Tim: Which Day 2 selections do you think may pull a Clifton Ryan and make a good Impact on the team next year?

Jeff Gordon: Most experts gave their Day Two picks a solid grade. Schuening isn't likely to start at guard right away, given the depth at that position, but he could fit in quickly if somebody got hurt. The last pick, Vobora, would end up being a Culberson-type player.

Tim: What are the roles going to be for Grecco and Scuening next year? I heard Grecco might even challenge Barron at tackle.

Jeff Gordon: Greco will push Barron for sure, although Alex is a much better athlete and (potentially) a much better lineman. But if Alex remains unfocused and inconsistent, this could get interesting.

Will Barron play well and command another contract in St. Louis, as Pace's successor? If will he play his way out of the team's long-range plans?

Tim: What is the plan for Dustin Fry next year?

Jeff Gordon: He has to compete like crazy to get a job. Barring injuries, he is on the outside looking in right now. Let's see what new coaching and a full off-season in the program does for him. But he was terrible in camp last year, by his own admission.

Tim: Do you thin the Rams missed a huge gold mine with the chance to take Connor in the third round? The way out linebacking situation is he had a extremley good chance to start and all the intagibles to be a solid linebacker?

Jeff Gordon: The Rams are high on Culberson, so they were in no hurry to draft a linebacker. I've seen mixed reports on Connor. And the guys the Rams drafted at the end will compete for roster or practice squad spots, as Culberson did last camp as an undrafted free agent.

Tim: Man, Its going to be alot of fun to see the CB cometition this year dont you think? IN my eyes its a five horse race for 2 spots, Brown,Hill,Wade,Bartell, and King. 4 of them are young exiting players that have the potential to be very solid players. Would you agree?

Jeff Gordon: I'm skeptical about King. Speed is great, but, as we saw with Wade, it doesn't help much against great route runners. He needs to polish his coverage skills in a hurry.

Joel Z: Chad Johnson isn't happy..the Rams need help at WR..is there any way in heck that our management would make any kind of play to get him?

Jeff Gordon: Since Cincy has turned down the offer of one first-round pick, plus the potential for a second first-rounder, I don't see it happening. The Rams drafted two receivers with a chance to make the team. That, plus Bennett's fresh start under Saunders, are the key to that unit this year.

kara: I know you're a Chris Long guy, so pardon me for saying that the Rams taking Long over Dorsey was just plain dumb. Dorsey is a game wrecker, a once every decade kind of talent. It's quite likely that the Rams will not get another chance to draft such a player in our lifetimes. Long will be a good DE, but you can find guys like Long in every draft.

Just for the sake of argument, accept my opinion on Dorsey and Long for the moment - why would the Rams pass on a chance to draft the best defensive player in the draft? I've heard the bologna about drafting for needs, and the stuff about drafting the man instead of the player is pure BS. Is this about marketing?

Jeff Gordon: I can certainly see your point. And Jim Haslett really wanted Dorsey. But if Long is the player the Rams believe he is, he will become a Pro Bowl player at a need position.

If Carriker in the player the Rams believe he is, he, too, will be a Pro Bowl-type player at the position that Dorsey plays. To me, that is what it all came down to.

Mark: Jeff

Suddenly the Rams are well-stocked at WR. Do you think this is the year they finally can't find room for Looker? If so, I'll miss the guy. I always felt comfortable with him on the field. Also, more importantly, do you think there is a real rift between Linehan and Holt? I would hope the presence of Saunders would help smooth that over.

Jeff Gordon: When Holt sees the new talent at receiver and the new look on offense, hopefully he will get excited again. But it's easy to see why he is skeptical -- a 3-13 season, a pedestrian offense, a lateral passing game and the departure of Bruce.

Tim: Are you at all confused on the Donnie Avery pick? It seems like their were 3 or 4 guys ahead of him that could of been better picks.

What about Keenon Burton?

Jeff Gordon: Avery was drafted for his speed/size combo. He is not huge, but he IS big enough to line up outside. We'll see about his route-running skills, given the offense and the competitive level he is coming from.

Burton would have been a third- or four-round pick had he not been injured much of his senior year. He could be a steal, a pick that mitigates any concern about Avery going where he did.

Paul: There are some great points on Stltoday as to why the Rams drafted the players they drafted and why most of us aren't in an informed position to second-guess those picks. All of that is true, but kind of gives the Rams a pass for committing one of the cardinal sins of the draft - going with need for the next year rather than building for the future.
One of the likely explanations for drafting Long over Dorsey is that Linehan is in his walk year and felt that Long would be the first to be ready to contribute. And Avery fits an immediate need, though he may not have the potential of several of the other recievers taken later.
It's hard to fault Linehan for trying to keep his job, but it's also clear that ownership's promise of better drafting went out the window in allowing their coach to make the key decisions rather than all the new guys they brought in to contribute to the draft.
All the draft pundits like to talk about how a draft can't be judged for at least three years because you need to see who develops and who doesn't. But that conventional wisdom goes out the window for the Rams - just like their pre-draft rankings. We can judge, not in three years, but after this season whether this draft was a bust or not. We simply look to see if Linehan kept his job. If so, the draft was successful. If not, it doesn't matter if a half dozen of these players become pro-bowlers - the draft would have been a failure in the eyes of those who made the decisions.

Jeff Gordon: The Rams are aiming for a quick turnaround, so they drafted for need.
The coach is on the last year of his contract. The new lead owner expects a competitive. The business side is worried about ticket sales. The Rams were positioned to draft for need, since he had high picks.

The Chiefs had a phenomenal draft, picking up a bunch of potential Pro Bowlers. But it may take that team three years to get there. The Rams have guys like Bulger, Jackson, Holt, Little and Pace looking to win now.

