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.

Tim: WHy dont the Blues go after Sundin? I know hes old but he still produces

Jeff Gordon: He would prefer to play for a winner, should he play in North America again. And he has been offered HUGE dollars by some of the bidders. Again, there is no fit there for the Note.

Tim: When will the Cards bring up Motte?

Jeff Gordon: Motte's last outing in Memphis was terrific, but he is a thrower still trying to add polish. As we've seen with Perez -- a more complete reliever -- velocity doesn't guarantee success at this level. But Motte IS an intriguing prospect we should see, perhaps as soon as this season.

Tim: Do you think Grecco will be better suited at guard or is the plan still at tackle? What about Schuening what are the plans for him?

Jeff Gordon: Greco could play guard, since he has the acumen and the body type to move inside. But tackles are harder to find, so look for him to concentrate on that -- especially with Barron needing some prodding. Schuening will have every chance to make this team as a back-up guard.

Tim: What rookie Blues do you think for sure will make the team?

Jeff Gordon: I don't see how either Oshie or Berglund miss. One has the speed to play at this level, the other has the size. Both are more mature than Perron was last year as a teenager. Depth is pretty limited up front and the Blues are selling these kids as difference makers. They would really have to stink in training camp to miss.

Tim: What do you think our 2009 rotation will look like? im kinda hpoing its Carpinter Wainwright Lohse Wellemeyer Garcia (Baring we make a sign in the offseason)

Jeff Gordon: It would be nice to see Lohse return, but he could break the bank in free agency. If that happens, then Carpenter, Wainwright, McClellan and Pineiro would be good bets, with Wellemeyer fighting Mortensen and perhaps Garcia for spots. Don't rule out Mulder's return, too. He still has a lot of time in '08 to show he has something left.

Tim: Are the Blues any closer to trading Mckee?

Jeff Gordon: They wish that would be the case. Moving him would clear payroll space to fill other needs. For now, he offers insurance as the team develops Wagner, Polak, Junland and Pietrangelo.

Steve: Hey Jeff. Just want to say that you do a good job on 590 The Fan with Jeff Vernetti. I enjoy your radio show a lot (The Sports Edge).

Now, to my question: With Milwaukee acquiring Sabathia, do you think the Cardinals need to make a couple moves to compete? I do. This team can't seem to get the job done, and only 2 teams from the Central will be able to make the playoffs and with this current roster it will be tough for the Cards to get in and beat out the Cubs and Brewers. Doesn't Mozeliak have to make a couple moves to give this team a shot at the playoffs? The bullpen needs help and the lineup could use another bat. Marte and Guzman are two players that I'd like to get. Thoughts? Thanks for the info.

Jeff Gordon: The Sports Edge can heard Monday-Friday from noon to 2 p.m. Feel free to call in and argue!

Sabathia will make an already hot Brewers team that much more formidable. I would expect the Cubs to respond with a big deal, although that franchise lacks depth of prospects. The Cards could use a lefty reliever ASAP, which could move a guy like Mather into play. But I don't see this team making a move based on the Cubs and Brewers. Those teams are desperate to win. The Cards are two years removed from a World Championship. That doesn't make DeWitt complacent, but it does give him the patience to see his retooling-by-youth plan all the way through. Mozeliak is free to deal his surplus prospects, but I don't see him an elite prospect unless he gets a long-term asset in return.

For now, La Russa must be content to add healed players (Molina, Pujols, Mulder) into his lineup instead of acquired players.

bob in indiana: hey gordo, whats up with wtbs blocking out sundays game, I thought the game was sold out

Jeff Gordon: Ticket sales aren't the issue. FSN holds the rights to Cards games in this region, so the TBS feed was blacked out in this region -- even though KSDK actually carried the game. As part of its contract, TBS cannot trump regional cable networks.

chattylicker: Hi jeff thanks for taking my questions, What is the latest with lecharles bently did he sign with a team yet and if not what are our chances? Second i dont remember seeing any players wearing the "c" for captain on their jerseys last year do you know why? thanks

Jeff Gordon: When Bentley asked for his release from the Browns, he indicated he wanted to go somewhere to start. His agent said Bentley didn't want to be an insurance policy. All things considered, that is all he would be here. I suppose he opted to wait to see if a team developed an acute need at the position.

Last year's captains were Bruce, Holt, Steven Jackson, Glover, Chavous, Tinoisamoa, Witherspoon and Wilkins.

Ryan Judd: Hey Jeff,
The Cards definitely have been struggling lately, however, they still have time to rebound. I came across some numbers regarding the Cardinals when trailing to start the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth inning as follows: 4-25,3-26,3-26,1-33. It is hard to fathom since they play a hard 9 that this team has no comeback ability, especially when the bullpen has coughed up so many games. Thoughts?

