Dan M: Gordo,
If the sun could possibly shine, and he should fall into the Cards lap with the 13th pick, will they draft, or as in the past, be eating Crow?
Dan M |
| Jeff Gordon: Many scouts regard Crow as the top pitcher in the draft . . . and some self-proclaimed experts also fret about the mechanics of his delivery. Will he be injury-prone as a pro? But Crow is about to cash in. As Cards general manager John Mozeliak told the P-D, the club will consider paying a premium to sign the right player or players in this draft. Passing on an elite prospect (like Rick Porcello in '07) makes no sense for team trying to build a strong, self-renewing talent base. I'd rather see the Cards invest in prospects than overspend later for middle-run free agents. |
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| Lynda: Gordo, have there been any Izzy sitings from Florida? How did his mound session go last Friday? Has Carp gotten back on track after his "hiccup"? Will we ever see Mulder or Clement? Hope you had a great M-Day! |
Jeff Gordon: It's still early to assess all these guys. With June almost upon us, fans should focus on the players already here and the prospects on the cusp at Memphis. Anything the Cards get from Mulder, Carpenter, Isringhausen, Clement, Kinney, et al this season will be a bonus.
To me, Izzy is the fascinating case. Franklin has done well in his stead and Perez is the best relief prospect the Cards have produced in a LONG time. |
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Micahel Kent: Jeff ...
Now that he's with the "big club," is Chris Perez here to stay, even if Izzy returns to his old self? What's your gut feeling? Will one of the short relievers become a trade chip?
Thanks. |
Jeff Gordon: Perez would have to literally go wild to lose his spot now. He has knockout stuff and he seems impervious to the pressure. As for potential trades, we've been talking about those all season -- and yet injuries and slumps (Pineiro, Izzy of late) keep the Cards from getting to that point. Will they ever have a surplus? Or will players keep suffering setbacks?
Who knows, maybe this team will get all the way to September without having a surplus to deal from.
In the near term, Parisi would return to Memphis if Izzy made a comeback. In that scenario, McClellan would have to become more of an inning-eater. |
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Wes: Are the Cardinals going to do anything about 2nd base?
I just don't really get why Kennedy is on the team. He only plays half the time now. In fact, Miles/Ryan have now been playing more often, and Kennedy only has 20 more at-bats than Miles. Miles should be a bench player - not a starter.
And when Kennedy does play, he's not very good... hitting .245 on the season.
I want to get a better 2nd baseman that plays everyday. We're paying Kennedy this money to be a platoon player?
Gordo, do you think the Cards might try to acqire a better 2nd baseman if one becomes available? |
Jeff Gordon: The team's overall production at the position has been OK. You would like to get either power or speed out of that position, which is why Ryan could keep getting ABs there if Izturis plays OK at shortstop.
Kennedy is a victim in this, because he got into a pretty good hitting groove only to lose ABs to the platoon situation. Had he been able to run out that hot streak, his numbers would be fine.
Hypothetically, if another team lost their 2B for the season, perhaps the Cards could move Adam, start Izturis and Ryan, give Miles lots of ABs backing them up and promote Mather to back up 1B, 3B and the OF and add more power off the bench. The infield crowd/lack of bench power is one of the issues Mozeliak will have to monitor, |
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Wes: Chris Duncan once again proves that he's awful in left field.
Are the Cardinals really going to keep this guy or do you see him being dealt? |
Jeff Gordon: The more he plays, the better he will hit and field. The better he hits and fields, the greater has value to the Cards -- and potentially other teams. But getting him that playing time will continue to be tough, given the strong play of Ludwick, Ankiel and Schumaker.
This is an interesting situation for The Skipper. Duncan just can't catch a break right now, but he has been a productive hitter for this team while healthy. This team needs more power, not less, to go the distance.
Fans keep demanding that Mozeliak trade him, but to what team? For which player? |
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| DBQIA: The recent article on centers said nothing about Dustin Fry. How is he doing? Does he have a chance to make the team? |
Jeff Gordon: He is on the outside looking in, given the depth the team has up front. If both offensive line draft picks make the team -- and I would bet on that right now -- then those kids and the remaining veterans would beat out Fry. The Rams have a lot of versatile lineman in camp. Fry would have to project similar versatility to win a spot.