Tim: Who has the best chance of starting center for the Rams next season?

Jeff Gordon: I didn't mind Romberg there. Setterstrom is more physical, so he could get the nod. I'd rather see Incognito stay at guard and use his aggression.

Tim: What picks were you most happy with and what picks do you feel like the Rams should have gon in a different direction in the draft?

Jeff Gordon: Greco, at OI, was a strong pick. The Rams needed an option there for obvious reasons. His versatility also helps. Just as the FA Bell can play outside, Greco could learn how to play inside. That helps a ton.

Tackleberry: Gordo,

I am not a fan of the number of small school players the Rams drafted. Sometimes the 2nd best player at a position from a powerhouse program is far and away better than a standout from a small program.

This draft raised enough questions to warrant a full house cleaning of that front office should this season be a total bust.

I am sure Chip enjoys the benefits of having a regime in place that his mother trusted implicitly, but the current regime has an AWFUL track record of drafting.

Jeff Gordon: Devaney just got here, so let's see what happens. Small schools don't worry me. Fletcher came from a D-III school. Bartell, a solid pick, went to Central Michigan finished at Howard. He is a much better player than Carter from Florida State. King played at Penn State but apparently is pretty raw in coverage. So I don't worry about school size.

Tim: Who Should be a little worried about their Job or even their tenure with the Cards when people like Mulder and Carpenter return?

Jeff Gordon: Looper's last outing solidified his standing in the rotation. Right now Wellemeyer is on the spot.

Long-term, the Cards will have to trade established pitching IF they get fully healthy. But that is a ways off.

Sweet Lou: What are your feelings on Izzy? I think that people forget that, while he had a nice season last year, his work load was severely reduced and his time between appearances was sometimes 10 days. There are some serious questions of durability beginning to surface. That, coupled with Strauss' article yesterday mentioning a "limp" in his step makes me cringe. No one wants to do 2006 all over again. Playing hurt loses it's admirability very quickly when it begins to cost the team games.

Jeff Gordon: Yes, Izzy is a concern. If he starts stacking up blown saves, the Cards will finally have to turn the page on his era as the closer. Fortunately, the team has multiple options. Franklin would probably get first crack, followed by McClellan. Longer term, the club hopes Chris Perez will develop into a short guy.

Dave Cobler: Hello Gordo;
I don't see Brendan Ryan's game going away...and I like his game. Ryan is working out nicely in that nine hole. Do you see him wrestling the starting job away from Izturis?

Thanks Jeff!!

Jeff Gordon: Well, let's hope so. He adds offense and speed. Izturis is a fine defensive player, but Ryan's impact over the weekend cannot be ignored.

Catman: Hi Gordo!

I'm a little concerned with the ongoing trend of many Cardinal hitters - swinging at balls out of the strike zone! Too many players are expanding the strike zone and it hasn't seemed to improve over the past 3 weeks. Ankiel gets himself out most of the time and his patience at the plate has been horrible!(Look where his BA is now!) Even Albert has struggled with this since the Cardinals haven't had a real threat to hit behind him. What have you heard is being done to improve the team's batting eye? TLR can't be happy!

Jeff Gordon: Ankiel and Albert started to chase, for sure. But this team has drawn a lot of walks too. Izturis improved in that regard. Schumaker does a great job working pitchers. Glaus has been fairly patient. Duncan is pretty patient as well.

Catman: Hi Gordo,

Is Clement actually going to be productive for the Cardinals this season? His injuries suggest that he may be a possible candidate for retirement. What's the real truth about Clement (not the Redbird Spin).

Jeff Gordon: The truth is he won't pitch here until he regains his fastball. If he doesn't regain his fastball, he will be done -- just as Matt Morris may be done. Matt's fastball was down in the low 80s before Pittsburgh cashiered him.

With Lohse and Pineiro pitching well and Mulder on the mend, there is no rush on the Clement front. For his sake, you hope he gets those lost mph back.

Slim: What will be the best positional options for the Cards to upgrade the offense? It seems to me that the bottom of the order lacks enough punch to contend and that the team could really use a true stud hitter to protect Albert in the lineup. The obvious place to upgrade is in the middle infield, especially at shortstop, but it may be very difficult to find the right player there. The outfield is working out very well with several players making very good contributions, but Albert still doesn't have the kind of protection that Edmonds and Rolen provided in their prime. We know the offense needs upgrading, but where can that come from in the lineup?

Jeff Gordon: The immediate spot is at No. 9, where Izturis is below the Mendoza Line. If Ryan can hit .280 there and steal some bases, that would be a big plus. The Cards could use Izturis as a defensive specialist.

Glaus is building a nice RBI total, but he is a No. 6-type hitter versus righties. That leaves it to Ankiel and Duncan to bracket Albert versus righties.

But against lefties, yes, the Cards are currently asking Ludwick to provide one of the hammers behind Albert. And that is asking a lot.

Michael Kent: Jeff ...

About where on the calendar do you think is the Cards' "go/no-go" decision on pursuing a contract extension for Kyle Lohse? It seems to me that earlier would be better, but that's complicated by at least three factors: 1) The outcome of three rehabbing starting pitchers, particularly Chris Carpenter, 2) Whether the Cards continue to be playoff contenders, and 3) Scott Boras. Any other factors?

My gut tells me they'll deal the righthander before July 31, even if they are contending and even if Lohse continues to put up impressive stats.

Thank you.

Jeff Gordon: The Cards hold options on Mulder and Clement for next season. Pineiro, Carpenter and Wainwright have deals for next year as well. Looper and Lohse are looming free agents. So those two become potential trade chips unless they are extended. I'd offer Lohse another four years and another $40 million (Suppan money!) based on what I've see so far. Boras would advise Lohse to role the dice on a bigger deal . . . but that advice has already backfired once. Kyle has a comfort level here and he is in his prime. The Cards could sign him, deal Looper, write off Clement and move on.

