Tackleberry: Gordo,

While I tip my cap DeWitt & Mo, I wonder if there isn't a lesson to be learned by another St. Louis team who is just weeks away from the start of camp in Earth City? The Cards came into the season just less than 3 years removed from winning a ring, but on shaky ground with fans in terms of their willingness to add quality talent. The Rams on the other hand are a decade removed from their last title, 8 years from their last decent play-off run, and needing to win back fans. Rosenblum made the right moves off the field with front office personnel, those mean then turned around and executed a formidable draft, but where is the substance on the field? DeWitt & Mo rolled the dice with Duncan, Ankiel, and no legit 3rd basemen. It is safe to say they crapped out. But unlike baseball, the NFL doesn't offer many in-season "fix it" options with trades. So you have to wonder if Jackson goes down, the young receivers end up too inexperienced, Bulger continues to regress, or the defense continues to flounder, where is the protection on this team. What is the true identity of this team? Defense? Offense? Special Teams?

Jeff Gordon: The Rams are in complete start-over mode. The simultaneous demise of so many high--priced veterans left a massive rebuilding job. Spagnuolo started with the offensive line, putting top draft/FA dollars there. But, yes, there is a lot to do elsewhere on the roster. It will take time. If injuries hit, it could get ugly.

As for the Cards, multiple 3B injuries (Glaus, Freese, Mather) left a hole. Simultaneous OF injuries also created a problem. The team got enough internal help to stay in first place, but not enough to realistically contend for the pennant.

So DeWitt restored the missing $10 million to the budget and the Cards loaded up. As for Cards fans, they really never left -- despite the negative tone in these chats. Attendance has been fine.

Matt: The team is finally coming together, but the main problems are a #5 starter and another proven reliever. Do you think the Cardinals could pick up either of these pieces for Glaus and can you think of any particular guys they could get?

Jeff Gordon: Glaus offers minimal trade value as a 1B/DH, but the Cards have enough to acquire relief help. The fifth starter could come internally, since the looming off days will allow TLR to minimize that slot.

Matt: We're almost a month and a half away from preseason hockey. Do you see any rookies having as big of an impact for the Blues this coming season as the rookies did last year?

Jeff Gordon: Eller will add offense whenever he arrives. Otherwise, the team looks pretty set.

Kosmo: We have been told that ownership and the players are making a commitment to win. What about Tony and The Dunc? How could they both sit on their hands and what Mott throw 25 fastballs in a row, all above the belt, all with virtually no movement, clearly without command or location, and wait to see if Rollins can hit a high fastball everyone in the park knows is coming? It reminds me of watching Dunc and Tony hold the City for ransome with Isringhausen the World Series year. The only reason the Cards did not lose that year is that Jason finally submitted to hip surgery, and the Dunc was forced to go with Wainright (which directly led to the Series win). Can't either of these geniuses read a pitcher during a game, and jerk them when that pitcher clearly is without command? --Frustrated.

Jeff Gordon: Well, Lohse struggled, Todd struggled and Kinney struggled. When the starter and two relievers get crushed, that limits the options.

Tackleberry: Gordo,

At what point, now that LaRussa has his desired weapons, does he implement a permanent line-up? I realize that Ankiel & Rasmus will split time and that Schumaker and Lugo will too, but in terms of a batting order with Pujols, Holliday, Ludwick & DeRosa won't they hold everyday slots?

Jeff Gordon: Ludwick will gets days off here and there, given the outfield depth. But we'll see the heart of the batting order play game after game. The actual order will change according to the starting pitcher and how guys are hitting.