Tackleberry: Gordo,
What would you think of this move: trade for Holliday and let Ankiel and Ludwick both walk at the end of the year; sign Holliday to an extension using the Ludwick/Ankiel money; move Schumaker back to the outfield; infield is Pujols, Ryan, T. Greene, and Wallace or FA?
Ankiel and Ludwick are both "free swingers" and it would seem that most of their problems at the plate stem from them swinging at bad pitches, getting behind in the count early, and then they are just guessing. We just can't continue to get excited every time they go 1 for 4 and raise their average to .240. |
Jeff Gordon: Holliday is the top FA outfielder coming out. He is also a guy with huge question marks, owing to his so-so numbers outside of Colorado. There is a real chance to overspend there. I'm not sure he would consider an extension, given his leverage and the fact that free-spending LA/Anaheim has an interest.
Rasmus, as a rookie, has nearly matched Holliday's on base+slugging percentage, .783 to .790. So I don't see Matt as the cure-all.
De Rosa is a better fit for both the near and far term. DeRosas has five more homers than Holliday this year and 39 more RBI.
I agree on the Ankiel/Ludwick concerns. Ryan, as a RH hitter, still has value because of his relatively limited cost. This team should keep him, but add additional RH beef. |
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Josie Wales: Hi ya Gordo..thanks for taking my call,
"MO is an idiot, DeWitt is cheap (or a dimwit), you Gordo are a brown noser, the kool aid drinkers are fools, etc...".
What percentage of the Cardinal base do you think shares this negative, hateful disposition toward the team and anyone who thinks the sky is not falling? These tools make it hard to back up the claim that STL has such great, knowledgeable fans.
Enjoy your work. |
| Jeff Gordon: It's amazing that such a mismanaged franchise could be in first place. |
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Josie Wales: Gordo-
TLR has a long and distinguished record as a manager. That said, in your opinion, is Tony as good as he was in years past?
I personally think his decisions that used to be creative and innovative have now become an exercise in him showing everyone else how smart he is.
On the same line, if the everyday players (outside of Albert) could speak freely what do you think they would say about playing for Tony and the way he runs a game?
Thanks for the forum. |
| Jeff Gordon: How can anybody complain about what TLR has done with this ever-changing roster? Moving Skip to second was a bold move and he has gotten solid mileage from a lot of fill-ins. With Glaus gone and Ankiel and Ludwick hitting far below expectations, this has been a though job. |
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katrinalore: Hello Jeff,
there's a very important question that's keeping me busy since weeks now and I cannot find any news on this on the web, maybe you'll have an answer to my question. Do you think that Deuce's looming four game suspension (because of the Starcaps thingy) could keep the St Louis Rams from offering a contract to him? Is there any news, I'd be so grateful for the slightest info on this topic. Thank you very much in advance,
Sincerely, Katrin |
| Jeff Gordon: There are lots of high mileage vets out there that currently do NOT interest the Rams at this point in the rebuilding process. |
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Tackleberry: Gordo,
So the Rams stayed with Bulger, which financially makes sense, but then they flip-flopped his line and his receivers. If I were Bulger (who is lucky to be employed in Saint Louis) it's like "thanks for the blocking, who am I throwing to?" Starting Donnie Avery as the #2 would be a very reasonable move based on how he played last year. But entrusting Avery as the #1 and a very "unproven" Burton alongside Robinson (sorry but new coach/GM's guys from their fomer team never seems to pan out for the Rams see Chavous/Duncan/etc.) seems like a real long-shot???? |
| Jeff Gordon: This team will run a LOT. And throw to the TE a LOT. Instead of a lot of 3- and 4-WR sets, we may see a lot of single WR sets. In that setting, the WRs are less critical. |
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| Tim: Do you think the Cards will sign both Sano and Miller? I mean for a team thats focused on building from within and putting their money in the farm it should be no problem right? These kids are studs and may cost a little bit but it doesnt matter the Cardinal FO will stick with their plan and do whatever it takes to get them signed right. |
| Jeff Gordon: The Cards better sign them. This franchise can't commit to player development, then fail to get prospects under contract. |
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Tim: Is Heatley to the Blues a legit possibility or a pipe dream?
