Tiger J: Jeff, not being a smart a.. And even with Skip at 2nd, what happen to a trade of one of the outfielders? Also are you under the assumption the Commish will be asking Jason Smith to come to the podium with the 2nd pick?

Jeff Gordon: If Stafford goes to Lions, then, yes, Smith will look attractive to a staff that just went through mini-camp with Alex Barron at left tackle and Adam Goldberg at right tackle.

I'm still on the Curry bandwagon, but I could see the coaches not wanting to wait until later in the draft to beef up at left tackle.

As for the outfield trade, I still believe it will happen. Even if the Cards play this season out and let Rick Ankiel walk, they will still have too many OFs to manage.

Normally we'd just write off Duncan as the guy to go, but the demise of Troy Glaus subtracted power from this lineup. Duncan, more than the other others, has the potential to replace that.

Dan: Do former pitchers generally make worse managers than position players?

Jeff Gordon: Good managers come from all over. So do the bad ones.

Infielders are an interesting group to draw from, since they really have to think the game while playing it. Not only do they deal with situation defensive plays all day, but they have to follow along with the pitcher and catcher to anticipate where the ball could be hit.

dave cobler: Hey Gordo;

I am sure you have a very busy day today. Thanks for being here with us die hard fans who can't be at the Cards opener.

The April schedule may set the tone for the season. How important do you think it is that the Cards get off to a good start? Within how many games off the pace do you think they need to be at the very most (by Aprils end)in order to keep this young teams confidence afloat.

Thanks Jeff!!

Jeff Gordon: The Cards need to start fast and stay on the lead. Last season, there was a sense of "wait until this guy returns" or "wait until that guy returns" hanging around the team. The idea was to stay alive until then.

No excuses this year. Even without Troy Glaus -- a player I don't expect to see this year -- this team has the starting pitching depth, the power and and the back-end bullpen arms to contend. And if any glaring needs arise, the team also has the money and the trade chips to spend on adjustments.

Unlike the last two years, the Cards come into this season with the organizational depth to play through injuries.

Lawarence Marmie: Hey Gordo,

I think the addition of Kyle Boller instead of Gus Ferrotte is a good one. I think even though it's a one yr deal- it could light a fire under Bulger and get him back to the level he was at a couple of years ago.

P.S.

Let's go Yankees!!!

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, Boller could possibly offer upside. Frerotte is what he is, a dependable stand-in for a conservative offense. Let's see if a scenery change brings the best out of Boller. He could get additional years here if it does.

OPTIMEGUS: The deadline for a season ticket holder (like myself) to "ice the price" is Friday. I bought my tickets during the Name your Price special. They'll jump from $400 to $660 per seat for the package since I'd be paying for the 2008-09 price.

Do you think I should re-up my package or wait until next year's specials are announced?

Jeff Gordon: Always a tough call. You would assume there would be additional specials in this tough economy, but there is no guarantee of that. And with a team that is improving, demand could actually meet supply.