goldhorns: Hi Gordo,
I hear all the time that you draft BPA and not for need in the early rounds. Our biggest needs seem to be MLB, OT, WR, and a big DT. Depth is needed everywhere. Aaron Curry fills a need and is the majority choice as the BPA. Monroe has been red flagged by some teams for a left kneecap dislocation from 07 that still bothers him. (this according to Pro Football Weekly) Do you know where his health stands according to the Rams?? Also, any little tidbits of info pertaining to the team and/or the draft. Thanks alot and we appreciate your time. GO RAMS!!!!!!!!!!! |
Jeff Gordon: The Lions will make a decision in advance of the draft, since that team will want to get the first overall pick signed. As that team zeroes in on its guy, we'll learn more about the Rams' intentions. If Matthew Stafford goes first, then the Rams could go for Jason Smith -- who is the clear No. 1 at his position. As colleague Bernie Miklasz notes, the Rams ran Barron at LT and Goldberg at RT at mini-camp. That is not exacting "building from the lines out" as per Spags' philosophy.
If the Lions go Smith, then Curry appears to be the obvious choice. |
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Ray: Jeff:
If the opportunity presents, and Denver wants to move up to grab Sanchez, would you trade the No. 2 for Nos. 12 and 18?
Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: Perhaps, but that would be quite the desperate act by Denver. |
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ncdc: Gordo,
1. Any word on how Justin King looked last week?
2. How about Culberson and Grant at SLB?
3. Was Bassey back at backup FS?
Thanks as usual! |
| Jeff Gordon: King has made a full recover, which is good news. He wasn't limited at all during the mini-camp. As for the player assessments, neither Spagnuolo nor Devaney had much to offer. Both reminded us that it is too early -- and that nothing at the mini-camp would impact the draft board. |
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| kdw005: Would there be a scenario where the cards would skip or delay a start with Carpenter during the season to give his arm a break during the season after 2 years basically not pitching? |
Jeff Gordon: He'll be watched carefully. They all will, in fact, since none have been immune to physical issues. Pitchers like to settle into a consistent pattern to build arm strength, but the lack of off-days during the early season could test that theory. This will be a grind. And most the starters came out of spring training needing to work deeper into games still.
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| Tackleberry: As a Cards fan it is hard to see these veteran outfielders (Abreu, Sheffield, etc.) taking one-year deals on contending teams and adding a bat, meanwhile the Cards have pushed their chips all in on an unproven rookie, two free swingers with great upside, and a player who has shown success before but remains a question mark. So if none of these guys produce like they can, what are they left with? Again, it seems like this organization has become a perennial gambler, choosing the "what if" over the "probably will." Outside of Albert & Yadi there are not a lot of proven commodities in that line-up. |
Jeff Gordon: And the Tigers ate $14 million to make Sheffield go away. Why do you suppose they did that?
If Ankiel, Ludwick, Duncan and Rasmus all somehow fail, then the club could turn to Jon Jay, Allen Craig, Joe Mather, Brian Barton, Nick Stavinoha, Darryl Jones and Brett Wallace.
If all 11 of those guys fail, then perhaps the Cards management will regret passing in Abreu, Sheffield, et al.
Out of those 11, odds are the Cards will find four guys capable of putting up numbers. |
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Damian Frerker: With all the promising prospects coming through the pipeline my one concern is our lack of a physical presence on the blueline. Jackman is to valuable to fight. Is ther a concern about being to soft on D? Frankly, I miss Matt Walker. Your thoughts? Thanks.
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Jeff Gordon: When the Blues let Walker go, there didn't appear to be a place for him. Then the injuries hit.
Polak is a very physical player. McKee has stepped up that side of his game. Strachan could grow into that role, as he adds a little heft.
But, yeah, the Blues are little short there with Carlo, Weaver and Woywitka filling big roles. |
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Franklin: Gordo,
What've been your favorite spots to do radio remotes over the years?
Also, what's the change of Young Otis supplanting Brock Berlin as the #3 QB this season?
It's me,
Franklin! |
Jeff Gordon: Otis is a good story, but I'm guessing that the Rams will also draft a QB. That is not mandatory, especially with the younger Kyle Boller getting a look instead of ancient Gus Frerotte, but it seems likely.
