Brett: Gordo, what do you think the Cardinals will pursue in the offseason? Middle infield? Power bat? We may need to look elsewhere to find a closer, might we pursue a stopper to give Perez more seasoning?

Jeff Gordon: The bullpen will need a lot of work. Can Johnson and Kinney return? Maybe, but the Cards can't count on that. McClellan will likely move to the rotation. It's hard to imagine Izzy returning, but he still has time to earn another year in some role (for less money, though.) Perez will have a role, of course, but he is trending the wrong way now. Motte could have a role if he keeps developing, but not as a closer. Flores and Villone are trending the wrong way, obviously. Springer has a lot of mileage in the shoulder. So it's easy to see a major overhaul there.

A better-hitting shortstop would be the other priority. Kennedy and Miles are fine at 2B, but Ryan hasn't made his case for the starting SS job in '09. Maybe that will come, maybe not. But this could be a decent year for free-agent shortstops.

Michael Kent: Jeff ...

Now that the Cards have made it to the All Star break in a much, much better position than most would have expected, there's a lot to look forward to the second half IF a few things happen. Other than getting starting pitchers healthy, what do you believe MUST happen in the second half for the Cards to stay in the hunt all the way to the end of September?

To me, there must be significantly better bullpen consistency - and I'm not talking about the often-discussed lefty situation. This became crystal clear Saturday night when the Cards blew a huge lead to the Pirates, thanks to 8 earned runs given up by four RIGHT-HANDED relievers. Bullpen inconsistency has been an Achilles heel all season, would you agree?

And while many of us in Redbird cyberspace have talked about the problems with the left-handed relief help, I think the right-handed relief help (save Russ Springer) is a bigger issue. I'm not necessarily suggesting that the Cards trade for help; rather, what would you think of DD and TLR doing a major shakeup in what they already have? Like, how about rotating McClellan and Springer as the closer, and divvy up the sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-inning duties among Perez, Franklin, and Izzy?

Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: I addressed this topic in a column elsewhere on this site. In short, the offense needs to produce more runs with more consistency -- and the pieces are in place to do that, with Duncan hitting again, Ryan out of his slump, Pujols and Molina healthy again and both Ankiel and Glaus hitting for more power.

Internal rotation help is on the way, with young pitchers and injured pitchers positioned to step in on the fly. But the bullpen clearly needs help, for the reasons you outlined.

Matt: Gordo,

Looking at the standings, it appears as though the Cleveland Indians will be in sell mode this July.

When I look at the Cardinals team, three areas for improvement are lefty relief, starting pitching, and middle infield.

Do you think there is any way the Cardinals could trade for one or more of the following Indians players (maybe a package deal)?

-Rafael Perez, RP
-Cliff Lee, SP
-Jhonny Peralta, SS

Cliff Lee would be really nice to get, but I think we'd have to trade Rasmus. Would Jhonny Peralta be a more reasonable trade target? I've also heard mentions of Cristian Guzman of the Washington Nationals.

Thanks.

-Matt-
25, St. Louis

Jeff Gordon: Guzman was horrible in 2005, but has otherwise better a pretty good offensive player. I liked him more early in his Twins days, when he ran more. He would be an upgrade at the plate. As for the Tribe, they will sell for sure. Lee would cost too much, especially with the Cards developing such long-term rotation depth. Peralta has great power at shortstop and he is really trending well this season. He would really change this lineup. Perez would really help the bullpen with his power arm, but I can't imagine Cleveland trading him without getting power arms in return.

But you certainly have ID'd the types of player this team needs right now.

Bobby: Hey thanks always for the chat. I truly appreciate your insight. So quick question about the cards, actually two parts. One what will it cost in terms of $ and prospects to aquire Fuentes? Or is there someone else out there for a lesser price?

And two, and this is the more important question that im looking for insight on..... what are your thoughts on the Cards talking with Barry Bonds? I know I know, maybe not the best idea but it gives Larussa his impact bat and protection behind Albert AND Mozeliak does not give up anything in terms of the farm system. If the Cards were willing to gamble on Clement, why not Bonds? I mean he will come in to a clubhouse where leaders are in place, with a highly touted coaching staff, and a chance to win. And if he starts to act up, cut him loose. Im thinking though he realizes that his opportunities are thin and if he came back and was given another chance to clear some of his issues? This impact bat along with Carp and Wainwright around the corner, would definitely give the Cards their needed push.

Thanks always

Jeff Gordon: The bidding on Fuentes will be really high, so I don't know if the Cards could get that deal done while keeping Rasmus, McClellan, Perez and Garcia out of it. Money is not an issue. I don't know if the Cards have enough assets outside of those four to get something done.

As for Bonds, there wouldn't be much gamble. He would have to get in shape to play the outfield here. And he would have to behave to stay on the team. Anything less than his absolute best behavior wouldn't be good enough -- because no GM wants to tough him now. If he thinks he is blackballed now, what would happen if he came here and caused problems?

roger from lake tahoe: gordo, i wish the cards would have traded for sabathia, not for his pitching but for that big bat to hit behind pujols. what would you think of the cards acquiring bill hall to play ss? i know he's unhappy but i know too that trading within the division almost never happens. thanks for your answer.

Jeff Gordon: I like Hall's offensive potential, but not at shortstop. And like you say, the Brewers are in no mood to help the Cards -- even if it means moving an unhappy player for the good of the group.