hit more doubles and produce more runs, he has a chance. The team does need a leadoff guy and there is a shortage of candidates.
Gregg: time is running out. when is mozaliak going to sign bonds and weaver? what are your thoughts be on those two players?
Jeff Gordon: Bonds would need a motorized scooter to play the OF and Selig won't let him have one. If Weaver is still looking for work in a few weeks -- and if it appeared the Cards were destined to have more pitching trouble than anticipated -- then adding him might make sense.
Tacleberry: Is there any chance that the Rams look to make a free agency/draft aquisition for a "true" inside linebacker and move Witherspoon outside permanently?
Jeff Gordon: Haslett likes him inside, but if the right guy came available -- or if the team went to a 3-4 - his role could change.
Mike: It's great to see the Rams make some positive moves recently with the hiring of Saunders and Devaney. In the case of Devaney, did Shaw make this happen or did someone else (Zygmunt, Kroenke, Rosenbloom) make the call? If it wasn't Shaw, is it safe to say this organization is quickly moving in the direction of a significant power shift?
Jeff Gordon: Linehan admitted he needed help in this area and Shaw (and/or Zygmunt) agreed that it was a good idea. A good sign all the around that guys are willing to address shortcomings.
Glenn Turner: The Blues look to be a few dynamic offensive players short. Perhaps add a good offensive defensemen for the power play. I know they have some nice prospects. My vote be sellers at the deadline and draft a few more. Do not overpay for Salvadore/Jackman or Backman. They all can be replaced with other solid but not spectacular defensemen. Can we get anything for our three free agenany of our veteran forwards? Trade Walt again?
Jeff Gordon: I don't see the current Blues having much trade value. Perhaps the Blues will make a move or two to adding some picks or prospects, but I'd be surprised if they repeated last year's clean-up.
Glenn Turner: P. Walters will be in camp. Any chance he or Ottavino have a shot at making the club? Are they AAA or AA bound?
Jeff Gordon: No change of making the club. Let's see what they do at Class AA first.
Ruben: Gordo, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. For this team to be a success in 2008, which free agents must the Rams target & sign? Do you think they will get any of your choices? Any word on the Bruce/Little situation? Are they both willing to restructure?
Jeff Gordon: Let's see the free-agent list first. It may not be as long as you think. Little's situation is interesting, because his contract is a big number. I look for Bruce and the Rams to work things out, now that Saunders is here.
Justin: Gordo,

Jeremy Rutherford reported that Bryce Salvador's agent was recently in town to discuss an extension. JR suggested that Salvador is asking for between $2.5 and $3 million per season. On the other hand, Barret Jackman and the Blues apparently are far apart on money and Jackman's people might be asking for $4 million per year or more. I would like to see the Blues retain Salvador, especially if the Blues are able to move Christian Backman or Jay McKee this offseason. However, I have been very disappointed with Jackman's lack of development and think that it is time for the Blues to cut him loose. In my opinion, he often takes stupid penalties, allows opposing forwards to get behind him, and does not move the puck well. You watch every game too--do you agree?
Jeff Gordon: Even for, say, $3.5 million, Jackman does have to clean up his game.
Pat: What do you think of Juan Gonzalez's chances of making the opening day roster for the Cardinals? As far as the Blues are concerned, who would bring better value back to the them in a trade, Salvador or Jackman?
Jeff Gordon: I'd give Juan Gone a 5 percent chance, at best. He would have to hustle in the outfielder and I'm not sure he is capable of that. Jackman would likely have more trade value, although Salvador is playing better.
Ryan: I know the Blues are trying to generate offense any way they can, and I also know with Tkachuck out of the lineup last night against the Wild the lines had to be tinkered with. But, what the heck is David Perron doing on a line with DJ King? Don't get me wrong, King is great at the role the Blues want him to play, and his puck skills have certainly improved as the years gone on, but why have one of our best offensive minded forwards playing with an enforcer? That cannot be a good combination, and it certainly wasn't yesterday. Perron was nearly invisible.

