DAVE COBLER: Hey Gordo;
I am really liking Skip Schumakers game. He is proving to be a tough out at the leadoff spot and the Cards are scoring early because of his ability to get on base. Ludwick has proved he can hit and hit with power and if given the opportunity to play every day he might just be the guy to hit behind Pujols. But he can't do that when Skip and Dunc are playing. The bottom line is we are winning whoever TLR puts in there because they are all performing.
How do you see this outfield shaking out as far as trade chips go? Do you think TLR would prefer Ludwicks power off the bench over Skips leadoff roll? Who do you think is the odd man out once Rasmus takes over the show?...Because it has been said that once he is here, HE PLAYS?
The more this season goes on the more intriguing it is becoming. "Intrigue" is definately the theme of this years Cardinal ball club.
Thanks so much for your time Jeff! It is always a BIG treat to get your insightfull feedback from all the chatheads who call on you! |
Jeff Gordon: Skip has played great, but Rasmus is the same type of player -- but with more power potential. That is the one piece missing from Skip's game. So from that standpoint, Skip would be a more likely player to package in a trade. He could help a lot of teams as 250- to 400-at-bat player, just as he is helping the Cards this season. He is establishing himself as a true big leaguer.
Ludwick offers right-handed power plus solid defensive ability. The fact that he, too, can play center field hurts Skip's long-term security here. Also, we presume Ankiel is a legit player in all this discussion. Ultimately the team needs a mix of right-handed and left-handed bats. |
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Chris Rizzuti: Gordo,
Thanks for taking our questions.
Is there anyway the Blues could trade up to the No. 1 spot to takt Stampkos? What would you put the percentage of that happeniong? Also, what do you think it would take from us?
Thanks a lot for the answers. |
Jeff Gordon: Tampa Bay moved Richards and his big contract out of the center slot, so taking Stamkos makes a lot of sense to them -- even though they have Lecavalier. Given that, it would be tough for the Blues to move up.
If the Lightning did look for a deal, I'm guessing they would want a top young player to swap picks. I'm guessing they would ask for Perron over either Eller or Berglund. |
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Dan Husselbee: Hi Jeff,
The Rams of all teams should be aware that defense wins Super Bowls, in our last two Super Bowl appearances this was surely the case. With that said, I think it's important that the Rams draft defensive players with their first and second round picks.
It's true Long or Gholston fit our need at DE and I won't be upset with either one of the two. But for those Ram fans who think we shouldn't draft a DT because the Ram's track record hasn't been pretty at that position, I'd say Glenn Dorsey is definitely no Jimmy Kennedy or Damione Lewis. Where he was drafted Ryan Pickett was well worth drafting and I believe Carriker and Ryan will turn out to be good players. As far as Dorsey, he's played at a high level with injuries even while being double and triple teamed. You can't even compare Dorsey to either Kennedy or Lewis since neither is in his class. We shouldn't have drafted either one of these guys they were both reaches. Dorsey is no reach, If it were my choice Dorsey is too good to pass up.
Finally a question Gordo, do you think the Rams should draft a WR in the second round or draft someone who can make tackles as I do?
Over the last few years I've watched the Rams lose games they could have won if they could only make open field tackles. I know the Rams have already spent major dollars on linebackers, but if you look at the league stats the top tacklers are linebackers. Since we've lost Chillar I think were dangerously thin at linebacker, Pisa gets hurt too often and what if Spoon goes down for the season? We're, in trouble, I think we need another impact linebacker and if he's still on the board OLB Curtis Lofton would be my pick, this guy is an explosive hitting tackling machine who can also rush the passer, this guy had 157 tackles last year. I think if the Rams are determined to draft a WR they'll find a good one available in the third round. Guys like Lofton won't be around in Round three.
