akaitori: Hello from exile in Thailand,

Probably many such questions, so ignore if it's redundant. Do you see Albert's near miss with this week's Rolen-like crash course in fielding as a warning that the Skip experiment brings more negatives than upsides? If so, what are the most likely responses from management?

Thanks, as ever, for keeping the home fires lit for those of us who are far away.

Jeff Gordon: Thurston also put Albert in harm's way with a throw, but this is a fair point. Imagine if the best player in baseball got wiped out while lunging for a novice second baseman's throw. Right now, I believe La Russa is willing to ride this out while expecting Skip to get more comfortable.

Jeff Pan: Dear Jeff:

It was very scary to see Pujols got hit in the head during yesterday's game because of an errant throw to 1st by Skip. We were lucky to escape the diaster. Are we going to be that lucky next time when a simliar play happens? I don't think one spring training will be enough for Skip to be a MLB 2nd baseman. Our offense should be good enough this year even without Skip but our season will probably be over if AP gets hurt becuase of Skip's next error. Why can't we sign Mark Grudeniek Now(a very good defensive 2nd baseman and bat right handeded) which is cheap route OR the expensive option which is fand a way to get Brian Roberts, a true 2nd baseman who can lead off, steal, hit for average and with good slugging percentage, play gold glove defense and just signed a long term friendly contract? If we get Brian Roberts, the cards will be selling more tickets and go deep in the playoffs (which will pay for Roberts salary itself) and we will be the instant heavy favorite to go to the WS and possibly win it this year when we also have an All Star game here in STL. Maybe, Mr. DeWitt will at least consider this idea if he sees this email.

Jeff Gordon: Baltimore re-committed to Roberts, so I believe it is time to quit that chatter. There are a variety of things the Cards can do at second base -- including going internal with Ryan or Thurston, two potential No. 9 hitters -- if Skip can't get it done. I'm not sure a latter-day Mark Grudzielanek excites the baseball people.

Ken Ingham: Hello and Thanks for this outlet. My question is in your opinion ...Who would be the best fit in this year's draft for the Ram"s for the long haul,no matter who presently will or won't be on the team at the start of the season?

Jeff Gordon: The new clubhouse leader is Curry, an impact linebacker Spagnuolo would retool the defense around.

stlcardfan78: I understand TLR invented baseball, but is this 2B carnival necessary? Management is obviously forcing the issue...there is a difference between cultivating young talent and giving a player the opportunity because they've earned it...and forcing young talent on the field due to gaping holes unable to be filled otherwise within the organization.

I for one prefer a HEALTHY Albert Pujols and think it offensive that he's getting kicked in the face tracking errant throws. It doesn't make sense. DeWitt has hoodwinked Cardinal Nation.

If you need proof, just stroll around the stadium and dream up ways to make that green grass turn into revenue for the people of STL come the All Star game...because DeWitt obviously doesn't care.

Jeff Gordon: DeWitt didn't order La Russa to play Skip at second. In fact, DeWitt let TLR whack Kennedy (at a cost of $4 million) because Tony didn't want the guy around. Then DeWitt let Mozeliak fill the LH relief hole that was becoming apparent.

If Skip can't get the job done at second base, then Mozeliak will have options inside and outside the organization. As we saw last week, the money is there if the team has a need that can't be otherwise filled.

The Ironman: Greetings Great One:

The days of major league play aren't that far off. If Schumaker's play at second isn't up to TLR's standards, so be it. But who on' second? If Ryan isn't acceptable, or Thurston can't do the job. Do we again reach for the low hanging fruit? Namely Mr. Durham? He's still out there to be had. He's a super bench player, and he's a darned good second baseman. While the Cardinals front office says they don't want him, I'm thinking that's a bargaining quip. What is your take on the matter? By the way, great call on picking up Reyes last week. As usual you were right on.

Thank you,
The Ironman

Jeff Gordon: I don't believe TLR wants Durham at this point of his career. Ryan and Thurston are options. Hoffpauir and T. Greene are having nice springs, proving there is long-range hope for the infield.