AnacortesRamFan: Hi Jeff,
How do you like the Rams 2009 schedule? Since I'm from the NW, I'm glad we're playing the Seahawks on opening day. The weather is usually much better in early September rather than mid to late October and beyond. I'm looking forward to it.
With five days remaining until the draft, are you still hoping the Rams draft LB Aaron Curry instead of a Tackle? My thought is, if your unable to stop your opponent what's the difference who plays tackle. Ok sure the QB takes a pounding, but I think you know what I mean!!
Since London Fletchor left via free agency the Rams run defense has been a glaring problem. This Team needs players who are fundementally sound Tacklers, this is the NFL you would think that's a given.
We really need a Stud LB who consistantly make the big plays. I think Curry fits the mold were looking for. How much better would Witherspoon be along side such a player?
I'm not saying we don't need to replace Orlando's spot at tackle, I just think a decent Tackle such as William Beatty, from UConn will be available in the second round and can play right away.
Several WR-RB's possibilities in the 3rd-4th rounds such as WR's Derrick Williams, Jauquin Iglesias, Aaron Kelly or RB's Shonn Green, Donald Brown, Javon Ringer. RB Jeremiah Johnson might make a good pick in a later round.
We have so many holes to fill but I really like the players in this year's draft, I see players that could come in and help this team right away.
What do you think Jeff?
Thanks, GO Rams |
| Jeff Gordon: I'm also a big Curry fan, but it looks increasingly like the choice is down to the two tackles -- since it seems obvious that Detroit will take Stafford, barring a trade down of some sort. |
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BoxingFan: Hello Gordo,
Here is a differant question, about the upcoming PPV Boxing match.
Ricky "Hitman" Hatton(45-1 32KO's) v.s Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao(48-3-2 36KO's)
Going for Hatton's 140lb IBO Belt and possible unoffical pound for pound crown. Who do you got winning and why? |
| Jeff Gordon: Supposedly we're going to see a "new" Ricky Hatton, but this doesn't seem to be the time or place for Manny to fall. |
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David: Hey Gordo,
Maybe you can give your best guess at some percentages. What are the chances that...
- The Lions have agreed to a contract with their first pick by the draft?
- We have a pretty good idea who the Rams will draft before Saturday?
- The Rams draft Smith/Monroe/Curry?
- You join the dark side (Twitter)? |
Jeff Gordon: Jim Schwartz told reporters at the end of minicamp that the team was still mulling its options, but wanted to have the first pick signed before the draft. So there is a good chance we'll know Detroit's pick, which will position the Rams to make their call.
The Rams may remain coy until Saturday, though, in the hopes that somebody will make a last-second bid on their pick. That pick figures to be Smith or Monroe if Stafford goes to Motown as expected. I'm a big Curry fan, but I don't get a vote.
I'm on the dark side at twitter at http://twitter.com/gordoszone |
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| Brian: I have never seen a team play so poorly with a 5 on 3 advantage. I can't believe how well Vancouver is defending when being outnumbered. 95% of teams with a 5 on 3 blast the puck continuously, but the Blues can't even get a shot off. |
Jeff Gordon: That was stunning. The Blues were totally lost 5 on 3, which is so unlike them. Never has team missed Erik Johnson more, because he will be a much better PP QB than anybody we've seen this year.
The Blues should have a whole different look next year. McDonald can run one PP unit from the halfboards and Kariya could run the other. Backes could park in front on one, Tkachuk on the other. EJ could quarterback one, Pietrangelo the other (if he muscles up). Oshie could play the other point on one, Brewer on the other. Boyes could set up on the off wing on one, Perron on the other. |
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| Brian: Barrett Jackman looks like is about 20 years older than the average Vancouver player. He is so slow and gets the puck stolen every time he has it. |
Jeff Gordon: He played pretty good to this point, given his limitations. He is not normally a guy the Blues would match against a free-flowing top line. Even in Game 3, though, he was fine at even strength.