I say Defense Gordo, then again I would have fired Linehan, what do I know! |
Jeff Gordon: I agree with your take on DTs. You can't be afraid to draft one because of the team's past failure at that position. Dorsey is much-loved by the Rams scouts for the reasons you state. Many experts believes his high side exceeds any defensive player in the draft.
At LB, Lofton is ranked No. 2 overall among inside linebackers by Scouts Inc. But Devaney told me the LB pool is thin, so he didn't hole out much hope for the right guy dropping out of the first round.
WR is deep, as you say. If the Rams take a defensive lineman first, as it appears they will, then either WR or OT ought to be the next pick. And OTs are harder to find. |
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| dave elmendorf: i have noticed since the rams won the super bowl that they lack a physical presence on the defensive side of the ball. they do not have enough physical players. i look at glen dorsey and i see someone in the mold of warren sapp or at least a guy who is a good as sean gilbert who was not so bad at defensive tackle. Jg why are the rams so afraid of drafting players that are a bit more physical. im 46 and i could run through the holes that opposing backs run through. what do ou think the possiblities are that they actually draft dorsey and if they did would they would carriker to right end and then maybe trade a 3rd or 4th rd pick for lido shepard. He is still relatively young and he is being traded because he is unhappy over the acquisition of deangelo hall. |
| Jeff Gordon: Can't argue with your points. The Rams need to get more stout at the point of attack. They made progress last year with Carriker and Ryan, but they still have smallish linebackers and the need to be tougher against the run at DE. Moving Carriker outside could address some of that, although I still endorse taking Chris Long to strengthen the end position while leaving Carriker and Ryan to start inside. |
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| andy: hey i was wondering given the lack of offense we have at third it there is any chance of either skip or ankiel trying their hand at playing third. Both are stellar athletes and while im sure the defense they would play at third would be below average to start, i would think they could improve enough to become above average. I also wonder this because i can't think of any prospects we have at third that are close to majors, although maybe the prospect we got for jimmy may be moving up, is there anyone else. Ryan could be an option, but i think unless izturis steps it up, larussa is going to have to let ryan play short |
Jeff Gordon: I agree that Ryan will have to get some ABs at short to shore up the offense. The Cards are betting big dollars that Glaus is still a 30 HR, 100 RBI guy. If he isn't, this team is in big trouble.
Perhaps Troy is coming out of his funk. The team started well despite his early struggle, but clearly this offense needs more production ASAP. |
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SteveW: Thanks Jeff,
I have been wondering something. How do all the starting pitchers feel about going 5-6-7 innings every time out, and have some guy come in and take one pitch, one batter, one inning, and maybe hold the lead, maybe not.
Seems to me most relief pitchers are really overvalued. If I was one of the starters, I would think, 'Well I could lose the game all by myself wothout help.'
Can you straighten out my thinking?
thanks. |
Jeff Gordon: First of all, teams need to limit their starting pitchers to the 100-pitch range. Quality pitchers command big money on guaranteed, long-term deals. Managers have to protect this heavy investment by keeping pitch counts reasonable.
La Russa will allow his lead pitchers to push counts higher, but this is dangerous -- as Matt Morris found out.
In this scenario, good relief pitchers have great value. The Cards started well because guys like Reyes and McClellan have been surprisingly good in those key middle innings.
Now, if you have mediocre relievers replacing starters in the seventh inning, I can see your point. That IS aggravating. From the second half of last season on, however, the bullpen has been a major strength for this team.
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Rob (Arnold): Hey Gordo, I want to start off by saying that I'm a big puck head so if this question is a dumb one pls keep that in mind. Why on earth is Izturis on this team? I dont know how many errors he has to date but every time I see this guy bat it's like why does he even bother going to the plate? Just say its an out & on to the next batter. Is there a reason that one of the 6 outfielders we have can't play there? Anything would be an improvement. I would even go as far as to say put Okendo in. He can't be any worse. I thought I heard that either Ludwick or Schumaker had played SS before. Why not give one of them or ANYONE else a shot at?
