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.

Tim: Waht will the Cards do with their roster when the 3 remaining startrs are back? You figure when Mulders back Wellemeyer will be moved into the pen and then when Clement is Possbibly Looper but what about when Carpenter comes back then you got six starters for 5 spots and to make thing harder what if Wellemeyer and looper tear it up.

Jeff Gordon: At some point, the Cards will have to trade somebody -- especially since Reyes is taking to the relief role surprisingly well. Lohse would have considerable trade value if Mozeliak determines that he can't extend him. Same for Looper, who is in the last year of his deal. These are front-of-the-rotation guys, but they could be solid injury replacements.

All this presumes that Clement and Carpenter will make it back to their old form in a timely fashion. That is still a big if.

Bill: As a longtime Cardinal fan living now in Pennsylvania, I appreciate your expert and well-written articles and the chance to ask you a question.

Living out of state, I usually hear the broadcasts of Cardinal opponents' radio and TV. Several have commented, with mild negative surprise, on the propensity of Cardinal pitchers to make attempts at fielding balls that would otherwise go to the infielders, unintentionally deflecting balls and preventing quite a few outs and double plays.

I understand that pitchers can prevent hits up the middle, but is it wise to take a stab at balls hit far to the left or right? Are they coached to do this?

Jeff Gordon: Pineiro had particular trouble with this Sunday. It's a reflex play. Sometimes a pitcher can steal a hit up the middle and sometimes they deflect the ball away from a fielder. But you can't tell them to lay off balls hit up the middle, since their first instinct is to protect themselves and their second instinct is to play the game.

What you can do is work on pitcher fielding. Just ask Jim Leyland about that.

Ron Phillips: With Rick Ankiel having such a good start in 2008, would he be a possible Comeback Player of the Year if he continues to have a good 2008 season? Does the time he spent with the Cardinals at the end of 2007 rule him out?
Thanks

Jeff Gordon: He is an interesting case. Since he only played part of '07, he could be in line for that sort of honor. Certainly he is a rare case, a top young major league pitcher repackaged as an emerging outfielder. He looked like a star in one career, then changed up and looks just as promising in the other career. We haven't seen that in the contemporary game.

matt MVP stroehms: hey man,

jw, but where are the likes of these guys:

Jon Gall
Bud Smith
Hector Luna (cle?)
and even Rusty Greer?

thanks Gordo...

Jeff Gordon: Gall went to spring training with the Marlins as a non-roster guy. Luna finished last season with Toronto after getting claimed from Cleveland on waivers. He went to camp with the Jays as a non-roster guy and didn't make it. Smith tried to revive his career with an independent league team in Long Beach, but he couldn't make it back to the majors. Greer formally retired in 2005.

Bryan S: With everybody talking about Jake Long being the next great offensive tackle...didn't they said the same thing about Robert Gallery in Oakland?

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, but, again, great OTs are almost impossible to find. Long is a stellar workout guy and a young man of great character, but he still has to adapt to the pro game - which is a LOT different than playing Big Ten football. Long has the tools, but he is hardly the same sort of natural athlete that Pace was coming out of school. Pace was (and still is) and physical freak, a huge man who is very light on his feet.

Sports Fan: Hey Gordo.

Are the Cardinals currently looking for a power bat at the moment? If so, do you know of any players that they are considering?

We could use a legit cleanup man, because Glaus isn't getting the job done, and Ankiel is hitting well in the #2 spot.

But one question: Where do the Cardinals upgrade? I'd guess either SS or 2B, because of the logjam of outfielders they have in the organization.

Jeff Gordon: I like Glaus more as a No. 6 hitter against righties and a No. 5 versus lefties. Hitting Ankiel No. 4 could be a stretch. I don't mind Duncan/Ludwick at No. 2. I talked to Mozeliak about this Friday and he doesn't expect much trade talk to occur before June, when teams can define their needs and really see where they are headed this season. By then, the Cards will have more trade leverage and we'll know more about Duncan and Ankiel as everyday players.

Tiger J: Good Day, Jeff. Why no love for the Cards from network shows(ESPN). It's been two weeks. They are lovin the D-Backs. Just one more ? J. Think Dorsey is a smokescreen for Atl?

Jeff Gordon: The Rams are keeping their options open on the Big Four in case the right deal comes along. They don't want Ryan or McFadden, but those two are likely top six picks. So the Rams could take the right trade down to get one of their Big Four and another pick good enough to fetch an impact player.

I can't put any odds on the possibility of a deal, but the Rams need to remain open to the concept just in case. I would put Dorsey fourth in their Big Four, but he could still be an impact player here if he fell to the Rams in some sort of maneuver.

robert sanders: Who is the most logical power bat for the Cardinals to pursue? Except for Pineiro and Izzy pitching looks pretty good. In your opinion, who would be someone they could get as the power bat?

Jeff Gordon: Pineiro and Izzy are fine. Joel pitched in real tough luck and Jason fell victim to suspect fielding and umpiring during his one blown save. As for the power bat, an outfielder like Bay from a team like Pittsburgh is what the team will look at. But that is just hypothetical at this point. Let's see what the current outfielders do for the next eight weeks or so.

JSmith: Gordo:

With draft day approaching who do you think is the most likely candidate for the Rams number two choice and why?

Jeff Gordon: Mock drafts put Manningham in a Rams uniform for the obvious reasons. He could fall to the second round in a deep receivers draft and the Rams need an impact WR. That is entirely plausible.

Loren: Have you heard anything about a S. Jackson extension . I hope we get it done before the Draft if at all possible. Anybody who thinks this team would be better off trading him and drafting Mcfadden is crazy in my opinion. He is a stud with obvious passion for the game. He stays out of trouble and truly wants to win. With a health productive offensive line he could carry this team.