Is Bouwmeester a possibility for a FA pickup? |
Jeff Gordon: JayBo is far more likely to end up in Western Canada. Investing enormous money in a defenseman when there are already so many dollars spent at that position will be tough. Now, if McKee's money magically went away and the team also moved Colaiacovo . . .
The Blues seemed committed to spending what they have on a goaltneder and an offensive defenseman. I don't see Heatley as a logical target at all. |
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| Tim: Ok, your best guess right now what would the package for DeRosa look like? |
Jeff Gordon: If I'm the Indians, I'd ask for Chris Perez, Clayton Mortensen and Francisco Samuel. That would give them immediate help, a potential starter and a hard-throwing relief prospect.
They traded three pitchers to get him, so I'd expect them to want pitching in return for him now. |
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bohinky: Dear Gordo,
In Sunday's KC Star, Sam Mellinger wrote:
There are people who will tell you there isn’t much difference between the Royals’ lineup and the Cardinals’ lineup, except for Albert Pujols. That may be true.
What do you think? |
Jeff Gordon: That was interesting. A lot of scouts might agree.
The Royals have some quality young players, but they don't know how to play yet. This was supposed to be a breakout year for them, but their raw skill hasn't translated to winning baseball. That is a good example of what happens when you don't have a core group of vets to lead the kids.
The Cards have suffered some similar growing pains this year, but better high-end starting pitcher and a deeper bullpen have served them well.
Also, there's Albert.
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| Davey: Hey Gordo. Am I the only one who doesn't want to see Matt Holliday wearing a Cardinals uniform this season? I mean, when healthy, Ludwick does the exact same thing Holliday does at a substantially lower cost, and Holliday has been on the decline the past couple seasons. I know, one has an MVP, the other obviously does not, but I'm sure the A's will have no trouble asking the world for someone who can walk after this year based solely on past success. I want to see somebody brought in...just not Holliday. Your thoughts? Is he worth it? |
| Jeff Gordon: Matt hasn't exactly posted ManRam numbers in Oakland. He is a nice ballplayer, but Rasmus has very similar numbers on a per-AB basis. |
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| mkkrone: IT SEEMS TO BE THE NORMAL WAY HE GOES ABOUT TOSSING A GAME NOW,BUT WHY DOES ALMOST EVERY PITCH OF START SEEM TO BE LIKE PULLING TEETH FOR WAINWRIGHT? YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT AFTER SITTING IN THE DUGOUT, AND WATCHING CARP DISMANTLE THE OPPOSITION,THAT HE WOULD HAVE AT LEAST PICKED UP ON A FEW OF HIS TACTICS. WHATS UP WITH HIM ANYWAY? |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, he needs to simplify. From Day One this season, he has been nibbling. It looked like he was coming around, but this last start was a struggle all the way around. |
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Zac, TN: Gordo,
Great article in the Post this morning by Joe Strauss. The Cardinals are winning here recently, but does the front office just sit back and watch? Well I think they go after that key player Pujols is talking about and make this team better. I just hope they don't mess up this year too. |
Jeff Gordon: You can't blame Albert for wanting another stud hitter to help. He will get walked again and again and again until one of the current hitters comes through in the No. 4 slot or another hitter becomes available. That is frustrating.
On the other hand, you will notice that several other teams are looking to upgrade and nothing much has happened. There will be much more activity four weeks from now, once the races are more clearly defined.
Meanwhile, the Cards have enough to get by. They have won eight of 11 games and scored in double figures four times in that span. Right now the focus should be on getting Ludwick, Ankiel and Duncan to produce more consistently. |
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bloop91: Gordo,
Ecklund is saying the Blues are after Heatly and could get it done before the draft. Any truth and who would they have to give up |
| Jeff Gordon: I'm not a huge Heatley fan, but the guy can score. I'm not convinced he could excel for Murray, who is VERY demanding. IF the team could shed McKee's expiring contract, then perhaps Perron and Pietrangelo -- the two top prospect the front office likes the least -- could make that happen. |
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Hoolie Hoosier: Gordo
Do you think that Dewitt and Mo will let this team die on the vine this year just like they did last year. I know they are focused on the future, but can't they see that the future may be now? As as a Cardinal fan of over 45 years, I have never seen Cardinal Ownership disrespect the fans the way they have the past couple years. Note to DeWitt, you have to spend something to get something. |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, it's horrible to give the fans a first-place team. An outrage! |
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| Kevin McGuire: Any chance the Cardinals will take a run at a bonafide third baseman? Like an Evan Longoria or Ryan Zimmerman? I know the price would be high, but the reward would be high as well. Or do you think players like them are just off limits no matter what the price? |
| Jeff Gordon: Why would Tampa Bay or Washington trade those players? The Nats are poorly run, I'll give you that, but I can't imagine the franchise trading its only asset. |
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redbirdswin: What a great start for Khalil Greene coming off the DL, I couldn't be happier for the guy and hope he can keep the positive AB's coming.
