Ryan Judd: Hey Jeff,
In your opinion, will the Cards make a move by the deadline to improve their bullpen or an impact bat, or will they take the stance that this was supposed to be a transition year, and sit on their hands even though we can be competing for a playoff spot with a little help?

Jeff Gordon: I definitely see Mozeliak adding bullpen help, since he should be able to deal a surplus outfielder to make that happen. As for the impact bat, that is a tougher issue. I'd be surprised if the team dealt for a pricey outfielder like Holliday when Ludwick/Rasmus/Ankiel looks pretty good for '09. Shortstop is different matter. If Ryan isn't the long-term answer there, the Cards need to look at adding some heft at that position. The Cards are getting good offense at 2B, 3B, C and, of course, 1B.

Tackleberry: The Mark Mulder "counterpunch" to the Sabathia trade news is disgusting in timing and lacks even a hint of rationale. What is your gut feeling in terms of the Cardinals' willingness to spend to compete this year? Last year they didn't have the prospects to land any big name players at the deadline. This year all of the sudden they have the prospects but they are unwilling to part with them? This philosophy is very confusing especially when they NEVER get aggressive in free agency with big name players. I understand that the Cardinals want to build a solid farm system and feed the big club that way, but it isn't a case of "either/or" to compete you have to have a good farm system and be willing to make some moves with proven veteran players. Relying primarily on a developing Ludwick & Ankiel to help Pujols is a waste of Albert's talent.

Jeff Gordon: As per DeWitt's wishes, the Cards will see their rebuilding process through. The club will deal surplus prospects to fill a need, but don't expect them to make a home-run deal unless that trade delivers a long-term asset. I can see DeWitt taking on more salary -- even a lot more salary -- as long as key prospects don't go the other way.

The goal is to assemble more prime-age talent and rely less on stopgap players. If the team pulls that off, then they can trade from strength in years to come and shop selectively in free agency. IF the team pulls that off -- a big if -- then it could be highly competitive for many years in a row.

It is hard to remain patient when this rebuilding year produced a playoff contender, to the shock of most experts. But the team's surprising success won't prompt the front office to abandon its plan. Mozeliak and Luhnow are on board with DeWitt's vision. They are both early in their baseball careers. They are in this for the long haul.

Albert is going to be here for a while. That window isn't closing any time soon. As long as the Cards keep developing all-star caliber players like Ankiel and Molina, his talent won't go to waste.

Ryan: I know the Blues need to stick to their youth movement, and I also believe that in the end it will pay off. However, am I the only one who feels concerned about the fact that nearly every team in the Western Conference has gotten better this off season, while the Blues haven't? Chicago made 2 huge signings, Detroit got Hossa, San Jose lost Campbell, but got Boyle in return, Columbus has added a ton of players who could help them right now, Edmonton has made a couple of decent trades, etc...the Blues won't make the playoffs with the current roster they have, if all the other teams keep getting better while the Blues stand still.

My question: Does JD, Andy Murray and company really think this young crop of Blues prospects (mainly Oshie, Berglund and Wagner) can get them into the playoffs this year? I just don't see it. What do you think Gordo?

Jeff Gordon: You are right about the rest of the conference, especially Columbus. With Hitchcock coaching that group, it will be tough. The Blues ought to be in the hunt because several veterans HAVE to play better. Mason will give the team a second competent goaltender. The kids will add some life. But, yes, this will be a big, big challenge. Murray will have to coach his pants off.

Landon: Hey Gordo,

I don't know about you, but i am very excited about this coming blues season. It looks like we finally have the foundation set for getting this team back together, up and running.

I can't wait for the third jersey to be released. Have you seen it?
What can you fill us in about it if you have?

Also, Is there anything you have heard regarding any rumors that the blues might be a part of? Any surprise moves JD might be looking to make? Eyes on any players more than just saying it would be "Nice" to get them?

Thanks a lot Gordo!
Keep up the good work.

Jeff Gordon: You hear almost nothing about the Blues and free agency. Their money for this season is almost spent. Don't expect anything exciting. Instead, asked the returning players to do more.

Tim: Is Dan Uggla on the trade block? I thought i might of heard he was but I didnt know for sure. Would the Cards be Interested?

Jeff Gordon: The Marlins won't give him long-term money this season, so, sure, he could move into play. The Cards are pretty good at 2B this year, but this guy is a Next Level hitter -- unlike anybody the team has coming at the position. But would the Cards put together a big package for that player? Dunno . . .

Shortstop is a better spot for an impact bat, since Izturis is unlikely to help much offensively in the second half. Ryan wasn't great when he got to play more. So let's keep an eye on what happens there.