Francisco Prado: Gordo, what is up? I like the Rams draft alot. They went for needs and avoided players with off the field issues.Chris Long reminds me of another Rams legend: Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood. The Greco pick I think is great! He can challenge Barron or even Incognito. This is a make or break year for both of them(a hothead injury prone guard and a penalty prone passionless tackle). One or both of those WRs will surprise people.

Jeff Gordon: I couldn't agree more.

Tim Grissum: Since it appears that Izzy has reverted to his 2006 form, do you suppose the hip is starting to act up? If so is there any chance he comes clean or are we gonna have to keep running him out there to blow games. As long as he's on the active roster I'm sure he will keep his job. Larussa and will say there is nobody else that could fill that role, but maybe Kyle Mac could do like Wainwright two years ago. Or, what about Wellemeyer? He does throw hard and seems to have closer type stuff, the downfall with him would be the walks. I've been a supporter of having 'The Big W' in the rotation the last two years as that 12-3 is hard to overlook, but it appears the writing is on the wall that he will go to the bullpen if one of the other starters returns.

Jeff Gordon: As I mentioned earlier, Franklin and McClellan could be obvious closer options. Wellemeyer is another obvious guy. Funny, TLR has always used established guys -- even when they were falling apart, like Veres. He is real big on putting an inexperienced guy in that slot.

Steve: Gordo,
I've been reading your columns daily for a number of years and I think you offer a thoughtful as well as positive perspective on the area teams, along with a sense of humor. My question is how is it that your even-keeled columns attract the rudest, most childish commentators? A lot of the responses to your draft coverage (especially personal attacks aimed at you; for what reason, I have no idea) were particularly offensive. Doesn't Kevin Slaten have a blog those folks can read instead? What about Yosemite Sam?

Jeff Gordon: I'm amazed at how worked up fans get over the draft, especially. Nobody really knows what these guys will do in the NFL. Some will get hurt, some will take off, some will screw up off the field, some will get complacent . . . you just don't know.

The coach likes Avery. The kid can run. He carries no discernible baggage. He has no health woes. Maybe the Rams could have gotten him later. And maybe, just maybe, they also drafted guys late that should have gone sooner.

Ray R.: Jeff-
I know its too early to predict how these draftees will pan out. And anything beyond the 3rd round is anyone's guess. But seeing how the draft played out, just curious as to which combo you would have preferred:

Option A - Long, Avery, Grecco

Option B - Dorsey, Devin Thomas, Dan Connor

Jeff Gordon: On paper, Thomas appears to be a more complete package than Avery. I'd take Greco over Connor, though, based on both need and quality. People I respect believe Connor is a bit stiff at LB. (This also presumes that the Rams are correct about Culberson coming back and filling a role.)

I agree that Dorsey ought to be a more disruptive defensive player than Long. But, again, he would compromised the team's investment in Carriker. Are the Rams better off with Carriker inside and Long outside, as opposed to Dorsey inside and Carriker outside? Probably.

And that is why the pick was made. I like your question and I would obviously pick Option B, but for the Carriker factor.

Will: How has Mark Mulder looked so far? Where is he at velocity wise? Is there a chance that we will see the guy that pitched in Okland? If he comes back healthy do the Cards try to sign him to a multi year deal?

Jeff Gordon: The Cards have an option on Mulder for next year and would use it he makes a full recovery. His velocity is coming all the way back, but he needs to regain his command and get 100 percent comfy with his mechanics. There is a chance we could still see that old Mulder.

I doubt that would make people forget the Danny Haren deal, however.

David: Hey Gordo,

What grade would you give the Rams' draft? I have seen "the experts" give them everything from a B+ to a D+. Did Linehan reach too much or are we gonna be pleasantly surprised when we see Avery break a kickoff for a TD, Greco throw down a pancake, and King take a pick to the end zone?

Jeff Gordon: I'd got with the C-plus that Mel Kiper gave them. They got some good players, although King is a bit iffy. If the two offensive linemen pan out and the two linebackers make the Rams better on special teams, then the draft could be a home run.

T McDermott: I am a Ram fan since the Fearsome Foursome...and will be forever...this is the time to be optimistic..sure...we were miserable last year...but the draft gives us great hope..nobody really knows the true outcome for at least a year...we have been graded by most accounts a solid B by all the so called experts..its really about Justin King and Donnie Avery....reach's ? ....Justin King was a junior and projected a first rounder next year....Avery was moving up every draft board in a very weak wide receiver class...speed is what we need....think positive Ram Nation....most so called experts are...Jeff...what is your opening grade ? and who is the big impact next year ( other than C. Long )....love your chats...T Mac from Seattle

Jeff Gordon: King a first rounder next year? Well, maybe. He needs a lot of coaching yet. He is a great athlete and really bright kid. Fortunately, the Rams can work him in carefully with Brown, Hill, Bartell and Wade ahead of him.

Matthew: GORDO,

I was wondering what else you know about Donnie Avery besides his blazing speed. I truly believe in the age-old adage of "you can't teach speed", but why do you think they passed on some of the bigger targets? Like Desean Jackson and James Hardy(great size and leaping, I'm an IU guy).

Also, I love Bernie's Blog about draft day report cards. I think they only logical way to grade a draft so quickly, is if you grade by the team filling their NEEDS. In that case I would say the majority of teams will pass because of all the research and work put in evaluating players. This nonsense about how good players will be, and how good a draft was is ridiculous. I think you need at least 2 years, more like 3, i.e. Marios Williams. Thanks.

Backe is a headcase

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, the Williams/Bush equation looked different in Year Two, didn't it?