His role changes once E. Johnson, Brewer and perhaps Pietrangelo join the mix. |
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boR: Gordo,
Why did the Blues feel the need to lock up the 6th seed the last game of the reg. season? They played well against SJ and it would be them taking it to the Sharks as opposed to the Ducks. Now the Blues are now stuck getting run over by the Vancouver freight train. |
| Jeff Gordon: San Jose, despite its struggle with Anaheim, is loaded too. The Blues have had every chance in this series. How do they not win Game 3 with two prolonged 5 on 3s? Vancouver is very good, but not on a different planet. |
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| Brian: Will Rick Ankiel come out of his slump? Every pitcher knows how to beat him and that is to pitch inside. He never makes any adjustment. Why aren't the coaches helping him overcome this? He is either going to strike out, shallow pop up or a weak grounder. |
| Jeff Gordon: Obviously Rick tries to make adjustments daily. He looks at tape and tries to adapt in the cage. Complicating matters is the outfield crowd -- since it's harder to play you way out of a slump with other guys getting ABs. |
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| Tackleberry: A lot of things left me scratching my head after Saturday's game (why neither Thurston or Rasmus attempted a bunt in the top of the 8th or why Duncan is running the bases in the 10th),but nothing more so than LaRussa batting Ankiel in the 11th inning. Ankiel hadn't showed anything all day that would have inspired an ounce of confidence that he would deliver, yet Tony ran him up there to round out an 0 for 6 day. Why? If the answer is "because there was no one left" than I want to know if there is a scenario where Schumacher ever shifts back to the outfield late in a game if say Ryan hits for the pitcher and an 0 for 5 Ankiel can sit? |
Jeff Gordon: A lot of guys had a chance to decide that game before Ankiel's last AB. History tells he is a pretty dangerous power hitter when he locks in.
I would have bunted with Thurston, for sure. He has a chance to get on base while sacrficing -- he's that quick.
In that scenario I don't lift Duncan for a runner since the game was a slugfest. The ball was flying. In other scenarios, Duncan has been lifted and it has paid off. |
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gnykin2: Any action on the Cardinals making a move to get another starter? Reliever?
Also, is the passivity the Cardinals have shown over the last 1.5 years more of an indicator of Lunhow/Mo's approach or Dewitt's unwillingness to add on outside salary (obviously there are exceptions like Greene) |
Jeff Gordon: There are lots of new faces, mostly from inside the organization. And, yes, that is the plan. That will be the plan this year and for years to come.
But . . . the team will have to make moves, due to the building surplus. So, sure, dealing for pitching help is a possibility should it become obvious that there is need.
Reyes was a good get (despite the other day). When there was an obvious team need, Mozeliak spent money to fill it. That could happen again. |
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| Jayman: OK Gordo its over for the Blues. Now what do they need to do in the off season...who do they let go ...who do they sign as free agent. What do they need to do and what would you do... |
Jeff Gordon: When you add E. Johnson, Brewer, Pietrangelo and Kariya to the mix, there isn't much room for free agents. Add Eller and Palushaj to the depth as well. Other than adding another strong goaltender, I didn't see a whole lot to do.
If somebody takes McKee's salary, great, that would create some flexbility to do something. If the team moved Kariya, maybe it could add some younger beef up front. But when you factor the return of the injured guys and the growth potential of Berglund, Oshie and Perron into next year's progression, that is pretty exciting. |
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| Bryan S.: During the Blues game, why did the refs blow the whistle when their player was on the ground? We had possession of the puck. I thought the rule was that they could stop play IF the team with the injured player had possession of the puck. Why was that changed? It stopped some momentum for the Blues at a key point in the game, all because a Vancouver player fell and slid into another Canuck. |
| Jeff Gordon: The Blues weren't all that dangerous when the whistle blew, so I was less upset about that than the Note. That is a tough situation for the officials. |
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BrandonRAMS: Hello Gordo,
Say that TODAY is the NFL Draft, Who do you pick? or trade down?
Who would you look forward to in the 2nd round? |
Jeff Gordon: It would be nice to trade down, but there is little buzz about that right now. Nobody wants to pay No. 2 overall dollars to a player not worth that dough.
I'd take Curry and hope a tackle falls to the second round, but I sense the Rams disagree with that approach. |
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FloTrain: I wouldn't say I'm "worried" about the Cards from those last two games at Wrigley, but ya absolutely HAVE to get Friday's game.... Perez should just threw a 1-2 FB BY Soriano instead of playing around and hanging a slider... Saturday I think everyone saw that coming, especially when they didn't get a hit after the 8th?... Before the series started, I woulda been ok with a split, but after Thurday's W and shoulda/woulda/coulda Friday, definitely coulda won the series....
Ok, it's early I know, but Ankiel looked totally lost Saturday... His confidence looks shot at the plate. Agree?... I've always been a advocate for Barton since I saw him play with somewhat consistency last year, but in my opinion they need another RH outfielder in the mix.... Duncan and Luddy are crushing right now, Rasmus is doing better than expected, Ank just seems like the odd man out now. Don't get me wrong, I'm pulling for him more than the next guy but I would love to see Barton get a shot at regular time.... Thoughts? |
Jeff Gordon: I don't see a lot of ABs for Barton right now, so let him play at Memphis until there is opportunity. Ankiel IS lost, but it's too early to give up on him. He looked good in spring training, so I don't see this slump as career threatening in anyway. As I noted earlier, it's tough to give him the at bats he needs because Rasmus is playing well.