Jeff Gordon: Talking to Devaney, he agrees wholeheartedly. Jackson offers a freakish size/speed/hands combo. The Rams do need to extend him -- but that could force the club to make a hard call on another veteran to make the cap numbers work.

Bob: Gordo, thanks for all your sports expertise! My question today is TJ Oshie, with the Blues or not next season? We all know his goal is to win the NCAA with North Dakota, and he has one more chance to do it. His comments following the BC game made me wonder if he still sees himself as a Fighting Sioux in 2008-09. The other factor Oshie may be considering is limited playing time based on the D. Perron model.
We all know Oshie is no EJ in terms of behavior. If he is a Blue, please tell us why and not just yes or no.

Jeff Gordon: Oshie also acknowledged that the core group of North Dakota players could be moving on. I see him turning pro. I also see him spending time at Peoria, which was not an option for Perron because of rules regarding junior-eligible players.

I don't see T.J. passing up the money. North Dakota had its shot at winning a title this season.

Dejan Prole: After the Big Four visited the Rams Park on Sunday are there any brighter signs of wich player will Rams draft this April? My vote goes to Vernon Gholston!

Greetings from Serbia Rams fans!

Jeff Gordon: Gholston has boosted his stock. He is a big work ethic guy and he would address a serious need. I don't know if the Rams would take him at No. 2, but they could move back a few notches and gladly take him AND another decent pick via a trade.

Ted: Hey Gordo, whats the lastest draft news with the rams it looks like miami is going to take jake long so do u think they will take chris long? Whats the status on fahkir brown is he still going to be able to play this season. My final ? is do u think this is the year tye hill steps up and rewards us for selecting him with our #1 pick in 2006. thanks Gordo

Jeff Gordon: Don't have official word on Brown, but the Rams are understandably eager to add another veteran CB. Hill needs to be a take-charge CB this year, but "shutdown corner" is asking too much. I don't know that he will ever reach his stated goal of becoming a Pro Bowler.

G Money: The Blues obviously need scoring help. However, in the draft the best choices at the 4 spot seem to be defensemen. I say take the best player available. Our power play could use a skilled defensemen. Johnson will likely grow into this role but another top notch defender can not hurt. What are your thoughts?

Jeff Gordon: I certainly agree. I like Polak as a young D, but he isn't a PP guy. Wagner can help the power play moving forward, but he doesn't have a huge shot. Johnson has an accurate shot and great passing skills, but he isn't a hammer. So despite the Blues' need for scoring up front, these blue-chip defensive prospects could also help the team's long-term picture.

G Money: The Cardinals are off to a nice start. The pitching is likely to come back to earth soon. However, offensively we can do better and the SF series seemed to show that. I believe we need another bat. The most obvious choices are at 2b and SS. Is a trade of some of our young OF and P prospects for another teams good middle infielder prospect a good fit? Do we have that guy at AA or AAA?

Jeff Gordon: At second base, Jarrett Hoffpauir has been dynamic at Memphis after a star turn at Springfield. He is becoming a trade chip AND a legit long-term option at that position. Ryan could help at SS once he heals up and takes some swings in a rehab assignment. Near-term, that could help the offense. Long-term, that position is the most critical need. Former first-round pick Pete Kozma could be years away and he may not be an impact offensive player when he gets here. Former top pick Tyler Greene has stalled at the Class AA, in part due to injury.

Rich: Hey Gordo,

What kind of WR are the Rams looking for in this draft?

Are they looking for a guy to eventually take over the number one postion or are they just looking for a speedster to man the slot.

It seems every week a top flight WR candidate finds a way to tumble down the draft board so there will be choices in the top of the second and third rounds.

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: The Rams need speed and growth potential at WR. They don't need a lead guy for next year, obviously, but a strong third receiver to replace Bruce is a must-get. And given Bennett's sad showing here in '07, the Rams need somebody good enough to push for the No. 2 role ASAP.

Bryan S: I noticed on the stltoday.com website that on the Rams section you can browse the game archives from every season the Rams have been in St. Louis. Are there any plans to do the same thing for the Blues archives or the Cardinal archives?

Jeff Gordon: Those would be HUGE archives, as opposed to the Rams archive, but we'll pass the suggestion along.

Tom S.: Hey Gordo, I think the rams need to change their image. See if you can talk them into getting rid of the white golf shoes they've always worn and wear some black ones. What do you think?

Jeff Gordon: Don't white shoes make you appear faster? What worked for Billy Johnson works for us.

Warren Arnold: Hey Gordo,
Assuming the rotation turns out quality starts over the season and keeps us in games, would you predict an addition to the lineup?

I personally think the X-factor is the production of Duncan in the 2-spot. If he is a factor, Ankiel can make an impact at 4 and Glaus at 5(although there could be some big strikeouts there).

So what do you see happening if the 2 or 4 spot does not produce?

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: You are right on target. If Ankiel and Duncan don't hold up, change will be imperative or Albert could walk 200 times. As I noted earlier, June will be a good time to judge the situation. By then, Mozeliak will have more trade leverage and a better idea of what his current mix can do.

Mick: how early is too early for the rams to pick a developmental QB? Thanks Mick.

Jeff Gordon: Given all the other needs, I'd hate to see them jump quicker than the fifth round. But the guys they really like will be long gone by then. So this is a tough call. Perhaps if the Rams can get an extra pick through a trade down, it will make it easier to jump at a QB earlier in the second day.

bfulton: Apparently, your colleague Jim Thomas reports that OT Alex Barron hasn't much attended the Rams' off-season workout program. Do you know Barron's side of the story?