There is some question about Avery's route-running skills. The Rams term it "different" while some experts claim he has no idea. At the NFL level, he will need more than great wheels to gain separation.

Too bad Bruce isn't here to teach the kid . . .

Brian Murphy: OK Gordo,

I want your grade on the Rams draft...not this draft, because I know you are not a psychic! Give me the grades on the last three Rams drafts. Do you think we finally have this draft thing together with the new team in place?
We can only get better.

Go sheep!

Jeff Gordon:
2007: C+

1. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska. Impact player.

2. Brian Leonard, FB, Rutgers. Solid utility back.

3. Jonathan Wade, CB, Tennessee. Huge coverage flaws, still learning.

5. Dustin Fry, C, Clemson. Longshot to stick in ’08.

5. Clifton Ryan, DT, Michigan State. Impact player.

6. Ken Shackleford, OT, Georgia. Didn’t make it.

7. Keith Jackson, DT, Arkansas. Didn’t make it.

7, Derek Stanley, WR, Wis-Whitewater. Maybe, just maybe, a factor in ‘08.

2006: D+

1. Tye Hill, CB, Clemson. Starter, but not a star.

2. Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado. Potential washout.

3. Claude Wroten, DT, Louisiana State. Potential washout.

3. Jon Alston, OLB, Stanford. Didn’t make it here.

3. Dominique Byrd, TE, Sounthern California. Washout.

4. Victor Adeyanju, DE, Indiana. Solid depth player.

5. Marques Hagans, WR Virginia. Longshot for ’08.

7. Tim McGarigle, ILB, Northwestern. Could still make it.

7. Mark Setterstrom, G, Minnesota. Solid player.

7. Tony Palmer, G, Missouri. Solid player elsewhere.


2005: B

1. Alex Barron, OT, Florida State. Starter, but not a star.

2. Ronald Bartell Jr, CB, Howard. Solid nickel back.

3. Oshiomogho "O.J." Atogwe, S, Stanford. Starter, potential star.

3. Richie Incognito, C/G, C/G, Nebraska. Starter, potential star,

4. Jerome Carter, SS, Florida State. Depth guy.

4. Claude Terrell, G New Mexico. Washout.

5. Jerome Collins, TE, Notre Dame. Didn’t make it.

6. Dante Ridgeway, WR, Ball State, Didn’t make it.

6. Reggie Hodges, P, Ball State. Didn’t make it.

7. Ryan Fitzpatrick(250), QB, Harvard. Back-up elsewhere.

7. Madison Hedgecock, FB, North Carolina. Starter elsewhere.

Paul: I have been a lifelong Cardinals fan. I do not currently live in the St. Louis area, although I grew up near there. In trying to keep up with the Cardinals, I have noticed that most of the national media (mlb.com , sports web sites, sports channels) simply do not pay any attention to what the cardinals are doing, no matter how well they are doing. Why is this??

Thanks!

Paul

Jeff Gordon: The Cardinals are supposed to stink this year. If they can get 10 or 15 games over .500, they will get more love. If they sink to the pack, they won't.

Tim: Hey Gordo,

What do you think is going to be the situation at SS with Izturis "ok to go?"

Jeff Gordon: Cesar will get more starts, of course, but he'll have to hit more play much. Ryan adds more offense and his defense has been fine so far. Brendan's impact this weekend was huge.

WBLicht: hello Gordo!

Wondering the status of a player and a coach, TLR signed a 2 year deal, but the last I heard Dunc was only signed through this season, are the Cards extending his contract?? Also do the cards have control of Wellemeyer after this year or is he a unrestricted free agent? He is looking like he may become the best 5th starter in baseball!!!!

Jeff Gordon: Todd is moving into range of getting a real contract. He took a big earnings jump this year, but this could his breakthrough. His strong arm and versatility make him very valuable.

I see Dave Duncan staying as long as TLR does. No more, no less. Contracts don't matter in this case.

JEG: Hello Jeff,

A number of blogers have been yammering about Wainwright's pitch count on Saturday. Tony's response to similar inquiries was that our pitcher wasn't laboring and he was getting guys out. Yesterday Mr. Lohse was getting guys out (the Post reported that Lohse and our reliever combined to get the last 16 outs in a row) and his day was done at 103 or so pitches. Care to make any guesses as to the inconsistency?

Jeff Gordon: Tony views Wainwright as a potential horse, a true No. 1. History tells us he will take this guys longer, as he did with Morris. History tells us this is dangerous. I'm not a big fan of high pitch counts. The Cards have a deep bullpen, so there is no need to go Dusty Baker with the starting pitchers.

Ray: While I hope Chris Long will be a devistating force on our defense for years, I wonder if he will want to stay after he sees how the front office empty suits run things.
Wonder what the real reason they passed on Dorsey was?

Jeff Gordon: Aside from the Carriker Factor, Long was the safer pick. If Dorsey was really the No. 1 player in the draft, as angry Rams fans insist, then he wouldn't have gone fifth overall in the draft. One team might have passed on the top guy, but four?

Arnold Schneider: Is Izzy good enough to continue as the closer?

Jeff Gordon: Since Izzy gets a lot of two- and three-run leads to protect -- and not a lot of inherited runners to strand -- he could have a 90 percent conversion rate. Anything less than that puts his role into question.

D King: Well not to happy with this draft they could have gotten some much better players from some of the power schools that Avery pick really thru me off with all the WR still on the board wish we had gotten Dorsey, not bad but could have been better KC really surprised me with the effort they put in and the guys they picked they were agressive we were to but their players were higher rated that ours all across the board I hope we don't regret this draft. I am from Columbia so I look at both teams and I think the Chiefs will field a winner long before the Rams. Just my opinion.