As for remotes, it's tough to pick a favorite. When "The Sports Edge" had the night slot, we actually did a show from a guy's pool in Orlando. It's hard to top that. |
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Michael Kent: Jeff ...
To what extent, if any, do you feel Jason Motte's background as a catcher is helping him in as he tries to grow into the Cards' closer role?
Thanks. |
| Jeff Gordon: Actually there is a big benefit. As a catcher, he was trained to get rid of the ball in a hurry. His throwing motion was more compact. So now he has a compact pitching delivery -- and that makes his 97 mph fastball come at the hitter even more quickly. His delivery is unique that way. |
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Fresno Ram Fan: Hey Jeff,
Any news on Atogwe? |
| Jeff Gordon: He's not going anywhere, so there is no reason to fret about his contract. It will get done. Atogwe will want to make a large bonus and the Rams will want to structure build a long-term deal into the salary cap. |
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Fresno Ram Fan: Hey Jeff,
Can you give me an exact date on the release of the 2009 NFL Schedule? Planning my yearly trip to the STL. Thanx!!! |
| Jeff Gordon: Can't give you the exact release date. The NFL releases it in the spring each year, giving fans plenty of time to plan. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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| Jase: Why is Barden starting over Freese? Both are right handed and Freese earned the starting 3rd base job. |
| Jeff Gordon: That is a fair question. I'm not sure Freese earned the starting job. It fell to him. He should get most of the work at 3B, given his power and glove, but he also strikes out a lot. And you know that Tony doesn't want to give kids too much too soon. Barden has been a good soldier for organization, so this is a reward. |
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Chester: Any update on Paul Kariya, since he had the follow-up appointment with his surgeon? Is he still on track to play in the playoffs? When will he practice with the team?
Is anyone else having their gut wrench with nearly every game score in the West right now? Man, I want the team to get into the playoffs so badly.....and not for me (though I'd be stoked) but because those guys deserve it so much. |
Jeff Gordon: Paul has been going full tilt, so he appears to be an option for the playoffs. It would be nice to see him in a regular season game or two, to see how far off his timing is.
If the Blues make it, they will face a juggernaut. Kariya could help a bit on the power play, but expecting much at even strength is unrealistic. |
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| ross mandernach: hey gordo i am 15 and i was wondering do you think Khalil Greene will continue his dominance like he did in spring becuase lets not forget he did break his hand last year and was playing for nothing |
| Jeff Gordon: He's not Ted Williams, so he won't hit .400 in real games. But he should hit better than .213 and he should certainly drive in more runs than Cesar Izturis. Some day he will be the answer to a tough trivia question: Who hit clean-up on Opening Day in 2009. |
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| Mike: Hey Gordo! Its baseball season! Doesnt feel like it outside but it is. I believe Glaus is in his last year of his contract. Do you think the cardinals might trade him with all the great 3B men we have? |
Jeff Gordon: If Glaus ever comes back this year -- a big if, as we've seen with previous shoulder injuries -- than something could give by the trade deadline. Let's see if David Freese is ready to take the position over.
Can Freese become selective enough at the plate to make it all the way from Class A ball? We'll see. But he has a bright future. |
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sltest: Now that the band wagon STL writers have hopped on the Blues Express in the last week or so, the season team is now hemorrhaging goals. Could a few of the crew jump back to baseball and eraser the bad Karma they have imposed on this hard playing dedicated team, management, and ownership group. DeWitt would be happy with the traditional myopic focus on baseball, if not on ownership.
Post the band wagon change, any chance we could replace Hinote with someone who has hands? |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, Danny is not hired to score goals. His job is to keep the puck at the other end of the ice. And speaking of the other end, that is where the Blues need to stay. It has gotten rough in the Blues end. Mason is heroic, but he needs more help -- and fast! |
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Wild Bill: Hey Gordo,
Thanks for the chat.
It's been a long 3 months for the note so do the Blues have anything left in the tank? I hoped they would come out strong in the 3rd period at Dallas but they seemed to let the play come to them after the intermission, and I wonder how may more fire's A.M. can light. |
Jeff Gordon: That was a hugely disappointing game. Dallas had motivation, other than a few kids out there hustling, trying to make a mark.