Jeff Gordon: Either you are there or you aren't. And if you have been inconsistent as a pro -- as Barron has -- then you ought to get there. He can't be trusted to work out on his own. He hasn't earned that trust, as guys like Bruce did over the years. Coaches really hate it when young guys don't go "all in" for off-season conditioning.

Although I don't advocate dealing Barron, this bit of off-season news would make such a trade more understandable.

bfulton: Assuming Fakhir Brown can't play this year, how do the Rams: 1) fill the roster spot; and, 2) fill his starting spot?

Jeff Gordon: The Rams continue to explore veteran options at CB. Like LB, CB doesn't seem to be one of early priorities for the Rams in this draft. For now, the team must hope that Hill, Bartell and Wade keep improving.

Ed Wernle: What is your opinion of Glen Dorsey missing this past weekend visit because of the "flu"? I hope the Rams organization considers this an indication of his character and work ethic (ie. Jimmy Kennedy). He is in line to make millions of guaranteed money and he can't get on a plane because of a fever. This would make a great cambell soup ad though. Big, strong Glen Dorsey missed a paid trip to a possible new employer because he didn't eat his cambell soup..

Jeff Gordon: Let's see what sort of impression he makes when he does come. The last time I talked to Devaney, he admitted that players can hurt their draft stock by blowing their team visit. It happened last spring when Devaney was in Atlanta.

As for the Kennedy comparison, I wouldn't go that far. Dorsey played hard and play hurt in college. Kennedy did have a tendency to take plays off, which is why he fell to the Rams in his draft year. There are no such concerns about Dorsey.

Francisco Prado: Gordo, thank you for taking my question. I always look forward to your chats. Do you believe the Rams will select a fullback in the later rounds? I believe Leonard is not a true lead blocking fullback. This was very noticeable last season as we struggle in short yardage blocking( Thanks for Linehan for releasing Hedgecock). In a division where Patrick Willis and Lofa Tatupu are middle linebackers we need a hammer to put on those players.

Jeff Gordon: Richard Owens ending up in that role last year and that wasn't good enough. Leonard is a solid utility back with terrific third down blocking/receiving skills. The team does need a true power blocker, especially if that guy can also become a special teams force.

Jason: Hey Gordo!

How much more do the Cards have to see of Ankiel before they realize that they had better sign him to a long-term deal? I'm convinced. How about you?

Jeff Gordon: If this keeps up for a couple of months, the Cards need to lock him in -- sign him to a four- or five-year deal that buys into his free agency. They did it with Wainwright and Molina. They will have to do it with Duncan, too, if it appears he will be with the team over the long haul.

superjim: Hey Gordo,

Looking ahead a season, next year the Rams are going to be in a tough position. Alex Barron will be at the end of his deal, O.J. Atogwe will be a free agent, Steven Jackson's deal will have run out and more holes will have developed in the roster. Orlando Pace will strongly consider retirement with the same applying to Glover, and potentially Leonard Little if he doesn't recover from his toe injury. Corey Chavous had a drop in his play last year and I expect one again this season in truth, while Torry's knees worry me, and could go at any time. My point is this: I think we only have one season to get a quick fix before returning to the 6-10 mediocrity which we've seen over the last few years. This season we have enough good players left over, plus the free agent additions, plus at least 3 instant starters from the draft to mount a playoff run. However, if we don't draft well like in recent years I don't think we'll be seeing winning football played in St. Louis for a long time. In an ideal world, I would take Gholston or Dorsey in round one and Kenny Phillips or a receiver like mario manningham in the second. What chance do you think that this will happen, I hear we're having Desean Jackson for a visit next week? Will we trade up into the end of round 1 for a second pick? What are your thoughts on all this?

Thanks Gordo

Jeff Gordon: I don't know if the Rams need to move up into the end of the second round, given the caliber of player likely to fall to them early in the second. But the Rams do need to add several impact guys in this draft. They must also make great progress with some earlier picks because, as you noted, several veterans are coming to the end of the line. The franchise faces many tough decisions as Little and Pace age and guys like Jackson need new deals.

Frank: Jeff -

Even if Dorsey IS a beast, shouldn't the team avoid taking any chances by picking him (and his possible long-term injuries)?

This team can't afford to make a mistake with this high a pick! Your take??

Jeff Gordon: I don't know that his leg injuries are a long-term concern. But the Rams can't take any risk on this pick, on character or talent or health. I believe the Big Four are all solid. But Dorsey could be viewed as redundant at DT, so I have the other three ahead of him.

Roy Dixon: Gordo,

It looks like our outfield is better than the pundits thought with Skipper, Luddy, Duncan, Barton, and Ankiel. With our current outfield crop looking pretty good, do you think Rasmus could be used as trade bait in order to shore up other parts of the lineup? Also, most if not all of the top prospects who had good springs but were sent down have been struggling including Rasmus. I read somewhere that Rasmus was to spend the entire year at AAA no matter what he does, do you think he will struggle mentally this year with no chance of getting called up?

Jeff Gordon: Rasmus will play here one way or another. If he labors all year, that won't come until September, when the rosters expand. But despite the early promise shown by this offense, the Cards won't hold Colby back. He did enough during the spring to show La Russa he can play. What he is seeing in Class AAA ball is a LOT of veteran pitchers trying to hang onto their careers. They pitch different than the hot prospects he saw in Class AA ball. So this is one more lesson he must learn.