Jeff Gordon: KC is starting over. STL still has a big investment in veteran players (Bulger, Pace, Little, et al)and the expectation to contend for postseason play in '08. Just ask the owner. The Chiefs had a great draft, but they also dealt a star defensive end to add picks.

wotownramsfan: jeff i am willing to wait and see on avery before i kill linehan like most of the rams fans, but don't you think this is to risky of a pick with your job on the line? I like the rest of the draft and are very glad they went chris long, whats your feeling on the draft? I think mr.irrelevant could even make the team

Jeff Gordon: The Rams see no risk in Avery. He can run and catch, so he will help the team. Will he become more than a No. 3 guy this year? We'll see. But by default, he upgrades the position. After losing Bruce, the Rams WR corps was looking pitiful.

Darrell: Jeff,
I applaud Bernie for his "everyone should calm down" blog. It appears to me that the Rams drafted for need all over the board. There were not any "let's turn a quarterback into a receiver picks". Avery may not be the most popular or well known receiver, but if no one can catch 'em they won't be able to tackle 'em. Give him a few plays before the fans say he was a horrible pick. I was so glad we got Chris Long. The Rams definately needed him on the end a lot more than they needed Dorsey.

Jeff Gordon: Wow -- an optimistic Rams fan! Who knew they existed?

TED: Gordo, now that the draft is over what grade would u give the rams front office. Im pretty optimistic about this year and setting there watching mel kiper on espn talk about how much he knows ya he might get some picks right but he acts like he's never wrong and him saying that avery was a reach i don't think so i think rams fans will be surprised on what avery brings to the table. thanks Gordo

Jeff Gordon: Mel calmed down and gave the Rams draft a C+. I'd agree. The top OTs went off the board and prompted the Rams to make the early move at WR. Greco could be a fine addition, but he lacks the classic tackle physique.

Scott Rhein: Hello Jeff, I would like to Thank You for your coverage of the Blues this year. I have some quick questions for you.
1. Who is next best offensive defensemen that we have other than Johnson?
2. Do you see us going after one this summer?
3. With the log jam of defensmen that we have. Who should stay or who should go?
Thank You for your time.
Scott

Jeff Gordon: I love Steve Wagner, who was great for the Note before inexplicably getting sent to Peoria. There, he got hurt. He isn't a big shooter, but he is great with the puck. I'd like to see the Blues add a big shooter, but the logjam you mention probably precludes that. This team has a lot of "D" under contract and guys like Wagner and Polak that have to play next year.

ramfandan: Hi Jeff,

I have a suggestion for Rams brass. Introduce the starting DEFENSE for the home opener. With all the glitz (spotlights, smoke, etc .) the Rams usually do , I can't think of a better way to spark NEW fan entusiasm (cheering , yelling DEE FENSE , etc ) than to trot out Chris Long, Carriker, Ryan, and Little to start the 2009 season. A FRESH new start !
Shake things up at the Dome .. the Greatest Show on Turf was great but it is the PAST .. let's focus on the PRESENT ! What do you think , Gordo ?

Jeff Gordon: I'm not sure they fit that in between all the commercials blaring over the PA system.

Tackleberry: What would it take to get a full out house cleaning of the Rams front office?

Jeff Gordon: Another 3-13 finish and Shaw's retirement.

Oscar Madrid: Have the Blues officially given up hope that Marek Schwarz is a future number one goaltender? Is Ben Bishop the next kid in line?

Jeff Gordon: Yes and yes. Nothing is official, of course, and Marek looks great in the ECHL. He is still young enough to snap to, but nobody is optimistic. Bishop first year in the AHL will be fun to watch.

Meanwhile, the team needs a better back-up, eh?

BrotherBri: Not a bad Rams draft on the whole. Long will be the new Wistrom, and Little will reap a huge benefit. Depth at WR, O-line, LB will make this a better team.

Like many, I'll guess that Avery was a reach. Bernie may be right in telling us all to calm down, but isn't this guy just Derek Stanley with a higher pedigree? And since Stanley showed at least a little something in the NFL, couldn't we just have coached him up and let our #2 pick go for a greater need?

Like SAFETY! I live in Nashville, and have liked Chavous since he was here at Vandy. But he has lost a step (or five), misses too many tackles, AND is in the last year of a contract that won't be renewed (unless it's to be a DB coach). A hard hitting safety to (a) bolster the special teams, (b) be ready if Chavous gets injured, and (c) groom to replace Chavous next (or this) year HAD TO BE A PRIORITY.

Take your pick of styles/skills. Tyrell Johnson. Tom Zbikowski. DaJuan Morgan. Thomas DeCoud. The Rams could have had any of them. But unless Mr. Irrelevant is converted to S, we will have to go without. What a HUGE disappointment.

Enough ranting for now. Thanks for your endless patience in listening to us week after week.

Jeff Gordon: I see your point at safety and I feel your pain. The Rams, for better or worse, did not share your assessment. I tend to side with you on this one.

Tim: Would you expect any more significant trades or free agent pickups before training camp for the Rams?

Jeff Gordon: Never say never, but I think they are pretty set. Other than safety and possibly QB, I don't see obvious deficiencies.

AP: I was living in Philadelphia at the time they drafted Donovan McNabb. After the draft, Andy Reid came out with a strong statement that they needed to make a good decision, that they had made a good decision, and that they had picked the best player in that spot. Do the Rams feel the same way about Long and Avery, or was it more that they picked the guys who best met their current needs? I'd still like to know if the Rams passed on guys who they thought would be better in the long run in order to try to be "competitive" next year (maybe 8-8 or 9-7 at best).

Jeff Gordon: The Rams drafted for need, which is understandable given the high number of veterans still here. They want to take one more run with this coach and vets like Little, Pace and Bulger.