What's the status of his bruised knee? Will he get the night off in New York tonight? |
| Jeff Gordon: Don't know about the tonight. That could be pretty stiff today. |
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| redbirdswin: Is it a safe assumption to say Chris Carpenter and Ryan Franklin will be on the NL All-Star pitching staff come July 14? Both have been outstanding and deserve the recognition on their home field. |
| Jeff Gordon: Franklin is hardly a given, with all the successful relievers out there. A guy like Street would be a good rep for Colorado, for instance. |
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| ksiefert48: i am really happy for the cardinals, and spefically for khalil greene....he looks like a natural at third base, and i hope he finds his peace being able to play baseball. We all have to find our peace or sacred ground somewhere, and we are all pulling for you.... |
| Jeff Gordon: Wow, a positive and thoughtful post. Who knew it was possible. |
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John W.: Gordo,
I wondered what your thoughts were on the sudden reemergence of Greene at 3B. He looks like he's reborn as a third baseman, and is tearing it up at the plate. Do you think he has overcome his emotional issues and can be a productive member of the team? Or is it a bit early to draw that conclusion? Thanks! |
| Jeff Gordon: Way too early. He has hit in streaks before. He has only delivered 3B-caliber offense once in his big league career. |
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| HEG: Gordo it seems when the Cardinals lose 4 or 5 games in row they bounce back; I guess it shows their resiliency; the cards history shows they usually play better when hotter weather arrives; in my opinion the cards success depends on their offense where other clubs success depends usually on pitching; now this depends on the cardinals pitchers staying healthy-plus the cards have some spare parts in their organization who can step-in and do an admirable job when called upon; a lot of this can be attributed to their minor league which the emphasis has switched to the past few years;they need to focus on winning series beginning in New York tonight. Agree with any of the statements above? |
| Jeff Gordon: The farm system depth has helped the team overcome some simultaneous injuries this year, which is really valuable. |
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| zion2199: What are the chances of Duncan and Ankiel being back next year? Given DeWitt's notion that he is held hostage by the market looking for a 3B, SS, and/or Power hitting OF, why not open things up and look for a 2B, move Skip back to OF, and possibly part ways with Dunc or Ank? I can understand how the market can dictate to you when you are looking for 1 particular cog, but the Cards have a ton of options if they can just pick up a good bat with a decent glove...at almost any position. |
Jeff Gordon: Fair assessment. The team has options. Another is to put T Greene at SS, Ryan at second, Skip in the outfield and free up major cash to a right-handed slugger.
How can the team justify Duncan's so-so offense when he is so limited defensively? |
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Davd: Hey Gordo,
Here's a hypothetical question to toss around since Pujols is on pace for about 60 HRs. If Pujols hits 62+ HRs this year, will there be a debate about whether or not he should hold the single season HR record? If he can pull it off, will there be added pressure on baseball to release the 104 names on the steroid list? |
| Jeff Gordon: People can debate it all they want, but what is done is done. Even releasing the rest of the 104 names wouldn't shed total light on what happened. That was hardly a definitely test. |
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williemcgee51: Gordo,
How many pitchers go to the AS Game? Assuming good health, do you think Carp or Wainwright will represent us in STL on July 14?
Deserving names such as Billingsley, Cain, Santana, Gallardo, J. Johnson, Lilly, Cueto, Haren, Lincecum and Jurrjens will almost certainly be there.
