Austin: Hey I herd on a radio talkshow which featured Mo that he plans on not taking much action in the trade deadline at this time . Though I have herd rumors we are consitently pursuring lefties like Fuentes and Mahay. What are your thoughts of what trading we will be doing and on what positions in the next week and a half? Thanks

Jeff Gordon: I don't see a blockbuster coming, for the reasons that we've hashed out here. Rasmus will be an everyday outfielder next year -- and the leadoff hitter -- so he's not going anywhere unless a 10-year starting shortstop comes back. And that's not likely to happen. However, dealing an outfielder for a reliever is certainly doable. Mahay seems like a realistic target, but the bidding on Fuentes could get silly.

Brett: What would the Cards have to give up to be able to aquire Fuentes or Mahay? I'd guess two prospects might do the trick? Also if the Cards land one of those two, would they have enough left in terms of prospects to swing another deal, like for a starter or SS?

Jeff Gordon: I don't know if the Royals like Duncan, but that team could use a power-hitting first baseman. That seems like a deal that makes since, since finding ABs for Duncan next year could be tough once Rasmus joins Ludwick and Ankiel in the every day outfield here.

For Fuentes, I'm guessing the Rockies would aim high (McClellan, Perez, Garcia) while asking for young pitching. And those are three hurlers I wouldn't seal, since all three have shown they can help the Cards right now.

A lot of teams could be looking for a shortstop in the offseason, so the free-agent bidding for Furcal and Cabrera could go high. What happens in the meantime? Given the Cards' current depth in the middle infield, the Cards won't overspend for a different SS.

And with Carpenter feeling healthy, the Cards lose some motivation to spend much on starting pitching.

The five-game winning streak keeps fan expectations high, but it also reduces the urgency to change the current mix.

WDMay35: Do the Cards have enough money to pay the Cubs to take Izzy?

Jeff Gordon: Rim shot, please.

Tackleberry: The "changing of the guard" took place last year with the line-up, in terms of disposing of Edmonds, Rolen, and Eckstein, do you think that the Cardinals will follow suit this winter allowing Izzy, Mulder, Flores etc., to head elsewhere? It would seem like the best move for this team since all have been a source of drama more than on-field success.

Jeff Gordon: Izzy and Mulder are making big money, $14.5 million between them. They are running out of time to make any sort of positive difference. And the franchise has several young pitchers making a move. So, yes, the Cards will be ready to turn the page if something dramatically good doesn't happen soon.

Tackleberry: Gordo,

I am sorry to be the umpteenth person this spring/summer to raise this topic in your chat; but can you please explain why seemingly no effort was made by the Rams to identify a replacement or even a player to create competition for Corey Chavous? What free safety, who has pretty much stopped tackling, can retain his job coming off of a season where he also failed to record a single interception? Why are Rams fans to believe the '08 (older) version of Chavous won't be even worse than the '07? When a team is coming off of a 3-13 season, you just don't overlook such a glaring weakness. Any Haslett or Linehan quotes/insight at all you can share on the matter?

Jeff Gordon: Haslett's assessment of Chavous is obviously different. He still views him as a "plus" back there. I share your concern about the organization's lack of proven depth there, since my view of Corey isn't as optimistic as the company line.

BTW, Scouts Inc. ranked the Rams secondary 24th in the NFL, which is not good. Here is the breakdown:

"The Rams return all four starters from last season. Safeties Cory Chavous and Oshiomogho Atogwe provide range and experience. Chavous is a versatile and a instinctive player, who reacts quickly and is very effective near the line of scrimmage, while Atogwe is better-suited to playing deep and is developing confidence in his ability to read quarterbacks and make good breaks on the ball. Tye Hill starts at LCB and has very good speed and recovery skills, and he excels in man coverage along with starting RCB Fakhir Brown. Johnathan Wade and Ron Bartell provide good depth with Wade possibly pushing for starting playtime during training camp."