Rich: Good morning Gordo,

There are rumors that the Rams have stepped up efforts to trade Pace. Do you see either Pace or Holt released in the coming days to clear cap space?

Jeff Gordon: Holt will hard to trade, since other GMs know the Rams will release Torry rather than pay him the bonus. (That bonus could hire a decent player off the marketplace). Pace will have more value because potential Hall of Fame left tackles are hard to finds. O.P.'s injuries have been more freakish than chronic, so another team may be willing to pony up a pick.

virginiatom: Why has there been so little interest in Leftwich as a back up, potential starter for Bulger? He has a powerful arm and experience, and has proven he can win. Unless they intend to keep Ferotte on the bench all year they can't be serious about signing him.

Jeff Gordon: Gus lives here and he did fine with the Vikings. The Rams want a game manager, not somebody capable of competing with Bulger. Byron has the wherewithal to take over as a starting QB, but he isn't as accurate a Bulger -- so he might struggle to run some of what the Rams will design for Marc.

Jim in SW MO: Gordo thanks for your time. Watching World Baseball this weekend, what do you think about Pedro Martinez coming to the Cardinals? The announcers were talking about Pedro wanting to play for a "family friendly" town and team because his family time was very important to him. Albert I think could be a huge bridge helping the transition with him. I also think he would be an asset to help fill in the gaps that the rotation and bullpen might have.Do you think there could be any serious interest in him by the Cardinals? Thanks again.

Jeff Gordon: Pedro would be a nice addition as the No. 5 starter on a contender. But the Cards are committed to Pineiro (and/or McClellan as needed)at the back of their rotation.

KENO: 3 quick ones for ya Gordo.

1. What is your grade for Skip at 2B so far? I know it's way to early to tell if it will work out, just want an early grade.

2. What do you think the chances are the Blues win this Thurs. against the Sharks?

3. Oh... and... WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON AT WITH MY BELOVED RAMS!!! I mean everyone drops all these bomb"Holt want's out", "Rams go after Butler", "Looking to trade Pace", etc., etc.... And then nothing happens. And if your wandering the answer is yes, I have no patience.

That is all.

Thank you Gordizzle

Jeff Gordon: The Rams got Bartell done, in time, and they upgraded their offensive line with an aggressive bid. But this franchise can't overpay to fill every need. And they can't deal Pace just to trade him. That could go on for some time. The off-season work will continue well into the summer. So your patience will be tested.

The Sharks are the NHL's elite team, but this will be a heck of a game. The Blues have piled up lots of points. The OT win in Tampa was huge. They have a better than 50-50 chance to win that game.

Skip at second base . . . C-. It is early, yes, but he has a LOT of work to do. Tony will see this all the way though, so Skip can use the next four weeks to clean up his defense.

virginiatom: Is it surprising that there have been no takers for Holt or Pace? Pace is an enigma because you hate to release him outright, but if the Rams are going to take a tackle in the draft they have no choice but to do that. It seems to me that to take a tackle is smart, but it also seems like with such a high draft choice and Pace already on the roster that they should just take the best player available with their first round pick. An impact player like Curry or Crabtree certainly wouldnt hurt this team.

Jeff Gordon: If you watched Holt play last season, you can't really be surprised by the lack of interest. Teams must wonder if he has the wheels or the heart to play at a high level still. The NFL is a cold play, even to a potential Hall of Famer who has handled himself with grace.

There is no reason to just ditch Pace and create a roster need. If the Rams can get back and draft pick and map out a free agent/draft strategy that includes beefing up that position, then great.