| B-Ball Fan: Glad to see I am not the only person who thinks Beltre would be best fit at third. Albert agrees with me. Would Boggs and Samuel be enough to entice the Mariners to trade and eat 1/2 his remaining salary of 12 mil ? |
Jeff Gordon: A quarter of the season is already gone, so the monetary price of all these players comes down daily. But, yes, Seattle would have to eat some money to get prospects from the Cards.
Mozeliak wouldn't mind moving some players because he will need space on the 40-man roster for some of the fast risers.
But Beltre, like the rest of the 3B candidates, has underachieved this season. I'd only want to trade from the surplus for any of these guys. |
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| B-Ball Fan: I see Stanley is finally allowed to do some drills, but will he be ready by start of season ? WHO will be the KR/PR ? Someone not on the team yet that is cast off by another team ? |
| Jeff Gordon: There are many candidates in house. A healthy Stanley is the most intriguing option. Tim Carter returned kickoff earlier in his career. Wade did it a few times. It's possible the team could add a specialist as the summer progressed, if the guy could help in other areas. |
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Tackleberry: Gordo,
As I watch LeBron being over-worked in Cleveland as the Cav's ownership provides him with "just enough" of a supporting cast to get by, I can't help but draw a comparison between LeBron and Albert. Both are left to do almost all of the heavy lifting for their team's offense. And don't you think the same discussions about competitors clearing cap space will surround Albert soon, as they do LeBron now who is a year out from free agency? I think the Cards ownership needs to "put up" this summer or Albert's eyes may start to stray. |
Jeff Gordon: If competitors want to clear budget space for 2012, when Albert could be a free agent, then perhaps the Cards could land one of those discarded hitters.
To build a strong team around Albert -- and to be able to pay Albert more than $20 million a year on his next contract extension -- the Cards need to keep developing good players. That is the route to go. By next year, the Cards could have a home-grown player in seven positions (except for Ludwick's slot).
At some point, the Cards could add another proven heavy hitter IF all their home-grown players fail. The departure of Glaus, Greene and Kennedy after this season will clear $22 million. |
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The Las Vegas Cardinal: Gordo,
Hello from sin city...lol
I enjoy your chats. I grew up in St.Charles,'67 & '68 big fan.
I'm not a baseball expert like alot of the guys that write in.
But to me a blind man could see if the Cardinals picked up DeRosa and Peavy they would win the Pennant.
My question is since they (the Cardinals management) obviously know this is it better to gamble everything on one year when you have a great chance or hold the wallet tight, not selling out the future.
Personally I think the Cardinal management tortured their fans last year.
They had the chance to make a couple simple moves when they were in the thick of it but they wouldn't pull the trigger, so they died.
Thanks for your time...go Cards. |
Jeff Gordon: DeRosa is a handy player, but not a team changer. He would fit well here for the rest of the season and beyond, if he is willing to come off the bench.
The starting pitching is fine without Peavy. And they Cards haven't had the blue chip young starting pitching needed to acquire Peavy. |
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| JaZzIsM50: Mr.G, thank you for your sound advice in the past. The idea of trading Ankiel leaves me with an uneasy feeling. His story, attitude and performance make for a real legacy. I have no problem with losing McClellan or Boggs but dont know enough about our inhouse talent to make a educated judgement. Isn't there anyway that Mr. DeWitt can dig into his pockets to cover our 3rd base needs. Or do all potential aquisitions reguire giving up talent? |
Jeff Gordon: You can't just buy a third baseman right in the middle of the season. And, again, I wouldn't trade much for veterans having terrible seasons. A guy like Boggs is a solid depth guy, maybe a future 12- to 14-game winner for the back of a good rotation.
McClellan I would not trade, unless a guaranteed run producer would come back.
Ankiel or Duncan will have to move along at some point, since this team has too much from the left side and not enough from the right side. |
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| safer: Hi Gordo---LOT's of questions now about Wroten's status. Does the suspension end on June 1st? And will Spags give him a shot at making our team? That guy is custom made for Spag's D IF he would get his act together. Thanks! Rich |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd be surprised if the team took him back. He is a depth guy and his history goes against everything Spags is preaching. |
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Damian: Jeff,
I have been thinking of back-up options for Jackson. I keep coming to Rudi Johnson. I bet he is cheap and would serve a back up role perfectly. What do you think?
AZRAMSFAN |
| Jeff Gordon: Is there something left there? Would Rudi help the special teams? The idea of having a 1,000-yard back-up is appealing, given Jackson's injury history, but I would expect a younger guy to get this gig. |
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| KENNETH MANNING JR.: WHY DID THE RAMS WAIT UNTIL ALL THE GOOD DRAFT PICKS WERE GONE TO START LETTING PPL GO? WHY DON'T THE RAMS WANT TO SIGN DERRICK BROOKS THE OLD TAMPA LB? HE CAN STILL GET THE JOB DONE AND WHY NOT TRADE FOR A WR? WHY DON'T RAMS WANT TO GET VICK? WHAT HE HAS DONE IN PAST IS OVER WITH THE GUY CAN TURN THIS AROUND LIKE HE DID THE STRUGGLING FALCONS. BULGER HAD HIS TIME AND TO ME HE'S A PROVEN BACK UP. I WAS HIS BIGGEST FAN A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO NOW HE CAN'T THROW OVER 30 YARDS AND HE'S THE NEW JEFF GEORGE OF THE LEAGUE. |
Jeff Gordon: Spagnuolo is retooling this team with youth. He is starting over. In start-overs, you don't bring in a bunch of older players off the pile. You get a guy here and there capable of filling in and setting a good work tone, but that's it.
Spags is also preaching character. That excludes the Vick Project. If Bulger bombs, then the Rams will start over at that position with a younger player. |
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| George M.: Hi, Jeff. Last offseason, the Cardinals had positions to fill at shortstop and second base, after telling their four middle infielders all to take a hike. Most fans wanted Mo to sign Orlando Hudson (.335 batting average, .412 OBP, 16 doubles, 3HR) and to trade Rick Ankiel to Atlanta for Yunel Escobar (.289 batting average, .363 OBP, 10 doubles, 5HR). Instead, Mo traded for Khalil Green and at least bought into the plan to move Skip to second. Looking back from this point, who was right, all the fans or Mo? Looks to me like DeWitt would be better off going into a bar every Sunday night and yelling out "Who wants to be GM this week?". What's your take? |
Jeff Gordon: Khalil flopped, obviously, but I'm fine with Ryan and Tyler Greene.