Tough outing for Perez, but I liked what he was trying to do -- keep it down. But he lacks command. |
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| delpatstl: What are the odds of the Blues winning game 4 of this series? Forget about Games 5 - 7, just the stats on winning game 4. |
| Jeff Gordon: The Blues haven't been swept since '94. Sweeps are pretty rare, so I think they get that game. |
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joedirt1955: Mr. Gordo,
If you had to guess now, who do you think might not be back as a Blue next year? Thanks for all that you do. |
Jeff Gordon: You bring most of the team back. You have a crowd on D, so there is always a desire to move McKee's contract. Good luck with that, for sure.
Hinote might be tough to bring back, given the team's depth up front. Janssen can do more than just fight, so he could play a bigger role. King returns as a true tough guy. Kariya needs to play. Trading him is an option, but I'd like to see him return.
I'd commit to Crombeen and Winchester, given their toughness. A guy like Woywitka could get bumped will all the players returning on D, since Weaver has played better. |
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| w.champion: Gordo, Mo is doing a great job as you said in your last column (not signing Miles and all). Do you think you will ever get up the stones to ask Mo any tough questions? Is being liked by the management of this organization, that important to you? Is the kool-aid in the press box sweet as nectar? Do you forsee any more "low hangin fruit" comming our way? |
Jeff Gordon: Miles is just a guy. I loved him and argued for his retention, but, to my surprise, it appears Thurston and Barden make the bench better than I expected.
I insisted the team add a lefty reliever and it did. When it becomes obvious that something else is needed, then I'll be glad to demand change.
That was a tough weekend in Chicago for the young pitchers, but it was also tough on Zambrano and Dempster. |
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Mark Giljum: Jeff
I realize Tony was hamstrung a bit by the abbreviated starts, but I still don't understand leaving T. Miller in the game Friday to get strafed by right-handed batters when he had Boggs ready, or letting D. Reyes pitch to A-Ram (aka The Cardinal Killer) on Saturday instead of walking him to face Hoffpaiur. I know managers almost never walk the winning run into scoring position but with The Cardinal Killer up that runner at first is already in scoring position. Letting A-Ram continually beat us reminds me of the Astros regularly letting Albert abuse them over the years.
Your take?
Thanks, Mark |
Jeff Gordon: In Miller's case, he is expected to get both sides out when he pitches in middle relief. That is his job.
In Reyes case, the team believes he is good enough to face more than lefties. He just has to get it done.
I'm not a big fan of walking guys in Wrigley Field. Everybody is dangerous is the wind blows out or is neutral. |
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| NJK1: Are we going to face another season of Bullpen Blunders from the cardinals? So glad they addressed those problems in the offseason?!?!?! |
Jeff Gordon: Well, they address it. Izzy is gone. Flores is gone. Villone is gone. Reyes was clearly a nice get. Motte and Perez have had good outings and bad. A lot is on them, due to the unhappy struggle of Kinney early on. I'd say that is the big disappointment, since I was a huge pro-Kinney guy based on how he looked last year.
I like Franklin this year. I like McClellan. |
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| BradV: Hey Gordo, let's go ahead and get this out there.... Is there any scenario where you see Cardinal ownership actually spending for addt'l bullpen help, or another SP? Carp is obviously gone for a couple of months, and it doesn't take a genius to figure out that if they signed a real closer, our lefty specialists, long relief and setup guys could actually settle into their real roles.... don't you agree? |
| Jeff Gordon: They'll make a move for a starting pitcher if they can't find the internal help, just as they made the move for a LH reliever during spring training. |
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DFrost: Hello Gordo,
I'm concerned about the Cards pitching as currently constructed. Do you think they will make any moves to add anything to the rotation or the bullpen other than just bring up the kids from the farm? |
Jeff Gordon: They have lots of trade assets, so something is always possible. And unlike other teams, they can take on salary as needed.
