Geoff: hey jeff,

Just wondering what your draft board would look like as of today. Who do u see the rams drafting...

also, with brown almost certainly suspended, do u think CB becomes a round 2 or 3 need or do u think the rams feel comfortable enough with Wade, Hill, Bartell, Bassey and macklin? i just think if we dont draft a guy higher than round 4 he is gonna be no readier than wade was...

Jeff Gordon: Can't speak to Brown's status, but the team does need another CB. Wade was pretty raw last year and Bartell is merely solid. Hill is a nice player, but hasn't met his own Pro Bowl projection.

den-the-coach: Jeff,

Thanks for this forum and my question is...If Chris Long is off the board who do you think the Rams will select? Just your gut feeling on this I understand many things can happen, but who will be the first to be wearing horns come April 26th?

Jeff Gordon: If Chris is gone, it sounds like Linehan is in love with Jake Long -- even though he sees him as a left tackle, the spot currently occupied by Pace. Interesting stuff he said to Jim Thomas down in Florida . . .

Mick: Jeff, it seems to me that J.Long is the only guy the rams have a legit shot at, at OT, that would start immediatly. All the others will be gone by round 2 and the remaining will be guys that need time to develop (collins, nicks)....in the case they take J.Long it may be hard to fill the other needs in the draft....thats why DE makes a lot more sense, cause you can take a guy in the 4th at OT who can be you OT "of the future" who can develop next year and still fill your other needs at WR and CB....is it just me or does that make more sense....

Jeff Gordon: I agree -- IF Pace comes back healthy, the Rams would be forced to bench Alex Barron to get Jake Long on the field. Meanwhile, they would be banking of veterans Leonard Little and James Hall to bounce back from injuries and apply a better pass rush this season.

But Scott DID sound like a man in love with Jake Long when he talked to our guy Jim Thomas.

bronko26: Gordo,

I personally think Jake Long (if available) is by far the best (and safest) pick at No. 2 for the Rams. I am not sold on any of the defensive players at that slot.

Let's assume the Rams’ staff agrees on J. Long, do you think the Rams could pull off a trade of Barron (too many off sides penalties at inopportune times) to pick up an extra late 2nd round (wishful thinking) or 3rd round pick (more likely)?

Atlanta has OL needs and currently has three (34, 37, 48) 2nd round picks and two (68, 98) 3rd rounders. Barron for the 48th or 68th pick, then the Rams can select WR at 33 followed by DE & CB with the next two selections.

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Trading a physically gifted tackle would be insane, in today's world. Linehan talks about how difficult it is to find them. Yes, Barron could have trade value -- but would the team come out ahead upgrading from Barron to Long and getting something extra in that switch.

Like you say, if the payoff was a third-round pick, big deal. I don't see the value in that.

Coaches get paid to coach. It's Linehan's job to make Barron a more consistent player.

TED: Gordo with the draft getting closer is it logical that we could see the rams take glenn dorsey. From what i read at his pro day the scouts said he looked like a young warren sapp. My question is his durability to stay healthy throughout the season. thanks

Jeff Gordon: The guy played hurt last season and played pretty well. His toughness is legit. As for durability, that is tough to project. Injuries happen. Dorsey got double teamed constantly in college, playing at the point of attack.

Byron: There is talk that the Ravens wanting to move up and take Matt Ryan, and the Rams at #2 is a possible trade, with the Rams dropping from #2 to #8 and picking up the #8 this year, and a one and two next year. Would a pick at #8 allow the Rams to get a player they would like (say Gholston), with a scenario where they could get Sam Baker and Mario Manningham both in the second round, or do you think think the Rams wouldnt want to drop down quite that far, even if it means another one and two next year?

Jeff Gordon: Next year Linehan could be a receivers coach elsewhere in the league. He would not be real excited about a trade down that doesn't help this team RIGHT AWAY.

Larry Lutz: I can now see why the Cardinals signed Adam Wainwright to a long term deal. In my opinion he is the leader of the starting staff right now and I certaintly believe that he issued a challenge to his compatriots when he made his comments about not just holding the fort down while the other starting pitchers are on the DL. My question is what do the other starting pitchers on the DL think about the job their replacements are doing?

