Anthony Azzara: Gordo,

Shouldn't the Blues just load the roster with the young prospects (i.e. Linglet, Wowitka, Polak, Walker, Toivenen, Bishop) for the remainder of the year and give the veterans on the team a big break? I think it would benefit the club for various meaningful reasons:

1) Although I don't condone tanking, we are currently the 4th worst team in the NHL right now and falling fast. It's obvious we won't be getting into the playoffs this year so why not see if we can maybe get that first pick and nab Steve Stamkos, a future stud?

2) It gives the front office a nice hard look at how the young ones will respond, especially during this absolutely brutal stretch of road games.

3) It gives the veterans a big, long breather so they can get ready to do some real damage next year.

Wouldn't this seem obvious to the team? We know they're rebuilding and they've shown they can really play on a part time basis. Why not pack it in and get some deadly firepower?

Thanks for your time.

Jeff Gordon: I'm doing the best I can under tough technical circumstances -- literally working off the top of a trash can outside the Braves' spring training stadium, due to my computer's inability to cope with the ballpark's wireless system.

Sitting Rucinsky is a step in that direction. That should help Perron see more action. It's good to see Woywitka get to play a lot. And I would like to see Linglet get a look. But don't forget, the AHL playoffs will have some value, too. If the Rivermen make it, the Blues would like to load up that team for some extra work.

drelboc: Hey Gordo;
Is Adam Kennedy pressing down there?
If Joe Mather's bat is ligit where would he play in the field as a "starter"? 3rd and 1st are not going to move. Does he have any experience at 2nd?

Thanks Jeff!

Jeff Gordon: Yes, Kennedy is pressing. And he can't afford to, unless he wants to collect the rest of his contract at home. As for Mather, he could be a Spiezio-type at some point, minus the ability to hit both sides of the player. Nice bat and he can play the corners, infield and outfield.

robert sanders: With as many unhealthy arms in camp as we have, at least giving Ponson a minor league contract might help. Looper looked BAD today. In my opinion Ponson would/could get us innings until some healhy arms return. I doubt those with arm trouble will all return to form quickly. SURRENDERING twenty runs should wake up team management.Maybe Lohse orhealthy arms can give competitive innings.

Jeff Gordon: Signing another guy back in February would have been a good idea. But now it's not going to help much.

By the time you get Ponson is game-ready shape, odds are that Clement and/or Mulder could be ready. Anybody you sign now would have to start a throwing program almost from scratch. There is no reason to believe the team will need a Ponson-type pitcher for the last two-thirds of the season.

Tiger J: Good afternoon Jeff, think the rams could trade the 2nd pick for Roberson and the 6th pick in the draft. Then say pick up Gholston. Just imagine Robertson, Little, Carriker and Gholston. I like that front 4. Second round grab an OL, still good ones not great but good ones. Then say trade a 4th round pick for a receiver with some speed.

Jeff Gordon: Sounds like a plan -- but you have to convince other teams to play along. I do think that trading down would be a good idea for the reason you mention. But do other teams really value that No. 2? We'll see. If a team really fell in love with Ryan or McFadden, that would help.

Gabriel to Snow: Gordo, I was heartened to see your comments about Saunders play book. Especially about his creativity in the running game. Jackson could have a huge year if we stay healthy. Saunders also made excellant use of his tight ends & McMichael could be key. Becht is a solid addition. Why we continually had Klop in there on running downs I'll never know. He was willing, but was constantly steamrolled. He was never expected to be a great blocker when drafted.
We are getting closer. Depth at OT, draft a WR, & there starts to be a reason for optimism. My big concern is Bulger. Can he lose the yips he developed last year? He is never going to earn his keep being a field general, he has always been the silent but deadly gunslinger. We can only hope his confidence in the upgraded protection allows him to return to form. By the time you answer this, Trent will hopefully be on board & I totally agree with our attempt to reel him in. Your thoughts?
Also, I am looking forward to seeing Draft make us wonder why he wasn't starting over Chillar. My hope is we will see McGarigle earn a chance for some LB play. He is a tackling machine. He has always been great on game days & average in practice. You would think they would give the greatest tackler in the history of college football a couple of Sundays in the regular season to see if they have a gem hiding on their roster. Do you have any read on the staffs expectations for him? Thanks
P.S. Thanks Ike, you are one of the greatest Rams of all time. You should still be one. At least Bruuuuuuuuce will echo in the ED once this year! Let's just hope it's in an entertaining but losing effort for you & Mad Mike.

Jeff Gordon: Saunders ran the ball well in KC with different types of backs. Holmes was an all-purpose guy, like Faulk. Johnson was a pure power runner, a guy that grew into that role. Saunders could have helped the Redskins IF he had a QB and some freedom. Here, he has to get Bulger back to getting the ball out quickly with confidence.