Jeff Gordon: The Cards haven't been a brilliant clutch-hitting team this year. And their bullpen has coughed up late runs, as we saw again Saturday. In that case, the Cards actually overcame it. But it's tough to play catch-up when the other side keeps adding to its run total.

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.

Kevin: Jeff,

Ibanez, Washburn or Embree...who are the Cards likely to target? How long before a deal is struck to improve this club a bit?

Thanks,
Kevin

Jeff Gordon: Ibanez has some pop, but I don't know if there is a fit there. Again, a good-hitting SS would make the biggest difference. And there are a number of pitching possibilities out there, guys capable of getting this team through the season while waiting for Carpenter to heal and the kids to develop.

therealdealankiel: Gordo,

They were hoping we'd get some news on Wainwright today...any word yet? Is it reasonable to believe Carpenter may be back in mid-August? If neither of these happen, I am afraid we will not be able to negate the moves the Brewers and Cubs are/will be making...

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, it's tough without those two. If Carpenter comes back in a relief role -- and if Wainwright is still weeks away -- keeping up could be tough. Wellemeyer and Pineiro haven't done much lately and Mortensen, Garcia and Boggs are still getting ready.

BTW, if Carpenter returns in the pen, will that push McClellan into the rotation? That would be a desperate move, but perhaps necessary.

Ryan: Gordo,

What is the likelihood that Mo will be successful in trading for a LH reliever before the deadline?

Jeff Gordon: I believe he'll get a guy. A great guy? Not sure about that . . .

therealdealankiel: Gordo,

I say we stay the course. Milwaukee and Chicago are obviously DESPERATE to win now...and in the process they will hurt themselves down the road. My recent concern, however, is that we overvalue our farm system. Do other teams feel that our system is deep enough to worry about/trade with, or do they think we're raising a bunch of Bo Hart's?

Jeff Gordon: Most experts believe the Cards are developing legit players. McClellan and Perez are for real. These are guys other teams would want. Rasmus is a guy everybody likes. I wouldn't trade those three. We've seen that the team is on the right track with Ankiel, Molina and Wainwright.

Schumaker has panned out, obviously. Ryan has a real chance. But either could move in the right deal. Ditto Duncan. Anderson, a good hitting catcher, and Mather, Jay or Stavinoha would also be easier guys to trade. I'd keep Todd, Garcia and Mortensen though.

At some point, some kids will move because there aren't jobs for everybody at this level. But keeping the right players is key at this point. This team will have money for free agency.

Ryan: If Mulder doesn't perform well in the next few starts he makes (if he gets that many) will the Cards simply cut ties? Why keep him in the bullpen if he'll never contribute anything for this club? I'm really rooting for him to succeed, but if something doesn't give soon, enough is enough.

Jeff Gordon: Since Mulder has a club option for next year, yes, this could be it if he doesn't throw well. I'd be shocked if he ended up on the street, though, because he is feeling pretty good. Lefties are so hard to find. He would really have to stink to fall off this roster.

Melvin: Can i please get Jim Hasletts email address so i can give him a earful over are starting safety Chavous?!!!!!! Its mind boggling this hasnt been addressed in the draft or free agency the guys a bum!!!!!!!! That is all Jeff Thanks for your time!

Jeff Gordon: I don't have Jim's e-mail address, but I believe the organization is well-aware of fan angst over Chavous. I side with the fans over the coaches on this one.

Darrell Porter: Jeff,

You say you have heard that the farm system is developing legit players, but how come everytime the Cards are talked about by others outside of STL, they kill on the farm system? This past weekend on XM Holden Kuschner and Jim Duquitt killed on the Cards system and the fact that the Cards are overvaluing their prospects. Which is it?

Jeff Gordon: Most legit experts view the Cards system as improving -- from awful, overall, to decent. The 2004 draft was especially bad. The last few drafts were much, much better -- and now the Cards are pretty strong in some spots. There is still work to do, though, which is why the team doesn't want to move a bunch of kids just as the numbers are better. This is also why the Latin American investment is large.

I would keep Rasmus, McClellan, Perez, Ankiel, Mortensen and Garcia. Those guys appear to be core-type guys.

Mel: How does Scott Linehan seem to be handling the added pressure this year so far with camp and the regular season approaching? And have you heard of any possible pickups for defense?

Jeff Gordon: Scott has been super loose this summer. Good for him. But the road from 3-13 to 9-7 will be a chore. A big, big chore.