Jeff Gordon: Their job is to get well and regain their form. They should be happy, since they won't have to rush back into the rotation and pitch at less than 100 percent. The early success of the rotation allows them to make extra rehab starts. Pineiro, for instance, could get an extra minor league game if Wellemeyer and Thompson hold up well in their second starts. This is a good thing.

Down the road, there will be serious job competition. That is good, too.

Mike: Hi Gordo, Always a pleasure corresponding with you.
My question is why aren't the Rams pursuing a bone crunching Strong Safety ? You know, someone that can hit instead of whiffing or hand tackling. I hear nothing in the Draft rumours or from the FO.

Jim Thomas has stated numerous times that the Rams don't see that as a "need" position, surely, we can do better than Corey Chavous as are starter and Todd Johnston or Jerome Carter as backups. Do you feel this is a "need" position-are we good to go there? In my opinion, this is one of the very weakest points in our "D". Your thoughts ?

Jeff Gordon: I agree with you. Haslett talked up Chavous at every opportunity, but I didn't see an impact player there. He was more noticeable for the plays he missed rather than the ones he made. But this team has needs all over the field and apparently the Rams think they can one more year from him in his spot.

Scott Rhein: Hello Jeff, it is good to talk with you again! I have some quick questions for you.
1. With your understanding of the NHL lottery. What is best and worst that the Blues could end up with?
2. What do you think of the Cardinals start and what is the biggest factor?
Thank you for your time.
Scott

Jeff Gordon: Here is the explanation from a 2007 draft guide. I believe the rules are the same:

"The 14 teams that did not make the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs, or who have acquired a first round selection through a trade, are given a weighted percentage to win the Draft Lottery. The team with the lowest amount of regular season points will be given the greatest percentage to win lottery and therefore, the greatest chance to win the first overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

"The NHL will conduct with its Draft Drawing to determine the order for the 14 teams that did not make the playoffs. Teams are only able to move up four spots in the draft. Therefore, only the top five teams have an opportunity to get the first overall selection. Teams can only move down one spot."


The Blues tied the Islanders for the fourth-worst record, so my reading of this is this: The Blues pick anywhere from first to sixth.

Brian: Jeff,

Good afternoon, What does your gut feeling tell you about who the Rams are going to take with the 2nd pick?

Brian

Jeff Gordon: Right now, based on what Linehan said, either Chris or Jake Long.

Scott S.: So the NFL (No Fun League) says "NO!" to the Ram's request to wear the throwbacks on opening day, eh? Why not do it anyway? So the league fines the millionaires a few dollars? No big loss. Then the national media picks up on it and we see a billion dollar industry picking on the request of a family for their deceased mother. Do it Chip! Do it! Warden Goodall has more to worry about (an increasing number of thug (i.e., woman beating, strip club going, long-haired) players, Spygate, etc. than to soil the rep of the NFL than the Rams wanting to honor Georgia. Grow a pair, Chip, do it.

Jeff Gordon: That would be too brazen. The Rams aren't a favorite of the commish. This would only make it worse.

Loren: Just one man's opinion on Draft. If Chris Long is available you take him. If not I believe you have to go with Jake unless you are sre sure you can get a Tackle that can play this year in the 2nd round. I hear this year is deep in Tackles if that is true maybe you do that. If we lose pace again this year and have no real back-up plan I don't care who your offensive coordinator is if you can't protect the QB your doomed.

Jeff Gordon: That sums up how Linehan feels about this.

George: Hi Jeff. Two long winded questions. First, do you think Blues management finally get the hint the Blues fans have been clamoring for all year...YOU NEEDED MORE SCORING! What are the odds the Blues will be able to trade or get some forwards via Free Agency to allow them a chance at the playoffs next year? How are they for cap room next year? Lastly, assuming (and this is a big assumption) the Cards pitchers on the DL all come back healthy this year and pitch decent, what do they do with all the excess pitching and who stays or goes? What would you trade for if the Cards did have the excess pitching, what would be our biggest/greatest need? Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: The Blues will have cap room to add offensive help, but the team IS on a budget. So John Davidson will have to offload some defensive salary to create more budget space for offense. It would be nice to see him add a mid-level scorer to replace the useless Rucinsky. Signing Oshie won't be enough.