Dustin is still trying to work his way back from a tough '07 training camp. Right now he is just a depth guy. |
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Dave Cobler: Hey Gordo;
I watched the endings of the Cubs last two games against Pittsburgh this past weekend as the Pirates came from behind late in two games to take the games into extra innings and went on to win both. The division is competing.
As a Cards fan my hopes for THIS SEASON are just now beginning to get to a boiling degree. If the Cards and the rest of the NL CENTRAL can keep the heat on the Cubs do you see another Cubby choke melting in the fire? If so, who do you think might be the team that will burn their hopes again this year by winning the division? Houston looks pretty darn good so far. What does your savvy baseball instinct's tell you at the 1/3 portion of the season Gordo?
THANK YOU Jeff! |
Jeff Gordon: The Brewers, my team of choice the last two seasons, appear to be doomed because of pitching injuries. So that leaves the Cubs, Astros and Cards. I still think the Cubs will win the division and I still believe the Cards can hang. Houston is fascinating, because the 'Stros have made a change with Oswalt pitching poorly. If Roy gets it going, that could allow the Astros to make a run.
The X-factor for the Cards is their inability (or inability, given all the rehab setbacks) to assemble a pitching surplus to trade from this summer. If this team has some nice trade chips at the deadline, then the stretch run could really get interesting. |
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| SteveW: If his name wasn't Duncan, he wouldn't be out there. "I went back when I should have come in". Well, DUH! |
Jeff Gordon: His power potential is getting him playing time in LF, not his name. This team needs more big bats, not fewer big bats. That set, if Ankiel and Ludwick keep doing what they have done all season, Chris could find playing time harder to come by.
Long term, Mather looks like the likely successor to Duncan, since this team will need a RH bat to balance all the lefties, including Rasmus. |
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Warren Arnold: What are the odds or circumstances that will bring Mather up to the big club before September?
Thanks Gordo |
| Jeff Gordon: He is the Next Guy Up. He had his bags packed earlier this season. If somebody gets hurt, he would be the replacement. Mather's strong play also gives Mozeliak more trade options as the summer heats up. |
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| Ken: Gordo it is obvious a new football stadium must be built to keep the RAMS in town. The dome is already dated and it can not be renovated. If keeping the Rams in St.Louis means the new stadiume will be in Illinois, then I am all for it. If Misouri, city and county are unwilling to pay for it then let Illinois do it. Let's just hope they will. |
Jeff Gordon: Illinois is not a ridiculous suggestion, if a massive amount of tailgating space could be cleared. Park that thing on the riverfront, educate fans on how to use all the relevant bridges . . . I could see it.
As for The Ed, it could be improved significantly. Better sound, better video boards, some natural light -- it can certainly be upgraded to buy another seven, eight years.
Beyond that, the new stadium becomes a big issue. The next owner will certainly demand one. |
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| Tim: Who do you think the Cards will draft? |
| Jeff Gordon: Shooter Hunt is running third in the Future Redbirds fan poll, but the big righthander looks like a big league pitcher. And he has a great name. Pitching, pitching, pitching! |
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| Tim: Whats up with Jason Taylor trading in the cleats for tap shoes and refusing to go to workouts? |
| Jeff Gordon: Taylor sees show business in his future. He is also tired of losing. And is leery of having Parcells as his ultimate boss. Bailing on the Dolphins is the easy way out for him. |
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| Tim: Whatever happned to Romberg? I hear he was this superstar in Miami but now hes only been a starter for one season and he hasnt done much in the nfl. Where did things go wrong |
| Jeff Gordon: Initially, size was an issue. He got stronger for the Rams, but then injuries slowed him down. He is a pretty solid NFL center, but not quite a building block. Hence the competition. |
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| B in Denver: The Roc's are not going to sign Holliday when his current contract is up. The team has stated this in round-a-bout ways. They do not want to pay him what he can get from the open market. Are the brass in the Cards front office considering at least talking about his availiability? I think Holliday would look awfully good bating behind Albert. I would deal Rasmus and ANY other prospects to get him. Tis better to have a bird in hand than 2, 3, or 4 in the bush. |
| Jeff Gordon: Given the team's oversupply of young outfielders, I don't see them adding a potential $100 million player there. If the Cards have a Mather-Ankiel-Rasmus outfield some day, with Schumaker as the fourth guy, that might work very well. If the Cards are going to make a move, the team ought to get an impact middle infielder instead. |
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COGzilla: With the signing of Greco and Scnueling(?), has a wake up call been sent to Incognito???? Use your tremendous skills and stay healthy or we have two young guys to step in next year when your contract expires?