Schumaker is fine at second base. The Dodgers got Hudson for a song, which is good for them. the Cards later spent money on Dennys Reyes, which was a great move.
(A lot of Cards also clamored for Manny Ramirez. We saw how that all turned out.)
If the Cards weren't in the middle of the playoff race despite suffering simultaneous injuries to key players, there would be a lot more to complain about. |
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| virginiatom: In terms of actual coaching, how does the activity of the team on the field for the mini camps and OTA's look under Spagnuolo and do you see any difference this year compared to the last 3? I know that every year the optimism is high at this point of year, but do you see the leadership and abilities of this coaching staff taking hold? |
Jeff Gordon: The guys who track this stuff daily rave about the new atmosphere. Spags sets a great tone and lot of these young guys look like future leaders.
But we've heard this before after a coaching change. I remember how Vermeil's first season went, so I'll reserve judgment until the real games begin.
Between now and then, any talk of improvement is silly. Let's see how the Rams play once other teams start slapping guys around for real. |
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| virginiatom: I was really disappointed to see Chip pushing now to sell the team. He has truly done an outstanding job with this team since taking over, making all the hard decisions to turn things around. Is Rush Limbaugh still in the running? What do you think of him as an owner and would the league embrace his ownership or work behind the scenes to prevent his ownership? |
Jeff Gordon: We said all along that Chip couldn't keep the team. Bidders began kicking the tires last year. Rush would have to team with a good PR partner, but I think he would be a great owner. I hate his politics, personally, but he does know sports and he IS a smart businessman.
Rush would not get in this thing to lose. |
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| virginiatom: What is the rationale behind the NFL's rule that prevents someone from owning an NFL team and another professional sports franchise? Kronke seems like a good majority owner, if he wanted it. |
| Jeff Gordon: The NFL's rationale is, hey, we're the NFL. The league wants owners to focus solely on NFL business. And when you see a guy like Tom Hicks (Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars) take in a lot of water, it makes sense. |
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| virginiatom: The Rams drafting as been horrendous the last several years, probably among the worst, if not the worst, in the league. A big difference from the Dick Vermeil years that ushered in the return of football to St. Louis. If the Rams are going to turn things around, they can't have wasted such high picks on Long, Smith, Hill, Lauranitis, Klopenstein, and Avery. These are the players, high first and second round picks in the prime of their careers, that should be forming the nucleus of the team for years to come. With that said, how do these players look so far, and in your opinion, can they be the nucleus of a Super Bowl Ram's team or are they wasted picks on mediocre players? |
Jeff Gordon: Vermeil inherited a lot of the best players. And the Faulk deal, outside his influence, was critical.
As for the last few drafts, there are some good players there. But the chances of this team -- or any team - getting to the Super Bowl is remote.
Also, you can't lump players picked by the previous regime in with players drafted by this regime. And you can't write off players before they play a down. |
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| Bob Forister: Where is Dave Checkets? |
| Jeff Gordon: Busy managing his teams and businesses. |
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flstl: Hi Gordo -
Can we get a TV show with Carlos Zambrano and Milton Bradley and getting into minor situations and watch them overreact? Wouldn't you watch one of those guys get a speeding ticket and completely flip out and take a baseball bat to the squad car? Or if they got the wrong change back at the grocery store? Would any cash register be safe? This seems like television gold to me. I pitched this idea to a friend who is a Cubs fan, and he was thoroughly insulted, claiming Z and MB's past actions are taken out of context. |
| Jeff Gordon: Both guys are hotheads. Gotta love Zambrano, though, because that attitude on the mound is most intimidating. |
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lawdog: Thanks for being here for us Gordo.
So,do you know and can you tell us-- is the rumor true? Are the Rams really going to pursue Michael Vick? Personally, I think everybody deserves a second chance. And what a way to take pressure off our young clueless receivers and Stephen Jackson with the added feature of Vick scrambling and running all over the turf. I remember asking about the possibility in Thomas' tuesday discussions months ago when Vick still had about six months of time to do and he said definitely know. But that was with a different coach and different management.
But Vick over center and I think we'd be instant contenders again, provided he behaves himself. (No pooch kicks for him.) |
Jeff Gordon: I don't see where the Vick thing helps this franchise at all. If the Rams are sincere about trying to salvage Bulger, the coaching staff should focus on that.
If the Rams want to toy with Vick, the team should release Bulger, take the massive cap hit and then redesign everything for Vick.
At this point, perhaps Vick could help a franchise playing "Wildcat" for 10 to 12 snaps a game, but otherwise he will need a complete quarterbacking makeover.
The last time he tried to run a West Coast offense it didn't go well. |
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| stevieray1967: Last year, I read a story that Rush Limbaugh might be interested in buying the Rams. What, if anything, do you know about this, Jeff? How legitimate is this possibility? For what it's worth,if this were to happen, the Rams would lose this thirty year fan forever. |
| Jeff Gordon: Rush has area ties, Rush has worked for a pro team (Kansas City Royals) and Rush would play to win. That said, he might have to hire a Rainbow Coalition front office to take heat off his political views. |
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RamsFanMD: I'm extremely disturbed upon reading the latest rumor that the Rams are the most likely landing spot for Michael Vick should he be reinstated for this upcoming season.
What about the Four Pillars? What about the article a couple of weeks ago stating the Rams had no interest?
I've been a Rams fan for life, but if this were to happen... |
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, this doesn't fit. If the Rams buy into the Vick Circus, then it changes a lot of things. Let Bulger go, redo the offense, find a mobile back-up to play the new system . . . I'm not a fan of this.
The good news: Vick isn't big on throwing to WRs, so that makes him a good fit. The Rams could start three TEs and make him comfy. |
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| peter: California here we come right back where we started from....California..... California... The land of the "Golden State"!!! Welcome back home my Rams...yes yes yes... we will be back in Hollywood soon!!! Go Rams!!! |
| Jeff Gordon: Good luck with that. Tell us how the stadium project is coming along. |
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Ram_Malavasi: Gordo:
Regarding the possible sale of the Rams, if they do sell the team to a non-St. Louis interest, and they move the team (to wherever), does the Rams franchise stay intact (ie. wherever they move, will they still be the Rams), or will they be open to changing the team entirely as happend with the Houston Oilers (becoming Tennessee Titans) or the original Cleveland Browns (becoming the Baltimore Ravens)? |
| Jeff Gordon: The Rams name went from Cleveland to LA to here, so I imagine it would go with the team if it moved. We're not talking about the Browns here. |
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| virginiatom: If Bulger struggles early, can you see a quick hook to try and salvage the season with Kyle Boller taking the reins? Is Shurmer's system one that Boller fits into it? I have had the opportunity to watch Boller in some games and am impressed with his big arm. He was rated so high coming out of college but it hasn't worked out for him with Baltimore. What is the knock on him? |
Jeff Gordon: The knock on Boller is that he isn't very good. He didn't make enough good decisions for an offense that just needed to minimize mistakes to win. But he has the physical tools. This season could give him the chance to regroup.
