| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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Michael Kent: Jeff ...
So what do you think will ultimately become of Brad Thompson? Over the past year, TLR and DD have been quick to ship him to Memphis, where he seems to do fine as a starter. But when he's with the Cards, Thompson invariably ends up in the bullpen and maybe gets a spot start here or there. His effectiveness is mixed, presumably because he's used so infrequently and inconsistently.
To me, this treatment is not fair to Thompson. The Cards should trade him like they did Anthony Reyes, who was able to get a fresh start elsewhere.
And sadly, I'm noticing that P.J. Walters is being led down the same path as Thompson. He's a starter who's been relegated to long relief in the bullpen. His stats out of the bullpen are much the same as Thompson's ... inconsistent, which makes it likely that he'll be shipped back to Memphis soon.
While this may be a sign of a surplus of right-handed starters in the system (a good thing, no doubt), it does not give pitchers like Thompson and Walters a chance to lock into a role that's most natural to them. Consequently, they struggle as their roles continue to change.
Why not trade some of this excess of right-handed starters in the system for a left-handed starting prospect (a commodity that seems to be lacking in the Cards' system)? Even if the Cards have to deal two or even three right-handers to get one southpaw, why not do it? Or are other franchises just reluctant to trade their lefty prospects?
Your thoughts?
Thank you. |
Jeff Gordon: Thompson has little trade value, so the team hangs on to him as insurance. To earn a more consistent role -- here or elsewhere -- he simply has to pitch better. He's not a kid any more. He has pitched in 157 big league games. His numbers have steadily deteriorated since his fine 2005 rookie season.
If somebody offered a developmental lefty for him, Mozeliak should jump at that. Jess Todd is ready to join the big league bullpen and Blake Hawksworth could get a look this year as well.
I like the movement on Walters pitches, but he has to throw strikes. Period. He didn't throw strikes as a starter and he hans't thrown strikes as a reliever. His window of opportunity here isn't all that wide, given the competition. |
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kingoftruth: Hey Gordo,
As a Mizzou fan, I was sorry to hear about the Dalton arrest last week. I certainly hope that the football program isnt turning into the hoops program when it was run by Quin Snyder.
Do you think this was just an isolated incident? I've been proud of the job Pinkel has done, so I hope the program doesnt turn down the wrong path. |
| Jeff Gordon: Many viewed Dalton as a potentially better fit for the Mizzou offense than Gabbert, so this was a blow to the program. Pinkel runs a right ship, so I don't see this as a bad sign of things to come. |
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Fresno Ram Fan: Hey Gordo,
How did the rookies look during mini camp? Once again, I think Ricky Manning Jr would be a great addition to Spags defense, what do you think? |
| Jeff Gordon: At this point in his career, Manning is limited. You can't leave him on an island in coverage. He is a solid run supporter in nickel or dime coverage, but that's about it. A big plus from mini-camp was King's return to good health at cornerback. As you'll recall, he was having a strong rookie camp until his toe injury knocked him out for the year. |
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| Fresno Ram Fan: How did Bulger loook in the WCO? With SJ in camp and in shape, do you think he is expectating a great year with all the upgrades on the O-line? Thanx for keeping us out of state Ram fans updated. |
Jeff Gordon: I liked Bernie's comments on Marc. He can still throw the ball as well in practice. But until he takes more accountability for the offensive collapse of the past two seasons, I can't get excited about his prospects for this season.
As for the West Coast, Marc is very accurate. He doesn't have huge downfield arm. From that standpoint, this ought to be a good fit for him. There is a lot to learn, though, so training camp will be interesting. |
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matt: Hi Jeff
First off I want to say I always like reading your hockey guy blog. Last week you posted a blog "keenen fails again" and some guy claiming to be a member of the media made some wacky statements about you having a unfair ax to grind. I wonder if you read the comments on that blog and had any response? For the record I agree with you and think keenen destroyed the blues and it took them years to recover.
