Rick: Finally the Cardinals made a good trade, and now its time to do it again. Except I think its for a second basemen with defense and offense, not a pitcher like most would say. What do you think?

Jeff Gordon: DeRosa could be the second baseman for the next few years, so, no, that is unlikely. Skip is a nice offensive second baseman in the mean time and either T. Greene or Ryan can play there, too.

Starting pitching is a bigger issue.

Bob_Inmo: Gordo,

Please tell me the Cardinals are still interested in Holliday even with the DeRosa deal completed. DeRosa was a good move, but I don't think he takes care of everything we need to contend down the stretch. It was mentioned earlier the Cards would likely need to offer Ludwick, Motte/Perez/McClellan, plus a prospect to the A's (similar to the Haren, Calero, Barton deal for Mulder). I thought at the time it was a bad deal because Mulder seemed to be on the decline and he could only pitch once every 5 days, but Holliday would give us the true cleanup hitter we need.

With Perez dealt, the other pieces seem to still be in play. I would think McClellan would need to be the pitcher included since Motte will likely be the new closer of the future.

Also, is there anyone interested in Rick Ankiel? With a Boras represented client in his final year, I'm sure the asking price will be high. I'd love to keep him if we don't have to overpay, but if we can't I would be in favor of getting someone for him now.

Thanks,
Bob in O'Fallon, MO

Jeff Gordon: Holliday isn't a true cleanup hitter. Look at his numbers in Oakland. He is a very nice ballplayer. He will hit a good average, he can run a bit and he still has gap power. But when a guy goes for weeks without driving in a run in the American League, that is shocking.

Again, I wouldn't offer much more than Ludwick. Having spent Perez, I wouldn't dare deal McClellan or Motte.

Heidi: Mr. Gordon,
I am pleasantly surprised at how well the Cardinal's starting rotation has performed to date, especially Pineiro and Lohse (when not dealing with his health). However, Wainwright seems to be off this year, specifically with his high pitch counts. This seems to be a Matt Morrisesque pattern, which could become a point for concern. Is there cause for concern? If so, is his finger an issue or is his focus/concentration the problem? Thanks

Jeff Gordon: He IS going down the Matt Morris road, but, like Matt, Adam has the ability to tough out victories when he isn't as sharp. Almost every starting pitcher goes through long stretches like this, with lost velocity and lesser stuff or command.

HEG: Gordo just a few quick comments concerning the Cards; Re; the Derosa trade it cannot hurt- could they please get someone who could hit the off-speed breaking pitch!! the cardinals starters are seemingly pitching just well enough to lose; in that if they score 3 runs the pitcher gives up more than 3- I would like to know what the stats on cardinal giving up rbi's with 2 outs & in most instances with 2 strikes- the % must be astounding! in my opinion the cards need to put Derosa at 3rd & Ryan at short & wish them luck with the 4 outfielders- they need to forget about the 2 Greene's; I believe the organization did not the whole story with Khalil when they acquired him; bless his heart but he is not going to help the team; does any of these comments make any sense?

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, it's tough watching these guys try to hit off-speed pitches. It's one thing for Rasmus or T. Greene to struggle some, because they are kids. Ankiel is another matter.

This team can't invest too many more 0-fors in K. Greene. I like his "D" at third base, but he needs to hit to keep his spot in this group.

Michael Kent: Jeff ...

Now that the DeRosa deal is done, whom can we speculate as possible candidates for the "player to be named later" part of the deal that included Chris Perez? It seems to me now that Jason Motte would be off limits, at least for this deal, wouldn't you think? Also, I would think that Mitchell Boggs would be off limits, again, at least for this deal. If Motte or Boggs is part of any trade, it seems they would be used in a separate deal.

Also, it seems like Todd Wellemeyer and Joel Piniero are seeing their last year in St. Louis, but for different reasons. Wellemeyer for his poor performance, Piniero because it's his walk year. Unless he gets traded, Boggs would seem like a leading candidate for te replace one of these guys next year rotation since Carpenter, Wainwright, and Lohse are all locked in deals and Mozeliak will want those final two starters for real cheap. Maybe Jaime Garcia recovers and gives the Cards the lefty starter they desperately need?

Your thoughts? Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: Boggs is getting these days in Memphis, so he is not off limits. I would presume Motte IS off-limits, since he and Perez would either/or in trade talks. Hard-throwing relievers like Todd, Samuel and Sanchez might be on the list.

Garcia would be a huge addition if he makes his comeback. We never saw him healthy last year.