Dave S.: Hi Jeff - Is there a date that if the Cards are still in the race, say 2-4 games back, that they will go out and add a bat, another picture, something? Or do you think they will stand pat all year? Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: IF the Cards get their injured pitchers back, the front office will have to assemble some interesting trade package to capitalize on it assets. For now, though, they will keep looking within the organization for help. We've seen what Chris Perez can do. We've seen what McClellan can do. And Brendan Ryan. Down the road, Joe Mather, Bryan Anderson, Mitchell Boggs, Colby Rasmus and Jaime Garcia could help, too.

den-the-coach: Jeff,

Thanks again for taking the time. I am still somewhat concerned with the Rams depth at Offensive Tackle. Do the Rams plan on adding a Veteran or does Todd Steussie have anything left? At this point if something were to happen to Pace would the plan be Barron at LT and Goldberg at RT? Am I the only fan that would be concerned with Adam Goldberg at Right Tackle? I realize that maybe John Greco could be in the mix as well, but is he more of a Guard?

Jeff Gordon: Goldberg the at RT and Barron played LT in the minicamp, since Pace was still on the mend and limited to individual stuff. But Greco is very much being counted on to play RT next season, with Goldberg sticking in a utility role.

Mark in NY: Gordo,

What's with Bernie M. mentioning that Linehan was trying to send a message to Jim Haslett (stop ripping the head coach behind the scenes) by "flirting" with Gregg Williams of the Redskins? I have not read anything about this. Are the assistant coaches (along with the players) disrespecting Linehan too? Your thoughts please. Thanks!

Jeff Gordon: Haslett speaks his mind to reporters, on or off the record. There was tension for sure at the end of last season. And Haslett made it pretty clear he wanted Dorsey over Long in the draft. So it will be interesting to see how the group moves forward, with a still-learning head coach flanked by two strong coordinators head coaching experience/aspirations.

HEG: Gordo don't you think the cardinals need to put Ludwick in the line-up daily and put Duncan on the available trade list because his offense is diminishing & he will never make an efficient outfielder plus no room for him at first base. I believe they could get a prospect plus a draft choice for him; also the cardinals have a log jam in the outfield plus prospects in minor. Do you agree with this statement?

Jeff Gordon: Long term, Duncan seems likely to move on because there isn't full-time work for him here. Ludwick has been productive from Day One as a Cardinal, Schumaker is a handy guy and Rasmus will make it at some point. Then there is Joe Mather, tearing up Class AAA ball.

In the near term, the Cards need Duncan to add some muscle versus RH pitchers and play competently in the field. He is capable of doing both, as we've seen before.

Tom S.: Do you think the Blues might try to go after Brendan Shanahan or Curtis Joseph in the offseason? I would think this would be a smart move because it would help bring in some leadership that I think the team has lacked since they traded Doug Weight. Plus, you add an experienced backup goaltender and someone who could definetly help on the powerplay and you probably could get them relatively cheap. It would help because I would think ticket sales would go up even more since you would be bringing back 2 of the most popular players this team has ever had.

Jeff Gordon: Well, the Blues do need a back-up GT capable to carrying the load if Manny's knee buckles. Bishop could be the guy by 2010, but what does the team do between now and then. Poor Toivonen never came back around last year -- not here, not in Peoria.

As for Shanahan, I don't see room for him AND Tkachuk at this point in their careers.