Thanks Matt |
Jeff Gordon: Mike's track record since winning the Cup in New York speaks for itself. Except for a good run in Boston, where he was kept on a short leash, he has been pretty dismal for the better part of 15 years.
He was terrible here. Terrible in Vancouver. Terrible in Florida. And he just led the Flames -- a team built to his specifications -- to a first-round exit.
He is the coaching equivalent of Glen Sather, an allegedly genius living off his long-tarnished reputation. |
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therealdealankiel: Gordo,
The breath of life that Boggs has given this team is incredible. We all know what type of impact the farm has on our everyday lineup and bullpen, but the rotation has been a completely different story. I expect some bumps in the road, but even moderate success completely changes the complexion of this team. All of a sudden, upon Carp's return, an effective Boggs could force an ineffective Wellemeyer/Pineiro (so far he's been solid)from the rotation. It also saves us from overspending on Wellemeyer or Pineiro in free agency.
Of the current Minor League crop, who do you think will get the next shot at the rotation and why? |
Jeff Gordon: Don't get too excited too soon about Boggs. He ought to be a solid pitcher for years to come, but he has a long way to go before bumping established starters from the rotation.
Next year I see Jaime Garcia earning a rotation slot next to Wainwright, Carpenter, Lohse and either Pineiro or Wellemeyer. Boggs could be the sixth starter and long man, if he keeps this going. |
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therealdealankiel: Gordo,
By the time you are answering these, my question could already be resolved. It seems that Walters is the odd man out in the pen (rightfully so). If we continue to use 13 pitchers and if Walters is sent down, who will be AND who is most deserving of the callup? It seems Thompson is a known quantity, but Todd has been exceptional. Could Mortensen get a look in the long relief role or will they continue to groom him for the rotation? |
Jeff Gordon: I'm intrigued by Todd, a former starter who could be stretched into middle relief. But Thompson is certainly good enough to fill the long-inning role in STL, such as it is.
The wild card is Boyer. Is there something there? It will be fun to see if Duncan can make anything of him. |
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| rrandallflowers: Why did San Francisco not have to offer Luis perdomomback to us when he didn't stick on their major league roster as a Rule 5 pick this year. Last year we were forced to keep Brian Barton on our roster all year or offer him back to the Indians for $25,000.00. |
| Jeff Gordon: He had to clear waivers before the Cards got him back. And he didn't. |
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therealdealankiel: Gordo,
It was nice to see Pete Kozma and Lance Lynn get the call to Springfield. It is well documented that Kozma has the glove but not the bat. What about Lynn? Is he a fast-tracker? What is his major-league upside? Is he another big arm or a location/deception guy like Walters? |
Jeff Gordon: Kozma's bat has made progress. It'll be fun to see if he can do anything against tough Double A pitching, though. Lynn has an average big-league fastball, with a bit more heat than Walters. He throws a good sinker and he uses a decent slider to change speeds. His change and curveball need to improve, but he has pretty good command and good idea how to pitch.
