Tackleberry: Gordo,
If Wellemeyer does indeed make the start on Tuesday, it will leave a lot of Cardinal fans scratching their heads. If the start ends as most assume it will, it won't be pretty. And if that loss ends a 4-game win streak and stifles a wave of momentum, yikes! So that leads to the question of: why? Wellemeyer is a free agent after this year. Wellemeyer won't start a single post-season game and likely won't make a single appearance if the Cards make the play-offs. His starts abuse the bullpen as much as Boggs' do, but at least the team wins when Boggs starts. Then you have Hawksworth, who arguably has earned a shot. So what is the impetus to have Wellemeyer succeed? Is it Duncan's ego? Is it LaRussa's sometimes damaging allegiance to his veterans? Things are going right, a lot is at stake, why take a risk like this?

Jeff Gordon: Good question. Hawksworth is likely out of the equation now that he has spent a few consecutive weeks in the bullpen. He would have to build his arm back up again.

The team is 5-0 when Boggs pitches. Unfortunately, he has a bad habit of getting crushed at the Class AAA level as soon as he returns. TLR sent the clear message that he is done calling up players from Memphis, so this is the team he has unless Mozeliak can add another veteran off the post-deadline pile.

Card Fan Exiled in CO: Jeff,
What would you think of getting Smoltz for the stretch run to put in the bullpen in front of Franklin? Wouldn't this give TLR the veteran arm he would like and free up one of the kids, like Boggs or Hawksworth, to try in the rotation. What would the Cards need to give Boston to take Smoltz off their hands?
Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Once a player is designated for assignment, it doesn't take much -- as the Cards saw with Lugo. I'm not sure John is the answer, given all the abuse he took this year. Maybe the scouts see it differently.

Look for the Cards to take a run at a mid-level veteran reliever. Some of them are trading places in this post-waivers-free period.

Nick S.: Gordo,

Since Wellemeyer doesn't seem to be the a fit in the rotation, any chance the Cards take a look at the rehabbing Mark Mulder to fill the spot?

Jeff Gordon: His agent is still trying to convince teams he can pitch. Trouble is, it would take several rehab starts in the minors to convince the Cards he is good to go. By then, after Sept. 1, the Cards could expand their roster to 40 players if TLR chooses.

Tackleberry: Gordo,

Rams fans seem to be bracing themselves for another sub-par season, but obviously even the most pessimistic will want to see some improvement even in losing efforts. Is it fair to expect marked improvement with defensive techniques (tackling, pursuit, general toughness) as a result of Spags presence? What about special teams, will this town ever see an "impact" unit as opposed to special teams trying not to make mistakes?

Jeff Gordon: The Rams have two of the best kickers in the league. So that part will obviously be fine.

Can this team cover? We'll see. Spagnuolo will make his final cuts based on filling coverage teams needs.

This team has no experienced punt or kickoff returners, so don't expect "impact" there. But then again, few teams get "impact" in the return game. Most teams are content not to screw up that portion of the game.

stlcardsfaninaz: Hello Gordo,

I am sure I am pretty much the same as other Cardinals' fans. We love the trades, a little unsure about the cost, and a little worried about resigning DeRosa and Holiday.

However, my question is concerning the prospects that we gave up. Do we still owe any team a 'player to be named later' for any of our trades this year?

Thanks as always for taking the time to answer our questions.

Jeff Gordon: No, Jess Todd filled that role in the DeRosa deal. Too bad, too, because he could really help the Cardinals.