BillP: Hey Jeff, I haven't seen any of the Canucks/Hawks series. What's different about this series that has the Hawks already netting 9 goals in the first 2 games? Thanks and Have a good week!

Jeff Gordon: As it turns out, Roberto Luongo CAN be beat. Who knew? Chicago has terrific offensive depth and a defensive corps that creates a lot of opportunity with outlet passing, puck rushing and accurate shooting.

The Blues will have that type of offense when they get E. Johnson and Kariya back from the injured list and their various young scorers further down the developmental trail.

Tomtulsa: I noticed last year that Motte was consistently hitting upper 90s on the gun. On opening day to the present he was throwing about 92. I have yet to see him much above 95. When you throw a relatively straight pitch, velocity seems important. If he was a low 90s fastball guy he'd still be catching. I haven't heard anyone else mention this. Is it cause for concern? I don't want to sound paranoid but the Cardinals are famous for hiding injuries.

Jeff Gordon: He spent a lot of time working on his slider, which could detract from his velocity some. He will be more successful pitching in the low 90s with more pitches, different speeds and better movement. He still pushes the gun past 95 some, but that, alone, will earn him little at this level.

Since Opening Day, he has progressed nicely overall.

ctramsfan: Do you think the Rams are going to try to add anymore help through free agency? If so what positions? I think it would make sense to sign another cornerback, (Jason Craft, Roderick Hood), or backup running back, (Edgerrin James, Selvin Young, Warrick Dunn), or linebacker, (Morlon Greenwood). Any thoughts?

Thanks for your time Jeff.

John

Jeff Gordon: The Rams will keep looking at CBs, RBs and WRs, for sure. I'd like to see Craft return, especially with Hill still hobbled. For now, though, the Rams seem more interested in depth guys.

flstl: Any indication if NHL will end their ridiculous scheduling and finally allow all teams from each conference to play twice (or more) each year - at least once in each team's city? It seems pretty shortsighted to allow fans of half the teams the opportunity to see the faces of the NHL (such as Crosby and Ovechkin) only once every two years in the name of promoting divisional rivalries.

Jeff Gordon: Travel costs and arena scheduling are big issues there, since the league is so big. I don't see this changing. At least the NHL is back to its every-other-year schedule -- the previous set up was really bad.

Tackleberry: I don't want to be another Armchair GM, but ignoring the need for a wide receiver could comeback to bite Devaney in the backside. Why spend all this money to improve the offensive line and then let the receiving corps fall by the wayside? This city's fanbase does not respond favorably to their teams ignoring needs that are obvious even to the average fan. So a "whiff" on efforting to bring in a veteran WR will not endear a fading franchise to a this city. Additionally, it will make if very tough to evaluate Bulger if the "utes" are out there running the wrong routes again in a brand new offense. Then again, he could pull a Mo and have his patience rewarded (so far through April).

Jeff Gordon: If Avery and Burton fail, this will be a huge problem. If they develop as expected in Year Two, the Rams will be just fine. They traded for a WR and drafted another -- and both should make the Top Four.

If the Rams start winning, fans will be happy. If they lose 13 or 14 games -- for whatever reason -- nobody will come to the games.

Here were the Rams obvious needs after last season: QB, WR, TE, OT, G, C, RB, FB, DE, DT, OLB, MLB, CB and S. They were OK at P and K.

One way or another, the front office is trying to address them all.