He is not supposed to be a top-of-the-rotation guy, but he could fill in ala Boggs. |
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| jay see: I'm not going to pick on any one player, but for the love of God, why can't professional ballplayers making hundreds of thousands of dollars learn to use two hands to catch a fly ball? I don't feel that it is an issue of offensive production vs defensive liability for the player(s) in question, but when we have guys looking like little leaguers dropping easy fly balls, I think it is demoralizing for the team and fans as a whole as well as embarrassing. It is not Cardinal baseball. Not to mention it could cost us games. |
| Jeff Gordon: Couldn't agree more. Unless you're Willie Mays, use two hands. |
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| Joel Koch: Gordo, I was reading mlbtraderumors today, and they posted a video about a Dominican prospect, Miguel Angel Sano. In the video, he was wearing some Cardinals gear (along with some puke blue), and I was wondering how real of an idea it is that we sign this young man? He's a shortstop and 15 years old, and he looks solid (and 15 for that matter). I know we have started to invest more and more money in the Dominican, and this seems like a good investment to me. Do you think Luhnow and DeWitt get this deal done on July 2, or will his $3 million price tag be too high? |
| Jeff Gordon: The Cards are very aggressive in the Dominican and they have spent to previously unseen levels. Are they ready to set new franchise records to get a guy? That seems pretty bold for the Cards, but, you know, they have to spend all the revenue on something, right? |
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| Jayman: Hows it!!! A,B,C,D how would you grade the Rams draft. Who do you like in draft..and who do you not like. |
| Jeff Gordon: I'll give the Rams a B, since they drafted two likely starters at need positions. The rest of the way they went for guys who fit needs and had the body types and skill sets to succeed. But . . . most of them were speculative picks on one level or another. WR Brooks Foster could really make this draft IF he can play. Keith Null is a fascinating guy at QB. |
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Matt Berger: Hey Gordo,
Is it too soon to start dreaming of a fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao? That would have to be the biggest fight of the last quarter-century!! |
| Jeff Gordon: Fighting Manny would be a nightmare, at least for the near future. There's a lot of money in that bout, but a lot of danger, too. I'd rather stay retired than go through that. |
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Adam: Gordo,
A question that doesn't have anything to do with irrational hatred for Chris Duncan:
What's up with 3b? It's not terribly surprising, but Thurston and Barden are both becoming overexposed. Both players fill valuable roles on this club, but "everyday starter" isn't the role. The Greene/Ryan situation at short hasn't helped much since it forced both Thurston and Barden into additional ABs. Does the club expect Troy Glaus back anytime soon? If not, are they committed to riding out the season with utility guys or could we see Brett Wallace sooner rather than later? |
| Jeff Gordon: I wouldn't count on Glaus, because it sure sounds a lot like the Mark Mulder fiasco. So if he's not coming back, then, yes, something else must happen there. Too bad Freese (.182) and Mather (.135) are both in the tank at Memphis. As for Wallace, it might be too soon for him. And it would be better if the next guy hit righthanded with some power to balance up the mix. |
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| B-Ball Fan: Who do you see as the front runner for doing KR and PR duties or is that person still not on the Rams ? |
| Jeff Gordon: Stanley is a kickoff possibility, if he ever heals. Laurent Robinson is a speed guy, but I don't know if he fills that need. |
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| G Turner: Read some of your recent comments about the Blues roster for next year. I agree we could use another veteran goaltender. Is the Minnesota Wild (Backstrom or Harding) goalie available as a free agent? Who is available as a free agent? |
| Jeff Gordon: Backstrom re-signed -- and he's a No. 1. But there is a legion of potential No. 2s out there. Tons of guys. Few teams are looking for help, so John Davidson will have a buyer's market. |
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| G Turner: Rams draft appears to be rather solid with safe type choices. The third round pick was a little odd unless he can play safety. They do need another backup RB. Do you think James if waived by Arizona is a fit here or is he too expensive? I liked Curry better than an OT but the OT we took does fill a great need so no real argument with that pick. Scott is the 4th round may prove to be a real nice steal. I also like Ogbonnaya from Texas although he did not play as well as his talent suggests at the college level. |
Jeff Gordon: The Rams are looking for a "press" cornerback, somebody with some size to play up on the line. They weren't looking for a back-up safety when they made that pick.
I doubt James wants to play a back-up role ala Stephen Davis, but that may be all that is out there for him. |
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G Turner: Looks like Cards may make a bullpen move. My guess is Walters is going back but for who? Thompson or Kinney or Mortenson? Seems like if it is Walters we need an innings type guy?
Jones at AA is lighting it up! Memphis is a destination for him soon? |
Jeff Gordon: Thompson is a good long man. Mortensen could be a solid long man -- although more work would do him some good.
