drelboc: Hello Gordo;

Ozzie Smith recently (in fun) made the statement that Albert Pujols would hit a walk off homerun to win the AllSTAR game this year. It's to bad that Albert will probably have long exited the game by the time the ninth inning rolls around since he will probably be voted in as a starter. Starters usually don't last for more than two at bats. Perhaps the Phillies manager might return Pujols and St. Louis a favor by Playing Pujols the whole game. Remember the '07' ALLSTAR game when TLR elected to let Jason Werth bat late in the game when the game was on the line, while Pujols was the only player not to get into the game. Any manager who has to take his best players off the field so others can play is not playing to win. I think most fans would rather see their league have a good chance to win verses parlaying to a political correct non-competitive baseball event. By the 5th inning the best all around ballplayers the NL has will probably be off the field. Our deepest positions will be first base and shortstop. Forgive me; perhaps I play a lousy violin, but the ALLSTAR game has lost the competitive flavor that I think it once had dating somewhere back in the early 80's.

Thanks for listening to my solo, Gordo. I'd be interested to hear what you and other folks have to say about this.

Jeff Gordon: The All-Star Game is a fun exhibition and nothing more. It is a nice treat for fans, a dessert dish. It will never be more than that for a host of reasons.

Players pulling eight-digit salaries aren't going to run through a wall to defend the honor of a league. They'll save it for real games.

Tim: I have heard about how good Jason Brown as a run blocker but how is he at pass blocking?

Jeff Gordon: He'll have much to learn, but he is an athletic marvel and a hard worker. Starting him at RT makes all the sense in the world.

Zac, TN: Gordo,

I would like to make an apology. Before the season started I was bashing the front office about a poor offseason. I guess all the money being thrown around the league had me on my heels. I let money get too my reputation and that should never happen. Real Cardinal fans would never doubt there team and I feel terrible. Please accept my apology and I assure you that this will never happen again. Thank you.

Jeff Gordon: Look, the Cards could go on a 10-game losing streak and suffer some more injuries. If that happened, then Mozeliak would have to get aggressive and DeWitt would have to open the vault. In the meantime, though, they can stay the course with home-grown players and wait for their chance to deal from strength.

DisCard: Good Afternoon,

Well another good start. Since attendance looks virtually flat so far, do you think the team will spend money to fill the gaps this year as the trading deadline nears or will they sell out the team like they did last season?

Doesn't it seem obvious this team needs another right-handed bat, preferably an outfielder? It doesn't look like help can be coming from the minors for that type of duty.

I'm still good with getting Glaus for Rolen, but it doesn't look like a steal anymore.

Jeff Gordon: The Cards will look to make improvements, just as they did last when they acquired Felipe Lopez (.385 in 156 at bats)and promoted Joe Mather (eight homers in 133 at bats), Chris Perez (3-3, 3.46 ERA, seven saves)and Jason Motte (0.82 ERA, one save).

The Cards could use a righthanded bat for the bench. If Glaus never plays here again -- always a possibility, given the nature of his injury -- then the team will have to replace that power.

jmethod712: Does Cardinals third baseman Troy Glaus have to worry about not having a job when (if) he gets back?

Jeff Gordon: Given this team's need for additional righthanded power, Glaus will be welcomed back -- IF he ever plays again.