Tom: Will recently released Matt Morris be invited to Cards camp next spring? If so, will it be as a player or instructor?

Jeff Gordon: Last year the Cards wanted to bring him back. And there may be something there still, once Matt regroups. But this team has a major surplus. If I'm Matt, I take the summer off, collect the rest of his big deal and try to rebuild his shoulder strength. Then a Cards comeback would make sense.

TUCK!: Gordo:

No analysis needed, I'd just like a total count of the number of folks who ask (when/how/why won't) the Cards pick up Matty Mo...

Heh...

TUCK!
www.hardballtimes.com

Jeff Gordon: One, so far.

BrotherBri: BTW, now that Minnesota drafted a C, and the Rams got both an OT and an OG, is there any chance the Rams could trade Barron and Incognito to the Vikes for Birk? Between the upgrade at C, the reduced knucklehead factor and the loss of drive-killing O-line penalities, surely this trade would make the Rams MUCH better ...

Pace, Bell, Birk, Setterstrom and Goldberg/Greco ... though the RT would remain an uncertainty, I would love for Jackson to get to run left a lot ... It sounds better than we've had in awhile.

Jeff Gordon: Barron and Incognito have massive upside. They could also be replaced by '08 draft picks. But I'd rather see the team let the competition play out. I don't see center as a need position here.

Warren Arnold: Do you think it is wise for the Cardinals to stick to their old party line of not negotiating contracts during the season?
If at the end of June(or maybe earlier) Kyle Lohse is still putting up good numbers, I think we should test the waters. Who are we going to make mad that we would actually worry about?

Thanks Gordo

Jeff Gordon: Extending contracts on the fly can make perfect sense. Doing it with a Scott Boras client, in the other hand, is difficult. Kyle needs to step up himself and suggest an extension at the going rate (Suppan money, $10 million per.)

B-Ball Fan: Does the drafting of two WR with return experiance spell the end of Dante Hall's time as a Ram ?

Jeff Gordon: Linehan says no, but you saw what happened last year. He provided glimpses of his old skill, then bowed out hurt. Why would the Rams pay a premium for a repeat of that performance?

Tim: Is steussie still on the team?

Jeff Gordon: The Rams brought back Goldberg and Gorin for depth -- two solid guys -- but Todd and Andy are on the outside looking in.

Lucas: Jeff,

With all the pitchers that the Cardinals may get off the DL at some point later this season, who do you think will be the odd players out? Also, will Kinney be on the big club when he comes off the DL? It'll be hard to send McClellan down IF he keeps pitching this well.

Also, where do you think the Cards will finish this season? I think they are going to challenge for the division crown. They may not take the division, but I hope that the Cardinals surprise some of the experts out there.

Jeff Gordon: I see the Cards finishing third, staying in the hunt until the end. To make the playoffs, the Cards will have to make a big impact deal with a bunch of their surplus pitchers, infielders and outfielders.

Warren Arnold: Hey Gordo,

I love what I saw out of the Cardinals this weekend(except for Izzy). My only thought is that Wainwright should have actually plunked Ausmus on his posterior.

I keep hearing people say that this started with Pujols and Towles, but I think it actually went back to the night before when the Astros made a couple of hard collisions with LaRue and(I believe) Lee actually hit him and stared at him when there wasnt even a play. So I was expecting the Astros to get a little something in that game and assumed Pujols was returning the favor the next night.

Either way, if the Astros are going to mouth off as much as they do, they should actually bean someone than brushback and keep denialability. I guess I should just thank them for waking up Glaus and Albert.

Jeff Gordon: Good times at the ballpark! This does go back to the Pujols play, which I thought was out of line. Towles was well off the plate when Albert ran him.

The Cards got fired up by all this -- and that shook them from their first slump of the season.

Ryan: Hey Gordo, a couple of weeks back I heard Andy Murray on a radio morning show, and when asked about what he needed to do differently next year, Coach Murray responded that he needed to skate the players even harder.

I was under the assumption that one of the reasons being tossed around for the Blues' last season collapse was fatigue due to Murray's coaching style on and off the ice. What are your thoughts on this? Does Coach Murray need to skate them even harder, and if he does, aren't we looking at a repeat of what happened this past season?

THANKS!

Jeff Gordon: Fair point. Conditioning was not the problem last year. Mounting frustration got the better of the team. Once the team started losing, they couldn't pull out. Guys were pressing left and right. Just look at all the defensive zone turnovers. Guys were hesitant, unsure. Skating more doesn't fix that.

DKaman: Long time cardinal fan and I would like to support TLR in every way as he is the best. Duncan also as the pitching coach. What ever happened to the other Reyes and hurt his arm as a relief pitcher. how is all the other rehab going?

Jeff Gordon: Al Reyes went to Tampa Bay and became an effective short man, when healthy.

Most of the rehab stuff is going fine, although Clement looks iffy for this season. If he can't get full velocity back, it will be tough.

Jarod: Thanks for the coverage yesterday. You and Bernie helped answer a lot of questions for me. I really like how the draft turned out. Solid picks all around. I saw that we signed undrafted linebackers Vince Hall and Michael Magro. Was it just size that kept them from getting drafted? They seem like solid players. I really like what we did with our 2 7th rounders and these 2 guys. Would you agree that Chamberlain is the least likely to make the team?
Also do you think one of the FB's we singed today will start over Brian Leonard?
Thanks again!

Jeff Gordon: Leonard will be a utility back. I see Pittman getting more time as Jackson's first- and second-down understudy. Leonard is a third-down specialist. The Rams do need a put blocking FB/H-Back/special teams hitter. Don't know why those other guys fell out of the draft . . . by the seventh round, nothing much separates the FAs from the guys drafted. Yes, Chamberlain faces an uphill battle.