Do you think Murray is reaching a little bit with these line combos, Gordo, or what?
Jeff Gordon: The same goes with Ryan Johnson with Boyes and Rucinksy. With Walt out, assembling lines was tough.

I see Perron sitting out some games as the wear and tear adds up. He looked tired Sunday, even in that role.
George Hoffman: Gordo,

Normally I ask questions about the Cards but I think most of those have been answered about 80 times. So lets talk Rams. I have had a hard time falling in love with any team over the last couple of years. I think Fantasy Football has jaded me. I have thought about just sticking with the Rams or Chiefs as they are the hometown clubs but KC bothers me with Herm running a very boring show up their and STL just can't seem to get things going either. I guess my question to you is should I have reason to fall back in love with these teams or should I just start all over and pick some other team to spend my Sunday's with.

Your the best.
Jeff Gordon: The Rams will be better, although it's tough to say how much. Can't speak to the Chiefs scenario.
Eugene: It seems that all I hear is the Cardinals being the underdog to win the central this year. I just don't get it I look at our team and think we're going to look a bit like the brewers did last year, hopefully without falling apart at the end of the season. And if we were able to hang around with the rotation we had last year (Kip Wells) I think we have a pretty good shot barring any major injuries. What do you expect the new look Cardinal to do this year?
Jeff Gordon: The Brewers had superior young talent. The Cards aren't nearly as talented, at least with the kids. And hanging around with a mediocre record this season . . . I don't see that happening. The Brewers and Cubs will be tough.
guy: Hi Jeff,

Just when we were hoping for less politics and more direction, the rams front office muddy the water again.

Softli appears to have done a good job with last seasons draft and will walk into another job. The back biting started 2 weeks into his job in STL and he is now a dead man walking.

Devaney may well be a good hire, but still doesn't get to have final say! Who does?

Just when there should be no where left to turn for the biggest problem - JZ - He hires another stooge

What is your opinion?

thanks
Guy
Jeff Gordon: Devaney isn't a stooge. He'll have plenty of clout. As for Softli, I assume he still has time to dazzle the new football czar. He would have to take a step back to stay here, but he didn't do much with the pro personnel anyway.
Donald Owens: Thanks for taking my question. I am a life-long Cards fan and my concern is with our Memphis Redbirds. Do you think the parent club will stock enough talent at Memphis this year to at least make the Redbirds competitve? The past three years have been really bad here and I think it has shown at the major league level.

Donnie in Memphis
Jeff Gordon: The good Springfield team moves up, so, yes, Memphis will be better.
Michael Kent: Jeff ...

It's been well documented that Colby Rasmus is considered "off limits" in any trade involving the Cardinals. But just for kicks, let's imagine for a moment that Mo was willing to listen to other teams' overtures to obtain his future centerfielder.

Would you care to give a couple of examples of what Rasmus would fetch in a trade with a recent contender like the Red Sox, Yankees, or Tigers ... and with a recent doormat like the Pirates or Royals?

Thank you.
Jeff Gordon: Rasmus times four or five could have yielded guys like Cabrera and Willis. But there is only one Rasmus -- and zero other prospects in the same can't-miss caliber. So it's a moot point.
MFooks from J.C: What is the infatuation with Linehan? He came from a bad team and brought over his failure of players, so why do the Rams hold on to him?
Jeff Gordon: The new owner will determine the course of the franchise. And the new owner will have a year to size up the coach.
John: I have a specific question about Glaus. Joe Strauss wrote: "Glaus has hit mostly in the No. 4 spot during his career but has been more productive hitting further down. In 2007, he batted .229 as the Blue Jays' cleanup hitter compared to .353 in the No. 5 spot." Exactly how significant is a stat like that? What accounts for such a big statistical difference? Or is it just an insignificant one-season stat?
Jeff Gordon: Troy doesn't hit for a high average, period, so he is more suited to the No. 5 role. Duncan could hit cleanup against righties as a result.
Ray: Hi Gordo:

Can you tell me the Cards opinion of Zachary Zuercher, the lefty reliever who appears to have had a good year at AA last year? We hear all about other relief pitchers in the minors (many further away from the majors than Zuercher), but nothing about him. Why not?