Thanks,
Rob |
| Jeff Gordon: Izturis fell into part-time play for a reason. Back in '04, he was an effective everyday player. Can he get back to that level? That is asking a lot. Ryan will provide a near-term alternative, if he can settle into the position defensively. |
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Andrew B.: If the Rams take Dorsey, how quick would they want to grab a DE.
Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: If they take Dorsey, I'm guessing any DE they take would be a late-round, hybrid-type guy -- a DE/LB type needing to bulk up. Carriker would move to DE and the team would at least consider Wroten for some work there as well. |
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Aaron M.: Gordo-
If the Rams are able to get DeSean Jackson in the second or by trading back into the first, do you see them trading Dante Hall?
If we were to get Jackson, you would have to put him as the PR/KR since he is so explosive. The Rams would have Stanley, Haggans, Hall and Jackson if they were too draft him. That seems like a lot of return men for one team with only one of those being a legit receiver. |
| Jeff Gordon: Hall flashed his old skill last year, but he has been declining for a couple of years now. Ideally the Rams will find a return man capable of helping at WR, which is why Stanley intrigues the staff. If they can draft a WR with some return skill, that would be all the better. |
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| Gene Cooper: No question; Longtime Cardinal fan-70+years;Living in Phoenix area now.Saw first 2 innings of Padres-Diamondbacks game.Cardinals made a good move by letting Jim Edmonds walk.He couldn't get 2 fly balls he would have caught in earlier days,and then struck out on that shoulder-high fastball,as always.The 2 flyballs went for a triple and double. |
| Jeff Gordon: Ankiel has been terrific in CF for this team. He isn't what Edmonds was in his prime -- but then again, neither is Edmonds in '08. |
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Idaho fan: Gordo -
I think I have an idea for the Rams No.2 pick in the draft, TRADE IT ! Stay with me here . New Orleans is interested in moving up to No.2 , because they are enamored with Glenn Dorsey , and are worried that he won't be there at No.10 because of Atlanta , etc. Well , the Rams could trade the No.2 to New Orleans for No.10 & probably a 2nd or 3rd round pick . Then the Rams could take the No.10 pick and trade it to Kansas City for Jared Allen AND a 2nd or 3rd round pick . Surely K.C. would do this because A: K.C. would have TWO picks in the top ten . Not a bad spot for a rebuilding team . And B: They would be getting substantially more for Allen than Minnesota , Tampa Bay , or Jacksonville could give . Now as for the Rams, They would be getting the pass rusher that they drastically need in Allen (15 1/2 sacks last year). Allen is tried and true , where ANYBODY coming out of college IS'NT . And Allen is only 26 years old . Also the Rams would have to pay Allen about the same , or less , as a No.2 pick . Besides , with the added 2nd or 3rd round picks , the Rams could really bolster the defense and/or offense . New Orleans would get what they want , K.C. would get what they want , and the Rams would get what they NEED . Hopefully the Rams are listening !!!!! Keep up the good work , and let me know what you think .
Idaho Fan |
Jeff Gordon: Interesting idea. Minnesota was zeroing in on Allen, but this scenario would allow the Rams to trump that deal. Allen would offer more than Hall and insurance against Little's age and injury issues.
I have a tough time seeing the Rams drop lower than eighth in the draft, since they could still get a quality defensive lineman somewhere from No. 2 to No. 8. But then again, if they could get a star DE AND another quality pick (for a WR or OT), that would make sense as well. |
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matt MVP stroehms: yo gordo,
hey, i have always been wondering why the NHL doesn't have many day games? The Blues probably have like 1 or 2 a season and they're always on the weekend. No get a way days for hockey?