Can you tell me when we either are out from under Chavous' contract, or when we can dump him cheaply?Thanks. |
| Jeff Gordon: Incognito is a force of nature at guard. He needs to calm down and stay healthy, but he is more likely to be a solution this year than a problem. |
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| Mike: I am rooting and feel sorry for C Duncan. His defense seemed to have improved last year but this year he seems really lost. The pressure he's putting on himself is affecting his hitting too. I really hate to lose a power hitter but itsn't it time for a change of scenery for him? |
Jeff Gordon: At some point, that could happen. Mather and (eventually) Rasmus will force Mozeliak's hand in the outfield. Ludwick and Ankiel are in the process of earning new, long-term deals. Competition is a good thing.
Duncan would be a better fielder and hitter if he started 130-140 games, but he won't get that chance here unless injuries strike. |
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| Tackleberry: Why should fans believe in Linehan this year? Not Saunders, not Haslett and not the players, but why should we believe in Scott Linehan? |
| Jeff Gordon: Fans should take a believe-it-when-you-see-it approach. Scott is a great guy, a good football man and a hard worker, but he still has everything to prove as a head coach. |
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Scott Rhein: Hello Jeff, Thank You for taking my questions.
I was pretty distraught after reading the comments about the Blues last week. We have the worst powerplay in the league and we are not thinking about free agents this summer. What are the chances of the Blues being proactive this summer? I think we should dump Brewer and Mckee on draft day and try to get some more picks. Then, we should sign salivdor and go after Brian Campbell. How often does a defensemen like Campbell come on to the market? Also, who is going to back up Legace? How about Johan Hedberg?
Thank You for you time.
Scott |
Jeff Gordon: There are many good possibilities for a No. 2 goaltender, so there is no excuse not to upgrade. Moving McKee's salary would open up some budget room, but the Blues would have to find a taker. Good luck there. As for the blue line, don't look for a big investment there. The team already has big dollars in Brewer and Jackman. E. Johnson is their cornerstone there. Wagner and Polak are ready for the NHL and Junland may not be far off, either. The Blues could also take an offensive defenseman in this draft.
The coaching staff just has to get the current group to play better. E. Johnson, Perron, Stempniak and Backes are still developing. Oshie and Berglund can help up front. Older guys like McDonald and Kariya can do more, too. |
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| michael shonk: Is Chris Duncan to the Cards what Adam Dunn is to the Reds? |
| Jeff Gordon: The Cards could live with that, for sure. Dunn finally hit his first big power surge of the season. Chris is still waiting on that. But then again, Duncan won't get the consistent ABs that Dunn gets, not with all this competition here. |
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| HEG: Gordo the Cardinals might as well bring up Mather while he is hitting well and trade or release Barton because he is an average outfielder with speed but he does not get on base enough to display speed and apparently cannot bunt for a hit; also if you would look at Albert's 03 year most or alot of his home runs were hit on the first pitch; most of the time he lets the first go even if it is a hitable one. Do you agree with these statements? |
Jeff Gordon: Barton reminded us Sunday how valuable he can be. He got on base in the No. 2 slot and used his speed to score runs. He doesn't have a good outfielder arm, obviously, but he is still an asset. For a young guy, he has handled his part-time role very well.
Mozeliak must hoard his assets until the right deal comes along. Timing in everything. Given the team's success, he is in no rush to jiggle his roster. |
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| edwin: hi jeff, i wrote you in the offseason when the cards were trying to sign a pitcher, and i thought that the cards should pursuit Bartolo Colon, why they pick Clement over Colon?, thanks. |
Jeff Gordon: Colon opted against surgical repairs, which makes him very iffy. He has never been a big conditioning guy, either. Boston signed him to the same low-risk deal the Cards signed Clement to.
