Cali Rams Fan: What are the chances of the Rams signing "Action" Jackson to an extension before the season ends? With Bruce gone and Holt likely to leave, we need to lock him in to give us an elite back to re-build around. Thanks Gordo, always appreciated!

Jeff Gordon: Folks at Rams Park believe a deal should be struck well before camp, to eliminate a distraction.

jdt31569: Gordo (love the homage to Fletch),

Frankly, the bullpen, or more accurately, the closer woes are not as much of a concern to me as is another disturbing trend, namely, the Cards ability to jump on top with early (even 1st inning) runs and then their lack of scoring punch as the game progresses. Several specific instances: 3 runs on Friday before an out in the 2nd, lose 4-3; 2 against Chacon in the 1st at Busch, lose 3-2; 4 in the 1st with only one out off of Snell in Pittsburgh, lose 7-4; even the 4-3 loss in Colorado on Wednesday featured 2 runs in the 1st and only Ludwick's HR the rest of the way.

My feeling is that the club opens the game with a plan and a certain approach at the plate, executes it well and jumps on top, and then fails to use that same discipline going forward. Perhaps the opponent makes an adjustment that the Cards are unable to react to accordingly. Is this development something you have noticed, and do you have any thoughts on it?

Thanks for all your hard work!!

JT

Jeff Gordon: Weird thing, how the Cards start so well and then fail to building a winning edge in the middle innings. As I noted earlier, some guys are run producers and some aren't. This team needs another run producer, unless Ludwick is going to keep up his current pace.

Ryan: Now that Reyes is being showcased for the rest of the league, are there any players who you think the Cardinals are targeting for possible trades? Also, what teams do you think will show some interest?

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: At this point, Reyes' "showcase" hasn't gone well. I'm not sure he could fetch more than a distant prospect. He is getting passed by other prospects, so it's probably time to cut bait.

Aron: How did Mr. Irrelevant fair? I know its early but who do you see as the final 6 or 7 WR on the roster?

Jeff Gordon: David Vobora has a great chance to stick at LB/special teams. Caldwell had a nice camp at WR, putting him in the hunt with Stanley, Avery and Burton for those four back-up spots. Looker, Hall and Hagans have work to do. Brandon Williams would need an awesome camp now.

Steve: I've been a Izzy support for a long time and have stuck up for him in recent years. My feeling is I'd rather have a guy that can get it done 90% of the time year in and year out (ie. Izzy, Lee Smith, Suter, Eckersly, etc)as opposed to a flash in the pan type that is only sustainable for a handful of seasons (see Gagne, Lidge, etc). However, I'll get off my soap box and ask the question:

The Cards have hinted at using Izzy in non-save type situations (I'm assuming set-up, mop-up type work). Is there any reason to believe that he would be any more or less effective in this role as opposed to closing games? If it is mechanical, wouldn't the same mechanical problems present themselves? Can we trust Izzy with a lead ever again?

Jeff Gordon: Good question. Unless he gets used in a mop-up role -- which would hurt his pride -- there will be pressure. Some of those sixth-, seventh- and eighth-inning assignments are tougher, will inherited runners.

Overall, the long-term, workhorse, ever-reliable reliever is harder and harder to find. There are a lot of washouts. Ask Derrick Turnbow.