thanks, MATT |
| Jeff Gordon: There aren't that many night shifters or flex schedule folks to fill the buildings. You see a few weekday day games on holidays Back East, but I doubt it would work here. |
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| George: Hi Jeff. I have a pretty Intriguing question for you. If Erik Johnson were in this years NHL Draft, where do you think he would be ranked among the defensemen? With so many really good defensemen in this years draft, I think it poses an interesting debate. Would he be the first defenseman taken in this draft? Lastly, what current NHL defensemen would you say Johnson most resembles as far as style of play. I was hoping his style would be like Phaneuf from Calgary, but I don't believe he will develop into that type of defenseman. Appreciate your thoughts. |
Jeff Gordon: Johnson's combo of size, skating ability, passing skills and ice vision make him unique. I think he would trump this strong class of D-men. Now, Erik doesn't have a booming shot and he needs to grow into a more physical player -- but scouts love his large, athletic frame and his maturity.
He is developing more quickly than Pronger did. Could he be that sort of player? Sure. He doesn't have Chris' edge, but then again he doesn't take silly penalties. Erik has great defensive range, a good stick in the defensive zone and strong outlet passing skills. He can play across from a shooter on the PP and play against the other team's top forward lines.
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| Matt: Many believe the Rams should draft Jake Long if he is available. The so called draft experts see Jake Long as a solid right tackle but someone who might have trouble at the left tackle position. Obviously, the Rams have Pace and don't need a left tackle right away but it seems to me that if they draft a tackle he should be the eventual replacement for Pace. Is the #2 pick overall too high for a right tackle? |
| Jeff Gordon: Well, no, because most experts believe the Dolphins will take him first overall, barring a trade. |
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| Ryan: Although it was a disappointing weeekend, the sky is not falling. This team has impressed more than it has disappointed. Beyond that, the news of Mulder and Carpenter both progessing nicely is cause for optimism. My question is - how many more starts do you think Mulder will have at the minor league level before jumping back into the Cards' rotation? Can we project a mid-May return? |
Jeff Gordon: That's about right. Mulder always needs time to get his mechanics in order, but even he seems optimistic. If his next two or three starts go well, the club will have to consider moving him in.
The club is no hurry, though, due to the current surplus. At some point, Mozeliak will have to construct a trade that alleviates that. Any GM with pitching woes should have him on speed dial. |
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| Ted: Gordo, first off why did the nfl and the schedule makers make it so easy for the patriots to get off to such a easy start. Yet we knew the rams schedule would be somewhat tough before the dates were released but they got us on the gontlet schedule the first 8 weeks of the season. Also have u heard anything about who the rams are really keying in on for the draft on sunday. thanks Gordo |
Jeff Gordon: The NFL did the Rams no favor with this schedule. That is a poor start waiting to happen, regardless of how well Linehan prepares the team.
As for the draft, Dorsey or Chris Long are the obvious choices if Jake Long is gone. The only thing that changes that is a really attractive trade. |
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Catman: Hey Gordo,
I enjoy reading your articles! What do you think the Cardinals will do to infuse some more offense into their lineup? Izturis and Glaus have been painfully ineffective at the plate as starters and our youngsters are inconsistent. It is apparent that TLR isn't a big fan of Branden Ryan due to his immature antics. Do you foresee a trade to boost our offense once Mulder and Carp return?