As for the Cards, they will have trade leverage for sure. They could use an impact bat for the outfield, but Rasmus might be that guy. And if Ankiel is legit, that also addresses the situation. I'd like to see an impact hitter at short, but those guys are hard to find.

The Cards might actually be able to move veteran pitching for more prospects and REALLY upgrade their organization.

DannyB: Wouldn't it be good to sign Izzy to a 1-2 year extention, so Perez can ease into the closer's role? Do you think the Cardinals' will do this? It is hard to win without a good closer.

Jeff Gordon: Izzy looks great. If he keeps this up, extending him for another year would make sense. Lord knows the team has the money to do it, especially with dead money exiting the payroll for 2009.

Michael Kent: Jeff ...

Three questions related to the Cards' starting rotation:

1) Who do you think TLR will be sending to the bullpen once Joel Pineiro returns? My guess is Todd Wellemeyer because he seems to get through the fewest innings among the current rotation.

2) Do you Pineiro's return will mean that Anthony Reyes gets sent down to Memphis?

3) I've read Mark Mulder averaged about 87 mph in his most recent extended spring training assignment. What was his average velocity before he started having his arm problems?

As always, thank you for taking the time to respond to everyone's questions!

Jeff Gordon: Mulder needs to be hit 91 or 92 to be his old self. So he still has work to do. I'd set the same standard for Clement. Pineiro, it seems, is there -- so he knocks off whichever pitcher is doing the worst. Wellemeyer, Looper and Thompson have worked in the bullpen, so this is a competition.

Bill S: As the pitchers on the DL start to return what options do we have with those on the roster today. Who can we send down (Reyes)without exposing to waivers?

Jeff Gordon: Jimenez and McClellan are the targets, in addition to Reyes. After that, the team has to start pondering deals.

Kenny H.: Jeff,

Regarding the possible selection of Jake Long, today's PD article suggests that Linehan would want Long to play RT. In this scenario, would Barron play a guard? He is a little light and a little tall, it seems, to stand up to some of the DTs in this league. But I would also hate for the Rams to fire-sale him - for all his warts, he is a proven commodity. What is he 25? His false starts will continue to dwindle as he ages, and I find him to valuable to just let walk after a year of riding pine. What's your take?

Also, for what it's worth, I like the idea of the Rams wearing the gold jerseys for the first time. Do they have to approve the alternate color jerseys one year in advance? The throwbacks are cool for fans, but I actually think they usually look lame on the field. No point living in the past! Thanks!

Jeff Gordon: Barron could play guard, the coaches belief. But would he be good enough to start ahead of Incognito or Setterstrom?

Warren Arnold: Hey Gordo,

Have you bought your playoff tickets yet?

If our starters are cruising along and Piniero comes back and gets the job done, then is there any reason to rush Mulder?

I would rather get him 100% in July than 90% in June. Mulder is a much different pitcher when he is completley right as opposed to slightly off.

Of course I am also using the faulty logic of the Cards having a 0.96 Starter ERA all year long.

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: The Cards may stay more competitive than experts believed, but the postseason is another issue, obviously.

You're right about Mulder. There is no point in using him until he is totally sure he is totally ready. We've see what he looks like when he is unsure of his stuff.

Mark: Hey Gordo,

I've been seeing specials on Sabermetrics on 60 minutes and the Learning Channel and various other shows, just wanted to get your take on the theory. Would it be as succesful/popular if there was a salary cap in baseball?

Thanks.
Mark

Jeff Gordon: In a salary cap world, the big teams couldn't outspend their mistakes. Player evaluations would be more critical. So would player development. Bill James and Co. give baseball additional tools to evaluate players, but that's it. These are tools. Math doesn't cover individual drive, toughness, ability to adapt and willingness to learn.

The smart teams will use a mix of new school and old school analysis to make personnel decisions.

Scott L: Last week the Blues coughed up the lead to Nashville, surrendering four goals after going up by three early tallies. Murray latter criticized Tovienan for an admittedly soft game. However, Tchuck gave up the puck behind his own net, and was nowhere in the picture when the Predator walked out unhindered and put the tying goal by Toivenen. The game-winning goal in overtime saw a Nashville player receive a pass and rip a wrister from the hash mark without being touched or impeded by Captain Blue, until after he let go of the shot. Each of these were obvious and costly mistakes, seemingly unacceptable for a veteran, much less a leader of a team. Yet Murray ripped the young goaltender, and had no apparent mention of the gaffs by Tchuck or Capitan Blue.