Ray
Jeff Gordon: The guys at "First Inning" rank him with Chris Perez on the near-ready list, so that is a good thing. He 23 and probably a year away from contention.
Ryan: Ankiel - .264, 31HR, 89RBI
Duncan - .271, 26HR, 77RBI
Glaus - .256, 28HR, 73RBI

Are these realistic numbers going into the 2008 season?
Jeff Gordon: Duncan and Glaus better do better than that -- or this season will get really ugly.
roger from lake tahoe: earlier a question was asked that i don't think you fully answered. if the cards are out of the running at the trade deadline, would the team dump any front line players to pick up prospects. i.e. glauss, duncan, and i might even include brian anderson.
Jeff Gordon: Duncan is relatively young and still cheap. He stays. Anderson is a trade chip, for obvious reasons. Glaus will need to play third for at least another year, unless he falls apart defensively. There is no Plan B. If the Cards are out of it, they could try to get younger still -- but there isn't much left to trade.
Will: Jeff,

The Rams are doing things in the off season that should really make football fans smile around St.Louis. Primarily the hiring of Saunders as Offensive Coordinator. Yes this will revitalize the Rams dramatically. Perhaps put a little fear back in the NFC West. Give dedicated players like Sir Ike, Big Game Holt, Captain Bulger & the freight train known as Steven Jackson a reason to smile real big. Let's get an O-Line in there to give a guy like Bulger time to do what he does and keep our very tired defense off the field. We have some pieces to fill and I believe we are doing a fine job thus far. You know, I wrote sometime ago about the comparisons between Coach Vermeil's record and Coach Linehan's in a three year span and was lambasted for it. I know Coach Vermeil is in a different league so to speak as far as coaching resumes go but I believe in giving a person a real chance to run a team. A coach has to have a chance to do what they do and fans gotta realize there will be some seasons where things don't go right. But the Coach is doing a fine job bending and stretching to achieve. The question is; what about that draft. I believe DE is a must fill but a better depth at O-Line and some late pick receivers would do this team good. What do you think? And hey, I don't hold it against you guys for invoking the Vermeil/Linehan coaching record to this point-just realize who said it first.....LOL.

Will
Jeff Gordon: Linehan is making adjustments, as Dick did. Good for him. But can he lead? He still has that to prove.
Dave: Gordo:

I noticed recently at a Blues game (against Tampa Bay) that the guy who sits behind the goal and lights the lamp isn't there anymore. Granted his job was completely meaningless b/c of referees and replay, but what's up? Is this the NHL cost-cutting?
Jeff Gordon: The goal judge was moved off to the side and out of the booth. This frees up a good seat to sell -- and with every disputed goal getting reviewed, there isn't much need for him any more.
Tara: Last night in Buffalo, Richard Zednik of the Florida Panthers has his throat slashed by a skate. Lastest news says he is resting comfortably after undergoing surgery. I would just like to remind everyone to send thoughts and prayers out to Zednik and his family and also the extended Panthers hockey family. Get well soon, Richard.
Jeff Gordon: Scary incident, one the Blues can relate to.
Dan: Gordo-
What is your take on Bruce Weber? We know he can't recruit and only wins with Self's players, but I think Thursday showed his true colors. He said that the crowd was "tremendous," and had no problem with Frazier taking a cheap shot at Gordon. Is he that clueless, or that much of a baby that he holds grudges against 18 year old kids?
Jeff Gordon: Frazier went overboard and should have been chastised, as other media types noted. Weber needs to ramp up recruiting and win. He has the support of his AD, but things change quickly on college sports. Look at what happened to Brady at LSU.
Rambo: Hi Jeff thanks for answering questions.
1. will the rams honor georgia frontiere with jersey patches or something else when the season begins again?
2. will the rams ever have a mascot like the other teams in the area?
3. do you think the blues can make the playoffs or will it be another year?

