Doug Lacina: Gordo

How do you think the interior of the offensive line will end up? Incognito seems a slam dunk for one of the guard spots, but is McCollum still in the mix for center? Is Setterstram a given for the other guard? Is this the year Alex Baron gets the snap count?

Jeff Gordon: Don't rule out Claude Terrell at guard or Dustin Fry at center. McCollum ought to be the center if he is his old self, but that is a big if. Incognito and Barron are future stars and Setterstrom could become a mainstay, too, if he progresses in pass protection.

Amy: Jeff,
What is your opinion of having the Cards use Chris Perez, Franklin (Percival), and Izzy in 2008 in a manner similar to how Houston used Lidge, Dotel and Wagner?

Jeff Gordon: Perez has electric stuff, so we could see him later this year. And I would keep Izzy if he keeps this up. So, yes, this could work. Franklin is in Year Two of his successful shift to the bullpen. Percival probably wouldn't stick around to set up IF he got his old stuff back. But that would be a nice problem for Walt to have this winter . . .

dan sabo: I have been a Peter Sejna fan and hoping he would make and stay on the Blues' roster. It's my opinion that they have not given him enough consistent playing time to prove himself. It seems like when he was brought up his ice time was pretty limited and then before you knew it he was sent back down.They seemed to be a lot more patient with Backes as an example. Do you agree? Also, what do you feel he has to improve in his game to make and stay with the big club or do you just think his days with the Blues are numbered?
Thanks, Dan Sabo

Jeff Gordon: Backes is a strong kid and a worker. Sejna is skilled and smart, but he hasn't played with the urgency needed to stay on one of the top two lines. And he can't help you on the No. 3 or No. 4 line, as a physical player like Backes can. Andy Murray gave Sejna a pretty good look last year and not much happened. Peter either needs to go much harder here, settle for a decent life in the AHL or return to Europe to play.

Dan Mercer: If Ankiel continues to tear it up in AAA, do you forsee them calling him up for a bench role before September? What about next year? Do you trade Juan for a prospect?

Jeff Gordon: If Ankiel comes up before September, he will come up to play regularly. The Cards want him to get a maximum number of ABs this season. They must decide whether to give him regular work and starting outfielder money for '08 -- because he can walk as a free agent.

As for Juan E., he won't have much trade value unless he is really pounding the ball.

Trevor: Hey Jeff, I have some concerns with the Rams defensive line. With Kennedy being shipped off to Denver for just about nothing, I think the Rams are putting a lot of their eggs into the basket of Carriker. What other possible moves could the Rams make to bolster thier D-Line? Is Jenkins still a possibility? Thanks for your time.

Jeff Gordon: I was baffled by Kennedy's exit at this point of the offseason. Why not get to training camp to see where the kids really are? And why deal him for a sixth-round pick when you weren't sure what else you could acquire between now and then? Apparently the coaches were as disappointed with him as Ram Nation in general.

The Jenkins deal has to be in play now. When the club didn't jump at Sam Adams, I figured they were happy with their unit. That obviously wasn't the case.