By signing Lohse, though, the Cards made this a moot point. Lohse is filling the slot Clement was going to fill. |
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| Brian: Is Osgood's success in Detroit (2nd time) based on their offense and defense being that much better than it was when he was in St. Louis? I imagine teams won't be as aggressive on offense with Detroit's offense potential to score at any time. |
| Jeff Gordon: Detroit plays phenomenal team defense -- so good, in fact, that the Penguins are accusing them of breaking the rules against obstruction. That defense, plus the opportunity to play with leads, has made all the difference for Osgood. It is an amazing story, really. Ozzie wasn't terrible here, he just wasn't very good. Now is is very good. |
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Slapperloon: Hey Gordo,
It's nice to see former Blues players like Dallas Drake and Chris Osgood enjoying new-found success with the Red Wings. However, I can't help but wonder: why do so many players seem to perform so much better after leaving the Blues than they ever did while in St. Louis? |
Jeff Gordon: Osgood went to a better team. He played worse in Long Island and St. Louis than he did earlier in his Detroit period. Now that he is back in Motown, he is playing better again.
Cory Stillman is another case. He moved on to teams that accepted him for what he is, a shooter. They put him in position to do what he does best and play his way out of funks.
Much earlier, the Blues were guilty of moving some players too soon. Rod Brind'Amour and Bret Hedican come to mind. |
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Bobby: Good afternoon and thank you again for the discussions! Three quick questions: 1. How would you rate Mather as a 3rd baseman? I hear he plays the position and then I hear he is an outfielder only? 2. How is Jamie Garcia progressing and can we see him starting up here soon? Eventually we need starters to go more than 5-6 innings bc the bullpen will get taxed. 3. Any insight on the draft and who the Cards are eyeing?
Thanks again |
Jeff Gordon: Goold or Strauss can better answer the draft question. I'd go for a pitcher, but that's just me. Their other need position, shortstop, was filled in the last draft.
Mather would be a back-up third baseman, at best. He hasn't played it much since his days in the low minors. But then again, he hasn't worked on it much since then. Could he be a Spiezio-type player? Perhaps, but Scott was pretty good with a glove at 3B and he could switch hit.
Mather's long-term slot is left field, next to Ankiel and Rasmus. The Cards need a RH bat with power.
Garcia is progressing fine. If the Cards need a starter later this year, he would be a candidate. |
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jeff pan: Hi Mr. Gordon:
Regarding the lineup for the Cards this season, every time when TLR uses the following lineup, we score a lot of runs and wins every game:
Skip Schumaker (lf)
Arron Miles (2b)
Albert Pujols (1b)
Ryan Ludwick (rf)
Troy Glaus (3b)
Rick Ankiel (cf)
Yadier Molina (c)
Pitcher
Casear Iztris (ss)
The first 2 guys are high average single hitters and they are tougher outs and working the pitchers hard and get on base a lot. Then you have 3-6 power hitters coming to drive them home. This is probabaly our best lineup (offensively and defensively speaking) against lefties/righties and we use this lineup score an average 6+ runs and win games against lefties and righties this season, why does TLR not stick to this winning lineup against either the lefties or righties? Against lefties and righties, does TLR have better choice (offensively and defensively) in each positon if he doesn't stick to this lineup most of the time? Can TLR try this lineup for the next 2-3 weeks? I truly believe this line up will give us a much better chance winning games. Please give your words of wisdom on this. Thank you for your time. |
| Jeff Gordon: I would move Ankiel up to No. 5 against tough righthanded hurler. And I still like playing Ryan some, because of his speed. And I'm not ready to trust Izturis to be a .260 hitter just yet. |
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PolderBear: Gordo,
As always, great that you're here.
Okay, I’d like to, as quickly as I can, give my interpretation of the potential Rams move/stadium issue, and please tell me if you think my thinking is off base here.
First off, let’s assume that the Rams are here, for sure, for the next half-dozen years or so. In the interim, there are a few franchises (Saints, Jags, Chargers, Raiders, Bills? Maybe Vikes?) who have a much shorter timeframe in their current stadium situations and have made it known, explicitly or implicitly, that they would be eager to move to greener (LA?) pastures if a new local stadium deal can’t be set up. The point being, by the time the Rams’ contract is up, if a move is going to take place in the league, it will have already taken place by one or two of these franchises.
But, really, it isn’t going to be more than a couple. Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that the Chargers move north to LA and, maybe, the Bills end up moving to Toronto. What else is there? The new Rams ownership group can come in and complain about the stadium not being in the upper tier of facilities, but how much of a trump card do they really have in terms of moving?