The guy I like is Jess Todd, a fast-riser who can do it all. He has been a starter, a long man and most recently the closer at Memphis. |
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Ray Lankford: Gordo,
We have forced Schumaker into a second base role to keep his bat in the lineup. If his bat continues to strugle (.266), how long before we put Brendan Ryan becomes an everyday player, and would he fit at 2nd base or would he move to SS?
Go birds |
Jeff Gordon: Ryan could get his chance to play everyday -- at shortstop next year, IF he plays well this year and IF Khalil Greene moves on as a free agent. Brendan has really boosted his stock with the Skipper.
As for Schumaker, it's a little soon to write him off. His 4 for 22 slump drove down the numbers, but his "D" has actually been pretty good. |
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| MNCardsFan: Who is Evan Maclane? Just read Goolds 10@10 and heard he had a good outing for Memphis. Is this a lefthanded arm to at least be optimistic about? I will save my excitment for later. |
| Jeff Gordon: He has been a Class AAA pitcher for some years now. He is a depth guy, at best. |
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| MNCardsFan: Do you think Skip is performing good enough defensively at 2B to stop making him a late inning switch to the OF? I feel that this move is harder for him than just staying at 2B. |
| Jeff Gordon: But . . . he is a "plus" outfielder and Chris Duncan is not. With the team carrying just four OF, this will continue to happen. |
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| Lawarence Marmie: Okay, now that John Madden has retired, do you think that might encourage Chris Berman to do the same? I flipped on Sports Center last night and he was doing a guest appearance as a host. I made it through 30 seconds of his first segment and had to turn it off. Listening to him is painful. At least Madden was still funny and fresh- Berman has been using the same tired routine for the past 20 + yrs and it wasn't funny back then. The nicknames are stupid and if I have to listen to him stumble brainlessly through one more crappy rock & roll reference, I think I might be forced to put something through my television. If you happen to run into him at a sports function, can you please plead with him to give it up- before he ruins sports for us all!!! |
| Jeff Gordon: Could . . . go . . . all . . . the . . . way . . . to retirement. Chris says he won't overstay his welcome, but he is on the brink of that now. |
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| Lawarence Marmie: I hear that in order to increase fan attendence at the EJD this season, the Rams are going to offer a "Larry Marmie Bobblehead Doll Day" and a "Guess Jimmy Kennedy's Weight Contest" for another game. Any truth to those rumors? |
| Jeff Gordon: Wow . . . a Marmie shot and a Kennedy shot in the same post. Bang! |
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tmp0708: Hi Gordo,
As of now who is the Ram's 2nd runing back to spell Steven Jackson? And is Brian Leonard still with the Rams?
Ted |
| Jeff Gordon: It's safe to say the No. 2 job is up for grabs. Leonard is a tweener -- and I don't see how he could fill that power back mold the Rams covet. |
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| Brian Pownall: A lot of space online and on sports publications has been made of the poor middle infield defense of the Cards. Do you see the team sticking with what they have and hoping for improvement or looking outside of the organization for help? |
Jeff Gordon: As long as the Cards have the best record in the NL, there won't be big push to turn over the infield. Khalil Greene's sore arm explained some of his throwing trouble. Brendan Ryan did a "plus" defensive job, then popped a hammy.
When he heals and K Greene heals, the defense will be better. |
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| Kevin: Do the Rams have enough cap room to go after a veteran WR like Toomer? |
| Jeff Gordon: There's not a lot of cap room. And for the record, Rams management insists there is no big urge to add that type of guy. |
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| Lawarence Marmie: Does it look like Randy McMichael will be back to 100% by the beginning of the season? I think we're going to need all the receiving help we can get. |
| Jeff Gordon: Yes, he should be fine. |
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STLFANNCOLL: A big part of Chris Duncan's success this year is being healthy and confident in himself, after Saturdays mistake at first base do you think that play will have any lingering effects on him in the upcoming games?