Could Rasmus become a trade chip rather than an everyday player? Unlikely, unless that trade featured a young shortstop capable of playing here for many years to come. Otherwise Rasmus' arrival will allow the Cards to deal an OF and spend some money on other areas. Colby fits neatly into the near-term plans for getting the Cards back into contention.

Martin: Everyone is suggesting the Rams pick a corner in the 3rd or 4th round, why is that? They did that last year, and almost every year since 2000. Is management not happy with Jonathon Wade or Ron Bartell or do people quickly forget about draft picks after the 2nd round?
Thanks!

Jeff Gordon: The Rams need a cornerback, one away or another. Hill, Bartell and Wade all figure prominently into the '08 plans. But Bartell can play safety and is better as a utility back. Another pure corner would really make a difference.

Martin: Vernon Gholston and Chris Long BOTH had 14 sacks last year. Why would the Rams prefer the "sack master" over a Hall-of-Famer's son who is much more consistent? I'm hoping they get C.Long at number 2.
Thanks!

Jeff Gordon: Gholston is a speed rusher and Long is an effort rusher. Against NFL left tackles, Vernon is likely to get more pressure and Long is likely to make more plays overall. So either guy has value, just in different way.

John W. Cook: With all the bad publicity that you hear from spots and athletes, sometimes it feels good to hear the good side. Please take the time to read the following column from the Peoria Journal Star about the Peoria Riverman. This column reflects the class of the St. Louis Blues organization. Please go to: pjstar.com
Columnist: Phil Luciano
Date: Wednesday 4-9-08

Jeff Gordon: We'll pass that along . . .

Scott Linehan: Why do I still have a job?

Jeff Gordon: Because you had a year left on your contract and Chip Rosenbloom needs that year to get acclimated to his new role.

Jake Long: Hey Gordo,

If you guys take me, aren't you basically screwed on the D-line? I mean, is there any DE in the second round worth taking? If you take me, doesn't that mean no pass rush?

Jeff Gordon: Well, Jake, if the Rams take you, they will still have Little and Hall to rush the passer. Both guys were hurt last year, but both have credentials. Beyond that, the Rams WOULD have to find a good athlete, perhaps a smallish DE/LB to groom as a specialist.

ramsfansam: What is the over/under this year on:

"Oh the Humanity" forum postings by you?

Side line chewing outs by players to Linehan?

Barron false starts?

Games before Loserhan is replaced by Saunders or Haslett?

Love your columns,

Rajas

Jeff Gordon: Let's hope we're done with the fiasco post-game chats, but something tells us this year will be no better than 8-8. And if that happens, Linehan would survive the year but fail to earn a new long-term deal. He is in a funny spot with Haslett still here and Saunders locked in for the longer term.

AS for Barron, if he doesn't get to work this off-season, he might not make it to the regular season. Rams management will read all these "trade Barron" posts and take them to heart.

merlin olsen: Don't you think Saunders is being prepped to be the coach when Linehan finally screws up?

Jeff Gordon: Contractually, he is in position to take over. He has the experience. This is why Linehan is trying to assert him and create a fresh (and more commanding) image to his players. Let's see how it plays.

Roy Dixon: Gordo, Another question regarding Rasmus. If Rasmus is ready but we have players who appear to be better in front of him, would it benefit the cards to trade him or do we risk the chance of him having him digress as a player by staying at AAA too long? If this happens then he loses value as the cards lose a player who could have got some value in a trade. What do you think Gordo?

Jeff Gordon: The Cards won't keep him on the farm too long. He has to earn his way here, just as Ankiel and Duncan did. He won't ride the shuttle back and forth as Schumaker did. He has too much value.

There will be no rush to trade or promote him. Like Maybin in Florida, he is a hot, HOT prospect. All the scouts are sold. That won't change any time soon.

Kevin Weber: Who do you think the cards match up well with for trades?

I was thinking eventually we could match with the tigers. They need bullpen and fill-in starter help (we have surplus), but I'm not sure what we could really get back from them.

Jeff Gordon: Brandon Inge is an interesting guy. He could play a semi-regular OF role and also play 3B and 1B against lefties. He can catch, too, should the Cards want to rest Molina while pinch-hitting for La Rue. Marcus Thames is a Ludwick type, decent power as a part-time OF.

Another interesting note: The Tigers are saying that Leyland isn't asking for DH Barry Bonds. But wouldn't that be interesting!

Keith: Hey Gordo...Most NFL reps are down on Michigan WR Mario Manningham, due to a poor 40 time at the combine & some slight character issues. I believe it would be a BIG mistake for the Rams to pass on him with the second pick in round 2. Some scouts still believe his skill level makes him the best receiver in the draft & that he could be the next Chad Johnson. Imagine Torry "Big Game" Holt & "Super Mario" Manningham making plays for the Rams this season. Now that's an exciting offense. What do you think?

Jeff Gordon: A lot of mock drafts have him failing to the Rams in the second round. At second-round dollars, he would be a solid bet, no?

rob: gordo
what do you think of the cardinals so far this season and?and what is the blues biggest need going into the offseason
thanks

Jeff Gordon: The Cards' primary need is a real shortstop. Izturis is a handy back-up type guy, a solid defender. But unless Ryan can take some of his at bats this year and add some offense, the Cards will have a lineup hole.

And if Ryan is NOT the shortstop of the immediate future, then the team needs to go get one. It doesn't appear Greene will make it and Kozma is years away, at best.