If Bulger tanks, sure, Boller would get a look. |
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| virginiatom: Duece Mcallister is indicating he would be interested in the Rams. Are we interested? Do the folks in the league think he can still play? |
Jeff Gordon: After all those operations, I'd be skeptical. Again, the Rams are better off putting a young guy behind Steven and using that guy for other things, like special teams.
If Deuce an play, then he could go to a playoff contender and fill a Stephen Davis-like role. |
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| BillP: Hey Jeff, who's your pick for the Finals - Pens or Wings? I still think Pittsburgh will take this series despite a GM 1 setback. What's your prediction? Thanks - Have a good week! |
| Jeff Gordon: Detroit's depth was too much for Pittsburgh in Game 2. Only M-A Fleury can save the Pens now by catching fire. |
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| Jimmy: LA has failed miserably with their football experiment many times, I doubt any team will go there especially the Rams. I could see the Rams ending up in San Antonio, there has been football success at the Alamo bowl and Texas is way more suited to hold 3 NFL franchises than Florida or California. If the Rams were to move where do you see them heading. |
| Jeff Gordon: The Alamo Bowl is beyond obsolete. It pales in comparison to The Ed. I can see the Rams staying put and a team like Jacksonville moving instead. |
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| Jimmy: In your opinion who we the be the most improved defensive lineman and and defensive back. I would probably choose Long on the d-line i expect near double digit sacks. In an upset I would pick Jonathan Wade for the D-backs |
| Jeff Gordon: Wade still must prove he can cover. Long is already a pretty good defensive lineman, so I'd say Carriker could surprise IF he can stay healthy. Everybody has written him off, but let's see what he could do for the new staff if he plays in one piece. |
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| Ron Malam: Good afternoon, What do you think about trying to get Freddy Sanchez from the Pirates? The last time the teams made a trade,they both made a couple of trips to the world series,(Pena-VanSlyke), What do you think it would take to get him? Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: I don't see where Sanchez offers a huge upgrade. Now, if he hit like Felipe Lopez did last season after coming over . . . |
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| Vinny D: I heard that the Rams might have interest in acquiring Mike Vick on NFL Network. Is this a valid interest, and how would he fit into the "four pillars"?? How would he fit into the offense?? |
| Jeff Gordon: He would make a mockery of the Four Pillars. And he wouldn't fit the offense at all. |
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aleeex from mexico: HI JEEF!
What reciver do you think is gonna be a surprise this season? (Laurent R., Tim Carter, Brooks F., ). Have a season type like Donnie Avery last year?
thank's |
Jeff Gordon: The Rams believe in Robinson, so he could be the surprise. Foster has the tools. As for Avery and Burton, we never saw what they could do after a full offseason and full camp.
If they stay healthy, people may quit talking about the WR problem. |
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drelboc: Hi Jeff,
Thank you for taking my question!
The recent PD reporting that MO is searching for an impact bat is encouraging to hear. It has been said that something could happen in 7 to 10 days. What are your thoughts on the matter and do you see anything manifesting that would be an impact move?
Thanks again Gordo! |
Jeff Gordon: There is no shortage of third basemen in the walk year of their contracts. And most of those guys are having terrible years. Most teams could use some young pitching. So, sure, making a deal shouldn't be too difficult.
I would just hate to see the team give up too much to get (maybe) some stopgap help for a couple of months. |
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firemarshall: If you had to make a prediction as to who would be the starting SLB who would it be?
My guess is between Larry Grant and Chris Draft...preferably Grant.
Thanks Gordo |
| Jeff Gordon: But Draft has history with the d-coordinator, so I'd pick him. |
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biggame1190: Hey Gordo.
Ok lets say our starters at LB are Witherspoon and Laurinaitis. we have Chris Draft penciled in at the backup at all 3 LB positions. Who would you start at the Open LB spot out of Larry Grant,Dave Vobora,Chirs Chamberlin and Quinton Culberson at this early moment? |
Jeff Gordon: Let's see how they compete through camp, which guys stay healthy and whether more appealing options come free. Much to be decided yet.
To me, Culberson was the disappointment last year. He had a chance to step up and he didn't. |
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| virginiatom: Long a highly touted college player played mediocre last year. Hill, a highly touted cornerback coming out of college has been a bust so far with the Rams. Adam Carriker, a highly touted defensive lineman in college, has been a bust so far with the Rams. Obviously, each of these players were thought very highly of throughout the league when drafted, but have failed to perform any where near as expected. I think that Haslett has to accept alot of blame for failing to develop and coach these players properly at the pro level and I look forward to what Spagnuolo, a competent and proven defensive coach, can do. I just can't believe that these 3 respected college stars are just natural busts. |
Jeff Gordon: Long was fine last year, playing on a horrible team. He was way better than Dorsey, the player fans wanted.
Hill and Carriker were hurt last year, which had nothing to do with Haslett. If they stay healthy this year, it'll be fun to see what they do here. |
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| virginiatom: I wasn't sure of the Rams approach to the draft, with taking Smith over some more accomplished skill players, but I have to admit, their offensive line should be as formidable as any in the league, especially if Bell reverts to his previous form. With that said, Spags needs a huge star defensive tackle as the next piece of his puzzle, to anchor that line and continue with building from the inside out. Do you see that player on the current roster, and anyone over the horizon in free agency or through a realistic trade the Rams are possibly eyeing for next year? |
Jeff Gordon: Next year is next year. It'll be interesting to see what Carriker (who is more a tweener than a future beast) and Ryan do with the new coaches.
Spags has had defenses which made some players. Let's see if he can make these guys players. |
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| virginiatom: Does Claude Wroten have enough potential and upside on the field to take a chance that Spagnulo can straigten him out and give him the discipline he needs off the field? If he did, I would hope that Spags would at least give him a chance under this regime to prove himself, if his play could help the team. I would hate to see him go somewhere else and be the productive defensive tackle that we so desperately need. |
| Jeff Gordon: What has Wroten done to make you believe he would start here? |
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biggame1190: Hey Gordo!
