Shane Sorenson: Has any of the rooks or RFA stood out?

Jeff Gordon: Linehan has obvious man love for Carriker, who is hard-core. He gushed about him at the rookie camp. For impact, also look to some of the younger vets getting a bigger chance last season. Alston is a great athlete, for instance. He could become an attacker for Haslett on passing downs. With better athletes, Haslett will come up with all sorts of new twists.

Rich: I just want to say how sick and disgusting of the Cards upper mgmt I am. I'm talking about DeWitt and company. Cheap, cheap, cheap should be they;re name. The Cards are coming off a World Series, plus they're flush with money from the old and new Busch but still refuse to shell out any money for decent pitching or a strong bat. The Cards learned years ago that no pitching equals no winning. Yet, they come into this season with only one proven starter (Carpenter). Also, don't expect Reyes to turn it around while with the Cards. Duncan ( whom I think is a good pitching coach for veterans) has messed him up so bad that he'll never been any good with the Cards. One, more thing on this ,...the Cards are nothing but 'bottom feeder's when it comes time to sign a pitcher and with this altitude they're never get another decent starter!

Jeff Gordon: Had they paid up for Suppan, they might have another two or three victories. Their problems are so massive -- Carpenter's injury, wholesale failure by the key hitters -- that one signing would not have made a difference. The '07 free-agent pitchers were a mediocre bunch. They went after Schmidt and he developed a bad shoulder. They offered Weaver a two-year deal and he blew up in Seattle.

But here's the challenge for the owners: They will have some dead money on the payroll next season with about $17 million going to Edmonds and Encarnacion. Will DeWitt and Co. still spend the necessary dollars to overhaul the roster and field a contender?

Dean Sever: Jeff,
The rumor mill suggests that Michael Handzus, Bill Guerin and/or KT might be back in St. Louis next season. While these are three quality guys, I would hope the Blues would try to make a bigger splash in the FA market, especially given their cap room. Any chance of a "top tier" free agent like Drury, Smyth or Briere wearing a Blue Note next season?

Thanks,
- Dean

Jeff Gordon: As I mentioned elsewhere, Gomez is the guy I'd want. 'Zus or Guerin would be fine, but a playmaking center is the team's No. 1 need.

david fish: I was rather surprised and let down by the way the Rams defense played last year, as was all of us who are avid Rams fans. Haslett was supposed to be this savior of the defense. I for one was offended(I don't want to hear about first year excuses). Will they play this year with more urgency, spirit and determination. Will Haslett be there only two years and leave. I like Richie Ingognito do you think he can turn into a pro boweler. We need more attitude on this team I would almost accept the penalties. Will we see more of a nasty streak. I love Torry Holt but it's dissapointment to see him smile after a loss. Thanks Fishman Rochester N.Y.

Jeff Gordon: Haslett will have more to work with this year, especially at the point of attack. That will make all the difference. I'd still like to see a more forceful MLB, but the Rams believe Witherspoon will more effective with better DT play in front of him.

Bruce Porfilio: Last season Marc Bulger finally found a "leader's voice" when he called out his team mates when the Rams hit the skids in 2007.Any indications that Marc will build upon that experience to become a more demonstrative and interactive QB? Rams seem to lack players on both sides of the ball who are chemistry and intensity-builders?

Jeff Gordon: Marc will never be the noisiest guy ever, but he is comfortable with his role and his place with the coach. He will assert himself in his own way. He will be a different QB compared to the start of the '06 camp.