Dave Pietrowski: Great column Jeff:
I know we have to remember it is still early but, do You think just maybe the best thing for Rasmus could really happen, like him get to play at least most of a full season at triple A ?
Thanks again,
Dave

Jeff Gordon: He just needs to sustain some success at Memphis, thus building on everything else he has done to this point. Then he will be ready. For a lot of reasons, some elite prospects actually hit better at this level than at Class AAA ball. They have better lighting, they do better game preparations and they see less slop on the mound.

hockey_jedi: Gordo,

Have you ever asked an on ice official if they reviewed questionable calls to see if they got it right between periods? I know it is awkward territory to approach officials and question their calls, but I thought you might have been able to ask a more general question.

Jeff Gordon: When there is a really bad call, sometimes reporters will ask for an explanation after the game. Their typical response is to explain their call as they saw it, not how the replays revealed it. Their supervisors will review obvious mistakes after the game.

As for the middle of the game, if officials sense they got something wrong -- like when coaches tell them the replay made them look foolish -- they often try to make good later in the game. When officials make an iffy call, they usually sense it from the reaction of the credible players and coaches involved. Most of these guys strive to be fair overall, realizing they can't see everything.

(Some players and coaches complain about everything, so the officials blow them off.)

Joey Drilllings: I actually go to the draft. Will you or any other writers be there? My question is, do the Rams consider Brock Berlin their QB of the future, or will they be spending a third or fourth pick on a QB? I know this is not an immediate need, but since a QB takes a year or two to groom, it may be a bigger need then we think.

Jeff Gordon: Berlin is NOT their quarterback of the future. The Rams would like to draft a developmental guy, but, as Jim Thomas notes, the class is thin.

We cover from the draft from team headquarters. Aside from a new national guys, that is how the draft gets covered. The GMs and coaches work from their war rooms.

darrell hoskins: if dominique rodgers-cormatie is on the board for the 33rd pick. would you draft him and do you think the rams would draft him.i think he is a playmaker and they don't have many of those.

Jeff Gordon: Scouts Inc. has him ranked 14th overall. So if he plunged to the second round, the Rams would be pretty excited. He is a potential starter.

shanks: hey jeff,this has been bugging me all weekend but did you read that column with linehan ( "free agent pickups"). how trent green is going to help mark bulgar out a TON!what is he talking about.wasnt mark one of the top qbs in the league before linehan came.is trent going to block for him? i know a TON of ram fans that would kiss rodney harrisons feet if they could.i also know a TON of people that want to see linehan gone. linehan also says green brings "credibility and leadership". hey scott is"nt that what you were supposed to bring? anyway i guess my question is, jeff do you agree with me?

Jeff Gordon: That is a bit harsh on Trent. Fact is, Trent knows the offense. And Trent has proven to be a tough guy, often to his own detriment. Had he never been injured here, he would have quarterbacked the Greatest Show on Turf. We'll never know if he could have done what Warner did, but he put up great numbers with awful WRs in Kansas City.

I like Bulger, but he has to come out of his shell and lead this team this year. The Rams WILL block for him, given their improved depth. Now he has to regain his old confidence.

johno: Greetings from still very wintery Montana. Jeff, Is it me, or has the NHL officials changed their standards later in the year? It seems that there is a whole lot of hitting from behind that would have been automatic penalties earlier that are now overlooked. They still seem love to call the marginal hook though. By the way, could you give me general number of how many St.Louis kids were playing Div.1 college hockey this year. It seems wrong to me that Missouri/ St.Louis does not have a Div.1 college hockey team when a state like Colorado supports 3.

Thanks John O

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, it's too bad SLU got out of the hockey business. That could sell here -- good hockey at reasonable prices. As for the officiating, the match-ups are so close now that it's tough to call the games. There is more hitting from behind because there is more hitting. The intensity is tremendous -- and a lot of refs don't want to kill their games by making a lot of calls.

Tim: Of the big four who would be the better fit for the Rams?

Jeff Gordon: Linehan wants Jake Long, it appears, but I'd favor Howie's kid.

steve: Gordo

There is talk the Cardinals need another bat behind Albert; so no one fits the bill on the current club?
So are the Cardinals going to bring someone up or trade who for who to solve the problem.
Do you think the Cardinals rushed Joel P. to fast to amajor league start?

Jeff Gordon: Pineiro threw fine. He got beat by poor infield play and some bloop hits. He did get left in a little long, but that happens on getaway day. As for the "impact bat" questions, we'll see Ankiel, Duncan and Ludwick try to bracket Albert for the near term. How they fare will determine how eager Mozeliak will become to make a change.

Ray R.: Jeff:
Your thoughts on the Rams taking the best available defensive player with our second round pick? I think Dorsey should be the pick at No. 2. But instead of then going OL or WR, I would also take an impact defensive player with our second round pick. Hoping Tenn LB Jerod Mayo falls!!

Jeff Gordon: Devaney isn't optimistic about LBs. The Rams aren't taking one of the good ones in the first round and he doesn't expect to see a quality LB in the second round. The depth at OT and WR is much better.

Tim: Any chance the Cards will make a run at Carl Crawford?

Jeff Gordon: It would be great to have that caliber of leadoff hitter, but the team could use a pure right-handed power hitter to blend into the mix -- if the Cards make a change. Rasmus could be a solid leadoff hitter with some speed when he arrives.

Jason: The Rams would be silly to take J.Long,but then again,we do have Scott Loserhan as the head coach.

Jeff Gordon: Adding Long at huge dollars is an issue, for me, because you still have Pace and Barron. If you are convinced Pace is about done and you want to get Barron out of the lineup, then, sure, J. Long makes sense. But to me the needs are more immediate at DE.

Tim: How soon will we see Guys like Mather, Hoffpauir and Barden and Boggs up? Not to forget Rasmus and Perez

Jeff Gordon: These guys could all be here in September. But the Cards are 9-4 and there are veteran players on the mend, including infielder Brendan Ryan. The Cards will face a major numbers crunch long before they are tempted to promote any of their top prospects.