If the rams go with 6 WR on the 52 man roster. Who will they be
1.Avery
2.Burton
3.Robinson
4.?
5.?
6.? |
| Jeff Gordon: I see Stanley making the team, if healthy. And Foster makes the team. Everybody else fights for the one spot, which may go to the best special teams player. |
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CARam: Obviously, the question everyone is thinking, is will the players and coaches lose some heart and momentum, during the pushing and pulling regarding the sale of the Rams.
There is a bonding between players and coaches beginnng now, and every new move Spage and Devaney makes will be up for a go-over from here on out this year, for sure. A new owner will be out of the loop for awhile.
My question is how disruptive will the sale be to the players and the coaches during the sale, either to a local or to say an LA guy. etc.?
It's a little disheartening to see the Rams have another obstacle to climb. |
| Jeff Gordon: Spags knew the team was for sale when he took this job. He has contractual projection for that reason. It won't be an issue. Now, if somebody buys the team and immediate announces that he is going in a new direction, THAT would be a distraction. |
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| Tackleberry: So the book on the Cards is this: line-up every left-hander you have for any series with Saint Louis and unless they reach your bullpen you are almost guaranteed a win? It is getting ridiculous. It is time to get a true talent evaluation of what the Cards have and what they can part with. The "everyone is untouchable" approach is starting to hinder this club because they never make a move. Is Ankiel part of the future? How about Bryan Anderson? If the answer is "no" why are we waiting? |
Jeff Gordon: What would Bryan Anderson fetch in a trade? Or even Ankiel, at this point? More likely, the team will have to move some young pitching to add right-handed heft.
But if the Cards were THAT easy to beat, they wouldn't be one game out of first. |
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Alex Alvidrez: Last year you guys were ridden pretty hard by other media outlets for taking the summer off, mostly fantasy sites concerning your lack of reporting the Rams). This year you guys seem to be reporting a little bit more this year. Is that because of all the razzing you guys took last year.
Alex Alvidrez |
| Jeff Gordon: Razzing? Really? |
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Lawarence Marmie: Hey Gordo,
How long do we have to put up with the "Tye Hill is impressive in training camp" nonsense before we do the smart thing and pick up another DB? Is it going to drag on as long as- let's say- the "This is Jimmy Kennedy's year" diatribe or the "Claude Wroten is taking football seriously" blather? |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, get back to me when Hill is covering guys for real. A lot of guys look great in shorts. Tye lost his confidence out on that island. Can he get it back? We won't know in October or so. |
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ctramsfan: Jeff, are the Rams looking to add any more free agents, (Jason Craft, Morlon Greenwood, Warrick Dunn to name a few)?
Thanks for your time,
John |
| Jeff Gordon: Never say never, but some of these guys have been free for a while. So if the Rams were eager to get them, it would have happened. There is cap money. |
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sbcrams: jeff
The receiving core is a little raw/young are they good enough? Do you think Billy/Spags can turn this thing in the right direction and make run for the playoffs?
Rams fan till the day I die, what ever city they play in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Jeff Gordon: This team isn't planning to throw much. You won't see a lot of three or four WR sets. In that context, there won't be a ton of pressure on these kids as they grow. |
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| Steve in Green Bay: What are you thoughts on Ty Wigginton from the Baltimore Orioles as a 3B solution for the Cardinals? A career .268 hitter with power (right handed) and is familiar with NL pitchers as he was with the Houston Astros in 2007-2008. What would the Cardinals have to give up in a trade; starter, relief pitcher or outfielder? |
| Jeff Gordon: Probably one of each, on some level. Wiggington is a handy guy because he can play all over the field. Wouldn't mind a guy like that. |
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| Darrell: Good bye Rams....It's amazing after only 15 years it's about to happen to St. Louis again. We've had great attendance this time and we are still going to lose this team. It never ceases to amaze me how this town can screw up everything. It was said when they moved here if Georgia got out Stan would take over and we'd be safe. Well he screwed that up by buying Denver everything. I hope I'm wrong but I've got that same feeling when the Cardinals were about to move. I can't believe there are no deep pockets in this town who like sports...Back to a little league town I guess....Maybe the NBA...Nah..we'd probably get the Clippers..... |
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, the Kroenke Factor seemed solid at the time. Now he is pretty busy, as you say. The trouble with the STL is we've lost a lot of corporate HQs and a lot of manufacturing jobs -- jobs that paid for a lot of tickets.
STL may not be a three-franchise town for the long haul. Our bigger challenge will be rebuilding our local economy. |
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Clancy: Jeff,
Asking price (per Forbes estimate in a pre-depression-like economy)was 929MM. At 60% we are talking about 557.4MM
Lets say the minority owner Mr K buys 9% more, remaining as a minority owner and NOT violating any NFL by-laws.
That leaves 507MM to cover. Chip may want a legacy ownership share say 3%leaving the nut at 492MM.
Here is the question? Who in the STL region has 500MM?
Bernie did a great job telling us about the facts as he knows or believes them to be, but I think those of us responding to your discussion today would like to know who the players with 'Real Ownership Potential' in our region might be. Enterprise is one I suppose. Has he ever been on the record on the topic? Who else is viable?
Economics:
What did STL lose in annual revenues when the Big Red left town?
What do the 'experts' estimate is the annual reveue generated by the Rams the last 3 years?
Can we afford to let the Rams leave knowing that we won't see another NFL team in our lifetimes here in STL? (I think we are about the same age)
Look forward to your response! |
Jeff Gordon: It's debatable that having or losing sports teams makes a big difference. It's more an image thing-- and a good image CAN attract new business, to a degree.
As a region, we need to be way more focused on rebuilding our corporate and manufacturing base than keeping a NFL team.
As for individuals, the old Civic Progress gang is pretty much gone. Rush Limbaugh would be interesting, in the right sort of group. |
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Rob: Well Gordo nobody should be surprised by the recent Rams announcement to sell the non Kroenke shares. My only question is do we have someone to step up. Although the current economic downturn has impacted the NFL it's still one of the surest cash cows out there. Even an organization as inept as Bill Bidwell still made millions every year. With that said The Busch family certainly has the money following the In Bev sale. The Taylor family of Enterprise seem to be another prime candidate. Come on folks don't you think it would be fun to own an NFL team? Contact Goldman Sachs and put your bid in. Let's not let this drag on to allow a non St. Louis group to come in and take another NFL team away from. I promise to keep my season tickets to do my part.
Gordo who else are potential suitors in St. Louis? Is Rush Limbough a viable candidate? |
Jeff Gordon: Owning a NFL team is a good deal, since there is a 100 percent chance you will make money. But . . . the guarantee of franchise appreciation may not be as golden as it once was.