THANKS! |
| Jeff Gordon: Yes, the Cards will shop for an impact offensive player as the veteran pitchers return. Don't write off Glaus yet, but your skepticism of Izturis' bat is well-founded. Ryan could earn his way back into good favor by adding some offensive lapse and subtracting some of his excitement-related mishaps. |
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| Tackleberry: I think someone needs to send the following message to Troy Glaus: RELAX! Glaus is in a very low pressure situation, yet he seems to be pressing early. I think this fanbase was pretty excited to get anything of substance in exchange for Rolen, so the fact that Glaus also has the potential to put up good numbers is just icing on the cake. I think if he just plays his game and realizes that this is Albert's team, he'll be fine. |
| Jeff Gordon: Good point. Rolen's early injury made Glaus' situation here even better. If he can hit .260 with 30 homers and 100 RBI, he would be a big offensive upgrade over Rolen. If he is competent in the field, too, then fans will support him. |
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| Tackleberry: A lot of people talk up Mario Manningham for the Rams in the 2nd round, but his running mate in Ann Arbor Adrian Arrington is another guy that the Rams should look at in the later rounds. Arrington is 6'5 and has great hands, he could provide the Rams with a solid redzone target. He also is not afraid to go over the middle (so that would give us one guy on the current roster). |
| Jeff Gordon: The Rams won't spend a premium pick on a big receiver, since they still must recoup their Bennett investment. But picking a big target later makes sense. |
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| HEG: Gordo the cardinals must face reality & bring up Ryan and in the near future get ready to trade for a power right hand hitting outfielder & also they must address the pinch hitting situation; what is your take on these comments???? |
Jeff Gordon: Yes, Ryan needs to be here when he is ready. Swapping him for Washington strengthens the team.
Long-term, having a power-hitting RH OF to play with Rasmus and Ankiel makes sense. Could Ludwick be that guy? That might be a reach, but he will get plenty of at bats while Mozeliak surveys the trade landscape and ponders how to spend his pitching surplus. |
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rich: Jeff: Why did the Rams committ 3 years to Trent Green, when 1 year would have proably been better and made more sense?
Thanks
Rich |
| Jeff Gordon: The Rams could dump Green after this season without suffering much of a cap hit. That commitment is a one-way street. But the team is spending a lot on him this season, which is a bit of a risk given his concussion history. |
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Bobby: Thanks for the chats, two quick questions about two St. Louis teams. 1. As for the Rams, is there any consideration for them making a move for Chad Johnson? 2. As for the Cards, do you think in time they will look at maybe acquiring Brian Roberts and/or Michael Young?
Thanks for your time. |
Jeff Gordon: Roberts and Young are both worthy trade targets. Roberts would give the Cards an elite leadoff guy with some pop and allow them to move an outfielder lower in the batting order, where there are problems.
Young could bat somewhere behind Pujols and fill an offensive black hole in the lineup.
As for Chad Johnson, he is an interesting case. Al Saunders would love that. His arrival could add a few years to Torry Holt's career. But with so many other needs, I don't see the Rams paying any sort of premium to take on that project. |
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alrammer: Hey Gordo,
Yes Larussa has a great career record but I can't stand the way he manages. Why is Pineiro in there, he did this last year with Mulder. It's like he gives away games to get his pitchers in shape. He always says he manages every game by putting the best group out there available. Well tell me our best 5 starters are starting. Until somebody falters leave these pitchers in the minors or the bullpen. Wellemeyer had a great record last year but got knocked out of the rotation because he wasn't considered one of the starters. Tony manage like you say you do and put the best available out there and if that is someone who wasn't suppose to be there then you'll get what you crave and be called a genious!
If your not going to do this then the Cardinals should charge prices more comparable to spring training for these games. |
Jeff Gordon: Could Pineiro have used another rehab start or two? Perhaps, especially since he couldn't locate his pitches in his first start back and his command wasn't great in his second start. You can argue that Thompson should have gotten another start or two to see what he could do.