Andy has his work cut out for him. |
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| Brett: What use is stockpiling all this young talent, if we have a GM who is afraid to make moves? And don't give me this "he's always made moves to fill needs" crap. He's made like 4 trades and only one has helped out the major league club. |
| Jeff Gordon: He's not going to make trades just to make trades. With the team sitting at 0-0, there isn't a huge motivation to start moving people. |
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| BillP: Hey Jeff, just wanted to point this out cause I don't see where anyone has mentioned it. But if the Hawks win in regulation at home against Columbus, then the Blues, provided they beat Phoenix, can pull into a tie with Columbus on Sat night with a regulation win of their own. Columbus could be our best option now, you know the Hawks are still fighting for the #4 seed. I'm not sure how much resistance Detroit and Minnesota will offer up against Nashville.........but anyway the game Saturday night against Columbus could be the biggest regular season game this town has seen in years. So the Blues got a couple possibilities here, our hopes just aren't pinned to Nashville.........we need the Hawks to play big Wed night! Thanks - Have a good week! |
Jeff Gordon: Weird time of year in the NHL. Some teams will be pacing themselves this week in advance of the playoffs. Others are already on the golf course, mentally. Others are fighting desperately. As a result, you see some odd games.
The Blues need to win their last three games and go from there. |
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Lawarence Marmie: Hey Gordo,
Since you say you don't hold any allegiances to the St. Louis teams, why don't you come on over and join the Evil Empire? Yankee fans would welcome you! |
Jeff Gordon: Can't rally behind the overdog. Can't do it.
I hope you're not on the Yankee boards, killing poor A-Rod. |
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| Mark in NY: Gordo, I'm really sorry we lost Orlando Pace. There have been some very good tackles that have lasted well into their mid-to-late 30's, and I read that Pace gave up only 2 sacks last year... third best in the league. With him still there we could have drafted Curry first. What's the story... did Pace have anything left? |
| Jeff Gordon: If healthy, he can still play. But he missed a LOT of games the previous two years. Chicago, a contender, can take the gamble. The Rams, with a zillion holes to fill and massive rebuilding ahead, didn't see where keeping him made sense. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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| Lawarence Marmie: Have you happened to hear any rumblings about any vet receivers the Rams might bring in post draft? I like the young guys, but Bulger might be in trouble if we don't bring in a dependable vet. I think a guy like Toomer might be a good pick up at the right price. He still has some left in the tank and might be a good guy for the youngin's to learn from. |
Jeff Gordon: If a guy like that is willing to take a mentor role on a year that is a few years away, then great. But most vets near the end are looking to fill a role on a contender.
The Rams do need more than Burton, Avery and Stanley -- especially with Stanley still on the mend. |
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Justin: Gordo,
Let's say the Blues make the playoffs, and let's also say Paul Kariya stays on schedule and dresses for Game 1. Make a prediction as to what the forward line combinations will look like. |
Jeff Gordon: Well, I don't see him playing Game 1 after sitting out for months.
But . . .
I would keep Berglund, Perron and Oshie together.
I like the mix of Backes, McDonald and Boyes.
I might try Tkachuk with Kariya, maybe with Winchester
Then McClement, Steen and Crombeen could play.
But the mixing and matching would be constant, with or without Kariya.
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Lawarence Marmie: Hey Gordo,
I heard a lot of Cardinals fans concerned about the Red Birds situation at 2nd base the past few years. Robinson Cano was available for a while there- how come the Cardinals never made a run at him? He's young and has put up some pretty impressive numbers over his short career.
P.S.
Let's go Devils!!! |
Jeff Gordon: For whatever reason, the Cards haven't been willing to deal for a 2B. They have been willing to play whomever there.
This year is really pushing that theory -- although Ryan isn't a terrible fallback. |
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Kevin: Thanks for taking the time...
Worst case senerio:
Freese struggles for next two months. What do the Cards do? Can really expect Mul- I mean Glaus to come back?
Putting some whiskey in your coke to keep warm today? |
| Jeff Gordon: Can't count on Glaus. So the Cards would turn to one of their many internal options -- Mather, Barden, Craig, Wallace. |
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eternalramnation: Gordo,
You see everyday Rams fans posting we should trade down with this team or that team where we can get a bushel of draft picks in return.