Still, it is a pretty cool, exclusive club. |
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Michael Kent: Jeff ...
With his recent success, Nick Stavinoha seems to be making a good case to stay with the Cards for the long-term. Agreed? If not, what situation could send him back down to Memphis?
Thanks. |
| Jeff Gordon: As long as Nick hits -- and until the team adds more righthanded beef -- he has a gig here. He fills a huge need. |
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| teddy: What happened to Larussa's mantra "best player's play" when it comes to Chris Duncan ? If he's not hitting home runs he's useless - why not Stavinoha for a week straight and sit Duncan? |
Jeff Gordon: Duncan has been a better run producer than Ankiel. He draws a lot of walks and has a great OPS. Homers are great, but the OPS is a good number.
That said, he needs to play better defense to stay in the rotation. He has cost the team a couple games with his comparative lack of range. |
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| Glenn: Cardinals carrying 13 pitchers is silly. Teams start lefties against us and we have no Right-Handed Hitters to offset this. Thompson has not pitched in 15 plus days. He is mediocre at best anyway. Another solid right-hand hitting OF would allow Duncan and Rasmus to sit some verus lefties. Robinson? Craig? Mather or Freese when they get healthy? |
Jeff Gordon: If the Cards had another good RH hitter to mix in, then, sure, the team should immediately go to back to 12 pitchers. Mozeliak is trying to add another big hitter from that side, so the issue could come to a head.
None of the guys at Memphis are ready to make a difference right now. |
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Glenn: Third base situation assuming Glaus is done for the year. My vote Beltre or Mora. Cardinals need an RBI guy to take this spot. If we eat the salary what else do we have to give up? (Cardinals have room to spend).
Wallace is my fallback pick and I wish the Cardinals would stop bad mouthing his defense like they have with Anderson at C. If it is that bad why did they draft him number 1. He played 3rd in college. Seems to an issue with a manager and pitching coach who want seasoned vets to play on the roster but a front office that want to go with young players. |
Jeff Gordon: Wallace could be OK at third, but right now he has to get his bat going at the Class AAA level. He has to make that adjustment.
Beltre used to be a good player. He can still run a little, which is a nice plus. But his offensive tailspin is a concern. He would be a gamble, just as Greene was. I wouldn't pay much more than the Cards did for Khalil. |
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Murat from Pitt: Hi Gordo,
If Chip Rosenbloom owes 45% inheritance tax, why does he not sell 45% of what he and his sisters owns (60%*45%=27%)and give the buyer the majority ownership rights with their support? I read that they still would like to retain some portion of the Rams. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Murat |
| Jeff Gordon: Chip would like to keep an hand in it, but running a team doesn't interest him. So it's time to get out, pay off the feds and get on with his live in Hollywood. |
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| Glenn: Blues need to get a solid backup goalie and another scorer. Make that two if Walt is not resigned. Do you see Petro making the team next year? He and Johnson will eventually give the Blues puck moving defensemen that they lacked this year! |
Jeff Gordon: Alex has a lot to prove to get in the top six next year, but he'll be there eventually. First of all, the team needs to get Johnson and Brewer healthy.
This team has ample candidates to fill an offensive role -- and Kariya has another year left. And there will be plenty of goaltenders to pick from. |
|
| Glenn: Big season for Missouri football. A talented but young QB with an unproven WR core and some young offensive linemen. A defense that needs to get a lot better. Does Missouri take a big step back or hang in there and compete for the North Championship? |
| Jeff Gordon: A worthy goal would be to win seven or eight games and go to a bowl game. Contending for the North title is asking a lot of an unproven group, as you note. |
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| HEG: Gordo I feel the Cardinal platoon system is a failure; yesterday they had 12 LOB which is totally unacceptable; they have several hitters hitting 220 to 240 which is tolerable if they can produce with men in scoring position; yesterday was a classic example where they needed the 13th position player instead of the 13 pitchers. I felt when the Cards sent Tyler Greene down that was a mistake because they needed the right handed bat; the Cardinal left handed batters are helpless against lefthanders. I feel that Mizzou softball & baseball teams were outclassed in the tournaments this week-end. Do you agree with any of tyhe statements above? |
Jeff Gordon: Another position player would help IF the guy was a power hitter. I agree that the bench needs a boost. And the lineup leans too much to the left.
This have been an issue since Day One. Stavinoha has, for a stretch, anyway, made a difference. |
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rich: Jeff; Why do the Cards keep Thompason like dirt? I mean really they call the guy from Memphis and then a few days send him back down. How does he even have any options left?
And I really want to know want to know when Rasmus is going to be sent down, not only to learn how to hit and throw again but an attitude adjustment as well?. 5 tool player my bu**
thanks
Rich |
Jeff Gordon: Rasmus has been fine for a 22-year-old rookie. Getting Ankiel in gear is a much bigger issue. If Ankiel hit like he did last year, then, sure, sending Rasmus down for full-time duty could be a away to get another RH bat into the bench mix.
Thompson is just a depth guy. In times like this, with starting pitching nicked up, he's a handy guy to have. |
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GScottAR: Jeff,
You have mentioned in this space before that the Cardinals do not lack the rescources to make a move to upgrade the team. Are you puzzled as to why the team continues to "hold its powder dry?" Do you feel the front office will finally use some of these resources you speak of to address the recent woes with the offense by upgrading a 3B bat? If not, what are they doing with these rescources? |
Jeff Gordon: The Cards have a short-term need at 3B. There are several candidates to fill that need. For the right price, the team will add one.
Mozeliak won't overspend with his team a game out of first. |
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| redbirdswin: When is Adam Kennedy scheduled for his next "random" performace enhancing drug test? GOOD LORD. |
| Jeff Gordon: Good one. |
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Matt from Crystal Lake: Hi Jeff
I'm curious about GM longevity. I've heard a new GM gets around 5 years to build his team and prove he's capable. Do you think John Mozeliak will get more or less? I realize that hind site is 20/20 and it's easy to criticize after a deal that looked good has gone south. But isn't that part of being a GM? You're gonna sink or swim making predictions about player ability vs cost. In that vein, has Mo made a good deal yet? The trades for Glaus and Greene were both bad deals for the Cards at this point. You almost have to call the Perdomo thing incompetence. And, I think to many in Cardinal nation he seems ultimately powerless to spend top dollar or trade top prospects. But then maybe that's for the best as his track record as a GM isn't that great. |
Jeff Gordon: THE TEAM IS A GAME OUT OF FIRST PLACE, despite suffering a slew of simultaneous injuries. And the organization has turned one of the worst farm systems into one of the best.