Then again, Pineiro could have won his second start with some run support. As for Wellemeyer, he would finished the year in the rotation had he not gotten hurt. La Russa likes him, which is why he got the inside track on a starting job this year. |
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Damon: To me, the Rams HAVE to take Glenn Dorsey with the second pick. I mean, it really isn't that tough. You don't pass on Dorsey just because you need a DE. You also don't pass on him because you have Wroten/ Glover. You play Dorsey full time with your D-line rotation looking like this:
Run downs: DE- Carriker
NT- Ryan
UT- Dorsey
DE- Little
Pass downs: DE- Hall
UT- Carriker
UT- Dorsey
DE- Little
BOOM! Instant upgrade to the front four with the BPA in the draft. Chris= Grant Wistrom ( few sacks), Jake= John Runyon ( can't handle speed rushers). The choice is obvious. |
| Jeff Gordon: Good point about moving Carriker back and forth, depending on the down and distance. Also, Adeyanju can play DE and DT on run downs and Wroten could play some DT on pass downs. That would be a good group. |
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| Will: I thnk that Duncan should be batting 4th not Ankiel. I think Rick is a great bat, but Duncan is the more experienced hitter. Duncan should also be entering his prime years. Will Duncan ever bat 4th? Am I wrong to think he should? Also can you explain to me why I read posts by so many fans wanting to trade Duncan for Jason Bay? To me Duncan seems just as good and he is not as old. I will admit that Duncan is not the greatest defensive player, but he is not that bad. Why are so many down on him? |
Jeff Gordon: His early defensive woes scarred some people. Also, he faded last year because of the injury. I can see hitting Duncan fourth against RH pitchers now that he is getting his swing back. I like his approach at the plate. Ankiel is better against lefties, though, so he holds up through a game as the opponent switching from RH to LH pitching.
Either way, the Cards need both these guys to produce. As for Bay, the guy we saw a few years back would fit well with Ankiel and Rasmus long term. But will that Bay ever return? He isn't a kid anymore. |
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Roy Dixon: Gordo,
What do you think the plan is for Colby Rasmus this year as it appears he will not be able to break onto the Cards lineup, at least this year? I have read somewhere he is supposed to play in the Olympic games this summer, is this a possibility and if so wouldn't that prevent him from being called up this september? Also, Do you think Mo will consider trading Colby since the current OF is tops in baseball numbers wise or will he be stuck in AAA for a few years? |
Jeff Gordon: Rasmus will reach the big leagues this year, by September at the latest. His overall skill is too great. The Cards can let him make his adjustments against veteran pitchers at the Class AAA level because all five guys here are hitting.
But, no, the Cards aren't so happy with their outfielders that trading Rasmus would make sense. He will be part of the future here, joining Wainwright, Molin and the rest. |
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Pete Helms: Jeff,
What is the opinion on Rick Ankiel's struggles the past week or so? Does there come a time where TLR plays Skip in CF, Ludwick in RF, and Duncan in LF for an extended period of time? I also posed this question to DGoold, Do the cards consider packaging rasmus together with a few more prospects to get a top of the line middle infielder like a Utley, Furcal, or Hanley Ramirez? |
Jeff Gordon: I can't see the Phillies trading Utley for any reason. Ramirez will get traded at some point because the Marlins trade everybody, but he will command a package of four to five Top 100 prospects on the trade market. He might be the best player in the game.
Furcal could help this team, obviously, but LA has plenty of young outfielders. |
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| Will: What kind of package would the Cards have to put together to get Michael Young from the Rangers? I there any chance they would want to trade him? |
| Jeff Gordon: The Rangers always need pitching. And their top prospect, Elvis Andruz, is a shortstop. So, sure, there could be a fit there. Some combination of current pitching (McClellan, Thompson, Reyes) and long-term pitching (Garcia, Perez) would have to get that organization's attention. The Cards obviously have to move one of their outfielders this year, too, clear room for Rasmus. |
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Darrell: Jeff,
Do you think the Miami "talk" about Jake Long and Gholston is legitimate for the number one pick? I hope it is and that Chris Long falls to the Rams. We so need some new blood at defensive end. This Glen Dorsey talk, for the Rams, to me, is a great concern because they cannot afford to take a player who has any questionable health problems. |
| Jeff Gordon: But is Dorsey's health really a problem? To listen to NFL rave about this guy, there isn't significant concern in the eyes of most teams. |
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| donald s box: Hey gordo just a few words on the cardinals. It;s evident that the cardinals are going to have to make a trade for a infielder or a power hitting out fielder. Ituris cannot hit his weight,and molina and glaus arn;t any better. The lower part of our line up is pulling the team down. |
| Jeff Gordon: You are correct sir. |
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Ray R.: Hey Jeff,
Are you of the opinion the Rams should stay put and take either Long, or Dorsey, or would you like to see the Rams trade down and grab an extra pick in the second round?
