BrotherBri: On the Blues: I absolutely, positively, unequivocally CANNOT understand why Legace is playing rather than rehabbing. (1) A 100% Manny in November '07 is infinitely more important than a 95% Manny in a lost April '07; (2) Toivenen, Beckford-Tseu and/or Schwarz can benefit from playing time under Wamsley's watchful eye; and (3) Since the #1 player in the draft meets a Blues need SO much better than the 2-5 players, there's a huge upside to finishing the season on such a down note. [I don't like tanking ... but fixing Manny's knee is not tanking, per se.]

On the Rams: I don't see enough reason for the Rams to take Jake Long at #2. It's true that he could play guard for a year before moving to OT, and that he provides more ready insurance against another Pace injury. But (a) Chris Long or Gholston fill a greater need; (b) with luck, if the Dolphins take Chris at #1, we might convince the Chiefs to move up for Jake, getting a pick and still having one of Gholston, Dorsey or Ellis for that greater need; and (c)in all likelihood, even if Ryan Clady goes top 20, there will still be a Chris Williams or Jeff Otah within reach of a short trade-up, or a Sam Baker, Cherilus or Nicks waiting there at #33.

[I think Otah fits better anyway -- tons of talent, but in need of a year to harness the talent. Could be as good a player, or close, at a much better price.]

On the Cards: I like this team better than any Cards team in years. That doesn't mean I think it will win it all. Only that I like the team. Younger. Faster. Less cocky. More hungry. With Schu and Barton, maybe I'll get to see some movement, or even -- gasp!! -- stolen bases! Schu and Ankiel gunning opposing runners, Izturis making great plays at SS ... who knows, the Heat might be On again!

Some advice for TLR/Mo -- When each of the four injured starters comes back, ease them back in. Have them pitch 2-3 innings every four days until arm strength, mechanics, velocity and competitive adjustment to big league hitters is *consistently* demonstrated. Preserve them as long-term assets, and give the current starters an occasional light day, so they don't break down.

Jeff Gordon: Legace wants to play -- and the team's free fall has put lots of pressure on Murray to finish decently. But I can't argue with your point. See if Hannu can iron out his issues with a steady diet of pucks.

A agree about the draft, too. A pass rushing end is needed and this draft will have one sitting there for the Rams.

The Cards will be interesting, for sure. Rasmus will arrive before long and add to the excitement you described. That will create a pleasant problem for Mozeliak -- some outfielder will have to go.

I'd prefer leaving the starters in the minors until they are ready to pitch seven innings. Why rush things at this level?

Gabriel to Snow: If the NFL takes away the "force out" rule, I wish they would institute the college style, "one foot in" rule. I don't see this happening, but why does the league have such an aversion to this concept?

Jeff Gordon: I agree -- the forceout rule is tough to call and the replay is no help. The one foot rule would make officiating a lot easier and add a bit of offense as well.

Tackleberry: Is it ok that a large contingent of Rams fans probably winced upon reading the news that Glen Dorsey may now be the sought after pick at the #2 slot? Devaney or not, this club has shown a true deficiency in their ability to evaluate talent when it comes to the defensive side of the ball, especially at the defensive tackle position. The Rams need to take the "surest" player available come draft day, their tolerance for risk is zero right now as they try to emerge from the depths of a league they once ruled not so long ago. And Pro-Day performance aside, Dorsey has an injury history that creates question marks. Let's be honest about this, Dorsey represents one of two things; either the final straw for a management regime that has all but worn out it's welcome while tattering it's own legacy with empty drafts riddled with over-rated players and leaving fans to question the role of pure luck and timing in the success of the Greatest Show on Earth era, or this is the beginning of a new era that will allow fans to look forward to the end of this decade instead of always reminiscing about the better days. If the Rams get this pick wrong they had better dispatch several scouts to scour the grocery stores of Iowa.

Jeff Gordon: Was Carriker a bad pick? Was Clifton Ryan? Both will be fine. As for Dorsey, most NFL grade him right at the top of the draft. Same with Chris Long and Gholston. So there isn't a whole lot of judgment to make with the first pick.

Tim: I your opinion do you think Long or Gholston is the better DE? Reason I ask is because it seems like Gholston is a more effective pass rusher with more upside to where Long only proved himself senior year?

Jeff Gordon: Scouts see Long as the better overall DE prospect, vs. the run or pass. Gholston offers more as a pure rusher.

Tim: Ok Chris Long is off the board, who do the Rams take?
I would rather see Jake Long but Dorsey isnt making my decision that easy.

Jeff Gordon: I'd take Dorsey over J.Long -- assuming medical reports say his legs are fine -- since the idea of moving Long or Barron to guard for a year doesn't appeal to me. Having Carriker play some DE would force Haslett to mix things up defensively to add more pass rush . . . unless James Hall and Leonard Little really do have something left.