Wainwright has been solid but not as impressive as usual. If healthy, I'd take Carp over most of the names above in a showdown. That being said, I want Carp recognized, but I don't want him to throw a single pitch in that game! |
| Jeff Gordon: Carpenter looks like a no-brainer, but the need to take care of all teams could bump Wainwright and Franklin. |
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| Kyle: Is it me that Schumaker's range and ability to turn the double play has improved? Can you verify by comparing early season vs current defensive rankings for his position? |
| Jeff Gordon: He still has some range issues, but he DP skills have noticeably improved. Still, he rates as no more than an average 2B -- and perhaps less than average. |
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williemcgee51: Gordo,
Do you think management/ownership is willing to take the risk of riding out Khalil's hot streak long enough that it would delay or nix a more significant move? I understand that we have about a month to see what Khalil can offer...but if he goes strong until July 31, and we pass up a big trade only to watch him bat .204 in August and September, the bloggers will get much worse than they already are. |
| Jeff Gordon: IF Greene keeps hitting homers every game, that could change things. That is a big if. More likely: If he keeps hitting, perhaps a team like Boston will rent him and send the Cards a starting pitching prospect in return. Then the Cards could deal more pitching to get a guy like DeRosa. |
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| James G: Hello, This weekend showed what our offense can do, I think that we still need pitching, do you think going after a guy like John Garland would be possible? Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: Yes, another starting pitcher would come in handy. The Wellemeyer/Thompson/Pineiro axis could use an upgrade and there is no telling what Lohse will do the rest of this year. That's why I wanted to see the team run a Pedro -- who apparently hasn't wowed scouts at his workouts, BTW. |
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| Nathan in MN: Hello Jeff, I saw on mlb.com that the cardinals were unwilling to talk to cleveland about giving Motte or Perez for De Rosa. Is this true? If the cardinals want to get an impact bat at some point, aren't they gonna have to deal from their strengths (outfield and RH relief pitching)? |
Jeff Gordon: If I'm Cleveland, I want one of those guys. If I'm La Russa, I make one of those guys more readily available by getting Josh Kinney into that late-inning mix to see if he can recapture his '06 form. An effective Kinney could change the organizational view on those two kids.
I'd trade one of those two kids to DeRosa IF I could sign the guy to an extension. |
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rich: Jeff: Maybe I'm wrong here but..... I disagree with LaRussa taking out Carp in the 8th inning of Sat. game after the base hit. Ever bodies saying he took him out so Carp couldn't lose the game. He couldn't lose the game if the next man hits a home run or the same batter gets on, that would only be 2 runs against Carp not 3 or the 4 it would take to lose the game. Which we almost lost on sorry Miller's walk and then Tyler Greens muff. I hearken back to the 2000 season and a game in Arizona when Kyle was pitching an outstanding 1 hitter, LaRussa took him out for a relief pitcher in the 9th and we lost and Kyle was pitching beautifully at the time. LaRussa at times seems to over thinks he's own self.
thanks
Rich |
| Jeff Gordon: Carpenter has shown some signs of wear and tear. Given his medical history, arguing that he needs to pitch even deeper into games doesn't make sense. |
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Cards Fan in Big D: Gordo,
I've been living in Dallas for five years, and each year I look to see if the Rangers will play the Cardinals. Could you tell me why I haven't gotten to see the Cardinals here in Dallas? Isn't this why they have interleague play? Thanks! |
| Jeff Gordon: Interleague play is driven by regional "rivalries" in addition to some random criss-crossing. |
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Fun Bobby: Jeff, as always, thank you for your time and for providing these chat sessions. Although it was nice to see the Cards hammer the Royals this weekend, and jump out ahead of the brewers, dont you feel now would be the time to make those moves? Keep the momentum rolling and while the brewers and reds have struggled lately, try to bury them now?
Here is my thought. Trade for Matt Holliday. I know everyone wonders about the "rental" concept but couldnt we sign him? I mean we have a lot of payroll coming off this year (16.5 in dead payroll with Glaus and Kennedy alone). This helps in multiple ways.
1. Gives us that impact fear bat- Which is what Tony has been wanting.
2. Making Tony happy keeps him here in Stl for a new contract =
3. Albert Signing an extension. Which is the MOST important thing. We know the money will be there to give him what he deserves.
Your thoughts? |
| Jeff Gordon: Again, Holliday has to hit a lot better than he is right now to justify that deal. |
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RedRedRed: Hello hello, and thanks!