If you do want to trade down, how far would you be willing to go? (seems like Balt #8, NO #10 could be interested). |
| Jeff Gordon: The Ravens apparently want Ryan. But is that team willing to burn a second-round pick (and more) to move up to No. 2, where Ryan will command large dollars? If so, that would be a great move for the Rams, since the team could still get a defensive lineman there. |
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| wotownramsfan: jeff, chris long has to got to be the pick at 2 if he doesnt go number 1, do you agree? also what receiver do you think they will take in round 2? i hope it is a guy with speed as well as being big the last thing we need is another drew bennet |
| Jeff Gordon: OT is still a possibility for the second round, if the Rams go ahead and take C. Long or Dorsey. I've endorsed C. Long as the preferred pick, but others insist Dorsey would have a bigger impact on the "D." |
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Ron: Gordo, Thanks again to you and Jim for the weekly chats, it's much appreciated and I look forward to them every week. My question is do you see any possiblity that the Rams trade down with NO for their 1st (#10) and their 2nd (#40)and DE Will Smith? I think this would be a great deal for us if the Saints go for it. We'd get a pass rushing DE (who also plays the run well) and whose a KNOWN quantity and is entering the prime of his career in Smith plus an extra high draft choice that we could use for an impact player.
The only thing that I can think of that would derail this deal would be Smith's contract demands and/or the Saints thinking they'd be giving up too much. What say ye Jeff? |
| Jeff Gordon: We heard the same argument for dealing for Allen, via that 10th overall pick. It makes some sense if the Rams can get an instant impact DE and another pick, since Linehan has to win NOW. |
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| Tim: Do you think Desean jackson will be around for the second round? If not what names will be around that the Rams will take a look at? |
| Jeff Gordon: Some teams are worried that Jackson hasn't added any more muscle to his 169-pound frame. So, yes, he could fall. Scouts Inc. ranks him as the 26th-best player, so he would seem to be a better get than Manningham -- another player likely to be there in the second round. |
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| Tim: Do you think Desean jackson will be around for the second round? If not what names will be around that the Rams will take a look at? |
| Jeff Gordon: Interestingly, the stock of some WRs seems to be falling -- if you can believe ESPN. I don't think Malcolm Kelly could fall that far, but weirder things have happened. |
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JD: Gordo,
With all of the hype of the draft coming up it is very exciting to think of the what some of these prospects are capible of bringing to our team. With so many needs what do you think is more important OL or DT/DE with our first pick? (Long vs. Long/Dorsey/Gholston) If you were the GM who would you choose and also what about jumping into the bidding for J. Allen out of KC and moving down in the draft? |
| Jeff Gordon: We touched on Allen earlier. I'd go DE first, but I can understand the Dorsey pick. As for Jake Long, I see the appeal -- but shouldn't the Rams try to get Pace and Barron on track for this season and draft a developmental OT instead? |
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| Ralph: Schumaker started as a shortstop. At some point this season, should La Russa consider moving him back to his original position? I know he hasn't played there in a long time, but Izturis is not cutting it as a hitter and Skip can't be worse defensively than Eckstein at short. |
Jeff Gordon: Skip would have been an interesting experiment at 2B had the Cards not stacked up some depth there. But SS? Nah, that would be desperate. La Russa could pull a Mayo Smith and do something like that in the playoffs -- remember Mickey Stanley? -- but not in the regular season.
