Harold: Just a few quick questions-
1) I don't get why people think the Cubs are such a great team, think of it this way if the Cardinals had a good closer for 2008 (and im a big IZZY FAN it's sad to see him have a horrible 2008) and you cut half those blown saves we have, the Cardinals would be in 1st place and the Cubs in the wild card chase. So please tell me why people think the cubs seem to be so good?

2) I just came across and saw the Edgar Renteria has over 2000 hits, do you think that he has a shot for the Hall Of Fame? He's a free agent after this year any chance we can get him?

3) Are there any players on the waivers that you see that can help the Cardinals or do you think we should stay right where we are? (Brian Giles)

4) For the 2009 season what players in the free agent class do you think the Cardinals should go after? It's really tough to say what we need help in the only thing that comes to mind is Relief Pitching?.

Thanks and keep up the good work- I always enjoy reading your stuff !

Jeff Gordon: The Cubs are really good. They have a killer lineup and their young bullpen arms are protection against Wood's issues. The Cards would be right there without the blown saves, but Chicago was going to win a lot of games either way.

Edgar isn't a Hall of Famer. He needs 3000 hits for that. The Cards could get him for next year before Detroit believes he has really slipped.

There are players on waivers, like Washburn and Giles. But Giles didn't want to leave LA and other teams are after Washburn. And that guy may not be better than the available options.

As for next year, Fuentes would have to top the list. He could close here. Cabrera would be nice at SS, if the dollars don't get crazy.

Harold: For Mark McGwire 70th homerun in 1998 and seeing how this is 2008 are the St. Louis Cardinals going to do something for the 10th anniversary of it ? And do you think this is his year to be picked for the HALL and what about Billy Southworth will the Cardinals put him on the Hall Of Fame wall in the left field he was a big part for the Cardinals history ----- 2 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIPS ----

Jeff Gordon: Nice thought for Billy, but there isn't much current sentiment for that, I'm afraid. Celebrating Big Mac's feat would be nice, but the Hall of Fame isn't going to happen for him. The steroid stain is too great, for him and for sluggers like him.

Frank: Gordo,

Is Ankiel a free agent at the end of this year ? If so do you think he will resign with the Cardinals ? I see his value and Ludwicks very complicated figure out.

Jeff Gordon: Rick has another year before that, but the Cards need to lock each guy into a long-term deal. Both will have a 1 1/2-year track record to go on. That's not ideal, but it is clear both players have real value and securing them for, say, four years each would be smart.

virginiatom: I know its only one pre-season game, but the Rams first and second team defense against Tennessee looked like the Rams of the last two years of Jim Hasletts reign, missing tackles and unable to stop the run. Its basic defense, yet the Rams just don't seem capable of getting it done. Please tell me it will be better. As a hardcore fan, another year of a twenty-something ranked defense is extremely dissappointing.

Jeff Gordon: Numbers don't lie -- the Rams missed tackles all over the field. Sometimes guys got overpowered and sometimes they just missed assignments or lacked discipline. Either way, the result was shocking.

Buk: Does Albert have a shot at MVP?

Jeff Gordon: With a huge finish, he could get in that discussion. Voters realize that his presence makes what Ludwick and Ankiel are doing possible, But the Cards would have to stay in the hunt all the way for that to happen.