Hence all the trade speculation.

HEG: Gordo- I believe of the big 4 in upcoming NFL draft that Dorsey would best serve the Rams for their #2 seletion!!! Do you agree????

Jeff Gordon: No, I like either DE more than him -- just because the Rams hit on two interior linemen in the last draft, Ryan and Carriker. Dorsey would displace Carriker, moving him into rush-down DE role. Meanwhile the team would be hoping that Hall stays healthy and provides passing down pressure.

Wally: Gordo,
If you had to wager, which happens first?
1) Rams win a playoff game under Linehan
2) Tigers win an NCAA tournament game under Anderson
3) Blues win a playoff series
4) Ball Park Village gets built.

Jeff Gordon: Tough question!

Believe it or not, "Blues win playoff series" would be my pick, despite what happened here.

In this economy, I'll be stunned in Ballpark Village gets built. The city should just let the Cards fill in the hole and build a giant Plaza of Champions instead. The city should make sure all the other development succeeds before getting vexed about Ballpark Village.

Mike: Hey Gordo,

Thanks for taking my question. An impact bat to help out Pujols has become an even more pronounced need now that the Cards are currently showing that they are not bringing in runners from scoring position. If Texas is fading near the trade deadline do we have enough ammo to pry Michael Young away? Would Kennedy + prospect(s) get him here? If not what would it take? I appreciate your time. By the way I am ecstatic that we've played as well as we have so far! Go Cards!

Mike

Jeff Gordon: Young would solve two needs in one fell swoop. The Cards could assemble a huge package for a player like that, including pitchers, outfielders and infielders. Young's power numbers have slipped, but he would add big-time run production at short.

Will: It appears that Anthony Reyes is starting to figure it out. I keep hearing rumors about the Cards wanting to trade him. Why would they trade him now? Someone needs to tell Duncan to get over his hangup about only using ground ball pitchers. I think if the team lets him pitch his way he could win 12 to 15 games a year as a starter. I no that the team needs a true leadoff hitter, but I think that Reyes would be to much to give up for that. Good starting pitcing is to valuable and expensive. Do you think that he will be traded?

Jeff Gordon: The beauty of his new role is this: Anthony can pitch the way he likes to pitch and succeed. He can just go after hitters with his best stuff that day and not worry about going through the order two or three times. If he keeps throwing like this, I see the Cards keeping him in his role and moving McClellan back to Class AAA ball for further development.

Reyes will give up some homers pitching like this, but he will also throw better stuff than most middle relievers.

Will: What kind of package would it take from the Cardinals to get Brian Roberts? Is he the kind of player that the team is looking for, or are they searching someone with more of a power bat?

Jeff Gordon: He could fill a nice role, batting leadoff, stealing bases and popping some balls too. The Orioles will want top prospects for him. The Cards would want them to take Kennedy to make the deal work. There could be a fit there if the O's fade and it become obvious that Roberts will not extend his deal in Baltimore.

Jordan: I tried to submit a question last week in the JT chat, unfortunately I had no luck so hopefully I can get my question answered today.

Is Gholston even being seriously considered at #2? I know the talk has circulated around Dorsey, C. Long, and J. Long, but is Gholston even being considered?

Jeff Gordon: J.T. just covered this topic in the P-D. The Rams ARE interested. Don't read too much into the fact that Linehan didn't go to his pro day. Gholston's stock is rising. But, again, I believe the Rams would take him only if they moved down a few spots to add another pick.

Bill Belichick: I was relieved to see you guys on my schedule. I didnt know we were getting two by weeks this year.

Bill

Jeff Gordon: Come on, Bill, you know the Rams will be fired up over Spygate. Expect a fight to the death!

jeff pan: Hi JG:

How about this idea to have a very imposing lineup:

First let us trade for Brian Roberts with Schumaker, Reys, Adam Kennedy (we pay half of his salary), a minor leaguer pitcher and/or a minor league position player; (we can keep AK if we don't want to give him away, just release arron miles then, use AK as backup in case of injuries).

Secondly, sign Barry Bond who doesn't cost any players but money to protect Albert Pujols and put some fear into opposing pitchers. Here will be our lineup with these two moves:

Brian Roberts
Rick Ankiel
Albert Pujols
Barry Bonds
Troy Glaus
Chris Duncan
Yadi Molina
Pitcher
Casear Izturis

Bench:

Larue, Miles, Ludwick, Ryan, Barton.

With this lineup, we can score tons of runs and our offense will be one of the best if not the best in the majors. Then with our starting pitching getting stronger and ballpen getting better, we will have a chance to not only just surprise people but also to seriously go deeper in the playoffs for this year. Please advise. Thanks.

jeff pan

Jeff Gordon: I can see the Roberts deal, but I don't see DeWitt buying into Bonds. That is not his style. Miles would stay even if Roberts comes, since he backs up other spots and Tony loves him as a part-timer.

On a per-at-bat basis, Duncan, Ankiel and Ludwick have posted solid power numbers in 2007-08. But they don't add the presence Barry would.

Martin: Hey Gordo,

I am getting bored with waiting for the draft. I feel like our organization is not going to make any exciting moves or anything. Gosh I wish Scott Linehan wasn't our coach. He looks like MacGyver's clueless non-mulleted younger brother.

Anyway, will Devaney try any kind of blockbuster deal?

Jeff Gordon: Like the cultural reference. As for a blockbuster, those are rare in the NFL -- but the Rams are sitting in great spot at No. 2 overall. Somebody is bound to come calling with something interesting.