The Cards have money to spend,prospects to promote and deal . . . yeah, this is a total disaster all right. |
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| Mike Gregory: Gordo, I thought Kroenke had already purchased an additional stake (9%) of the Rams making his total ownership value at 49%. Also, what interest would Bill and Nancy Laurie, Kroenke's in-laws, have in purchasing the other 51%? With deep pockets and ties to the Wal-Mart fortune, I would hardly think money would be an issue. What would happen to the PSL holders whose licenses were supposedly good for 30 years if the Rams do locate after the 2015 season? Thanks, Mike. |
| Jeff Gordon: Laurie has the money, for sure, but his last ownership experience was bitter. And he is a hoops guy, not a football guy. |
|
NY Card Fan: Gordo,
As much as I don't want to, it's now at a point that I have no choice but to use the F-word when watching the Cardinals: FRUSTRATING. It is incredibly obvious to anyone who knows anything about baseball that this team needs another RH bat in the lineup...yet we have to watch Duncan, Ankiel, Rasmus, and Thurston consistently come up short against lefties in key situations. (Note #1: I'm excusing Schumaker from my rant, as he's really improved against lefty pitching. Note #2: I don't know what's worse...watching Duncan at the plate or watching Duncan in the field). When is Mo going to wake up and do something to improve the balance in the lineup? The pitching has been too good to continue to handicap them with this very limited lineup. |
| Jeff Gordon: And earlier, the starting pitching wasn't good enough to support the hitting. The key is getting everything going at once. |
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mitchem11: Hey Gordo,
Thanks for your time.
Obviously, Kahlil Greene has been a bust so far. What is your take on this guy? Hopeful or another "rose-colored glasses" situation like with Mulder and Carpenter last year and Glaus this year?
Also, what are your vibes concerning the Birds 3rd baseman situation? I would love to see DeRosa. Good player who can play many positions and seems like a good clubhouse guy. Seems like a great fit for TLR. |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd pretty much write him off. Nice guy, big issues, move on. Ryan and T. Greene can give the team enough at that position moving forward. |
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JoePa: Gordo,
Will the front office make a sincere attempt to upgrade the offense or will the team receive no help just like last year?
Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: If they could add a guy like Felipe Lopez -- who did an amazing job after arriving in midseason -- that would really help. |
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| Dale: Are the cards going to file a claim against the Padres ( greene) and will they REALLY trade for a third basemen thanks |
Jeff Gordon: Greene broke his hand during a self-abuse incident, so the team knew there was some baggage. This was a gamble. Maybe not to this extent, but he was a gamble.
I'd expect the team to add a third baseman, yes. Which of these underproductive guys can help. |
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Dave from Decatur: Which one would look best hitting in this lineup from the following list? I believe if a move isn't made soon, the Cardinals will be wasting a whole lotta good pitching this season. I belive they need more production from 3B, SS, and LF
1. Matt Holliday (not likely)
2. Garret Atkins (terrible start)
3. Hank Blaylock (Rangers still in 1st)
4. Adrian Beltre (see he's no injured)
5. Miguel Tejada
6. Your pick |
Jeff Gordon: More than adding a 3B, the Cards have to get Ludwick, Duncan, Ankiel and Rasmus going at the same time.
Then the team could take on an Atkins or Beltre project and not have to put too much on this guy.
Holliday would be a rental. Not interested at those dollars. |
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redbirdswin: Your opinion - what's the most likely outcome of the 3B situation?
a) Glaus returns in August
b) Mo stays the course with Thurston/Barden
c) trade for DeRosa
d) trade for Atkins
e) Cards fill from within (Mather, Freese, Wallace, etc.) |
Jeff Gordon: DeRosa would be the most attractive guy, since he is a La Russa type capable of playing elsewhere. But he would cost the most.
I expect a deal. |
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LeadDog6: Gordo good afternoon,
Should Schumaker bat 2nd behind Ryan in the line-up? I think that makes sense having a .300 hitter in that slot instead of the 9th slot. He would theoretically get more at-bats that way. It could mean more RBI opportunities for Pujols. Also, Skip is arguably in the conversation about being a back-up at 2B for the all-star game behind Utley. His numbers are consistent with Freddy Sanchez, Orlando Hudson, and Felipe Lopez.
How's Jaime Garcia's rehab coming along? It would be nice to have him as a lefty in the rotation next year. |
Jeff Gordon: Garcia could well work into the 2010 rotation to add a lefty arm.
Skip will usually bat at the top. Against certain lefties, he might get dropped. But he'll mostly be at the top. |
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marpdagn: Hey, Gordo.
With approx. 23 mil either on the disabled list or in another ML uniform, how likely are the Cardinals, in dire need of a RH bat, likely to assume another 5 mil or so for the likes of a Garret Atkins or Dan Uggla, and at the same time either parting with Little Dunc or some of the "eggs"? |
| Jeff Gordon: Money isn't the issue. It's dealing young pitching that could be the issue. |
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Kevin: Gordo,
Do you REALLY think the Cards are going to make a significant trade for offense? If so, how soon is that likely to get done...this month or the July deadline? Last, who do you realisitically expect them to target?
Thanks,
Kevin |
| Jeff Gordon: We've discussed most of the names. As long as the team is within arm's reach of the lead, there is no need to overspend on a stopgap player that might not even add much. |
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ColumbiaBob: Thanks for considering my question. It is my opinion that we have better pinch hitting options than Chris Duncan with the bases loaded and one out. I would much rather have seen Rasmus bat in that situation. He has a high rate of production with runners in scoring position and less likely to strike out. My question is this; did we use our best option (in your opinion), and is it likely we will be looking to add a player at third base any time soon?
I really appreciate your insight.
Thanks, and "GO CARDS!" |
| Jeff Gordon: Duncan just had a huge hit the day before, so I'm baffled by your assessment. He had a terrible at bat Sunday, but he has been a nice run producer. |
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| Jeepster: Jeff: In light of what's come to light in regards to the Khalil Greene situation and what Mo knew of his medical condition prior to that deal, are you now prepared to re-access your opinion of the job Mozeliak is doing as G.M.? ...and why should we believe his newest claim of "purseing an impact bat"? |
Jeff Gordon: THE TEAM IS A GAME OUT OF FIRST PLACE. The farm system has done a 180 since 2005, under his direction. Prospects are stacking up.
