Michael Kent: Jeff ...

Of all the Cards' pitchers in camp, would you agree that Brad Thompson is the Rodney Dangerfield of the lot? To me, he just doesn't seem to get a lot of respect. Even after pitching 3 scoreless innings Saturday, the reports I read continue to have this underlying theme that Thompson is riding on the bubble.

I think I may have figured something out, so please tell me if there's any relevance. What's Thompson's fastball at best? Upper 80s, if that? I think if he were a low-90s fastballer, we wouldn't be reading all this doubt and speculation.

Your thoughts, please. Thank you.

Jeff Gordon: Brad's strengths are his durability and his willingness to pitch periodically in middle relief and fill-in as a starter. Many pitchers hate that role. Brad's best pitch is a sinker. His fastball is just average.

He is unexceptional but handy. I would be put him in a 12-man staff:

Carpenter
Wainwright
Lohse
Wellemeyer
Pineiro
McClellan
Thompson
Reyes
Miller
Kinney
Franklin
Perez/Motte

I would keep Thompson to protect the starting pitchers early on during the season and buy pitchers like Boggs, Todd and Hawksworth to prepare in the minors.

But, yes, Thompson loses out if both Perez and Motte earn jobs for Opening Day.

Fresno Ram Fan: Hey Jeff,

Please tell me the Rams are going to sign Butler or Karney? Why hz it been so quiet in Rams Park? When do you think Holt/Pace get cut or released? Inquiring minds want to know??? Thanx

Jeff Gordon: March 17 is the drop dead date for Holt, since the Rams won't want to pay him that bonus unless Torry is staying -- which seems unlikely at this point.

Once that money is freed up, then the Rams front office can be more aggressive with its bidding.

BillP: Hey Jeff, what's your opinion of Murray's treatment of Perron? Is it warranted, or do you think he goes a little overboard on him? I mean Perron barely touched the ice Saturday night. I mean the guy is a plus 7 right now, only him, Berglund and Oshie are fwds with a plus rating on the Blues, so Perron must be doing something right. I just don't know how the kid is going to develop if he keeps getting treated like a yo yo. Thanks - Have a good week!

Jeff Gordon: I hate to see this. And I hate to see Perron's name in trade rumors, although I couldn't argue against a Perron/Tkachuk for Kessel trade -- which was discussed in some detail before the deadline. Perron's got a little attitude, but that is what will make a great offensive player.

Griff21: Why is Franklin in the mix as closer? that was half our problem last year, Izzy and franklin could not close out games. why put him back in that situation?

Jeff Gordon: This is Tony's way of keeping Motte, Perez and Kinney from getting ahead of themselves. I'm guessing that all these guys will get a crack at closing games this season. I like Kinney because of his experience and Motte because of his command of that high-90s fastball.

Griff21: the blues have allowed something like 13 goals in the last 3 games. I know some Mason had no chance on. Is he getting worn out, or were we simply just outplayed.

Jeff Gordon: Florida really swarmed the Blues. The Panthers were all over the net, whacking away. The Blues suffered a total defensive collapse.

Fatigue could be a factor before this thing ends, but right now I believe the key is defensive zone play. This homestand will give the Blues a chance to restore order, admittedly against tough competition.