Tackleberry: Gordo,

Do you think that Spags' "four pillars" might have been something that was best kept as an internal reference point? It seems that this critera, applied to almost all free agents/draft picks, is becoming almost as limiting to the Rams as "low hanging fruit" and "dry powder" has become to the Cardinals.

Jeff Gordon: For a rebuilding program -- one that is trying to overcome inherited character issues -- I think this is a good position to take. It is good PR and it is a good way to rebuild the core of a team. When the team finishes below .500, management can point to this as a price to pay to rebuilding character as well as talent. And most fans will accept on-field failure if they believe overall progress is being made with the right sort of players.

Now, if you take shortcuts, take on questionable character and still fail -- that is a problem.

Once the team has a good leadership core, then it can take a few more chances on guys. The the front office can count on leaders to police the team.

rvines217: Last year Molina and Ludwig had career years with the bat and we still finished 4th. Now we have no 3rd baseman; no major league 2nd baseman and Duncan/Stavinoha covering about 5 yards square each in left field. In the pitching department we have Wellemeyer, Pineiro and Lohse, all mediocre at best. Wainwright is pitching like a rookie again. Everyone in the FO is looking at the minor league "eggs" through rose colored glasses. Can you please tell me why Albert would want to stick out the rest of his career in this mess? I've been watching Cardinal baseball since 1947. I stand to be corrected if you can.

Jeff Gordon: If team keeps contending, as it is now, then he will listen to the Cards offers. If the franchise keeps developing "plus" prospects like Rasmus, Perez, Motte, McClellan, T. Greene and keeps locking in key young veterans like Wainwight and Molina, then he will listen to offers.

The Las Vegas Cardinal: Gordo,
Hello from Las Vegas.
Ok what are the real odds the Cardinals will make "ANY" deal?
And after you make the odds can we place a bet? lol

Thanks...

Jeff Gordon: The Cards will make at least one deal, but the prime time for deals is still four to five weeks off.

BillP: Hey Jeff, how bout them Penguins! Awesome turnaround, you gotta give their coach a lot of credit. Unlike last year, this years team adjusted during the series and that was the difference. Remember last year? How Detroit stuffed them and Pittsburgh had trouble getting the puck up ice? This year at the start of the series, Pittsburgh was true to form, carrying the puck over Detroits blue line trying to be creative, but in games 6 and 7 they predominantly dumped the puck in and really threw a changeup at Detroit. It didn't hurt that Fleury was fantastic in Game 7 either, he really rose to the occassion. Great Game! And how bout Hossa? Has he put a big monkey on his back or what? If he knows what's good for him, he'll take whatever he can with Detroit and just ink a new deal there and maybe he'll eventually get that Cup, but zero goals in a 7 game Finals don't look too good on his resume. Thanks - Have a good week !

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, the Red Wings want to keep Hossa. Apparently Detroit will dump several mid-tier forwards to make that happen. In a somewhat depressed FA market, he ought to re-up and stay where he is.

Michael Kent: Jeff ...

Any chance that Brad Thompson stays in the rotation once Kyle Lohse returns from the DL? I mean, the Cards are 19-8 whenever Thompson starts. How can TLR and DD continue to ignore this? Send Todd Wellemeyer to the bullpen to sort himself out.

Also, if the voting were held today, how would Colby Rasmus fare in NL Rookie of the Year voting? Who are the prime rookies in the league at this point?

Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: If Thompson pitches as well as he did last time out, he will stay in the rotation. That was impressive. Wellemeyer is throwing up caution flags with his talk about declining velocity.

Gamel of the Brewers will take a run at the NL rookie of the year honors. Lot of pop there. McCutchen with the Pirates has time to do big damage too.