Cubs vs Cards. Heating up for the summer. Quick premise and question. I have debated people about the old American Association of the 1800s. They say it was not a major league, that MLB is the National and American Leagues. I say that since Baseball Reference, Almanac, etc. state that the old AA was a major league of its day, its teams and players and records should be at least noted. What if in 100 yrs the NL or the AL have passed, with another league considered part of MLB? Do we disregard the players, teams, records?
The "Cards" and "Cubs", or at least their forerunners played a controversial championship "series". BB Ref uses the term world series for championships in the 1800s, stating they were exhibitions. In any case, was this a main root of the Cards Cubs rivalry? Would it be nice to see a piece written on this? How many modern fans know about this?
Please consider and comment. Thanx. |
| Jeff Gordon: Way before my time, dude. |
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PeterG: Gordo,
I may be a bit too optimistic but I'm beggining to believe The Cards can live with our situation at 3rd either platooning players or hopefully KG coming through. I do think we ought to pursue Matt Holiday as he's the right handed bat we need and unlike some of the other 3rd basemen candidates being discussed he's not old, in a slump or off to a slow start. Yes, he's a 1 year rental but who knows he may just stay after he gets to know what a great bb town STL is!
Your take? And what do you think he would cost us and do you think the FO is considering him? |
Jeff Gordon: I don't see Matt extending, not with Scott Boras repping him and the Angels eying him to replace Guerrero long-term.
Matt's overall production this season isn't great. His production outside of Colorado isn't great.
DeRosa or Tejada would be better options -- although the Cards would have to really overspend to get Tejada out of Houston.
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williemcgee51: Gordo,
I just want to report back on the happenings here in Milwaukee. Panic is officially setting in. Parra is in Nashville and his return is not imminent. Bush is getting rocked. Looper goes 3-4 strong innings and then gets rocked. Suppan is nothing special, and they have NO PITCHING DEPTH whatsoever. I think they are finding out quickly that their montra of "give up 6, score 7" is easier said than done.
What is your take on the state of the NL central? |
| Jeff Gordon: I see the Cubs taking charge ASAP. The Brewers, minus Sabathia and Sheets, look like they lack staying power. Other than Gallardo, they are hurting on the mound. |
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| Dan: You had a great story today about locking up Pujols long term. That's something I really want but his uncertain health does make it a long term gamble. I assume the Cardinals would take out insurance on such a deal. Any idea what that kind of policy would cost? |
Jeff Gordon: Actually, Albert would be tough to insure because of the elbow thing. But if the elbow did go, that would be just a one-year recovery.
Risking money on Albert isn't as dicey as gambling it on a pitcher. If he suddenly quit hitting, I don't think he would stick around for the money. |
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| Sam the Man: Hey Gordo. Love the comments each week. Keep 'em coming. Question: What happened with the Blaine Boyer fiasco? We trade a guy to Atlanta (Barton) and get Boyer in return. Dunc works with him to fix the mechanics flaw. We start using him in situations and then use him for 5 innings one game. Of course he won't be able to pitch for a few days, so our brain trust sends him down to minors to bring up another arm to fill the spot. After he is sent down another team makes a claim for him and we lose him. Imagine Wainwright was not too happy with this scenario, seeing his friend go. So effectively, we made a trade and have nothing to show for it. Heck of a way to run an organization. |
Jeff Gordon: Barton was an extra guy. So was Boyer. I'm sure Wainwright wasn't thrilled to see Boyer, but he was Just a Guy. I'd rather see a prospect get that spot as the last reliever.
