Tackleberry: This past weekend produced a lot more questions that answers for this Cards team as the homestand against the Cubs was a disappointing 3-game set.
1. Are the Cards SURE they don't need an impact bat, for '08, '09, and beyond?
2. SHould the Cards jump at picking up Glaus' option for '09, or maybe negotiate a deal with a salary more in-line with his production?
3. If you gave Piniero a nuclear missile and the National Guard, could he protect a lead?
4. Does it matter who closes for the Cardinals if the bullpen continues to squander leads in the late innings?
5. Why are the Cards so baffled by the Cubs mediocre starting pitching?

Jeff Gordon: The Cards already have Glaus for '09. He agreed to exercise his player option for next season as a condition of this deal. All things considered, that was a good thing for the Cards.

I don't know if they need an impact bat -- but they DO have to play their best hitters. If Izturis doesn't hit, he can't play. Kennedy and Miles are hitting, so they need at bats. With Ankiel and Ludwick getting back on track -- and with Albert and Yadier back -- this offense has some ability to improve.

Ryan obviously needs to hit more to eliminate all the chatter among Cards fans about adding an impact-hitting shortstop.

Pineiro has the ability to do more. Now would be a good time to step up, since Wellemeyer and Mulder are pretty iffy and Wainwright could still be weeks away.

Zambrano isn't mediocre. As for what happened Sunday, that I can't explain.

Michael Kent: Jeff ...

Granted, the Cardinals have invested heavily in Mark Mulder and want some return on investment. But I'm a bit puzzled as to why TLR and DD are starting Mulder on Wednesday after just two bullpen cameos since being activated, especially given the results from the last appearance. Wouldn't it be more prudent to give Mulder at least a couple more bullpen assignments and go with Brad Thompson as the fifth starter for the time being?

And speaking of Brad Thompson, am I the only one in Redbird cyberspace who thinks Thompson hasn't been given a fair shake this season?

Let's review what we've seen so far. Thompson earned a rotation spot in spring training and pitched six-plus shutout innings in his first start at the beginning of the season. But Thompson's second start didn't go quite as well (still, three earned runs in four innings isn't horrendous) and he was quickly banished to the bullpen. Brad held his own there until one bad bullpen appearance (four earned runs in only one inning) and was sent down to Memphis. Thompson then landed on the DL and since coming back he has been shuttling between St. Louis and Memphis, with one start and two bullpen appearances.

One can only wonder how much more patient TLR and DD would be with Brad Thompson in the rotation if he had a Mark Mulder-like contract.

Thank you.

Jeff Gordon: I can't argue the Thompson point. Duncan and La Russa aren't big believers in him, as we've seen. But he could loom large this week if (when?) the Mulder experiment fails.

As for Mark, I don't blame the Cards for rolling him out for a start or two to see what he has. Duncan and La Russa are challenging him here, to see what he really has left. The Cards have to find out, since the team will obviously have an opportunity to promote, activate or trade for starting pitching help in the weeks ahead.

Tim: Do you think the CC trade will push the Cards more to make a big trade like possibly Holliday or Michal young or someone along those lines? We have so many good prospects right now without having to sacrifice Rasmus and even Perez Garcia and Mcclellan

Jeff Gordon: The Sabathia trade raises the stakes for sure. The Brewers are tired of losing. If Milwaukee can sign Sabathia to a contract extension -- something Cleveland couldn't do -- then this was a nice move by Milwaukee. (Although it'll be a wash if Ben Sheets exits as a free agent after the season.)

I don't know if the Cards can make a huge deal without including Rasmus, Perez, McClellan or Garcia. And I'd rather see the Cards keep those four and Mortensen, then use the money freed by expiring contracts to shore up a spot or two with free agents this offseason.

Tim: Whats been going on with Rasmus? ive noticed he hasnt been playing the past 5 games

Jeff Gordon: He has been sidelined by a hip flexor injury.

Tim: Do you think the Blues will at least make a push for that Vernette from Ottowa?

Jeff Gordon: Vermette is one of those supplemental scorers trying to cash in on rising salaries. He took Ottawa to arbitration, which could force a deal. But I don't know how that would make sense for the Blues.