Where would they go, realistically? When you think about demographics/metro-size plus existing/possible stadiums plus the closeness of another franchise…well, I’m looking at a map, and I just don’t see where somebody could take the Rams and really have a better deal. Portland (small city; Seattle territory)? Vegas (like the NFL is going to clean up its image sticking a franchise there)? San Antonio (stadium in place, but is it better than the Ed, and are the Boys and Texans going to allow that)? Salt Lake City (calling Dave Checketts!)? Albuquerque? Birmingham? San Diego, if the Chargers move (and old stadium is still in place)? Would we be the candidate to go to say, Monterey, if the NFL expands to Mexico? None of these seem particularly plausible (seeing too that the other franchises potentially on the move may feel their situations are more dire if they haven’t got them resolved by 2014). It just seems that a move would be for moving sake (and, at best, short term benefits), and I can’t believe most owners would be that stupid…but, of course, ego and stupidity are always the NFL trump cards, no?
I think the perspective from ownership, long term, can’t be “keeping the stadium in the upper 25%”. That’s ridiculous, and is unrealistic. The key is to not have the place become a dump (hello Oakland! hello Buffalo!) and fall into the bottom tier of facilities. Regardless of where people come down on the “building a new stadium” issue, I think most fans are in favor of keeping the facilities upgraded and “decent”. I’m being simplistic here, but if the Ed can be spruced up occasionally, with a better in-house environment and on-field product, the fans will continue to come, the ownership will continue to make money, and they’ll just be one big group hug for everyone involved.
And that was your uplifting message for today. Back to my Kool-Aid shots,
PolderBear |
| Jeff Gordon: Wow . . . you have really thought that out! In the STL, it all starts with the next owner. If that person or group has local ties, great. If not . . . it could get rough. |
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Robert: Gordo -
What's Brett Romberg missing? He won numerous awards while playing for a major college, but he wasn't drafted. He signed with four(?) different NFL teams, but never made the starting lineup. He finally started with a team desperate for O-lineman, but couldn't solidify the starting spot. then, after capably(?) starting in more than a dozen games for them, they offer him no more than a minimal one-year contract, and he accepts (so NO team would offer him a multi-year).
I think the last point is the most damning, as the Rams don't seem to care if he's not on the roster in 2009, and maybe not by week one in '08. So what's he missing, and will the Rams always be mediocre at center as long as he's the starter there? |
| Jeff Gordon: It's all about size, or lack of it. But he has gotten stronger, so that is helpful. The Rams liked his work last year, when he was healthy. But he does not have classic NFL size. |
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Todd Fechtman: Gordo,
I like KG to a point. My point is this. Why can't a guy like KG figure out that he's close to 7' tall, if he could develop a baby hook he would be unstoppable and get 25 points a game no problem and his team would advance farther each year? When he does go with the baby hook he scores and it is impossible to block(i.e. Jabbar). EGO's today are so far removed from actually figuring it out that he would rather take a turn around jumper from 17 than a simple baby hook 75% of the time and contend for a title.
His ego won't let him be on sportscenter shooting old school hook shots instead of turn around forced jump shots. It's mind boggling isn't it?
Don't you think Danika looked funny being so pissed off, it was rediculous they stopped her. They would of never stopped a guy.
Thanks |
Jeff Gordon: Ah, the baby hook. Older STLToday.com users remember what that shot looked like! You're right, it is an overlooked move by today's players.
As for Danica, let her go! That's good TV! |
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Robert: Gordo -
Do you think Klopfenstein is in jeopardy with the Rams? In terms of number of plays with the offense, he's dropped from No.1 as a rookie in '06, to No.2 behind McMichael in '07, to probably behind McMichael and Becht in '08. Team sources even referred to him "regressing" somewhat in '07.
So what gives with him? Is there no chance that he'll be a star tight end in this league? |
| Jeff Gordon: Yes, he is in peril. He must become a better blocker to play here. There are options now. |
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Dave S.: Jeff - lets fast forward to next summer (or late this year). Both Mather and Rasmus have been called up and are in St. Louis along with Ankiel, Duncan, Shumaker and Ludwick. When you include Barton that is at least three too many. How and when do you think this will be addressed?
Thank you. |
Jeff Gordon: Mather and Rasmus wouldn't be up here until two of those guys were moved. Obviously, the Cards have to mix in a RH power bat with the lefties. Mather fits that, in place of Duncan. Barton lacks power, so he will be no more than a No. 5 here, given the depth. If Rasmus arrives, it could be tough to keep Schumaker in the mix.