Frankly, the Cards need the spots on their 40-man roster to promote players with more upside. Barton's lack of power and lack of throwing ability made him a fringe player, at best, for this team. |
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| BradV: On the injury front, how close is Lohse to coming back? Will they send him to the minors for rehab 1st? |
| Jeff Gordon: Let's hope he throws some rehab innings. As for when he returns, it would be silly to predict a timetable. History tells us that is futile. |
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| NormalGuy: With the recent offensive explosion in KC, which definitely was a joy to watch, do you think the front office will be tempted to fall back into an "all is well" mode and place even less emphasis on shopping the market for another bat? Overall, I like the guys they have now but I think there is too much inconsistency in the lineup. If the Cards stay the course I'm afraid they'll continue this pattern of looking like world-beaters one night but then lackluster too many other nights. That style may or may not be enough (I lean towards not enough) this summer to keep up with the Cubbies, who recently appear to have found their offensive mojo. |
| Jeff Gordon: Beating up the Royals didn't prove much. Greene's three-game surge didn't prove much. I don't see this regime going overboard to add any player -- especially a rental -- even in tougher times. |
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| FloTrain: First off, being here in KC, LOVED seeing all the red here all weekend... How embarrasing to the home team! Like having almost 3/4's Cub blue at Busch.. Two things: Duncan's swing doesn't look right. He doesn't let go with his left hand which he always did before.. He holds on with both hands ALL the way through the swing, which looks like would be totally inviting for opposing pitchers to pitch him outside.... Lingering effect of the neck injury? Also, Holliday/DeRosa/Beltre would be nice, but Im not into renting players for half a season with Pujols needing to be re-signed and given a good chunk of payroll... Who are some 3B's/RH OF's "off the radar" that Cards could target they would give little up for and have control over for a couple years? How about Inge from Detroit? |
Jeff Gordon: I don't see Detroit moving Inge, but the Tigers would definitely move Ordonez if you want to gamble there.
A recent check of MLBRumors.com indicates that not much is happening at the moment. If DeRosa goes elsewhere, it'll be interesting to see what Plan B might emerge. |
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| joie: What is the fo take on Albert's statements, the sports columns and the fans themselves on the extending of Albert's contract if not now then very very soon truly they must realize they have the best player in history playing in their park for them ( Ruth , Dimaggio, Cobb etc played against the best white players in America Albert is playing against the best players in the world and dominates ) does the front office feel the need or urgency to sign Albert now? do they feel they can wait ? and they must understand the consequences if he walks, will public pressure make them act soon? |
| Jeff Gordon: I think DeWitt can figure it out. The ownership has to make a competitive contract extension after this season. Put it in Albert's court. If he rejects competitive money and become resolute about exploring the market after the 2011 season, then the Cards know they must at least consider trade offers. |
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Max: Hey Gordo,
Great 5 step piece on what it takes to keep Pujols a Cardinal. Just so simple, it might work!!! With any luck Mo and Mr. Dewitt read it and feel the same way. In that piece you mention finding someone to hit fourth behind Pujols. Play GM for a day...realistically who would you like to see in that 4 hole next season. Remember...realistically!
Thanks,
Max |
| Jeff Gordon: That's a tough one. We've talked about the potential FAs, Holliday, Tejada and DeRosa. The latter two would interest me more than Holliday, for the reasons earlier stated. |
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Max: Hey Gordo,
The names Matt Holliday and Mark DeRosa are constantly mentioned as possible help for the Cardinal offense. I saw a list of 2010 free agents and one name really popped out....Vlad Guerrero. Yes, I know he is not the Vlad of 5 years ago and is 34 years old, but Vlad at 75% of what he used to be is still better than most players. He can still hit and a move to LF might make for less wear and tear on his legs. Plus, he could hit behind Pujols as the RH bat they miss now. Let's just pretend he proves he can stay healthy and productive the rest of the year and that the Angels want to get younger and don't resign him....would signing Vlad to a 2 or 3 year deal be something you would be in favor of?
Thanks,
Max |
Jeff Gordon: At this point, I'm not sure he could play LF. He got old in a hurry and the Angels seem eager to move on.
But man, that guy could rake. The Vlad we knew would add a huge presence. |
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| C: I hate to be a downer after such great hitting, but Wainwright's consistently has had to work himself out of jams all year. And, while I'm thrilled he's such a warrior and is able to work out of them, his struggling this year has me worried. Any word on the source of his troubles? Are my concerns unfounded? |
Jeff Gordon: It looked like he was right back on track, humping up that fastball and pitching more assertively. So maybe this was just a one-game relapse.
It IS amazing, though, how he can muddle through with lesser stuff. Reminds you of Matt Morris. |
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| Mike: Who do you think is in the NL right now that could give Rasmus competition for Rookie of the Year? |
| Jeff Gordon: He figures to play a lot down the stretch, since other OFs could move in a deal. If he plays, he'll produce -- so he has a clear shot at it. |
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Derek in San Francisco: Jeff,
Let's say Both Ankiel and Duncan start to hit and increase their trade values equally up to the trade deadline. Which one do you trade, for whom, and why?