Donald: How bad to you think the Rams will have to do before they fire the Head Coach?

Jeff Gordon: If the Rams don't have a dramatic bounceback - getting to the high side of .500 -- I don't see how Linehan gets another deal.

Fyten: Do the Blues take a defenseman in the upcoming draft?

Jeff Gordon: Based on the consensus scouting reports, the best player at No. 4 is likely to be a defenseman. The Blues would have the gamble a bit -- or so it would seem -- to go for Mikkel Boedker, Nikita Filatov or Kyle Beach up front.

Cory Radford: Gordo, in your opinion who is the best 1st round pick of the Rams since moving to St.Louis in 1995?...

1997- Orlando Pace (#1 overall)
1999- Torry Holt (#6 overall)
2004- Steven Jackson (#24 overall)

Jeff Gordon: Pace is a future Hall of Famer and a cornerstone of two Super Bowl teams. It's hard to pick against him, despite his more recent injury woes. I think O.P. still has a crack at the Hall of Fame.

Nick: Hey Gordo,

Whats your take on the NHL's instigator rule? should it stay or should it go?

I personally think that it is never going to go, even as much as I would like to see what Kinger and Jannsen could do without that rule in place.

Jeff Gordon: I'm not a fan of the rule, since it allows hit-and-run guys to run amok. It puts skilled players at risk. Players would be more respectful if they had to answer the bell at any point in a game.

Having said that, I would give the referees latitude to add extra penalties when an enforcer goes after a skilled player.

mike porter: With the many holes that need to be filled. What is our best hole to fill in your opinion? Offensive line or defense, whether it be a DE or a DT?
Is the talk with jake long just a show or are they for real? With all the articles out there sometimes it seems like just a show or distraction.

Jeff Gordon: Jake Long is a real commodity. That is why the Dolphins are taking a serious look at him. Again, though, DE is a more immediate need for this team. With Pace seemingly on the mend from a freak injury, the Rams would have to move people around to put J. Long to work. At DE, the guy the team picks starts right away, no questions asked.

Jimmy: bottom line: Do the St. Louis Cardinals make the playoffs this year?

Jeff Gordon: I'm the eternal optimist, but, not, they do not. The Brewers and Cubs will be a handful all year.

Kevin: Jeff,

Is Jason Bay for Reyes and ? still an option or are the tender shoulders of Pineiro and Lohse going to slow that hope since Reyes may have to replace one of them?

Thanks,
Kevin

Jeff Gordon: Mulder will be here, for sure, at some point in May. Lohse has always been durable and the Cards still have Thompson to replace Joel if he has a relapse. Pitching depth is not a concern for this team, especially with a few prospects at Memphis also getting in the picture.

To deal for Bay, the Cards would have to decide to move Duncan because there is too much left-handed hitting in the OF. That would be a tough call to make.

Doug: There are some options for the Blues in the 2008 draft; attempt to trade (draft choices and a roster player) up to the #1 spot and take the best available forward (Stamkos), sit in the 4th spot and take one of the touted 3 defensemen, or go after the second best rated offensive player (Filatov). Any inkling from the Blues as to their direction right now, or is Jarmo striking out on his own and implying he's got a lump of coal in the draft that he's going to turn into a diamond?

Jeff Gordon: I don't see Tampa Bay trading out of that top pick for any reason. The team dealt Brad Richards and now they can draft the NHL's next great center. The Blues will likely use their pick and grab a solid, well-respected prospect. They offensive D, so Filatov won't be the guy unless the Blues are sure they can sign him and put him to work right away. Russian guys are tricky that way.

Buk: Hey Gordo, do you ever think of a middle infield of mark grudzielanek and edgar renteria and sigh?

Are there any middle infield bats that might be available should the cards hang keep hanging around? They need something from those positions which COMBINED are hitting near the Mendoza line.

Jeff Gordon: They have options at 2B, including Hoffpauir at Memphis. But the discarding of Grudzielanek was one of the dumbest moves ever. The Cards made every effort to keep Renteria, but he made the mistake of taking the Boston deal - and a ticket to bounce around baseball. It would be nice to see him finish his career here, no?

Millie: Jeff,
How plausible would it be for the Cards to have the following roster/lineup come Sept 1, ?
RASMUS CF, Kennedy 2nd, Pujols 1st, Ankiel RF, Glaus 3rd, BAY LF, Molina C, Carpenter P, Ryan SS
Bench: Ludwick, Schumacher, Miles, LaRue, Washington or Mather
Rotation: Waino, Mulder, Carpenter, Lohse, McClellan
Bullpen: Wellemeyer, Johnson, Flores, Franklin, PEREZ, MOTTE, Izzy

Jeff Gordon: Bay is an obvious trade target, as we've discussed. Rasmus will play here at some point. McClellan will be around in September, barring injury, but it will be in the buppen.

Don't write off Pineiro. Don't let Sunday's game fool you. He is signed through '09, which gives him value.

Izturis will be on this team all year, with that salary and that glove.

Springer will be in the bullpen, too, if healthy. The club won't move him away from his family at this point in his career unless he wanted to go.

There is no rush on Motte and Perez, especially with McClellan on the scene.

Cory Radford: Jeff, the NFL announced the regular season schedule wil be announced tomorrow (Tuesday April 15) @ 1 PM CST on the NFL Network. Can you give us a sneak preview of anything you know about who and when the Rams might play? Maybe who they open with? (For the first time since 1999, I don't think they will have any prime time games.)

Jeff Gordon: Outside of the division, they play Dallas, the Giants, Chicago, Buffalo and Miami at home and Philly, Washington, Atlanta, New England and the Jets on the road.

