Tim: Who is a better hitter Anderson or Rasmus? Do you see Anderson trying out many other positions?

Jeff Gordon: Long-term, Rasmus is the better hitting prospect. But Anderson has progressed well enough behind the plate to stay there. Good-hitting catchers are hard to find.

phil: When do you think Izzy will be back in the 9th?

Jeff Gordon: Great question. TLR will want to get Izzy reestablished with a few easy assignment, I believe. The day off should help Franklin regroup as the interim closer. If Izzy has a couple of crisp outings and gets his feel back, then, sure, try him again.

The good news: Perez is ready to take over as needed. So from that standpoint, there is no extra pressure on Izzy.

Michael Kent: Jeff ...

During one of your live chats about three or four weeks ago, I raised the question to you about whether it was possible that Izzy was tipping his pitches. You replied that tipping was something Dave Duncan is usually good at catching and seemed to suggest that nothing was mentioned about it. However, while Izzy was rehabbing in Florida, news accounts were saying that Chris Carpenter and Josh Kinney both noticed tipping in the delivery.

So my question is ... how could Duncan have not noticed it while Izzy was in the middle of his struggles?

Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: Great question -- Duncan is usually all over pitch tipping. They look at tape all the time. I don't know if it became more pronounced in the minors, but that was a good catch by the pitchers watching. Josh Kinney earns his keep!

Brian L.: What ever happened to Bud Smith after he was traded to the Phillies in '02? Is he out of baseball?

Jeff Gordon: The last two years he pitched independent league baseball in California, and not very well. He could never get past shoulder woes. He never made it up with Philly.

Jallarie: The Blues are rumored to be interested in Blackhawks forward Jason Williams. If he is signed, what do you think is value dollar wise would be? And if healthy do you think he could be a key contributor to this club going forward with the youth movement?

Jeff Gordon: A few months ago, there was some speculation of interest. Lately, we haven't heard much. He would be a solid get . . . at the rest price. I'm more interested in getting Stempniak back to his old self.