It appears as though there is a double standard in play this season, not just this one game. For some reason we have heard negative comments on young players like Perron and Toivenan, but not till the end of the season did Stepniack get benched, and nothing negative on some of the worst blues in terms of plus minus. Even forwards like Tchuck and Karyia have gotten off relatively free of public criticism. The question is why the apparent double standard? Why do you ever publicly provide negative comments about your young developing players, shouldn’t that stay inside, versus the apparent Blues philosophy of keeping veteran negatives internal and young players external?

Jeff Gordon: Murray is pushing young guys that are in development. With veterans, you have what you have. Much of what Murray says about younger players is what they must improve on. There is more teaching going on there. With the other guys, he talks about maintaining effort and attention to detail.

With this guy, nobody gets a free pass. Fans make of his comments what they want, but Andy isn't afraid to run or bury veterans. Ask Weight and Rucinsky.

Scott L: I heard a satellite radiobroadcast of a recent Blues game and the announcers were from another team. They stated that Brewer’s play has slipped from his Edmonton days. I am not sure but it raises the question of how are the blues players developing under Murray. E Johnson is a relative easy one, the skill set is robust and he’s doing what a number 1 should do. I am not sure how much credit to give Murray for Boyes since he was a veteran of a few years, but likely there was a positive dynamic in play. However, beyond these players can we point to any player who seems to have advanced under Murray?

Jeff Gordon: That is a fair question. The play of several veterans -- Brewer, Jackman, McKee and Kariya in particular -- hasn't been good enough. Each has a long-term deal, so failure is not an option for these guys. We saw what happened this year.

Job one for next year: Get the incumbent players to play better. This includes younger players like Stempniak, Backes, McClement and Perron.

Bob: From all that I have been reading, it seems that Mr. Dorsey could be a ram. If he is our first pick, do you think that the team would go for a DE/LB with our second pick [Quentin Groves,Auburn, or Cliff Avril, Purdue]?

Jeff Gordon: If the Rams do "D" with the first pick, I'm guesses that OT or WR would come next. That second-round pick will be an impact players.

Brian from Vegas: Gordo,
If you were in charge of the Rams personnel and budget (I actually would prefer you over Jay Z), would you break the bank to pay Steven Jackson when his rookie contract expires? I know I would, but there are some other young players with contracts expiring like Atogwe, Incognito, Bartell and Barron and not everyone will fit under a salary cap. My sense is that Jackson is going to ask to be the highest paid running back in the league and since he will so much leverage over the Rams, I don't see how the Rams can ever let him get away.

Jeff Gordon: If you pay Jackson - and I think the Rams must -- that could come at the expense of an older player (Little? Pace?) making top dollar.

Kevin: Jeff,

Will Carpenter's pitching pattern after his return from the DL be similar to the way Matt Morris was used after his elbow surgery - relief only this season?

Would it be safe to project an after July rotation of AW, Lohse, Mulder, Pineiro and Looper?

After the season is it likely that the Cards will let Looper walk and re-sign Lohse? He reminds me of Suppan...a solid 3 - 5 starter.

Thanks,
Kevin

Jeff Gordon: So far, Lohse looks extension-worthy. But that will be very expensive, say $40 million over four years. It's worth a thought, thought.

For next year, count on Carpenter, Wainwright and Pineiro. The team holds options on both Mulder and Clement. Looper hits free agency. Wellemeyer and Thompson will remain moderately priced options and there will be several kids on the horizon.

As for Carpenter this year, the Cards will be in position to give as much or as little as he can take. They have options now.

As for July, a healthy Clement could pick off Looper. But then again. Braden is good to another good start.

Julius: Jeff,

I have two questions.

1)I've been hearing that the Rams are interested in trading for Matt Birk from the Vikings. Have you heard anything about that?

2) I think the Rams need to come out of this draft with a pass rusher in 1st round and a young playmaking receiver in the 2nd round. What do you think of Vernon Gholston & Limus Sweed as players?