So a return to 8-8 is possible. To do better than that, the team will really have to improve.

I'd be surprised if the Rams got a marquee time in there . . .

Nick: Hey Gordo,

Is it too far-fetched to see Will Franklin in a Rams Uniform next season?

Round 1: Vernon Gholston
Round 2: Jeremy Zuttah?
Round 3: Will Franklin
Round 4: Erik Ainge

What do you think?

Jeff Gordon: Scouts Inc ranks Zuttah at this 15th-best guard with bulk issues, so that is not happening. The Rams seem to like Franklin, although that might be too high for him.

Ainge is ranked as the ninth best quarterback, whiich isn't great in a bad year for quarterbacks. So he goes later, too.

dagjagdida: Hi Gordo, greetings from England. If the Rams take Chris Long or Gholston with the No 2 pick (with DE being the priority position to upgrade)are they likely to consider LB or Safety if one of the first round grade players fall to our 2nd round pick or are they likely to stick with their predetermined positiom based needs of WR, OT & CB?
Cheers.

Jeff Gordon: Devaney isn't optimistic about a quality LB being there in the second round. The draft is thin there. OT and WR are better positions for that pick, but you never know.

Ram King: Hey Gordo,

With the addition of Saunders at OC and a new mix at WR do you think the Rams offense will look and perform completely different than the ho hum offense we have seen from Linehan the last couple of years? I'm not expecting the GSOT part 2, but can we at least be a little optimistic that the offense will be a sort of exciting to watch?

Jeff Gordon: I would expect a different look, with more 3-WR sets and better use of the tight end in the passing game. Saunders knows how to use Pro Bowl-caliber running backs, too. He didn't have great receivers in Kansas City, yet his teams put up big numbers.

Of course, he DID have great offensive lines. It remains to be seen what becomes of that Rams unit in '08, but it has to be better, right?

Warren Arnold: For the Rams in the second round of the draft, what do you think of Earl Bennett from Vanderbilt? He quietly set SEC records as the only receiver on that team.

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Scouts Inc has him down at 84, suggesting he could be a great third-round pick. He isn't viewed as an explosive talent, but, like you say, he has a knack for putting up numbers. The Rams could do worse.

jpruett: Jeff;

Is it just me or is linehan looking for a qb like Ryan Fitzpatrick, and a wr like Kevin Curtis that he literally gave away for wr Drew Bennet who can't catch or run a deep route, and gus frerotte who should have been coaching 5 years ago. How do you let pro-bowl, hall-of-famer Isaac Bruce go, especially to the niners??????????????

Jeff Gordon: The Bruce thing came down to business, Zygmunt's bid to get his price to a certain point so the Rams could also look for a young WR. That was a tough call. Fans would rather have both -- a young WR and Bruce.

I thought Saunders would have made this Bruce thing happen, but he didn't. I do expect Saunders to upgrade the offensive personnel overall. I like Green vs. Frerotte, as long as Trent can still take a bump without getting dizzy.

Justin: Gordo, do the Blues have enough coin for Marian Hossa? If not, who should we expect?

Jeff Gordon: Hossa is going to gun for top dollar. His agent is Rich "Nuclear" Winter. John Davidson is warning us that the Blues franchise isn't likely to take that sort of plunge. And right now, the free agent market for forwards isn't too exciting. I look for Demitra, a guy a lot of Blues fans want, to land somewhere like Tampa Bay. The Blues have understandable concerns about his heart and durability.

Fact is, the Blues just need to get more from McDonald, Kariya, Stempniak, Backes and Perron. Each can do more. Oshie could factor in one some level as well.

Adam: Gordo,

Any chance of a trade for Ken Griffey Jr. mid season. He would be the protection Albert needs and a great mentor/role filler while Rasmus works his way up.

Jeff Gordon: Junior has had a chance to move before and refused. Now that the Reds are showing a bit more promise, I don't know if would be willing to move. Cincinnati could move ahead of the Cards this summer if their young pitching holds up and the Cards don't get well.

But, yes, Junior could have a Larry Walker-like impact on any team he joins.

Tersty: What prospects are scheduled to visit the Rams on Tuesday?

Jeff Gordon: Dorsey will finally make it in, if he feels up to it. I don't have a list of the other two dozen guys, but they are mostly first-round caliber guys. One of them could be the Rams pick in Round Two.

David: Kudos to Steven Jackson and may he be a Ram for the duration of his career. I live in Las Vegas (Ram fan since Gabriel) and took my 10 year old son to Jackson's football clinic for the second year in a row. He holds this free clinic, at the UNLV football practice fields, for all kids ages 8-18 and brings some of his fellow players with him. This is the end event for the benefit he holds for Easter Seals. This year Drew Bennet (repeat participant), Randy McMichael, Dexter Coakley, Keenan McCardell, Nick Barnett, Curtis Conway, and others. They run through various position drills, have question/answer sessions, play 7 on 7 (or more) scrimmages with the pros as quarterbacks, and have an autograph session. My son met him before, at a card show here, and he ALWAYS takes a few minutes to talk with my son, ask him a few questions, shake his hand, etc. He creates memories for all of these kids that they will remember for the rest of their lives. I know he's not the only one to do this, but I wanted him to get some recognition from Ram fans in his hometown for the good that he does. GO RAMS!!!

Jeff Gordon: So how did Drew Bennett look? Was he running the 40 in under 5 seconds?

I'm sorry. That was uncalled for. But we're washing the stink of 3-13 out of our clothing here in the STL . . .

If those are all the questions, I'll shut this down until next week.