Mozeliak felt pretty good about the team Thursday. He made three additions from the farm at once, which shows the progress being made. But if it becomes obvious that the team has glaring needs -- and two games at windy Wrigley is a small sample -- then he'll do something. |
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| BradV: If the Blues (by some miracle), do end up making it to the 2nd round, do you see Kariya coming back? They are going to have to do something to shake up their horrible power play opportunites. |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd play him in Game 4. Why not? |
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| Greg: Should we count the blues out now? or do you see a 4 game win streak against the Canucks? |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd like to see a big Game 4 push, but winning four straight would be tough. |
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| illside43: I know everyone is excited about the Blues youth, but do you think the Blues need to make an attempt at adding a big time scorer? I heard Kovalchuck is attainable and i feel he could really put them over the top. A guy who can score on his own everytime he touches the puck. |
Jeff Gordon: McKee and Kariya exit after next year and take all the money off the payroll. So will be room to add a big scorer -- IF the Blues believe that they won't develop one from the current kid group. The Blues have the assets to deal for a big scorer and the payroll room to pay him.
But . . . this team was nearly unbeatable for three months and still has great room to improve as constructed. I'd stay the course. |
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| mike.bennett: Can the Blues possibly get rid of Jackman by the start of next season? He's out of position way too often. |
| Jeff Gordon: If the Blues can return Jackman to his natural role, he could be fine. With Johnson and Brewer out, he is playing too many minutes against too much talent. |
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Ryno: Hi Jeff,
Any chance at all that the Cards will make a run a Pedro Martinez? Either as a fill-in starter for the next two months, or relief help? It seems like he wouldn't command a high-dollar amount, would only be for one year, and had decent success in the WBC. Thanks! |
| Jeff Gordon: That's a thought. Pedro threw well in the WBC. Although the Cards have pitching depth, their Memphis guys (Walters, Boggs, et al) aren't top-of-the-rotation guys. With Carpenter out at least two months, Pedro would be a great get. He'd have to consider STL, because this team WILL contend. |
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| BluzFan4Always: The Blues ride was great while it lasted. These play-offs have exposed their greatest need; another scorer. With Johnson and Brewer coming back, possibly Pietrangelo coming, the defense should be set, with Cole coming the following year. Jackman can move back to a #3 defenseman and McKee can move back to a #5 defenseman, where each of them is more comfortable and have less responsibility against the opponents top players. Hinote and Janssen each had a goal apiece. Don't waste roster spots on them and send them packing. We need guys who can contribute scoring on all four lines. The future looks bright with more top prospects coming. Add a scorer who can also play on the power play. Do the Blues think Eller and palushaj can contribute next year? |
Jeff Gordon: Kariya's return adds that offense. Also, Perron, Oshie and Berglund will score more. Winchester has upside.
Eller and Palushaj have "Peoria" stamped on them, but they could be factors later in the year. |
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| pablomo: Is Pietrangelo due up next season? Will Ellar be ready ? With EJ back, and a healthy Kariya, I think adding one more solid blueliner and this team is a WHOLE lot better next season. You agree?? Still a firm believer here in what Checketts group is doing. GO BLUES |
Jeff Gordon: Alex is a maybe. He must get stronger, but he showed earlier this season that he can help the power play.
Eller has to get stronger, but he has skills.
BTW, if Brewer IS healthy -- a big if -- then he could be a different player than what you've seen. |
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shive: Gordo...
1) Because sanchez is such a hot commodity right now, should the Rams
take him, and maybe trade him to cleveland for the 5th pick, plus
Braylon Edwards, or do you think Cleveland would go for that? At the
very least..we should put out the vibe that we are interested in
Sanchez. There are plenty of teams that would trade up to get him..
Denver, and Washington for sure, maybe Jacksonville. What do you
think?
2) You think maybe Ankiel need to go to Memphis to get his stroke back?
You da man Gordo!! |
Jeff Gordon: Braylon Edwards AND the fifth pick for Sanchez? No chance.
The trouble with drafting Sanchez is that you could get stuck keeping and paying him, which would destroy your budget.
Ankiel isn't alone right now as an early slumper. Jimmy Rollins is killing my fantasy team. TLR just has to keep finding favorable matchups for him and get him a couple of big hits to settle down. |
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illside43: Two years in a row the Rams Draft at #2 without a no brainer type pick.
I feel Calvin Johnson was a no brainer for the Lions the year before.
Do you think Crabtree would be a no brainer for the Rams had he never been injured? |
| Jeff Gordon: He would have been a consideration, but not a no-brainer. Too many needs! |
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shive..Palmyra, Mo.: Oh Great One...
There are 6-8 quality OT's in this years draft..why grab one early, when you can grab one later, and fill more pressing needs. Iknow nobody brings Crabtree up anymore, but after watching Fitzgerald work his magic this year, an impact stud receiver would do wonders for this offense (especially Steven Jackson).
