DAVE COBLER: Hi Gordo:

I REALLY enjoyed your article "Will Cards find help inside or outside the organization"?
The article mirrored my very concerns for this club for this year.

It just seems to me the Cards need to go outside the organization to obtain an established major league bonified impact bat to hit 4th in the Cardinal lineup. Do you think Carl Crawford could do the job in the 4 hole? If he commands Pujols type money it seems to me he could. But I am not all that acquainted with his abilities since I am a Cardinal loyalist and therefore do not see the other clubs a lot to know much about them. Do you think the Cards would front the money and the required players to obtain such a heavy stick? For Pujols and the Cards sake I hope so!

Thanks Jeff! The PD and its GREAT sportswriters staff are like a fresh brew of coffee in the morning. They perk me up and give me something to look forward to everyday. I loved your story...God bless you!

Jeff Gordon: Crawford has a unique speed/power combo, but the Cards would prefer to have a pure right-handed power hitter to add to the mix. If Ankiel and Rasmus are going to play in the outfield here for the long term, then a RH power bat would be ideal for left field.

Ron: I have felt for a long time that the Cardinals should be going after Jason Bay. I think he is what we need, but at what expense ? I like all of are players that we now have except shortstop. Where would he play and who would have to sit ? Leave Colby at Memphis. Let him be in the mix for next year. I believe that Duncan can be the hitter behind Albert, just put him there and leave him alone.

Jeff Gordon: The Jason Bay of '06 would be a perfect addition to this mix. Again, if Ankiel and Rasmus are here for the long-term, then it would be tough to have a third LH-hitting outfielder getting 500 at bats a year. Bay turns 30 this year, so he is in his athletic prime. He is about to enter his earning prime, too, so that's where the equation gets tough for Pittsburgh.

Dan Mercer: Gordo,

There is a quiet rumor that the Cardinals are going to have a pitching surplus and a need for a power bat. (Maybe you haven't heard this yet, being as its not being said by everyone everywhere in St. Louis, but I am sure at some point the rumor will get out)

Whom on this team can be displaced by a power bat? Power typically comes from the corners. Albert is irreplaceable, Glaus is signed for another year, Duncan is a Tony favorite, and so far Skip is leading off relatively well. Last I checked, there weren't too many power hitting middle infielders, and center is locked one way or another for years to come.

Jeff Gordon: Duncan is a La Russa favorite, obviously, but a power-hitting, right-handed left fielder would be the perfect long-term fit for this team. Now, if Chris can hit consistently enough to earn some starts against lefties -- thus pushing himself toward the 500 AB level -- then his combo with Ludwick could get the job done.

Duncan and Ankiel are the X-factor guys. IF Rick continues to hit lefties well and IF Chris hits like he did last season before he got hurt and IF Glaus is still a 30HR/100 RBI guy, then perhaps this is a moot point.

Tim: Of the "Big Four" which one would yo rather see the Rams draft? It looks like no matter who they draft its a huge pickup and they will have an immediate impact on the team.

Jeff Gordon: I'd go with Chris Long, adding an all-purpose DE to start next to Little, Ryan and Carriker. Hall could spell him on third down passing situations. Adeyanju could replace Little on third-down run downs.

Gholston has boosted his stock, as Jim Thomas outlined. This leaves the Rams open to a trade down -- one that could help them get a quality WR and a viableOT after taking a defensive lineman at No. 5 or No. 6 overall.

Tim: Could we possibly see a Barron for Birk deal? Obviously is wouldnt go down until we knew for sure the ther is a 100% chance Jake Long slips to No.2 but picture that line

Pace Bell Birk Incognito Long with solid backups

Stussie Setterstrom Romberg Goldberg Gorin

Jeff Gordon: I don't see center as a big priority. I understand the appeal of getting a potential Pro Bowler for the middle of the O-line, but Romberg has been OK in that slot and Setterstrom could be more than OK.

As for Barron, he reminds of other inconsistent Rams OTs (Ryan Tucker, John St. Clair) who played on after leaving St. Louis. Other teams will be intrigued by him. He has athletic ability that cannot be dismissed. And in some cases, players really do mature after a change of scenery.

For me, an ideal scenario would be to bring him back for one last chance -- while also drafting potential replacement high in the second round.