Thanks Jeff! |
| Jeff Gordon: He's muddled through a lot of stuff over the years, so I doubt that will derail him. |
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| HEG: Gordo just a quick comment or two on the Cardinals- first a comment on McClellan- it seems he is falling into same pattern as last; he will be pitching well & then all of a sudden he gives up the tying or winning run & I do not go along with the stats that he does not do well on consective days pitching; also I was afraid that Khalil Greene would go south after having a good spring; it is a shame that Ryan had to go on the IL because he looked better than Greene offensively & defensively; but overall the Cards ate having an excellent start; do you agree with either of my comments? |
| Jeff Gordon: Greene is in the walk year of his contract, so he better pick it up. The club does have options. Kyle's command hasn't been real sharp, which is a problem. And, yes, you wonder about him after repetitive usage. |
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Michael Del Percio: Gordo,
Chris Carpenter was to get a medical exam today. Any word on whether he has been cleared to start throwing? Any revision to the time line? Also, who do you think goes back to the minors when he's ready?
Double header question: When do you think TLR will go back to 12 pitchers? Who goes back and who comes up in that case? Maybe he keeps 13 until Ryan comes off the DL and sends down a pitcher and keeps T Greene here for awhile longer? |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd send Carpenter out for a rehab start or two in the minors, to be safe. And I'd watch the pitch count. Why let one injury lead to another. I wouldn't expect him back until June, even if the exam comes back really positive. He will have to rebuild his arm/shoulder strength. |
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| rich: Jeff: What an outstanding job Larussa and Duncan have done so far this year. Don't you think? I'm afraid that once Tony decides to hang em up, only then will Card fans realize what a great manager he is/was. |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, you're probably right. But then what will we talk about on sports talk radio when the next guy just rolls out a normal lineup? |
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Michael Del Percio: Gordo,
A related question to my last one. There was word of a roster move today. Is it a PJ for Thompson swap?
Now that the bullpen roles are beginning to be defined, is the long man a contest between Thompson, Boyer & Boggs (upon CC's return)? If so, how does Boyer project? Do you see another Duncanized Born-again Pitcher to add to his long list of successes? |
| Jeff Gordon: It's way too soon to sense whether Boyer will take advantage of this opportunity. As for which change is coming, stay turned to STLToday.com for details. |
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NormalGuy: Gordo
On a lighter note, what cities/stadiums are among your favorite stops and which places do you like the least around the MLB and why? |
| Jeff Gordon: I haven't some of the new parks, but, obviously, I love Fenway and Wrigley because I'm an old guy and I like old-school stadiums. But in Frisco, Phoenix and Pittsburgh, you have to love those new stadiums. Just beautiful. |
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| Lawarence Marmie: Has Spags talked about that dolt Incognito yet? And from what you know about him, do you think he'll put up with the idiotic plays like Linehan and Haslett did or will that dope be collecting unemployment if he keeps racking up the senseless personal foul penalties? From what I've seen in the offseason, it didn't look like too many teams were running over each other for his services... |
| Jeff Gordon: He can block people, especially in the ground game. So Spags will give him a shot, with the idea that Greco is there to take his spot if discipline issues continue. |
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Cybersamurai: Reading the forums here specifically, there are a lot of Blues "fans" hoping for a big move on the blue line (Pronger, J-Bo, Phaneuf, etc). Even though JD has clearly stated that they don't expect to make a big splash this year, but will keep their eyes open, the trolls seem to think that JD is just being hush hush about his true intentions.
Do you see any way that this team can pick up a big name D-man without moving some of the cash they already have on the books at that position? (Jackman 4+, McKee 4+, Brewer 4+).... It seems beyond reason to me, but perhaps you have more insight than i do? |
Jeff Gordon: There is big money tied up in McKee, Brewer and Jackman -- not to mention Johnson and Pietrangelo -- so a lot would have to happen to free up room for a D.
The Blues have a fortune tied up in D-men. IF Brewer can't return, that changes everything. If McKee can be moved, that changes everything.
