JohnnyN: Hey Gordo,
Congrats to the Tigers. How do you see this game going and will Mizzou's press D be able to contain Memphis' high octane offense? Thanks. J.

Jeff Gordon: After watching the Tigers struggle to defend the dribble drives of Marquette -- and struggle to keep the Golden Eagles off the glass -- I'd be pretty worried about this match-up. Poor Leo Lyons had issues at the defensive end. The Memphis Tigers like playing fast, their big guys can run and they have more depth than the Golden Eagles. In addition to forcing some turnovers, Mizzou has to goad Memphis into taking some bad shots. And Mizzou has to fetch those rebounds.

DisCard: Having spent the last couple of weeks chasing the Cards around Florida, from Clearwater to Jupiter, I can tell you that this is the best set of athletes I've seen on this team since the late 60's.

Both Greene's look like winners and I expect a big year from K. Greene. The starting pitching has been extremely impressive. Loshe looks well worth the money. Pineiro looks poised for an excellent contract run.

The right handed relief is deep and Motte looks ready to close some doors. The Cards will need Reyes to be as advertised if the lefty side is to get the job done.

The youngsters appear especially talented and deep. T. Greene has a huge arm, plus range and hits line drives with authority. He looks like a muscular Don Kessinger. Jay & Craig seemed to hit everything thrown to them. Freese looks very comfortable playing defense, but it's a little early to judge his bat.

Finally Rasmus certainly made TLR think about his order with Rasmus' hitting display on Saturday. This guy would be a force hitting second and he has speed.

I see a legitimate contender. Do you see it that way?

Jeff Gordon: Yes, because the progress across the board has been good. A guy like Hawksworth could fill a rotation hole if somebody gets hurt. He wasn't there a year ago. When a guy slips, as Mather did at the plate this spring, then there are options -- such as Freese, who will get his crack at filling in for Glaus. That is the beauty of depth. The Cards haven't had this in some time.

Jim: Can Jason Motte solve our closer problem?

Jeff Gordon: He has the tools. He seems fearless. TLR can ease him in by splitting the role for a while between multiple candidates. (Even Reyes could finish a game or two, if the other side is lefty-loaded.) He is further along than Perez, who health (ankle, shoulder) and wildness are concerns. But Chris will become an asset sooner than later.

dave cobler: Hey Gordo;

Here we are two weeks from the season opener. Can you tell me your thoughts on Skips progress? Is he trending up at a good pace?

TLR apparently has dished out a 3B opportunity and placed it on Freece's plate. Who do you see starting at 3B on April 6th?

Thank you Jeff!!!

Jeff Gordon: Third base has been reopened. Mather can lock it up IF he can regroup and hammer some balls. Freese is better defensively, but he is just a year removed from Class A ball. He is still learning at the plate.

Skip is trending the right way. Remember, TLR can make 2B his double-switch position. Each game, Skip will either move to the outfield as part of a double swtich or leave the game. Either way, a real infielder will move to 2B to finish the game.

Dave From Ohio: Gordo,

I was wondering if there is any news on Billy Bajema and if he is still expected to sign? Also, are the Rams going to get a receiver before the draft, or do they expect to go into the draft with Avery, Burton, and Stanley as there top 3 receivers?

As always, thanks very much for taking the time to answer questions.

Dave From Ohio

Jeff Gordon: Haven't heard about the tight end. Check back with our Rams blog for regular free-agent updates. As for WR, Billy Devaney has made it clear the team will address that position through all means possible. But Avery, Burton and Stanley is not a bad starting point at WR.