Jeff: JG,
This year the Cards look like a team that can put together a long winning streak,(4-9games) something they have not been able to do in the last two years. This is what will make them dangerous in the Central. I LOVE OCTOBER BASEBALL IN ST. LOU

Thanks Jeff

Jeff Gordon: If they can keep Carpenter, Wainwright and Lohse healthy, that is a pretty good rotation. That is the key to putting streaks together. The Cards have won with some big offensive games this year and some little ones.

Last year, they pretty much had to outscore teams.

virginiatom: Originally I had thought that Devaney had a nice draft last year, but looking back on it now, it was about a C overall, which is a terrible grade for picking so high in the draft. Other teams with worst draft position did so much better. Long has not shown himself to be an impact player, Avery is not a number 1 receiver, and Greco and Goldberg will never be starters. I see this being the result of a flawed draft strategy that has haunted the Rams for years and is why they are among the worst teams in the league. They continuously draft for need instead of taking the best player available, regardless of postion. This has to stop. Taking Smith as a tackle might be good, but you can't tell me he is the 2nd best player in this draft. Why not take the 2nd best player in the draft at 2, and then the the 35 best player in the draft when they pick 2nd, and so on and so on. With an average draft last year, horrible drafts the four years before that, and an average draft this year, the Rams will be done for years to come.

Jeff Gordon: Chris Long will be an impact player. He is much better than Glenn Dorsey -- the guy fans wanted.
Donnie Avery showed flashes of being an impact WR. Was he reach there? Perhaps, but his rookie season was marred by injury and the team's general incompetence.
Greco could start this year.
Goldberg wasn't in that draft class.
CB Justin King had a great camp, then suffered a knee injury. Jury is still out.
Keenan Burton has the tools to be a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver. Again, injuries and the team's offensive collapse skewed his production.
Roy Schuening had a nice camp last year and could back-up this year.
Chamberlain and Vobora are special teams guys. Maybe they stick again, maybe not.

I can see a scenario where this class deserves a "C" after another year. And I can see it becoming an "A" class if King, Avery and Burton stay healthy and progress.

virginiatom: If Burris is not suspended by the league, why not pick him up for the year? The Rams can use Crabtree but it doesn't look like they are going to grab him, so Burris would be a good number 1. Burris was a monster with the Giants, and if we keep Incognito with all his issues because he can play, surely we can use Burris for a year and deal with his issues too. Its worth it and he can be the differance alone in winning several games, especially with bringing a red zone presence the Rams desperately lack. The Giants players wanted him back, and he wasn't disruptive in that way. I say grab him while he is still there and its one more hole we have filled on a team with too many holes to fill in this draft.

Jeff Gordon: Spags knows all about Plaxico and his constant unwillingness to abide by team rules. A rebuilding team doesn't need that kind of player.

ueaces: Nothing like a three game sweep to get Cardinal Nation buzzing.

Say what you want about Tony, but NO ONE utilizes his bench better.

Can somebody on the team keep telling Lohse it is April for the rest of the year!

Gordo, Greene looks alreay like he is going to be a solid shortstop for the Cards the rest of the year. Your impressions?

Jeff Gordon: Khalil was great in the spring and it carried over. He needed a change of scenery. If he keeps this up, Mozeliak should seriously consider a contract extension. Tyler Greene is a nice prospect, but Khalil could be a nice, solid, B+ performer at a key offensive and defensive position.

stlbluespower: Jeff--Thanks as always in advance for answering our questions--
I am so excited about the Blues, more excited than I've been about another St. Louis or Missouri team in the past several years. Is it too hopeful on my part to think this team has a chance to advance in these playoffs? I think this team is special, and if they can stay healthy and Mason continues to do the job he's doing, why can't they knock off any team in the West? Even if they lose in the first round, I won't be disappointed. But I don't think they will. Blues in 7--What do you say?

Jeff Gordon: Luongo is one of the NHL's top few goaltenders, so the Note will have to creak lots of havoc in the offensive zone to score. Mason will have to be brilliant. The Note will have to rock on the power play and tighten up on the kill.

The Blues beat one top team after another down the stretch. So, yes, they have a chance.