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| Paul Murphy: What do you think will the results will be like this season following a quite impressive offseason? Do you think our two young rookie wide recievers will get much receptions this year? |
| Jeff Gordon: Both guys will have an impact, although Caldwell is showing signs of wanting the No. 3 or No. 4 role. Saunders will use more three and four WR sets, so there will be reps for everybody this year. |
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KC: Hey Gordo,
Let's be half glass full. We all know that pitching wins in the post-season and regardless of what the world thinks of the Cards, they are a good team. The Cards havent had to reach much with the performance of their rotation so far. But don't you think the law of averages will start to hit them soon? There may not be much available, but if this team wants to win in the post-season, they will probably need to add an arm to the rotation right? Wainwright is a big game pitcher, but beyond that, I don't think you can bank your post-season success on Wellemeyer, Lohse, Looper or Pineiro.
Also, Alfonso Soriano might be the worst outfielder ever. Can you think of anyone worse in recent memory?
Thanks for the chat! |
| Jeff Gordon: The Cards hope to add an arm or two from their pile of injured guys. Otherwise, help will come from within. They can't add another veteran hurler with so many on the injured list -- unless it was at a real bargain. |
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| Mark: I read that Haslett used a variety of three man fronts during minicamp. I'm not sure if you were in a position to witness this, but did he employ Leonard Little as a rush LB or as a down lineman in this set? Same scenario with Chris Long? |
| Jeff Gordon: Little moves all over for Haslett. He will definitely look to pass rush from one place or another in most of those looks. |
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Yorkshire Rams Fan: Hey Jeff,
Now that the dust has settled on this years draft, what is the feeling with regard to who may and may not contribute for the Rams this year? It would appear that all the current crop have a genuine chance of making the final roster. What do you think? Any early indications? Which veterans should be watching their backs?
Also, what's the feeling amongst the veterans with regard to moving training camp to Wisconsin this year?
Thanks for your time. |
| Jeff Gordon: There are fewer veterans with real STL ties or families in place, so moving camp isn't a big deal. The WRs and O-linemen should all have an impact. The LBs are in a fight with the FA linebackers and the practice squad grads. |
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Steve: Gordo, do you think the Rams will do any trading before the start of camp? There are still some holes to fill.
Second, what is your opinion on hiring Trent Green as a backup? When these guys had a chance to pick up a good QB in the draft they passed and i'm not sure that was wise, just wanted to hear yourt opinion. |
| Jeff Gordon: I don't see this team being in great trade position, but there could be a some FA opportunities. I do think the team needs to land a better No. 3 -- and there are some journeymen available. |
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| Baltimore Brian: Which Rams draft pick from the 2008 Class will make the biggest immediate impact? |
| Jeff Gordon: Besides Long? Hmmmmm . . . . Let's say Greco, in case Pace gets hurt or Barron slips. |
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| Nathan: Do the Rams have enough cap space to go after a premier defensive player? It seems like there is always a good selection of top-end defensive players and the Rams don't go after them. They could certainly use an upgrade at the corner position or even linebacker right? |
| Jeff Gordon: They have a bit of room, but I don't see the team making any major move. They like what they have, for better or worse. |
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rich: Jeff; Why did the Cards sign the lite hitting Jason LaRue instead of Yadi's brother that signed with the Yanks? I think he would have been much better for the Cards than LaRue.
Thanks Rich |
| Jeff Gordon: La Russa really likes La Rue's ability to handle pitchers. And his defense. And he believes he can hit better than he has. |
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John Paul: Jeff,
Is Chris Duncan being granted professional courtsey because of his fathers position with the team?
It seems odd he gets to learn the position in the "bigs."
