Matt: Gordo,

Although the offseason didn't work out as I had hoped, I have a lot of optimism about this year's team. What's your feeling on the 2009 version of the Cardinals? I think if Carpenter & Wainwright are healthy and the bullpen doesn't blow so many saves we have as good of a shot at the playoffs as anyone else, and we might even be able to steal the division from the Cubs as well. Thoughts?

Jeff Gordon: The Cubs can hit all day, but let's see if their defense and their closer is good enough.

As for the Cards, things have to happen. They have to replace most of Glaus' run production. They have to keep four of their five starters going. And they need to make sure Motte has help at end of games.

If that happens, the Cards could win 95 times.

Lawarence Marmie: Even with the addition of Pace and Cutler, I still say the Bears finish poorly this season. When they made the Superbowl, it was undoubtably due to Ron Rivera's attacking style of defense, which caused tons of turnovers. They scored a lot of points themselves and even when they didn't, they caused short fields for GROSSman and the offense. Devin Hester's kick/punt returns also helped, but now even he seems to have lost a step since becoming a reciever. Since Rivera was let go by the defensive genius lovie smith and they went to lovie's lame "bend, but don't break" philosophy, the Bears have finished 21st and 21th in total defense- a far cry from the Rivera days. A crybaby QB with only one weapon (Forte) and an oft-injured LT aren't going to make up for lovie's bland, mindless schemes. I say the Bears finally come to the realization that they put their eggs in the wrong basket as the Bears defense once again disappoints and the Charger's get better. Maybe if the UFL is still around next year, he can join Haslett in creating the most boring, unimaginative league in the world!

Jeff Gordon: Man, there is no let up on Haslett. Let it go!

This is definitely win or else for Smith. That is why Chicago was willing to give up all those picks.

Scott Chadbourne: Gordo,
I was looking back at last years opener blog and the first inning news was that Skip could really play defense. Saved some runs(in a rainout that didn't get to count)early for the home team. Lots of us fans have read everything we could dig up about Skip and his switch to playing 2nd this year. After the first 2-3 weeks of spring training it got quiet. I want him to make it at 2nd this year, but tell us as someone who with their own eyes saw him play the position, is he going to be our 2nd baseman this year? (although not today) Is this going to be a feel good story or a failure? Straight up, man, we are big boys here! Thanks Gordo and Go Cards!

Jeff Gordon: He'll play a lot of second. But clearly Tony is already hedging his bet already. Skip will be fine in most games, but asking him to play second late in the game with a 1- or 2-run lead . . . well, that is begging for trouble.

He needs to get his legs at this position. The more he plays, the more he will settle down. Look for TLR to protect him as much as he can while plowing ahead with experiment.

patpohlmann: jeff-
with the few tidbits of info on rams 1st minicamp, was reported adam golberg inserted at RT... um i'm thinking this truly illustrates the Rams have to select Jason Smith/Monroe corect???

no way 'spags' will go into season with him as projected starter?

Jeff Gordon: Goldberg is better than Bell trying to muscle up and play tackle. But as Miklasz notes, the Barron/Goldberg tandem isn't the most reassuring sight to the new staff.

Hank: Gordo,

Any chance this game starts and then stops because of the cold? Or is this a case where if they start they are going to finish regardless of the temperature?

Jeff Gordon: Temperature won't be the issue. Moisture is the issue. If the field is playable, they will finish this game.