Will: Good Afternoon Jeff,

This was a wonderful draft! The Rams filled nearly all their needs on paper from the last two days. Roy Schuening was a steal, playing most of last season with pneumonia running to the sidelines for I.V.'s-what a warrior! Chris Chamberlain is a LB but seems to be in for a change to DB, looks like a very physical tackler and though I am not a fan of switching players from their comfort zone, from his resume it appears he is use to that-should be a great utility player at the very least, could play QB and DB in moments of duress.Davis Vorbora had 148 tackle season last year and I don't care what collage you play at-thats pretty good.
The Rams have the talent. Great core players, on paper the draft looks great. Had a good free agent season and added some great coaches to help run the team. My questions would be; what did the staff put in place this year to attempt to cut down on the injuries from last year, how is Coach Saunders and Coach Haslett going to utilize the positions(new/old) differently to maximize every position and lastly what has Coach Linehan done as a Head Coach to bring this all together. Injuries, panic and execution of plays really hurt this team last year. Thanks for your time.


Will

Jeff Gordon: Saunders has to fix everything about the offense -- the scheme, the execution, everything. Haslett did a pretty good job when he had players. With Hall limping and Little out, and with the cornerback carousel spinning, he didn't have much of a chance as the season regressed.

Chamberlain could play safety in an emergency, but Linehan isn't looking for him to swing into that role.

Jimmy M: Hey Gordo. Lately I have been predicting and All Star birth for my boy Skip Schumaker, you think it could happen? If not him, who could be eyeing an all star chance this year besides number 5.

thanks for the time.

Jeff Gordon: Skip is having a great year, but he isn't an all-star. I don't see many on this team, due to all the platooning. Glaus has too much competition at third base.

Leo: Jeff, thanks for a 3rd straight day of taking questions.

It's very disturbing to me, if true, that Linehan made the final decision on Long over Dorsey. When the pick comes down to 2 defensive guys and the respectable D-coordinator "really, really" wants one over the other, how can you overrule him ?

Jeff Gordon: He's the head coach -- and he has support all the way up the line on this pick.

Rooney: What happend to drafting a QB?

Jeff Gordon: Not an exciting group. The Rams did like some guys, like Henne, but they went off the board. After that, there was nothing compelling in their eyes.

Art: I think the Rams did okay in the draft but it is hard to tell until two years or more. I think they have one starter in Long maybe another on this WR Avery? hopefully more depthon the OL and linbackers!
Do you think the Rams will sign any undrafted Free agents who didn't get pick?

Jeff Gordon: They have signed a number of guys, but it's tough to project any of them as real factors. As for starters in the draft, your assessment is correct. A lot of these guys could start later in the year if

Ken: Why didn't the brain trust at Rams park get us a Quaterback to compete with Berlin? I don't get it. Trent Green will never make it throught the season. Bulger only if the protection holds up. A jopurneyman like Berlin is not the answer. What gives?

Jeff Gordon: I agree, but the team did commit dollars to Green. I'd expect them to keep an open mind about all the QBs floating around out there. Linehan reiterated his desire to carry 3 QBs on the roster next year.

Larry B: Gordo:

Am I in a minority on this, or should Backe' have been ran out of the game after the pitch to Molina? Do you think Yadi overracted by stepping toward the mound? I saw Backe' and Molina jawing back and forth after the time out, if an inside pitch, (even if not intended that high) isn't a message, then I don't know what is!! I think the message should have been returned, "You're Gone"!

Your thoughts.

Jeff Gordon: No, Backe was OK at that point. Nothing serious happened on the field, so warning were appropriate.

Mark Richison: I assume the Cardinals will go after Matt Morris--could he rehab in Memphis and add to our glut of good pitching that will be tradeable?

Jeff Gordon: I love Matt, but he needs to regain his shoulder strength before pitching again. A surplus is good, but the Cards would have to trade a LOT of pitchers to need one more veteran.

freedaddy: Gordo - Why would TLR even continue with Izturis? Ryan is a gamble but anything is an upgrade of Izturis.

Jeff Gordon: Agreed. If Ryan can handle the SS role defensively, he should keep the gig.

KW: Hey Gordo,

Thanks again for taking my question...

I'd like to get your thoughts on the composition of the Blues current roster in respect to diversity and their success. Since new ownership has taken over the club it seems the diversity of the team has moved to be non-existent. The team is primary made up of Canadians and Americans with the departure of Backmann, Cajanek and what will probably be Rucinsky. Most if not all of the league's successful teams in the modern decade have had an immense amount of diversity to contribute to their success. For instance, some of the best performers in the league in respect to their club have been; Elias, Holik, Mogilny, Forsberg, Hejduk, Fedorov Lidstrom, Holmstrom, Hasek, Modin, Khabibulin, Fedotenko, Gerber, Kaberle, Vrbata, Selanne and Pahlsson to name a few. Just look at the composition of this season's playoff teams; Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Lidstrom, Franzen, Hasek, Vlasic, Goc, Michelak, Eriksson, Ovechkin, Semin, Kozlov, Backstrom, Straka, Jagr, Prospal, Rozsival, Tyutin, Malkin, Sykora, Hossa, Gonchar, Kovalev, Kostopoulos, Koivu, Kostitsyn and Plekanec are all BIG parts of their team's success. The Blues haven't had a Russian in their lineup in years, the only Finn to make the team is a backup goaltender and the last Slovak since Demitra merely faded away after a handful of games (Orszagh). I know the club has drafted a few players to address this issue recently but none have been ready to play at this level. Do you think this kind of diverse chemistry is essential to becoming a successful playoff team and potential Cup contender? Do they Blues need to address this deficiency in exploring the market this summer?