thanks
Jeff Gordon: The Blues are toast now.
The Rams had a mascot, the Ramster. What became of him? Who knows.
I don't know what the plans are to honor Georgia.
Mark: Jeff,
Saunders seems to favor the Martz offensive system, which tend to leave the QB unprotected, after the beating Bulger took last year, do you think his head will be in it? Will he have the confidence?
Jeff Gordon: Al knows he has to protect Marc -- because Marc was suffering from battered quarterback syndrome by the end of the year. If that doesn't get fixed, this team goes nowhere.
Tacleberry: The only problem I have with "developing" the young talent theory for the Cardinals is that we don't have multiple can't-miss players in that group. It isn't as though we are waiting on Ryan Braun, Phil Hughes, and Francisco Liriano. Outside of Rasmus, the other players were pegged for a career in the AAAA League bouncing back and forth.
Jeff Gordon: But the organization must stay the course. And that starts with keeping the guys you do develop, like Albert, Molina, Duncan and now Ankiel, Ryan, Rasmus, et al. You hope the course leads to better depth, because it IS lacking now.
Harold Fox: What would you say are similarities going into 2008 Spring Traing with the team not being picked to go to the playoffs like the 2004 Spring Training team?
Jeff Gordon: This is unusually tough, really. This is TLR's most questionable team since his very early days here.
RCJ: How long will the club wait on Pujols elbow? I hate the track record our team has with injuries, surgery and recovery. We're going to be without Carpenter basically for the season. Mulder will miss a chunk as well. I have this fear of the Cardinals waiting forever, hoping that Pujols can play through it. In that case we'll have a subpar year and no Pujols next year. Can we light this fire soon so '09 doesn't become an issue?
Jeff Gordon: If he starts missing games and struggling, I will argue for the shutdown and surgery. Why drag it out?
Trigger: Why don't the Cards take a shot on Colon? Throw a few million his way in insentives and see where it gets you. That guy has been a good pitcher for a long time. He still knows how to throw strikes.
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, but his declining velocity scares everybody. He is an operation waiting to happen.
Trigger: If the Cards are still in at the All Star break do you see them making a run at Roger Clemens?
Jeff Gordon: No, although it would be fun to sign him and Bonds, keep Juan Gone and have a BALCO party . . .
roger from lake tahoe: if the cards are out of it in july, will they dump vets for prospects?
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, but what vets have value? Molina and Pujols aren't going anywhere. Glaus is needed to play third.
roger from lake tahoe: why is no one talking about hernandez? he's not the best, but he eats 200 innings every year.
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, but he's 900 years old.
Sean: What do you think of adding Floyd Womack for guard, move Incognito to center and bring in Jordan Gross to play Right Tackle? Let Barron learn to play Left Tackle behind Pace to develop. If we can't get Gross get Max Starks to back up both tackle spots. Then we can concentrate on DE and WR in the draft.

1. DE/DT C. Long/V. Gohlston/G. Dorsey/S. Ellis
2. WR D. Avery/L. Hawkins
3. QB J. Johnson
4. FB O. Schmit
Jeff Gordon: I hate Richie at center. If he can't be aggressive, he can't play well. I can't see the team investing something in a tackle -- but unless Pace is suspect for next year, I can't see spending huge dollars on this.

That's it for today! Thanks!
Jeff\San Jose: Jeff, you've mentioned this earlier- Why does the NFL "hate the Rams?"

I've heard Shaw is well-respected around the league for his business acumen. This seems contradictory.

Thanks
Jeff Gordon: Goodell didn't want St. Louis to get a NFL team. The league begged Jacksonville to get back into the expansion race so St. Louis could get stiffed.

The NFL has done the franchise no favors sense.
Scott L: Would the fans riot if we traded a blue for a deep 2008 draft?

We seem one socring forward short, do you trade for one if next year you expect both Berglund and Oshie on your team. They both appear to be top six or scoring forwards and contractually we only lose Ruchinsky who hasnt been a factor anyway. Do we even get Berglund over to the US if the prospect is Peoria?
Jeff Gordon: The Blues will be active in free agency. And, no, the fans wouldn't riot if the team moved a veteran for a pick at the trade deadline.