Realistically have you seen, or heard, of any team in the first round that is looking to jump all the way to number 2? |
| Jeff Gordon: No, there hasn't been a whole of lot of chatter about teams coveting that pick. |
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| Simon Taylor: What are the chances that Aaron Palushaj and Lars Eller make the team next season? |
| Jeff Gordon: Out of the gate? It would be tough, since most of these guys are coming back. Both are big-time factors for the long haul. |
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| Lawarence Marmie: Is Tye Hill capable of returning kicks/punts? I really don't see what other use he can serve to this team. I've been pretty unimpressed with him since day one. With having to play Fitzgerald and Boldin twice a year, I still can't understand why the Rams would draft an Umpa Lumpa at db... |
| Jeff Gordon: Sure, he could return kicks. But right now the Rams are trying to keep him focused on rebuilding his confidence at cornerback. |
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| Chris: So, we just need Nashville to get at least 1 point less then us, and they play the Wings, the hawks, and the Wild. They've been playing pretty strongly though. How do you see this last week playing out? |
| Jeff Gordon: I didn't have the Blues losing at Chicago, winning at Detroit or getting an OTL point at Dallas. So I'm the wrong guy to ask. |
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Brendan: Do you want to double down on your old buddy Cutler taking Chicago to the playoffs like you did his rookie year?
Brendan |
Jeff Gordon: Chicago is counting on it, aren't they? The Bears went all in on this kid. His talent is real, but now he has to prove something as a leader.
The good news: His predecessors were terrible. |
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| warsong: If Freese plays above expectations and rocks the STL world, will Tony still give Glaus his job back just based on veteran status? |
Jeff Gordon: That will depend on whether there is a trade market for Troy, who is in the walk year of his contract.
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| John: I know this season isn't over... But who at the young players coming up next year for the Blues... ? |
| Jeff Gordon: Erik Johnson's return is the big one. And Pietrangelo will be on the cusp. Eller and Palushaj will be in the vicinity, but I see this team keeping roles for Crombeen and Winchester -- two guys who can be physical. |
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| warsong: Great point about free agent status of Glaus. Hey, am I all alone on wishing Freese and Shu were in the lineup today simply because of all the interest generated during Spring Training? I don't care right now about righty lefty matchups....I want to see them! |
| Jeff Gordon: Both could play today, in fact, as TLR shuffles players. We'll see them both plenty this week, I believe. |
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| John: Is the cards game avalable on-line or on FM? I don't get the 550 station very well. |
| Jeff Gordon: Try to check the official Cards site (off the MLB.com site) for the audio. |
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| FloTrain: How fast do you think the "warm fuzzies" amongst MU types with Anderson resigning disappeared when word of 2-3 big time recruites going to KU? I mean Wow, if Collins and Aldrich come back along with all those guys, there going to NEED that Cousins and another stud front line guy to help offset the losses of Carroll and Lyons. I'm more than fine with English replacing Lawrence..... What's your thoughts on the MU/KU series the next couple years? Can Anderson keep up with Self? Don't get me wrong I LOVE Anderson, everything about the guy, but 1-5 for the first three years?..... |
Jeff Gordon: I see KU getting great talent as long as Self is there. Can Mike do good enough to win some games off the Jayhawks? Yeah, but MU isn't at the level of KU and Texas yet. And the Tigers may not get there on Mike's watch. Then again, they may not see 16-16 for a while, either.
Right now consistent NCAA tourney teams is a good goal. Once that happens, fans can think about the next step. |
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Matt: Congrats to the Note on an exciting season. By far surpassing expectations regardless if they hit the playoffs or not. That saying, I certainly hope they do. Either way, they have developed much needed character and chemistry this year. Which leads to my question. JD and Co. have worked a trade of two every year and tweaked the rosters a bit in the off season. They are also on record saying next year may be the time to add some a high talent veteran or two to take the next step. Given these conflicting developments, what kind of roster changes do you anticipate this off season? Also, if they do make a trade who would you most likely see go and for what type of player? And lastly, what if any FA might they likely pursue?
Thanks for the great work and good luck staying warm at Busch! Go Cards. |
Jeff Gordon: I know Davidson was all about making a kid-for-veteran swap, but then so many kids played well down the stretch. That had to change things some. But, the team will have a few pieces to move (like Pietrangelo) for the right guy.
That's it for now. Back to work on the Cards blog -- see you over there. |