If this guy was hitting for power I could look the otherway but,.... |
| Jeff Gordon: He plays because he can hit. He is an established big league power hitter. The team needs more power, not less. He plays left field because first base is taken. His dad has nothing to do with it. |
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| Nate: Lets say playoffs begin today, what would the cardinals rotation be? |
| Jeff Gordon: Carpenter, Wainwright, Lohse, Looper and Pineiro -- despite his late hiccups. |
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BP: Gordo-
It occured to me as I'm watching the Stanley Cup Finals and longing for the day when with Blues get back to the playoffs, that the cloud of performance enhancing drugs has seemed to largely, if not entirely, steer clear of the NHL. Seems to me that the payoff for being bigger, faster and stronger would temp hockey players in the same way it has temped baseball and football players over the years. Is the NHL's testing policy that much stronger than the NFL or MLB...or are hockey players by their nature, dare I say it, more ethical?? What's your take? |
| Jeff Gordon: There are some enormous hockey players. And there has been some juicing, trust me. Guys push the envelope in training -- the money is too good not too. |
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| agesoccer7: When I was filling out my all star bracket, I could see the greatest amount of competition coming from NL 1st basemen. Obviously, I voted for Albert, but I can see Berkman getting a significant number of votes based on his popularity and great start to the season. Others such as Lee, Fielder, Howard(if he stops striking out), and Teixeira are having solid years as well. Being that today is May 27 and the all star game is not till July 15, what do you predict the outcome will be? Could as many as 4-5 of these players make the all star team since the DH plays a factor at Yankee Stadium? |
| Jeff Gordon: Yes, a bunch of first basemen could make it -- too many guys are having big years. Albert ought to start every year, given his historical impact on the game, but I don't know if fans will rally behind him. |
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dave: Hey King Gordo,
I will ask the obvious question since i am sure no one else will...
when will Perez be named the Closer? Its obvious his time is now. |
| Jeff Gordon: First, Franklin gets his shot. Then Izzy tries his comeback. But Perez will get the gig at some point. I agree about not rushing him. You don't want to see him lose his control abruptly. So far so good. There is plenty to do from the sixth through eighth innings. In fact, those relief gigs are often tougher. |
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Joe: Jeff,
In your opinion which undrafted free agents have the best chance of making the Rams final roster next season? For some reason I think LB Vince Hall will make the team and surprise some people/teams. And, do you think LB's Tim McGarigle and Quinton Culberson will get more playing time this season and be able to contribute the to Rams Defense?
Thanks for taking your time to share your information and opinions with us! |
| Jeff Gordon: If McGarigle and Culberson both make it -- and both have a great shot -- then the competition among all the free agent/drafted LBs will be intense. Handicapping that race is tough. It's wide open. |
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| mjumpman42@yahoo.com: Hey Gordo, What is the deal with the Rams seemingly never making a big time free agent signing? I mean it has been a while, other than the Marshall Faulk deal and I guess A williams the don't seem to be able to close the deal. |
| Jeff Gordon: When you re-sign your guys -- Bulger, Pace, Little, Holt, Tinoisamoa, et al -- it doesn't leave much money for free agents. The commitment to keep guys is great . . . IF they don't get hurt and IF produce. |
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Peter Shannon: Hi Jeff:
Chris Duncan plays horrible defense, and below average offense this year. I understand he was good offensively 1st half of last year and the year before, but after his hernie injury last year, he is no longer the same offensive player. He should be strictly a pinch hitter for the cards and maybe a DH/1st basemen for an AL team. Like an old saying in the stock market, past performance is no guarantee of the current and future. Why does TLR still plays him as a starter (offensively and defensively this year Chris Duncan is worse than Skip Schumaker) based on his past offensive performance? If that is the case, Jim Edmonds used to play great baseball both offensively and defensively, does that mean the Cards, Padres or the Cubs should play Jimmy now simply becasue JE was a great player in the past? The only chance for Chris Duncan to regain his offensive stroke and learn how to play average defense is get enough at bats at AAA or DH/1st base regularly with an AL team, Doing either will do the Cards and Chris Duncan a big favor, otherwise, the way TLR uses Duncan now not only will hurt the Cards chance of winning a game in the short term but also hurt the player himself in terms of confidence in the long run. It may ruin Chris Duncan forever the way TLR is using him. Please comment. |
| Jeff Gordon: He is drawing some walks, which I like. He has been good in the No. 2 and has scored some runs. I don't see a return to Memphis as helping him -- he is what he is in the outfield -- so the best option, for him, is to move him to a team looking for a full-time bat at first or DH. |
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| Seth: Hey Jeff. How come Nick Stavinoha doesn’t get any mention as a possible call-up? He’s hitting .358 with a .386 OBP and .520 SLG. He’s hitting .352 with runners on and .321 with runners in scoring position. What’s the problem? |
| Jeff Gordon: Five outfielders are in STL now, Mather is ahead of Nick in the call-up order and Rasmus is the future. What has to happen for Nick -- a big trade! |
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Warren Arnold: Hey Gordo,
I havent kept up with Memphis as much as I like to. What is the word on Clayton Mortenson? I remember Duncan loving his stuff as a sinkerballer(correct?) and was wondering how he is progressing. |
| Jeff Gordon: He struggled coming out of the spring, so he has slide down the pecking order. Boggs and Garcia are on the cusp. Ottavino also had a tough start. |
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| webslingerinstl: Jeff: Since Mulder's rehab stint has been increased 30 days and the original date he was supposed to return was May 15th, should we finally expect him back in mid June? |
| Jeff Gordon: That's optimistic. Maybe at the end of the month -- maybe. We'll believe it when we see it. Too many setbacks . . . It's a shame, too, because the old Mulder would really add a boost. |
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Ken K: Hi Jeff-
What have you heard about Matt Morris since he was released? Shouldn't a team be at least interested since he's getting paid by his former team? It really wouldn't cost a lot or is he done.