Thank you,

Jeff Gordon: Gholston could be a nice pick if the Rams moved back to 6. As for trading for Birk, the Rams would achieve overkill with that move. The team might to move a capable lineman to make room for him.

toddb13: Mr. Gordon
I have been reading alot of draft/trade scenarios, I would like to see the rams do something like the following:
Draft Chris Long OT #2 pick
Trade Barron for Lito Shepard or high round draft choice
This would give us Pace and Bell on the left, Setterstrom or Goldberg center, Incognito and long on the right side.
Then pick up a WR in the second a CB in the third unless we got Shepard in trade then go for BA DE or DT, a LB in the fourth, and a QB in the fifth, and finish off with a few more linemen or BAP the rest of the way. This would fill a lot of holes

Jeff Gordon: Drafting Jake Long and trading Barron, to me, is admission that your coaches can't get the job done. Give your new offensive line coach with the guy. He is a great athlete.

Trading for a CB would be a good plan, of course, but cornerbacks are easier to find that tackles.

Daniel: Hey, Jeff. Just theoretically, if the Rams were to take Chris Long, what would the D-line look like on opening day? What do you think the chances are of them taking Chris Long? I think I'd prefer him over Jake Long...

Jeff Gordon: With Chris Long, I suppose the Rams stay with a 4-3 and put Little, Ryan, Carriker and Long in the starting lineup and use Hall and Glover on passing downs.

Tyler: I really like this team and believe we can get to the playoffs. What are the chances Barton takes Shumaker's job?

Jeff Gordon: Rasmus will take Skip's job as the leadoff hitter. Barton will share the role with Skip until Colby arrives. After that, Barton will be a platoon guy with Duncan against some lefties

Mark: Jeff

What is Aeneas Williams doing these days? He was a great player, and an even greater person.

Jeff Gordon: I guess he is spending his energy in the car dealership business. He could be a heck of a coach.

Adam G: The effort we saw from the top line the last few games to get Tkachuk to 500 goals, where was that the first part of the season?

What is the best solution for a backup next year?

Jeff Gordon: Good question. The whole offense was a nighmare this season, especially on the power play.

As for back-up goaltender, there will be a lot of guys out there. Guys who failed here -- like Patrick Lalime and Chris Osgood -- have excelled elsewhere. So I don't know what to suggest . . .

D. Ippensen: Love what Barton has brought to the team for hustle, speed, and energy. Glad to see Tony giving him chance to lead off. How much longer before Schumacher gets bumped down in line up when he plays ?

Jeff Gordon: Skip will get a few weeks to find his stroke. After that, it will be hard to keep Rasmus down on the farm is Skip is scuffling.

Sheridan Hirst: Hi Jeff,

Do you see the Rams spending a late draft pick on a physical, blocking fullback, or is the job Brian Leonard's?

Jeff Gordon: Leonard will continue to be used a utility back, with an emphasis on passing downs. The club will have other alternative for power lead blocking on first-down or short-yardage run plays.

Justin: Gordo,

How will history remember the Matt Walker Era in St. Louis?

Jeff Gordon: I like Matt on defense over several of the big-ticket players. He has some limitations, but more talented and more experienced players make more mistakes.

mark: What is your opinion on the Kevin Slaten firing?
thanks

Jeff Gordon: Since I do work for KFNS -- and I like Kevin personally -- I can't really comment on that.

Lawarence Marmie: Wouldn't it be fitting for the Rams to take a TE with the Mr. Irrelevant pick they received as compensation considering that TE's have been pretty irrelevant under Scott Linehan's tenure?

Jeff Gordon: rim shot, please!

Milt: Jeff,
Assume it is the middle of May, Piniero & Muldar are healthy, nd Rasmus is tearing the cover off the ball in Memphis.
What roster moves would you make?

Jeff Gordon: Pineiro and Mulder would report to the rotation, Wellemwyer (or Looper) and Thompson would go to the pen, Reyes and Jimenez would go to Memphis and Schumaker would likely move on in a trade -- assuming everybody is healthy.

rampower: Hey Gordo,

Haven't asked what your 7-round mock looks like? Who would you select at each position?

Jeff Gordon: That's way beyond my range of expertise. I think they should go D-linemen. OT and WR with the first three picks, but it sounds like Linehan disagrees.