I'd keep the guys on hand and coach 'em up. Why trade anything of value from a team that finished so well? |
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cantwaittil2012: Hey Gordo!
Love the Radio Show and the Tipsheet. Two things. (1) What do you think the possibility is of Jacob Bell living up to his hype, or will he replace Klop as TE once his weight comes down 30 or 40 more pounds? (2) Will the Rams have 4 WR to put out on the field without having to go to the practice squad?
Thanks! |
| Jeff Gordon: Bell to TE? Nah, the Rams already have guys to do that. Bell needs to muscle up and play guard. Remember, he did finish the year well. |
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Cards4520: Thanks for taking the time.
Hows Glaus recovering? If he were to return today...who would you send down?
How likely and how much will it be to resign big Walt? |
Jeff Gordon: Glaus is weeks away from even being evaluated, so he won't even be in the discussion for some time.
Walt ought to come back for a couple mill, which the team can afford. |
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| Lawarence Marmie: How terrible has the scheduling/TV air times become in hockey? Now, living in Philly, I was able to watch all the Flyers games (great to see them get spanked by the Penguins), but only caught 1 game of the 7 game series between the Devils\Carolina because that's all they had them on. The Devils only play an hour and half from here, but I was forced to watch Vancouver, Detroit, Chicago and other teams I don't care about because the playoffs are only on one channel. Yeah, I can go pay for the Hockey Package, but should a struggling sport really be charging people to watch their games? |
Jeff Gordon: I'd like to see the NHL get back to ESPN2, save for a few NBC, just to get all that extra hockey programming back to a network I can find on the cable.
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| Idaho: Jeff, my brother recently bought a highly-discounted ticket package from the Cardinals. The salesman told him that season ticket sales are down 30 percent this year. What are you hearing from the Cards about revenues? |
| Jeff Gordon: All along the Cards knew this could happen. Even if the team keeps this up, the Cards will take a 20 percent revenue hit or worse. Remember, this team drew a lot of fans from far, far away during good times. |
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| Jeff: Thanks for taking the time, i saw on yahoo that cleveland might be trying to move Cliff Lee at some point this season. Do you think the Cardinals would be interested in trading for him since we could use a left handed starter. Also what do you think this kind of trade would cost the cardinals? |
| Jeff Gordon: If the Cards could do that -- moving a big league outfielder, a young pitcher and prospects -- that would balance things up. But . . . I see the Cards being careful about adding another high-dollar starting pitcher to Carpenter, Lohse and Wainwright. |
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Cards4520: Do you see the Cardinals keeping the 4 man outfield for the rest of the season? If they were to get rid of someone, who would it be? (rick ankiel?)
Is Wainwright doing anything to work on his command? |
Jeff Gordon: Adam is obviously working on his command during every side session. It's amazing he has gotten the results he had despite that problem.
The Cards will go with four OFs until another team gives them a reason not to. Some DH games will get the guys more at bats and the odds of all four guys staying completely healthy seem remote. |
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| Adam: Jeff, I'm wondering your take on the philosophy of fast-tracking pitchers. I got to thinking about it again with the Lance Lynn promotion. It seemed to me that Mortenson was hurt last year from getting moved up too quick, and Ottavino is all over the place in Memphis. Thanks for your time. GO CARDS! |
Jeff Gordon: Ottavino is close to turning the corner, but he has been inconsistent, for sure. As for Mortensen, he looked close in spring training last year . . . and then he, too, became inconsistent.
The Cards ARE fast-tracking guys as a philosophy. Then again, they drafted some older guys with collegiate track records for a reason. |
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| Jeff: Do you have any information on how any of the mizzou players did during their camps this weekend? |
Jeff Gordon: You can follow Chase Daniel on Twitter. It seemed to go OK for him in Washington, but it is very early for any of these guys.
That appears to be it for this week. Talk to you next Monday! |