Thanks,
Ken |
| Jeff Gordon: He's done. He has retired. He wants to hunt and fish. Do you blame him? |
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Daniel: Jeff,
How can the Rams let a guy like Ty Law just sit there as free agent and not do anything about it? They have made it a point of emphasis to have veterans at every position on the D (Glover at DT, Little at DE, Chavous at S, Draft at LB) to help groom the rookies the past two years (Carriker, Long, Culberson) but we are still thin at CB and Law would be the perfect vet to come in and help breakdown the game for Hill, Wade, King, and even Bartell. I understand that he may be asking for quite a bit financially, but if he lessens his offer, we should jump on it. He would be a good benefit to our defense for this season and then we can let our youngsters flourish afterwards. Sure, it would mean he would take a starting spot from one of them, but IMO that would be better because I don't think anyone in St. Louis is thinking playoffs this season except Linehan, who needs to get there to save his behind. What are your thoughts on adding vets like him to the D?
Thanks for reading. |
| Jeff Gordon: Does Law want to play for a 3-13 team? Is he the right guy for such a rebuilding project? And is that a spot where the Rams can really spend big money, now that Brown is back? |
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| JeffO: The reasons given for Duncan being able to say in the major's is because he is an established Major League power hitter. How is he considered established when the most AB's he's had in one season is 375..yeah he hit 21 HR's in that time, and hit 22 HR's in 280 AB's the year before. Does two years of injury ridden play really make you an "established player" that you can't send down. Seems more like a fluke than an established power hitter. Thoughts?? |
| Jeff Gordon: 200 ABs might be a fluke, but Chris has the equivalent of a season-plus in the bigs. He can hit. |
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Rambunctious: Hi Jeff! Have you heard much on how Brian Leonard is doing regarding adding more weightin the off-season? Do you see Leonard in an expanded role in Al Saunder's offense this year? Or will he be relegated to a "now and then" contributor?
There has been talk about him increasing his role on special teams - do you find this odd for a 2nd rd pick in his second year?
Many have pointed out that we had other needs when he was selected high in last year's draft. Do you feel he was drafted too high? What is your take on Leonard's value to the team? Thanks in advance !! |
| Jeff Gordon: More special teams time = less offensive time. Is that a good sign for a second-round pick? Probably not. He'll be big on third down and part of the fill-in package if Jackson gets hurts. |
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| JAV: Is Mather the real deal? |
| Jeff Gordon: When he gets to 300 ABs at Memphis, we'll know more -- but he is a hot, hot prospect. |
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jimmy k: Jeff -
since the Rams decided to not draft a QB in the draft (even though Henne was apparently contacted by them), what direction do they seem to be going in at the position? if Bulger goes down to injuries again, do they finally go out and get that next starting QB prospect or is Green the answer they will look for? |
| Jeff Gordon: They still have to be looking, don't they? Berlin can't be the answer. He just can't. |
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| webslingerinstl: Jeff: Once "Jimmy Ballgame" is released by the Cubs, is there any chance the Cardinals sign him to a one day contract in order to have an official "Jim Edmonds Day" in honor of his service to the Cardinals and his reirement? |
Jeff Gordon: Writing Jimmy off a little early, aren't we? But, yes, it would nice to honor Jim at some point. Not sure about the one-day contract, like the NFL does, but he deserves a bow. His leadership in the '06 World Championship was especially big. What a run he had here. It was shame he got dealt, but then again the Cards gave him an extra contract year. That was a nice send-off.
That appears to be all the questions for this time. Thanks! See you next time! |