Jennifer: Hey Gordo,
Do you think the Cardinals should go ahead a sign Ankiel to a long-term deal? Before anyone says "It has only been one week of the season," remember that if he has a breakout year he may just price himself out of the Cards range. Also, we can't forget that he has Scott "Lucifer" Boras as his agent.

Jeff Gordon: Certainly the team must try to sign him to a long-term deal, ala Molina and Wainwright. But, yes, Boras will want the moon. Would Ankiel sign a one-year deal for $6 million or $7 million and gamble that he earn a Torii Hunter-like deal in 2010?

It would be a thought.

rags: Hi Gordo,

Aren't we a mortal lock to take a DE in round one? If we take Jake 1st, there is simply no 2nd round DE worthy of a pick at 33 right? What do you think?

Jeff Gordon: If the Rams pass on a DE or DT to take OT Jake Long, then WR might be the next pick because of the depth there.

meister: Gordo,

Any news on Matt Birk? If we traded for him AND drafted Jake Long, would this be our SCARY new o-line?

Pace Bell Birk Cogs Long

We could keep Barron or trade him.

Jeff Gordon: Deal for Birk and you better than productive deals to move other offensive linemen. I understand Linehan's quest for overkill, but this team has many needs.

ramsfansam: Hey Gordo,

Shouldn't the new regime put linemen first like the Patriots do? The way I see it, we should be drafting linemen until we have someone solid or Pro Bowl caliber at each O line and D line position. Otherwise, our secondary, RB, QB, WR are going to play like garbage anyway.

Jeff Gordon: Sure, the foundation of winning teams line play. But you need to develop a steady stream of them because they become overpriced in free agency. Tough challenge.

K Phillips Fan: Hey Jeff,

You or Jim Thomas said that the Rams were so worried about WR that they would take one at #2 if one was worthy of it. That seems to point to a 2nd round WR. BUT, what if a 1'st round defender falls. Say we take Chris Long first. Then, Dan Connor, Kenny Phillips, or Aqib Talib fall. How can we not take them?

Jeff Gordon: If a great player at another position fell, the team would take quality over positional need. WR gets mentioned because the presumption is that a WR could fall there. So could a decent OT, if the team doesn't take Jake Long.

HumanityRams: Hey Gordo,

Our biggeset needs in the draft are (in no order): DE, WR, OT, CB. Maybe LB. I don't see how we fill all of these.

I can see this as the best possible scenario:

(1) Chris Long, DE (or Gholston DE)
(2) Sam Baker OT (or other 2nd round tackle)
(3) Andre Caldwell WR
(4) Tyvon Branch CD UConn
(5) Best available LB.

Anyway to improve on this? When do we take a QB? 6th or 7th? Better be a Brady.

Jeff Gordon: We'll post your suggestion. Maybe Scott Linehan will notice it.

Jeff B.: Is it true that Cal Eldred is running for office in Iowa?

Jeff Gordon: He was considered a likely candidate to run for Congress, but I haven't seen anything more on that.

steve: Jeff,

I don't understand Ankiel's left/right split. Is is possible that he will always hit left handed pitchers better?

Also if Duncan continues to get nagging injuries, and or doesn't hit Home Runs at a good enough pace, what are the chance he will be the odd man out when Rasmus comes up? Is it possible that Duncan, Brian Anderson, and one of our (hopefully) surplus starting pitchers would be trade to an American league team, and if so whjat could we expect in return?

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Rasmus bumps Schumaker. If Joe Mather develops into a big-league power hitter, that could change Duncan's status. Or if a really good offense came down the pike for some combo of players (Bryan Anderson, pitchers, a second baseman) the team could add an impact bat.

As for Ankiel, his stat sample is still small. Let's see what happens. But he does OK against lefties, no?

STAN WINCKLER: It looks like the Cards are gonna finish the season with a record of 132-30 based on there record today. Do you think that will get them into the playoffs? I hope you know that I am joking. My question is which starting pitcher do you think will have problems on the pitching on the road?

Jeff Gordon: Any of these guys could get rocked, thus making us reconsider our optimism. But even if the Cards just play .500 until they get some additional help, that would be big.