BTW, that Pujols guy ain't too shabby. |
| Jeff Gordon: Ankiel has an expiring contract and Duncan can't play the OF well, so it's a coin flip. Ankiel offers more than Duncan, but I can't see contract talks going well. |
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| Stlouinchi: Before this MLB baseball season started we heard about the economic downturn possibly hurting club revenues. Outside of the Yankees struggling to sell their outrageously priced club seats at $2,500 per game ($200,000 per year!), I have heard no other stories of lost revenue. The Cardinals still seem to be drawing huge crowds. Broadcast revenues are pretty much determined in advance. Now that we are in the "power months" of June-August what's your take? |
| Jeff Gordon: Revenues are down in STL and everywhere else, for that matter. The TV money is set, but sponsor dollars and premium stuff takes a hit. |
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dave cobler: Hello Gordo;
It's a pleasure reading your work. Thanks for the great work and for this forum.
I really like Schu and Raz hitting one and two. They are setting the table for Pujols and in so doing are making there own manuever whereby TLR might have found a comfort zone for them like he has Pujols batting third. It's nice to see some structure taking place up front. But the four hole still is void of "THAT GUY" and I don't think Khalil Greene is the fit for that spot given his anxiety disorder. Keep him down in the order. With all that said, do you know if Mo has "ramped down" the search for a viable number four guy? If the Cards could find "THAT GUY" I think this lineup would round out nicely with a blend of good balance of left and right handed power. What are you hearing and what are your thoughts Gordo?
Thanks Jeff! |
Jeff Gordon: The Cards are looking for a hitter, but the market isn't there today. It just isn't. There are a lot of teams worse off than tha Cards and you'll notice that nothing has happened with any of the big hitter yet.
And I'll add this -- I don't see this team sacrificing too much pitching to get a rental hitter. As we've seen with all the pitching injuries here, depth is critical. |
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Cards fan in Boston: Gordo,
I am sure it is way too early to ask this question, but IF K. Greene continues to hit and approaches his pre-2008 production, does he present a long-term solution at 3rd base? Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: Even if he hit the rest of the year, I'd rather spend the money on somebody more stable. |
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| Lee: Is there any news on how Chase is doing in Washington? |
| Jeff Gordon: I have not noticed anything of interest yet. That might be a good Tipsheet item. |
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Max: Hey Gordo,
With Brett Wallace hitting better as of late (last 10 games) in Memphis, I would imagine he is a not so distant option at 3B. Why all the talk about the need for a 3B when he more than likely will be given a shot to be the 3B of the future in 2010? Wouldnt adding a OF long term be a better option given the fact that Ankiel is a free agent after this year and Duncan really doesnt seem to produce like an every day OF?
Thanks,
Max |
| Jeff Gordon: Wallace is the real deal, offensively, and he could help as early as September. But this team needs veteran RH clout and 3B is one of the spots where you can put such a player. Maybe Wallace could move to left field and become a better Duncan than Duncan. |
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| Block: The Cardinals may be in first place today and you keep defending ownership because of that. What is their record against teams that have a winning record? Unless help comes quickly, I see the Cubs running away from everyone once they get healthy. |
Jeff Gordon: As I've consistently written, this team still needs to get better. Slamming the Royals doesn't change that.
But it's not like this franchise is a clown show either.
That looks to be it for now. See you next Monday! |
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Max: Hey Gordo,
Matt Holliday would be a great addition but I think it will take a lot to get him and maybe even more to resign him. So lets assume for a second the Cardinals are able to trade for Mark DeRosa. I would hope the front office would try to resign him...correct? If so, and they did resign him, where would he play next season? Where would he hit?
Thanks,
Max |
| Jeff Gordon: I see the Cards signing him and playing mostly at second base. But if Freese/Wallace/TBA can't get it done at third base, he could hold the fort there for a while. |
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| stephen.w.woodard: How is Khalil? |
| Jeff Gordon: Poor guy has issues. Who knows if he can play baseball at a high level this season. |
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Max: Hey Gordo,
Brett Wallace seems to be hitting better as of late in Memphis. Realizing he is a LH bat and our need continues to be a RH bat, any chance he gets called up later in the summer to play 3B? Or is the plan to let him succeed in Memphis for a year (or close to it) before heaping the pressure of the major leagues on him too soon.
Thanks,
Max |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd expect to see Wallace in September, unless something dramatic happens. |