Arizona's O is potent, Seattle's just got better with Housyourmomma, and I think we are going to find a way to score in bunches this year to keep up with them. To me, that's why Crabtree, or trading for Boldin, or Braylon Edwards, is so important.
Peace Out! |
| Jeff Gordon: The price tags for Boldin and Edwards are too high to consider. And Crabtree isn't a great second overall pick. Now, if the team somehow traded out of the spot, you might have something. |
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LetsGoBluz09: Jeff-
I noticed in your article you wrote this: It’s all over but the weeping. The Blues are down 0-3 in the best-of-seven series against the highly skilled and experienced Canucks.They can’t win the series now.
Is there a reason you've given up on this team already after seeing what they have accomplished over the past two months? Is it a long shot, YES, no doubt. But there should be no reason to ever doubt this team after the miraculous comeback they accomplished going 15th to 6th in 2 months. I'm not trying to hound you, just trying to get an answer of why you think it is over. |
| Jeff Gordon: Vancouver is just too good to blow a 3-0 series lead. I think the Blues can win Game 4 with a big push, but the Canucks are too good to choke up that margin. |
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NormalGuy: Gordo,
I enjoy the weekly chats. My comment/question: I actually like most the guys the Cards have in their bullpen on an individual basis. But did Mo construct a pen w/ too many specialists and not enough innings-eaters? I mean, it's one thing to have a specialty pen if you've got the Braves' 1990s starting rotation that will consistently go 7-8 innings. But, it doesn't seem to make as much sense if you're the 2009 Cards and have a bunch of 5 to 6 inning guys in the starting rotation. Simply put, I don't think the qualities/characteristics of the Cards' pen match up with those of the starting rotation. |
| Jeff Gordon: Good point. Thompson flopped in the innings-eating role, no now it falls to Boggs. Todd could come up add that element, too. But Miller is supposed to do some that as well . . . and that doesn't look likely. |
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skicks3535: Gordo,
At the end of the 2nd period last night I understand, somewhat, why Crombeen was put in the box for his role, but Masond "tough guy" Raymond drives Steen into the boards and gets nothing?!?. The penalty eventually led to the game winning goal. I'm not really blaming the refs, because when it comes down to it, the Blues failed to execute on the kill all night, but I was just wondering why Crombeen was the only guy to get put in the box. Maybe I missed something watching it on TV, but it should have been an everybody gets called or nobody gets called kind of thing, don't you think? Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: Crombeen came in late in that scrum, so he was easy to single out. |
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Don I. Mus: This team has the worst transition game I have ever seen.
Do the coaches simply ignore this phase of the game because they know the talent just isn't there?
Realistically, can this team expect to go anywhere next season with the likes of Jackman, McKee and Brewer - I don't think so.
Your thoughts please. |
Jeff Gordon: That is why the return of Johnson, Brewer (if healthy) and Pietrangelo is so important.
You're right about the transition game. It went away in Game 3. In fact, it's been an issue this whole series. |
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Matt: Any word on how Randy McMichael's rehab is going? Has he been participating in the offseason conditioning program?
Also, assuming he's healthy, how big of a role will he be in our offense next season? |
| Jeff Gordon: McMichael is back up to speed. In this offense, he should have a big role. |
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| jsmith: What was the deal with the penalty at the end of the 2nd period last night? It looked to me like Vancouver should have gotten at least a roughing call for throwing one of our players to the ice. If not for the Crombeen penalty, perhaps the outcome of the game is quite different. |
| Jeff Gordon: Crombeen got it for extending the fracas. They could have evened it up, but that is the refs' way of controlling those post-whistle and end-of-period scrums. |
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| HEG: Gordo I am late to the site today; but someone said the Cards are no better off than last year; not only are they are no better off than last year are worse than last year; up to this point pro-rated over the year they will have over 40 blown saves & the bull pen has lost about 80 % of games till now. I do not know what to suggest!!!!!. Apparently the Rams will draft an OL; problably their greatest need among others. Being from Mo. I believe Tyler Hansborough will be drafted higher than anticipated 27-34. What is your comments or suggestions on the above??? |
Jeff Gordon: Don't see Pyscho T going higher. The NBA sees him as limited. His stock dropped the last two years.
You're probably right about the Rams and the OL.
As the Cards showed by throwing four shutout innings Saturday, getting the game into extra innings, there is hope for the pen. Franklin was great and Motte and Perez showed nasty stuff. Too soon to write off the pen.
That appears to be it for this week. See you next week!
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