Ryan: Gotta love the Cards start despite "expert" predictions, not to mention a good chunk of Cards fan's predictions as well. I've been optimistic all offseason - I'm not saying the Cards will win it all, but in my mind they have as good a shot as any to make some noise in the NL.

That said, who do you see as being the odd man out of the starting rotation if in fact the fill-ins (Wellemeyer, Thompson) continue to pitch a solid line until the rest get healthy? I'm assuming one would go to the bullpen, would the other (or Looper) become trade bait, and for what? Prospect(s)?

Jeff Gordon: Right now the bullpen could use a pure long guy, in the role Reyes occupies. Jimenez and McClellan could also move to Memphis to make room to two ex-starter. But when everybody is back, "Mo" will have to make trades.

Tackleberry: Do you feel that the Rams may be in a similar situation to the one the Cardinals were prior to this off-season; basically a need to cut dead, unproductive, over-paid weight off the roster? When you look at the Rams' roster guys like Chavous (Edmonds), Tinoisamoa (Rolen), Glover (Eckstein), seem to be eating a lot of salary yet their production is either down or they are constantly battling injuries. If their is a change in either management or coaching after 2008, can you see a pretty thorough house cleaning to follow?

Jeff Gordon: Until the Rams find alternatives at safety and LB -- and I'm not sure they will -- those types of guys are still needed. In the salary cap world, moving veterans is tougher than cleaning house in baseball.

cyclone77: The list is long throughout NFL rosters so I'll try to keep this short.

Too much is being made by fans and columnists in the Ram forums about attitude especially regarding DT Wroten and TE Byrd.

The most note worthy I can come up with is Brett Favre in Atlanta. He showed no talent, drank and partied way too much and had no sign of ability when allowed on the field. Lucky for him he had a fan in G.B. who just happened to be the teams GM. Now 17 yrs later he is a sure fire 1st ballot HOF candidate.

I'm tired of sending talent off to other teams only to have them come to life there. DT D Lewis not only 1st team DT but thought enough of to ship out the previous starter. FB Hedgecock starting FB on the SB champion NYG.

Neither of these are future HOF talents. They are however better than what many of you thought. And now you want to send Wroten and Byrd packing.

DC Haslett likes DT Wroten. I'll take his evaluation over yours 10 out of 10 times.

I like TE Byrd's natural pass catching skills and just think what he may develop into under OC Saunders teaching who always had a all-pro TE. Last year in Washington was really impressive considering that he was a nobody TE before Saunders and did all that with a 3rd string QB and very little WR help.

1) DT Carriker, Ryan, Glover and draft choice or
2) DT Carriker, Ryan, Wroten and draft choice.

1) TE Becht, Klopfenstein, McMichael and Owens or
2) TE Becht, Byrd, Klopfenstein and McMichael.

I'll take option 2 every time.

Jeff Gordon: Haslett says he likes Wroten. That's great, but Claude did almost nothing for the Rams last season. I love his talent and I agree that writing guys off can prove disastrous. However, he IS down to his last strike. He better come ready to work.

Byrd has been a complete waste of time. He has great talent, but he doesn't apply himself. Maybe Saunders will wake him up. But if I'm Linehan, I take him to camp, run him into the ground, make an example of him and then cut him. I'm guessing the veterans would appreciate that.

Chuck Hill: Hey Jeff so what do you think about the 0-6 Detroit Tigers start this year? Hope all is going well.

Jeff Gordon: Hope all is well in Motown, Chuck. Sorry about your Tigers (and my Tigers, from the old Lance Parrish/Jason Thompson days.) That team is too good to play like that.

But it just goes to show that bad baseball is bad baseball, no matter how much the guys are getting paid.

Chuck's team in the old Clawson junior baseball league never played like that . . .

Scott L: I sent in a question about the blues earlier today questioning the impact of the last two wins on there drafting position. Apparently I miss counted the info from TSN and thought they were 7th not 4th, my bad.

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, had the Blues climbed to seventh-worst in the overall standings, they would have lost their shot at No. 1 overall. And you're right -- that would have have been a shame.

We're not saying the should have kept tanking , but . . .

Lawarence Marmie: Since we will likely be using our #2 pick and probably several more on defensive players this year, do you think it will hard for them to learn a new system next year when the Rams flop and Linny and Haslett are fired?

Jeff Gordon: Oh ye of little faith . . .

