Justin: Jeff,

There has been talk and some speculation about the Rams SS position. Chavous is aging and still missing tackles that are necessary for a successful defense. We drafted Chamberlain and some say he will see some playing time at SS perhaps or he will play Sam or Mike. Have you seen or heard any news on this progression if there is any.. Also, Bartell is in the mix at the position. What do the Rams look at doing in order to utilize him to his fullest potential?

Jeff Gordon: Scott insists that Chamberlain was taken to play LB, not safety. He would only play there in an emergency. So I assume the kid is adding weight, not subtracting it. If King and Wade progress at CB, that would free Bartell to play more safety. But, yes, I think they need another guy.

Bryan: Jeff,

What is your views on the Cards sending a package deal of Reyes and Duncan (possibly someone else instead of Duncan) to the Braves who have already shown interest in Reyes for the 27-year old shortstop Yunel Escobar if the Braves would be willing to deal him?

Jeff Gordon: I can't imagine Reyes has much value, so the package would need a LOT more to fetch a SS. Duncan could have more value in a place in Texas, for obvious reasons.

Andrew: I think that the 5 man rotation is pretty good. I view it as a luxury for manager. My question is to you With all the odd ideas Tony LaRussa has put into use, why doesn't he give the green light for guys Like Pujols, and Ankiel to take a swing on the first pitch when 9 times out of 10 it will be a strike?

Jeff Gordon: Tony was puzzled when Glaus took a lot of first pitches over the weekend. While the Cards want their hitters to grind away at the plate, common sense tells power hitters to attack some first pitches if the hurler likes to start with fastballs. This is one of the great cat-and-mouse games: Pitchers trying to get ahead and hitters trying to work the count. Pitchers want to get ahead and force hitters to swing at THEIR pitches; hitters want to get ahead and then sit on fastballs.

Kevin Weber: Do you think the cardinals are just going to keep barton on the roster for the year and send him down next year to polish up?

Jeff Gordon: If he hits all season, there is no reason to do that. If he accepts his part-time role better than Robinson did, then he can have a long career here. But if he falters, then getting 400 Class AAA at bats could help him next season. But he isn't a kid anymore, so he will get every chance to stick.

ram a man: quick ,trade 2009 1st rdr for isaac before they start playing........AAnyway g man we still need playmakers on d . why not try mcgargle in the middle game 1...if it works we'll be on our way...Trust me, o and 3 and they'll
be some 49er fans around here for awile..........and empty seats till linehan n haslett go!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff Gordon: McGaricle is another guy, like Culberson, will a chance to make this seeming lack of depth at LB evaporate. It will be an interesting camp for him.

As for Bruce, he's out the door. And if fans follow him into the 49ers camp, that's going to cost them a lot of money to go to the games . . .