drelboc: Hey Gordo;
I am concerned about Chris Duncans production due to his health, in regards to his back problems...so much so that I am hoping the Cards take Juan Gonzales and Joe Mather north with them. Can you confirm whether or not my concerns are founded, and if so, do you think Juan Gone and Joe or someone else would get the call due to a lack of room on the roster?

Thanks so much for your time Jeff! It is appreciated!

From Topeka, Ks
Dave Cobler

Jeff Gordon: Duncan is taking extra at bats wherever he can get them, so health is not longer his issue. He just needs to regain his stroke. Juan Gone's injury has virtually eliminated him from the outfield competition, since Barton is making the most of his at bats. Would Juan go to Memphis, stay healthy, play competently in the outfield and earn a job here? Perhaps, but hasn't seemed excited about playing at the Class AAA level. As for Mather, he is a front-burner prospect. His ability to play first, third and the corner outfield sports makes him intriguing. But he could also benefit from playing full-time at Memphis to build on his '07 breakout.

Ryan: I'm very happy with the Al Saunders hiring. Do you think Saunders will be able to turn the Rams Offense around with the talent they have? We need O-Line help and receivers.

Jeff Gordon: The O-line is shaping up, with the addition of Bell, the retention of Goldberg and Gorin as reserves and the return of Pace, Setterstrom and Incognito from injuries. Justin Hartwig might be a nice addition at center.

As for the wide receiver corps, help is needed. The free-agent market was thin and overpriced, but the draft is deep and intriguing. Stay tuned.

A.J. Roach: The Cardinals recent acquisition of Kyle Lohse is being lauded as a "Godsend" of sorts. He represents the missing link to the bridge connecting the rotation as it is now in shambles to the desired rotation of July or August. However, what is the team's stance if Lohse excels in a Cards uniform under Dunc's tutelage? If Lohse fits the mold, will the organization dare begin negotiations with Boras and trade Looper, Reyes, etc.? Or is it more likely that Lohse is traded no matter how he pitches if the rotation comes back in full and healthy?

Jeff Gordon: Somebody will get traded if everybody gets healthy. That is a problem Mozeliak would welcome. Lohse is a good bet to pitch well here, given his tools. He worked in hitter-friendly parks last year. He will want to build his earning power into the $10 million ot $12 million-per-year range. Would the Cards pay up? Perhaps, but they have big money in Carpenter and a pricey option on Mulder for next year -- plus the need to sign Wainwright to a long-term deal.

Tiger J: What Up J-Gord. My apology if nicknames aren't your thing. My question for today is. It would seem like the Jets and Chiefs, would love to move up. The Chiefs could move up to get Jake Long or maybe I don't know why I haven't heard any rumors but why wouldn't the Jets try moving up to get Matt Ryan. I prefer the 5th pick with the Chief's 2nd we could draft a dominate DE. With the 5th we would still get a top of the line draft choice. OL and WR with the 2 2nds. Or just maybe parlay one of the 2nds for Sheppard. Many options!!! What do you think? The Ghost would be perfect but with the Jets pick he probably gone.

Jeff Gordon: I would expect the trade-down option to there for the Rams -- and a good route to go. Dorsey is exciting, but an outside pass rusher is what this team really needs. And like you say, the extra pick would allow the team to pick both a OT and a WR on the first day.

Michael Kent: Hello Jeff ...

Lohse, Pineiro, Wainwright, Clement, Reyes, Wellemeyer, Thompson, Mulder, Carpenter ... come summertime, if all are healthy and all are at their best (yeah, yeah, those are really BIG ifs), who are most likely to be traded? And does Mo shop for minor league prospects, or does he address pressing needs if the Cards are in contention? Or both?

And what's up with Chris Duncan??? Is he hurt? Could he possibly start the year in Memphis if he doesn't snap out of his funk?

Thank you.

Jeff Gordon: It's early panic on Duncan, but it's not too early to project at bats for Barto n as the platoon left fielder.

IF everybody heals, your rotation is Carpenter, Mulder, Wainwright, Clement and Lohse. Wellemeyer and Pineiro head to the bullpen. Looper and Thompson become trade possibilities, along with Reyes -- unless he is throwing so well that Lohse (and his expiring contract)becomes a chip.

It'll get interesting. Odds are, one or two of these pitchers (at least) will suffer setbacks along the trail to keep the talent from stacking up too high. But the possibilities intrigue. And there will be less reason to rush young pitching into battle this year.