Jeff Gordon: Eller and Berglund will come over from Europe and add some skill the mix. That IS important. Russians are a tough case, since the money in that country rivals or exceeds NHL money. With their first pick in this draft, the Blues will likely pick between two Euro forwards and an assortment of North American "D."

Donna: Mr. Gordon,
Any trade rumors you are aware of that might land us a big stick behind Albert?

Jeff Gordon: Nothing imminent. A LF like Bay or a SS like Young could change the makeup of this team, but there is no telling if such a deal can be made at the right price.

JD: Would you have taken Baltimore's proposed trade (that Peter King reported) to swap 1s and give us a 2, 4, and next year's 3? It must have been tough to pass up, even if you'd have to live with Sedrick Ellis instead of Chris Long. Long fills a bigger need, of course.

Jeff Gordon: That deal does not interest me. Baltimore's pick was too low and that No. 3 next year doesn't do Linehan any good. If the Rams were willing to take a DT, then Dorsey was the pick.

Bryan H.: Hey Gordo, have the Rams signed any undrafted free agents? And also, do you think the Rams have the idea of replacing Chavous with a safety from next years draft? I hear it's STACKED with great safeties.

Jeff Gordon: They have to worry about this year first. And, yes, they have filled out their camp roster with some FAs. Nothing too exciting there.

Michael Kent: Jeff ...

Thank you for responding to my earlier question about whether to extend Kyle Lohse's contract or deal him. However, you overlooked the one part of the question I'm most interested in ... that is, by when on the calendar do you think the Cards will feel compelled to make a decision on Lohse, assuming you believe Boras will advise Lohse to hold out for more later? After all, Boras' advice to Lohse to roll the dice could end up with the Cards losing the opportunity to trade him if they don't extend his contract before the July 31 trade deadline.

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, July would the operative time to decide on him. Lohse could have big trade value to a contender. He has a relocation bonus, I believe, so he knows the deal could come. If he keeps pitching like this, however, the Cards ought to go him with a nice offer in July. Good pitching is hard to find, as you know.

Kevin Reynolds: Jeff,

I'll give you that Pujols' slide could be called "out of line" - and, in fact, I was one of those saying "Wow, Towles was way off the plate...what was that for?" - but I think the Cardinals' point of teaching Towles (I use the word "teaching" loosely) that it doesn't pay to stand in the way at this level is a valid one. Watch Towles consistently...although I believe he really does intend to get out of the way, he ends up in the way quite a bit.

As an example, take the picture in the GAME PHOTOS link for yesterday's game...on the "Pujols jump slide" pics, Towles is fielding the ball down the line 5 - 10 feet off the plate, but smack dab in the middle of the basepath...that's a situation he needs to learn to recognize and step forward to field the ball - not to let the guy at the plate, but to avoid a situation where he and another player could get seriously injured. You watch other major league catchers and most of them have learned to step up and field that ball out of the basepath to avoid a pointless collision (he wasn't going to make the play)...then, if they still have a shot when they catch it, they use the sweep tag.

Pujols did him a favor by not lowering his shoulder on him. IN FACT - Glauss could have EASILY been injured in a similar play when he crashed into Towles the game before Pujols' infamous slide because Towles (or Ausmus) was doing the same thing - sitting in the basepath fielding the ball.

I think Pujols' ill-advised slide was one he regretted...I think he went in thinking "If the kid blocks the plate, and I can do it, I'm going to take him out to teach him to get out of the way before he hurts one of us..." but after he did it, he realized he was farther off the plate than he initially thought...

Bottom line...the young Towles has to learn that at this level, you have to get out of the way or someone gets hurt. Calling Pujols' slide out of line without first addressing Towles' habit of inadvertantly being in the way is taking the slide out of context

Jeff Gordon: I thought the same thing on the play up the line. That was nearly very dangerous. But the Glaus play seemed to be a standard baseball play. I thought the ball arrived on time in that case, justifying the block.

AP: Jeff,

Taking a "run" at the last playoff spot, with no hope of actually competing for a championship, is a bad idea in any sport. The Rams draft class looks OK to me overall, but I wish they would have developed a better long-term plan. Unfortunately the most likely result now is a 6-10 record, or thereabouts, and then it's just a year lost before we commit to building the right way.

Jeff Gordon: But, again, the Rams have big money tied up in Bulger, Pace and Little. Jackson will likely get a new deal soon. Holt is making nice jack. With all those vets, there has to be more focus on '08. And this is the Not-For-Long league. Turnarounds are common.

ramcat: Peter King reported the Rams turned down a few minutes before the draft from Balt. their 1st, 2nd, 4th and 3rd next year to move up. I know it's Mon. QB, but sure would have been tempting, to do something like, Harvey, Groves and Fabian Washington, to keep it simple, and still had a third next year, as well as the rest of the Rams draft, maybe minus king. You could have thrown in instead of King, Beau Bell, Steltz, Booty, Will Franklin etc...

Jeff Gordon: But the Rams liked Long a LOT better than the DEs ranked below Gholston, so that wasn't going to happen.

Karen: I saw the Rams picked up Vince Hall and Michael Magro, both linebackers from the undrafted free agent pool. I am happy that someone from my alma mater, Va. Tech was drafted but I think there were some much better undrafted linebacker talent out there:

Erin Henderson, MD OLB
Ali Highsmith, LSU OLB
Wesley Woodyard, Kentucky OLB
Jo-Lonn Dunbar, BC ILB
J Leman, ILL OLB (did he go undrafted?)

Did Henderson end up getting drafted? If not, he would be a HUGE value pickup for the Rams.

Jeff Gordon: Henderson went to the Vikes and joined his brother there.

That is it for this week. Thanks for all the questions.