drelboc: Hey Gordo;

It seems that TLR believes Skip can make the switch to second base, else why put him there. I think Skip will have to prove to TLR that he can't make the switch and until he shows that he can't, the position is his for the taking. But thats my opinion. What is your opinion and insights of the chances of Skip Schumaker moving to 2nd Base and starting there on opening day?

Thank you Jeff!

Jeff Gordon: Our Joe Strauss has covered a LOT of baseball and he remains highly skeptical of the position change. But Tony enjoys being unconventional. Maybe this has the same chance of working as the Juan Gonzalez comeback, but it IS intriguing from the offensive standpoint. What about a Schumaker/Ryan platoon leading off and Rasmus batting second, getting lots of fastballs?

Michael Kent: Jeff ...

Give me your gut feeling here. Which Chris - Carpenter or Duncan - stands a better chance of a full rebound from surgery this season? And are the odds for either that promising? I know you've been hedging on Carp all winter long, but Junior Dunc had a more uncommon procedure done on him.

Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: Duncan seems fine, so right now there is no reason to doubt him. Carpenter has had so many different issues that it's to bet on him right now.

Tackleberry: Gordo,

I like to believe that I have enough happening in my life that the actions/inactions of St. Louis' sports teams do nothing more than provide a platform for conversations or fun-loving sports arguments. That being said, upon reading in Strauss' column on Saturday that the window for Izzy's potential return is still not nailed and painted shut, made my blood boil. Last year the Cards were comfortable allowing Eckstein, Edmonds, and Rolen to move on. All had been major contributors in the 2000-2006 era, all had experienced obvious decline. So why is it that this team cannot seem to move on from Jason Isringhausen? They guy is DONE. He has had some pockets of success, but ultimately injury derails him even if he looks good for spells. And even worse, the organization often has to forcibly remove him from the roster, as opposed to him bring honest with the club. The absolutely last thing this team needs as a storyline this spring is Izzy and his quest for 300 saves. Please, please, move on!

Jeff Gordon: I feel your angst. Izzy has prolonged a lot of baseball games in recent years. On the other hand, if he came in on a make-good deal with no promises, I could buy that. He is a good teammate. Maybe he could do what Percival did here a few years back. As for the closer's role, he would still have to earn it. Remember, TLR didn't rush him back into that role last year.

John Sheehan: Why has the PD not mentioned the addition of Josh Henson to Gary Pinkel's staff? The Columbia Daily Tribune has been all over this story, which many Mizzou fans believe is a significant positive for the program. Henson was an ace recruiter and tight end coach at LSU (which just happened to have one of the highest ranked 2009 recruiting classes in the country). Henson will be co-offensive line coach at Mizzou (he played O-line at oklahoma state, which Mizzou fans should not hold against him) and his recruiting connections will be a huge plus for Mizzou. Even though football and recruiting season are over, Coach Pinkel continues to improve our football program with a smart coaching hire.

Jeff Gordon: I'm all in favor of Pinkel getting some fresh blood on his staff. LSU's recruiting speaks for itself -- and recruiting to LSU is different that recruiting to Mizzou. The big bonus here is Henson's upside as a position coach.

akaitori: Bryan Anderson has all but disappeared from the radar of the Redbird press. Has his status been downgraded to irrelevant? I thought he was progressing at least to a back-up role.

Thanks for the posts every week. I enjoy the column.

Jeff Gordon: He is not going to come to St. Louis and sit around all season behind Molina. That is La Rue's job for another year. If Molina suffered a major injury, then he could move into play. Longer term, if he can play some other positions and become a utility guy, he and Molina could co-exist. Otherwise, he could become trade fodder.