Let's see what Ryan can do there instead. |
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| ernie: The rams should deal, getting the most value. Who should that team be and for what deal? |
| Jeff Gordon: The perfect move would be to trade down with the Ravens, get the eighth pick, take Ellis or Gholston, and add a second-rounder and something else to make the deal. Don't settle for a high '09 pick, though, since Linehan can't worry about '09. He has to win now. |
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Kevin: Jeff,
Does MLB keep teams from trading before the July deadline? It seems they do. If MLB permits deals prior to that time how likely are the Cards to pull a trade and how soon could that happen?
Are the Cards so set on an '09 return of Renteria that they would not deal for Uribe, Jack Wilson or another hitting shortstop? Could a Wilson and Nady or Bay deal be possible?
Thanks,
Kevin |
Jeff Gordon: Teams can deal right now. But the trade market doesn't heat up until June, when teams exhaust all other options and see where they are headed for the season. It's too early for the also-rans to sell off players now -- and a lot of GMs still believe they can win with what they have in their organizations.
Uribe and Wilson could be had, I suppose. We've talked a lot about Bay, but can he regain his old stroke? Nady is OK, but this team has lots of OF options. |
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| Craig: Jeff, 2 questions: "WHO" would the cardinals target as a power bat and what would the cardinals package together to get him - Is glaus hurt? |
| Jeff Gordon: We've talked about Bay and Young -- and Michael Young, to me, would be the perfect target. As for Glaus, the guy has seven doubles, 11 walks (second only to Albert) and 10 RBI. Not great, of course, but La Russa has seen progress in his swing. The homers will come for this guy once he stops trying to lift pitches out of the park. |
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jeff: Hi Mr. Gordon:
Seriously, I had a dream last night meeting with TLR about my suggested lineup by doing the following two things and he liked my proposal, and I told him that I will write a letter to MO and Bill Dewitt to petition for the following:
1) Trade for Brian Roberts (take care of the leadoff and 2nd base);
2) Sign FA Barry Bonds whose presence alone in the 4th hole will scare the opposing pitcher (AK, Ludwick, Troy, Chris in the 4th hole doesn't scare the opposing pitcher) and AP will be much more productive offensively. If we don't sign BB, somebody else will sign him sooner or later. The sooner we sign BB, the more games we will win and will help home court advantage in the playoffs.
Do you think the proposed lineup will help the team go deeper in the playoffs (with more pitching help on the way):
Brian Roberts
Chris Duncan
Albert Pujols
Barry Bonds
Rick Ankiel
Troy Glaus
Yadir Molina
Pitcher
Caesear Iztris/Brenden Ryan
Like to hear your words of wisdom on this. Thanks a lot!! |
Jeff Gordon: Roberts would be a great player here. As for Bonds . . . well, those bum legs are almost as scary has his personality. This team has a good vibe right now. Why risk ruining that.
With Duncan getting back on track, the Cards will be somewhat better. Ryan's return could help, if he can play SS well enough to take some of Izturis' at bats. |
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| Rob: Whats up with F.Brown, I know that no one can really talk about whats going on for some reason,so I dont expect to much info from this, also why is that? Anything new would be nice, will we atleast find out whats going on before the draft? Im mean, how Im a to stay up late at night making mocks for the rams if I dont know if we need a new CB :) |
| Jeff Gordon: The Rams need to shore up their cornerback corps for a variety of reasons. With Hill, Bartell and Wade, they have a starting point with or without Brown. Ideally, they would acquire one veteran and take a late-draft shot on somebody with some developmental potential. |
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Nick: Hey Gordo,
Any chance in bringing the Hurt Factor to the STL, now that Frank Thomas has been released by the Jays? |
| Jeff Gordon: He needs to DH. Even playing him at first once in a while would be a great risk. And he obviously is not interested in a part-time role. |
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| jeff smith: Any word on the Rams summer traing camp location?? |
Jeff Gordon: That could come any day now. The Rams are having a big media day Thursday, introducing Chip Rosenbloom and talking up the draft. Perhaps we'll learn more then.
That appears to be all the questions for today, so we'll pack it up for now. Have a nice Monday! |