As for free agents, the better possibilities at DB and LB will come deeper into camps when teams unload viable veterans.

roger from lake tahoe: gordo, what good power hitting shortstop prospects do other teams have? are there any the cards would be interested in? i would think that to keep in line with the rebuilding philosophy the team should target a young shortstop. thanks

Jeff Gordon: Either Michael Young, in a deal, or Furcal, as a FA this offseason, would fit that bill.

Ken Wilson: Hey Gordo,

What was your impression of this weekend's series with the Cubs in which the Cards had the lead only once, at the end of the 9th inning of Saturday's game. Are the Cubs simply the better team or did the Cards just have a so-so week (3-4) against two tough opponnents?

Jeff Gordon: The Cubs are better, by a lot. Can the Cards get better by bringing back injured guys, making a deal or two and promoting kids? Yes, but the Cubs are still the team to beat. Look for them to make a big deal in response to the Sabathia move.

roger from lake tahoe: what is your opinion about drafting high school players as opposed to college? a friend's son was a great prospect at mizzou. chris wyrick. power, speed and a shortstop. hurt his thumb but his coach played him his senior year and never healed right. my point, if he signed out of high school a pro organization would have never forced him to play hurt. it makes me wonder if more h.s. draftees make the bigs than college?

Jeff Gordon: I worry about college pitchers, in general, getting so much work in college. Otherwise, it can be a very good route IF the players are also getting some wooden-bat work during the summer. That is the big adjustment for collegiate players, obviously.

edwin: why Kyle Lohse is not in the all star game?

Jeff Gordon: There are many good candidates among pitchers -- and the need to represent all the teams.

adam.clymer@earthlink.net: What was the matter with the NL players in failing to pick Pujols? Jealous?

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, that is odd. Nobody has had enjoyed a better career start than Albert at the plate. Nobody. Albert yuks it up with guys at first base, so it seems like he does have some friends . . .

Ryan: As far as picking up a SS in the offseason, who would you prefer? Furcal, Renteria (if his option isn't picked up). . . ?

Jeff Gordon: Good question. Have we seen enough from Ryan to rally behind him as the everyday guy? Probably not, at least so far. This would be a good spot to spend money in. Furcal's back issue is a warning flag, but Edgar still has something left.

GoCards62: Jeff:

Here in DC C Guzman having a great year at SS. May be available this year or the next. Any likelihood the Cards would be interested?

Jeff Gordon: Guzman has had a nice bounceback, but his earlier offensive decline is a bit of a flag. Still, he is a better offensive threat than Izturis.

Ken Wilson: I know Boggs imploded his last start so does TLR really think Mulder is one of his best five starter available right now? TLR seems to preach starting the best 5 and yet he seems to be giving Mulder a free pass.

Jeff Gordon: Well, we don't know if he is one of the best five. He might be. We'll see. I share your skepticism. But the Cards are leery of exposing a kid to too much, as happened with Parisi.

Ken Wilson: Gordo,

I'm of the belief that the Cards are a good team and have been a great story this season. But, I don't see them as a serious contender. Lightning could strike twice and we have a repeat of 2006. Do you see this team as being a serious contender and do they have enough talent that one or two solid trades for their better prospects will put them over the top at an appropriate risk level?

Jeff Gordon: I see the Cards lasting, yes. Wainwright will help. There will be a deal or two to fill holes. A few Memphis graduates will help, too. But I see '09 as being much, much better for a ton of reasons -- including Carpenter's return to the top of the rotation.

Todd F: Gordo,

Don't you think the Williams sisters should make the All-Star team?

Jeff Gordon: Well . . . probably not, but how about their Wimbledon success? That came out of nowhere, really, given all their injuries and relative indifference in recent years. Good for them!

Joel C: With talks of Carpenter moving to the bullpen...do you see him becoming the closer if this team stays in the thick of things in the playoff race? Franklin and Izzy in my opinion haven't been legit closers this year, so would have Carpenter in that role make sense?

Jeff Gordon: They could do worse than Carpenter finishing games. Franklin has done OK filling in and Izzy is trying to get back, but Carpenter could have knockout stuff.

chattylicker: How does T.O. get out of missing four games for missing drug test and not giving accurate phone numbers while Brown gets the suspension for the same reason?

Jeff Gordon: Don't know the detals, but agents play a big role in smoothing things out.

Ryan: Any word on how Brett Wallace is doing so far at Quad Cities?

Jeff Gordon: Well, he has already gone deep, so that is good news. He did start a little slow, but he is a fast tracker, for sure.

That appears to be it for now. See you next week!

Eddie: Hello Jeff!

Any word on Matt Clement?

Jeff Gordon: No, but I can't imagine any team claiming him on waivers at this point . . .

See you next week!