So, no, I'm not reassessing. |
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| jimmy joe: What's the best shirt to wear if one is a concerned, knowledgeable parent who has advice to offer high school umpires/referees? |
| Jeff Gordon: Bright green! |
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Ed C: Gordo
After reading Bernie's article 3 questions come to mind that I wonder if you help with:
According to Bernie, Luhnow is doing a great job. Really? How many of his Faberge eggs (prospects) are actually on the roster? Rasmus looks the part but I can't think of another one. I mean a guy who was actually drafted and developed under Luhnow's watch. Maybe Motte and Perez. Isn't the jury is still out by a long ways?
I mean Jocketty did tend to trade away young players, but how many of the players he traded actually developed into bonafide long term starters or stars on different teams, I can think only of Adam Kennedy and J.D. Drew. And I know times have changed from when Jocketty was wheeling and dealing but look what he has done with Cincinnasty with younger players (dictated by their financial situation I'm sure). Wasn't Jocketty was responsible for the majority of players on the current roster that enable the Birds to contend (Pujols, Ludwick, Wainwright, Carpenter, Molina, Franklin)?
And finally, would Jocketty really have resisted putting more emphasis on minor league expansion and development? To me isn't this more of a case DeWitt taking control from the baseball people (Jocketty) and giving them to his cronies (Luhnow)? That is the nicest way I can put it and I know it is his perogative, he is the owner after all. Just because you own a professional team doesn't mean you know much about running a successful one (Jerry Jones comes to mind). Set me straight Gordo |
Jeff Gordon: DeWitt won a world championship and two pennants as owner, so he has clue.
Rasmus is a nice prospect. So are T. Greene, Perez, Motte, McClellan, Boggs, Ryan . . . the list is pretty long. This franchise could have seven home-grown players in eight positions next years. Not bat.
Some of those preceded Luhnow's involvement, but experts agree that the once horrid farm system is now one of the best. |
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| ZomboFanInTX: Will Petro be physically strong enough to make the team? Secondly, can you explain to the well meaning & passionate blues fans that have no playing experience how the forwards have to alter their positional game in order to make up for last years poor transitional game due to many of 'D' not being offensively gifted? It is my position that you could take this years Detroit offensive players and pair them with last years blues defensemen and only get a marginally better record over the course of the year. Am I wrong? |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, the Red Wings have great offensive defensemen, too. it's easier to play when you take a pass in stride and have room to skate as a result. They can move the puck. When the Blues add E.Johnson, Brewer and maybe Petro (or Junland) to their mix next year, that has to change. |
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| Tony: Gordo, ESPN Insider says there are strong new reports that say Vick (and his PETA friends) may be headed to the Rams. Please ease our minds and tell us what's really going on. |
| Jeff Gordon: Going for Vick at this point in the rebuilding process would be silly. He doesn't fit anything Spags is trying to do. |
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| ramsman1983: Why can't St. Louis do what Green Bay has done? The people can own the team. I got $300 to put down. That only leaves like 600 million... |
| Jeff Gordon: That was a one-time shot. Teams didn't have nearly this type Once the U.S. runs out of billionaires, maybe that ownership model could come back. |
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Ruben: Hey Jeff,
Thanks for taking my question. Do you think this announcement, the Rams being for sale, is a way to shake up a local owner? When Chip announced the team would not turn down a good local ownership offer last year, was he making a very basic negotiation mistake? Is he just trying to make up for that and push a higher price by bringing in outside ownership groups? I have a hard time believing he would let someone buy the Rams and move them to LA, after how poorly the LA fans treated his mother. Or, are there really no one in the St. Louis area willing to take on this purchase? |
| Jeff Gordon: Chip has been sincere about getting a St. Louis buyer, but nobody has emerged yet. So now the game changes . . . |
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williemcgee51: Gordo,
STL fan in Wisconsin here...what are the odds and timeline that I have to convert to being a Packer fan after the Rams move? |
| Jeff Gordon: Long-, long-term, the Rams could move somewhere. I would expect the new owner to at least demand a new stadium before moving. That's when it will get interesting. |
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williemcgee51: Gordo,
The P-D has run some nice coverage on two of our middle infielders down on the farm: Daniel Descalso and Jose Martinez. Do you think these guys will reach the majors in 2010? If they do reach the majors, go out on a limb for me...what kind of high-ceiling player comparisons could you draw? |
| Jeff Gordon: I don't know that they project to become more than utility infielders right now. I'd be more focused on Ryan and T. Greene, along with Kozma. |
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Brian: Hey Gordo,
Thank as always for answering our questions. With the obvious lacking of power at third, Mozeliak needs to make a move to bring a bat in. Glaus looks like he won't play this season. That said, who out of: Beltre, DeRosa, and Atkins would you like to see come to the Cards? |
| Jeff Gordon: DeRosa, because he could help the team in other ways. |
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| MNCardsFan: Gordo, I see that Schu started, and had some success against some lefties this weekend. Is this a sign of improvement, and the possibility of him becoming a true everday player? |
| Jeff Gordon: He looks like an everyday player to me. |
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Mark: What has happened to Chris Duncan's power stroke? Is he healed? Has his swing been changed? Or restrained to up his OBP?
Thank you. |
| Jeff Gordon: He is still regaining strength from his surgery. Overall, his approach at the plate has been great -- but he clearly he can't jack the ball like he did. |
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williemcgee51: Gordo,
Any word on the starting pitcher for tomorrow night? It seemed it would be Thompson and then possibly a minor league callup. Is it between Thompson, Boggs and MAYBE Mortensen?
I know it may not make baseball sense, but I'd like to see if Mortensen can get the Reds to pound the ball into the ground. Thompson's "sinker" usually ends up in the seats. |
Jeff Gordon: Personally I won't know until I get to the park later today. Boggs got beat up in his last two starts for Memphis, so that's a concern.
I'd start Thompson and showcase him. |
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david g.: Gordo,
How much longer do you think the Cards will wait until they trade for a right-handed hitter? Who do you think that will be? Do you see Miguel Tejada as an option? Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd be surprised if Houston gave up so early, given that team's history of finishing well. |
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Heathen: Gordo,
How likely is it that Khalil Greene will be healthy enough to play this season? Seems like a pretty bad situation - for oldtimers like me it harkens back to Jimmy Piersall and "Fear Strikes Out." |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, I'd move on, for his good and the good of the team. |
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coachdave: HI JEFF
What chance of Stan Kroenke selling the avalance and pepsi center?
