Glenn: Who's standing out more Berlin or Gradkowski?

Jeff Gordon: Bruce had a strong scrimmage and his experience has to be a big factor. But we'll see both take their shot in preseason games -- and that will be the indicator.

therealdealankiel: Gordo,

I am going to you as my insider versus trusting everything that comes from the front office.

I agree with you that spending money where we are already strong (OF) would be a disaster. That being said, I see 4 GLARING holes. A starter, shortstop, closer and second baseman in that order. I am willing to fill the relief and second base help from within. What are two realistic moves/acquisitions you see this team ACTUALLY making this offseason?

Jeff Gordon: My order: Closer, keep Lohse, add a shortstop bat. If the Cards fail at No. 3, put Ryan there. Why not? Second base I'm OK, given the batting averages. I'd overpay for one guy in the offseason: Fuentes.

adam_cruts: Jeff,

I posed a question earlier about why isn't Phelps up with the big club; however I can understand there's no real place in the field for him. But with that said, is there not a team in the majors that would be interested in his current .280 25HR 80 RBI line in AAA right now for some LHP help? Is he considered one of the many "2009!!!" hopefuls that we keep hearing about? I'm confused what his purpose is if we can't pawn him off for the right deal to help the big club. Obviously our 1B position is taken with the Cards.

Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: If another team wanted Phelps, I assume we would have heard so. There are a lot of young hitters breaking in and Phelps is now just a bench guy. That said, I'd rather have his power on the bench than an extra middle infielder. Phelps HR/AB numbers in the bigs are pretty good. As for '09, he would need some assurances to playing time to re-sign here. Let's see if he gets a chance in September to earn that time.

redbirdswin: Who are the best bets for September callups - Rasmus (if healthy), Barton, Perez, Motte, Phelps, Flores, Anderson, Jimenez . . . anyone else stand out in your mind?

Jeff Gordon: Barton will return before then. Otherwise, Phelps, Rasmus, Motte, Perez, Flores, Boggs and Anderson would all make sense. It would be nice to see Freese, too, but it would be hard to get him at bats.

That's it for this week. See you next week from Wisconsin.