Justin Trout: Hey Jeff!

Thanks for answering all of our questions! If the Rams decide that WR is the way to go with the 2nd rounder, who do you see them looking at? Do you think a guy like Malcom Kelly or Limas Sweed will fall to the 2nd? Would the Rams want either of them if they fall (bigger, posession type) or more like a Manningham out of Michigan(speedy, YAC type)?

Thanks!
Justin Trout

Jeff Gordon: To me, the team needs an explosive receiver and yards after the catch. Bennett has size and Holt can still run routes on his bum knee. That may not be available at that pick, but you never know. Right now the Rams can't stretch defense.

Brad Lane: Hi Gordo

My question is about Rick Ankiel. I'm of the opinion that he will have an All-Star type year. Will the Cardinals try to lock him up for a while? What is his current contract situation? Just think if he had been an outfielder all along!

Jeff Gordon: Rick can cash in after this season, so the Cards will have to be aggressive to get him locked in. Wouldn't it be a shame to lose him just as he breaks out?

Jason: Jeff,
From a strategy standpoint, why do managers bring in a relief pitcher, only to have them intentionally walk the first batter they face? If one is to change pitchers, why not leave the pitcher in the game for the intentional walk and then make the switch (so the reliever comes in throwing strikes?)

Also, your comment on Jeff Passan's article on Yahoo!Sports? Is he mean-spirited and inaccurate after years of watching Royals ball, or is he on target?

Thanks for taking my question(s).
-Jason

Jeff Gordon: Jeff was a little hard on the Cards, but he was not alone in dismissing this team in '08. And this team still faces big challenges, given all the pitching injuries.

I agree about brining in a guy to watch a hitter. If you are going to bring replace a pitcher in trouble, let that guy get credit for the runner.

Colin B: I'm just wondering who the Blues would consider taking and why with the number 4 pick, in case they don't win the lottery and get the number 1 pick? Also, I read a block that showed the different winners of the draft lottery and who they picked along with some other notable picks from that draft and I noticed that the number 2 pick seems to have yielded better overall players than most of the number 1s. i.e. Malkin or the Staals. How often has the nubmer 2 pick exceeded the number 1 in production? Sorry for all the questions, I love these chats!

Jeff Gordon: In this draft, that won't be the case. But sometimes the No. 1 pick struggles with all the expectations. Poor Doug Wickenheiser took a beating in Montreal after the Habs passed on Denis Savard to take him.

Brian Lawton, Joe Murphy, Eric Lindros, Patrik Stefan . . . there have been some tough cases.

Ron W: Jeff,

Anytime there is a discussion about the Rams trading down it seems like it always includes a team wanting to trade up to acquire Darren McFadden. However, what seems to be a possiblity is the Ravens wanting to move up to draft Matt Ryan. Do you think there is a realistic chance the Rams and Ravens swap 1st round picks and the Rams obtain the Ravens 2nd round pick (38th selection overall)? If so, do you think the Rams would be wise in doing so?

Jeff Gordon: The Rams would have to be totally sold on the quality of player available at that lower first-round slot. Right now they are in love with the Longs, putting them in position to take one of them.

James Taylor: It might be too early to tell, but with leonard little's extension, other defensive pieces blossoming, and with offensive line additions via the draft, this Rams team looks pretty good. I feel that with all that aside, the teams success will depend on Marc Bulger and Stephen Jackson. If Marc Bulger can stay healthy and distribute the football effectively and Stephen Jackson can stay healthy and pound the ball, the defense will spend less time on the field. How do you feel about this Rams team if they can stay healthy?

Jeff Gordon: Health is one thing. Performance is another. Can a healed Bulger play at his old level? Can the healed offensive line block for him? A lot will have to happen to get this team back to the high side of .500.

mark: I was wandering if the rams pick dorcy will the d-line be carriker, ryan, dorcy ,little.I tink this would be the best line combination.Carriker did very little at dt and think hes alot like C. long at de high motor.Tell me what u think!!! thank you drive thru!!!

Jeff Gordon: Carriker would be an effort DE, but I don't know if can be as disruptive as Long could be or as disruptive as Grant Wistrom was. Perhaps this, and Dorsey's peripheral issues, has the Rams focusing on the Longs.