Then he could petition to move the Nuggets to St. Louis, this would
allow Mr. Kroenke a oppotunity to own the NFLRams and NBA Nuggets. This
at least puts pressure on Mr. Bowlen from the broncos to support Kroenke
and waive the NFL cross ownership rule. |
| Jeff Gordon: That's not happening for a lot of reasons. |
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| Smokey Bones: Hello sir, thanks for listening! My question is about the third base situation. Calls now seem to be for a rental, but we all know this clashes with recent organizational philosophy. If we do make a trade, I'd hope that it would be for a younger, controlled player (EE, Jock?), making wallace bait for a front-line pitching prospect. I don't think a trade like this would vastly improve our chances this season though. I say send Boggs, Jon Jay, Brian Anderson, Jason Motte, and a lower level prospect to the Marlins for Hanley Ramirez. Hell, sweeten the deal, a little, if you have to. We all know Hanley, and this has been dismissed a gajillion times in cyberspace, but the fish are struggling, and need depth in areas that we have. Automatically in St. Lou, you have the best back-to-back punch in the game, for many years to come. Hanley can play short this year, and possibly move to third next spring. This might even be enough to keep Albert for sure, and maybe not even break the bank in the process. Send Wallace to the Yanks/Red Sox for Hughes/Bowden and make a run this year, next year, year after......Thoughts? |
Jeff Gordon: Wallace would eventually be trade bait, IF the team keeps Pujols.
As for 3B, I don't give up on Freese yet. |
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| Joe: Jeff- how about Kroenke selling his basketball team and hockey team to Laurie and buying the rest of the Rams? Laurie is a basketball guy who always wanted a NBA team. Keep all three teams in the family. |
| Jeff Gordon: These two are not buddies. |
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| Aaron: Why not trade for Cantu from Florida. We need an impact Right hand bat not just a right hand bat. That would be a dominate line up and it is cost effective. Cards FO uses a double edge sword all the time, too much money or too many prospects. Guess what if you wont spend money on the top free agents then you have to trade prospects. You can't have it both ways cheap and impact. Cantu could be a big piece here for a long time, whether it is at 3B or OF. What do you think? |
| Jeff Gordon: But right now he would be just another guy not hitting up to his potential. |
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| StSpiff: Outside of Los Angeles, are there really any markets out there for the NFL that would be better than St. Louis? We just need to encourage the Raiders and Viking to move first. The last Minnesota team to move to LA did OK. |
| Jeff Gordon: Some day Las Vegas gets a team. Portland is a possibility. Toronto, too. And Europe. |
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renostl: Gordo
Aren't the Cards in the perfect spot to "overspend" for a bat that may help both this season and in the future?
With the mentioned 23 mil coming off of the books and none of those players needing replaced this may be the time to make a push. IMO I would look at the OF both short and long term, |
| Jeff Gordon: Money isn't the issue as much as trading long-term talent. |
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| bobnd80: How can you say that Freddie Sanchez is not a huge upgrade ? He is a former batting champion that is hitting over .300 and just had six hits in a game. Maybe not a huge upgrade at 2B, anybody that hits over .250 is a huge upgrade at third. |
| Jeff Gordon: I want a big-time power guy at 3B, if the Cards have to give up much. |
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| Jeff: Jeffrey - Anyway we bring back the Dream Weaver and throw him in the 'pen? |
| Jeff Gordon: Why? |
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Lawarence Marmie: Hey Gordo,
How about those Yankees? After a hellish start, they've been looking like they're actually playing up to their paychecks. I was worried about Sabathia playing under the pressure of the Big Apple, but he seems fine with it. Of course, October might be another story. |
| Jeff Gordon: Money is talking, eh? |
|
MIke: Gordo,
I was wondering what you thought the Cards are going to do with Ring. Having a great year in AAA but he is not on the 40 man roster and with two LOOGIES already, no real need. Will he just finish the year at Memphis or will they try and take advantage and see if they can get a little something for him before he walks at the end of the year? |
| Jeff Gordon: Ring doesn't have a whole lot of value. He could fill in here, if catastrophe strikes. |
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| Mysterio6: Gordo: To point out that the Cards could use a Felipe Lopez-type acquisition seems to me a significant indictment of the FO in the last off-season. Seems we HAD a "Felipe Lopez type." And I don't understand the point about "we're a game out of first-place." We were IN first place much of last year; the team finished fourth. Is it enough just to be "not eliminated" before September 15? |
Jeff Gordon: Lopez came for nothing, which made him a great get. The Cards kept their kids and some of them are helping right now.
Mo can afford to keep the long term in mind because the team is in good overall shape. Any move he makes, he will make it in that context. |
|
| Jeff: Because the Dream Weaver is a winner! |
| Jeff Gordon: And he would give the Cards 14 pitchers. |
|
| Lawarence Marmie: I'm hoping that lovie's signing of Pisa works out as well for him as the Archuleta and Kennedy signings did. Do you think he'll be able to talk the Bears into letting Urlacher go and replace him with Jamie Duncan for 5 million a year? |
| Jeff Gordon: Bam -- a Jamie Duncan shot. |
|
| Tackleberry: My friends and I are having a huge argument regading Duncan and Rasmus. They are sure he should consider seeing regular playing time even if it means Duncan getting spot starts. I contend that if you look at the first half of 2007 you can see Duncan's potential, meanwhile Rasmus is struggling in his first real exposure (not that I doubt he is the future). So who is right? |
| Jeff Gordon: Colby has to hit better to earn regular time. He's helping, but he has to do more to move Duncan aside. Chris has a lot more good at bats. |
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| kat89447: It seems that most of baseball agrees that Dave Duncan is the pitching guru, if this is so how come our minors still teach one way instead of getting on board with his style. It would seem the transition from minors to majors would go more smoothly, instead of having them learn on the fly. Also, yes we need another rh bat and preferably in the infield, but Skip and B. Ryan seemed to have earned their way to everyday status with the state of things now, isn't it time that TLR just let them play and stop playing every match up. Sometimes you just gotta let them make a mistake or two and learn from that. 150 different lineups a year just seems a little over the top. |
Jeff Gordon: I agree on Skip. Ryan is getting there. When this team gets a 3b -- if this team gets the next 3B -- things will settle a bit.
The revolving door at the hot corner and the extra OF really made this an unusual season.
That's it for this week. See you next Monday! |
|
| Jeff: We have 14 pitchers now, but we all know Brad Thompson doesn't have the staying power. Every championship team needs a crafty veteran in the 'pen, and I say that crafty veteran should be the Dream Weaver! |
Jeff Gordon: Good one.
See you next week. |
