Wes: Just a simple question here Gordo...

What is your favorite St. Louis sports team to cover?

Jeff Gordon: All three teams are easy to work with. The Blues work the hardest to help reporters, but the Cards, with all those kids, are also fun to cover. The Rams were a bummer last year, so it remains to be seen what the atmosphere will be like when the real games start.

Farbod: Hey Jeff,

Did Chris Long seem to struggle with anything in particular while in mini camps?

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Pass rushing from the outside, in space, is something new for him. But his athletic tools are better than critics realize. He will cause more havoc than some folks expect.

magoo: We always here that you can't grade a hockey for a few years; so,

grade the Blues draft years' '03, '04, and '05

Jeff Gordon: 2003: C. Stempniak, taken in the fifth round, could save this draft by becoming a consistent 25-goal scorer. Backes, the second pick, could still pay off as well. Belle, the top pick, went to Dallas for the unfortunate Bacashihua. Beckford-Tseu, another fifth-round pick, is a pretty good depth goalie -- but he fell back to an AHL contract last year. Zakharov washed out, twice, and returned home.

2004: D. Polak, picked 180th, was a good get. Top pick Marek Schwarz is a bust. No. 2 pick Soderberg was wasted in the Toivonen deal. Not much else there . . .

2005: C. Oshie looks viable as a top pick. Scott Jackson, picked second, never signed. Oops! Bishop could become a stud in goal and there is still hope for Drazenovic and Lemtyugov.

bfulton: Now that the Rams have lost out on Sims, have they targeted any other specific free agents or positions?

Jeff Gordon: Still looking for O-line depth, fullback competition and DB depth. Other needs could arise as camp unfolds and the staff gets a better look at what the draft picks can really do.

Janice: Gordo, have you heard anything about how Isringhausen felt (physically and mentally) after his last outing? I was impressed that hitters are swinging and missing again. Does he think he can pitch with a brace? Do you think La Russa will ever restore him to the closer role and, if so, what does he need to prove first? Thanks!

Jeff Gordon: Izzy was quite the tough guy pitching Sunday, ahead of schedule with the brace on. His ability to pitch a second inning has really helped the pen. And I would expect his renewed confidence to lead him back into the closer's role soon, unless the knee gets worse. If he can command his pitches, he can get his old job back. Nice curveballs, eh?