drelboc: Hey Gordo;
Last night my dad made an interesting statement that I believe makes sence in regard to Skip Schumaker and the situation the Cardinals find themeselves in as far as what to do with him due to all the quality outfielders they have. As we all keep hearing, Skip may be the likely odd man out and a trade chip to be used this winter. But for all the SKIP fans who would like to see Skip remain a Cardinal, here is an idea that my dad suggested:

Why not convert Skip into a SECOND BASEMAN? We both think his physical condition, size, athletic ability, mental makeup and heart would all work for his chances to be a successful converted 2nd Baseman who might enjoy that success such as Craig Biggio did (catcher, 2b and OF) at Houston, (amongst others who have switched positions).

The Cards could still upgrade a bat at the SS position through FREE AGENCY (FA) like (CABRERA)as well as obtain one or two pitchers through trade or FA. Also, would not this move save them some money? Finally, if you needed Skip to fill in the outfield to give one those guys a break and get some playing time in for the utility infielders Skip could go out there and fill in nice.

A 2009 lineup might look like this...

SS Cabrera
LF Rasmus
1B Pujols
RF Ludwick
CF Ankeil
3B Glaus
C Molina
P Pitcher Spot
2B Schumaker

As I said, it makes sence to us. But then, we believe Skip could do it. What are your thoughts on the matter?

As always, I am very grateful to get your feedback! And this time my dad is very interested to. He'd ask you himself, but he is not up to par with the computer age. ;>)

"THANK YOU" Jeff!

Jeff Gordon: This has been suggested many times before by STLToday.com readers unwilling to write off Skip after this season. If Skip added a ton of power or speed, this might be a worthy experiment. But his offensive profile isn't all that different from what the Cards have seen at second base from Miles, Kennedy, Lopez and Ryan this year.

Unless another team is willing to give up something good for Schumaker, I see Skip has a very valuable extra outfielder for next season. I'd like to see Rasmus, Ankiel and Ludwick start next season with Schumaker and Mather behind them. That would provide lots of offense and defense.

roger from lake tahoe: on friday night in cinncinnatti there was a strange play at home. the throw from glauss beat patterson to the plate by three steps. as larue caught the ball he was leaning backwards. he had the plate blocked and put the glove down and patterson slid into the glove as larue was falling backwards. as this happened the home plate umpire was coming from behind larue around to the side to see the call. by the time he got into position, the tag had been applied and now there was separation between tag and runner. the umpire missed the call. my question - since the umpire must have known he was late getting into position, why did he not consult another umpire? tony came out but really didn't put up much of an argument. why? i have hd tv and the camera shot was pretty good.

Jeff Gordon: I couldn't believe the call either, since the ball arrived well ahead of the runner. LaRue didn't slam the door, a you say, but I thought the runner popped up short of the plate. That is a really easy "out" call, whether or not LaRue actually applied the tag. But that is the home-plate umpire's call. He isn't going to get help unless something odd happened -- like the ball got away from the catcher and he somehow didn't see that. Otherwise, he is at least 90 feet closer to the play than the other umps.

MizzouMarv: Jeff, everyone is jumping on Mizzou's wagon, but realistically Mizzou could lose to IL (1st game & IL is good), Nebraska (haven't won there since '78) & TX (@ Austin & TX still has better athletes). If that would happen would the fans still see Mizzou as a very good team (9-3) or would they jump of the bandwagon?

Jeff Gordon: Yes, that could all happen. And Mizzou fans would see a secondary bowl as a major letdown. Mizzou does need to convert this talent into 10 victories to keep its progress going. The program has a ways to go to become a Top 10 program in terms of attendance, resources, recruiting and so forth. So losses to Illinois, Nebraska and Texas would set back the program.

marvin slay: Van Brocklin-to-Fears:

What keeps Linehan as coach next year?
a. 5-11
b. 6-10
c. 7-9
d. 8-8
e none of the above
Thanks Mr. Gordon

Jeff Gordon: If the Rams finish 8-8 with this schedule, Scott would have a chance -- IF there were many signs of progress on both sides of the ball. I believe 9-7 would earn him a contract extension. But if the Rams finish 7-9 or worse, there will be a LOT of empty seats at The Ed and high motivation for Rams management to make a change.

The Bandit: Jeff,
I think it's pretty obvious this team has a huge quarterback problem(present and future).

Jeff Gordon: We'll see. Bulger made some good throws Saturday night, but the missed connections were ugly. Green looks capable of moving the team, so fans will call for him if Marc starts a real game like he started the preseason game with San Diego. The Berlin/Gradkowski battle is encouraging, since either would be a fine No. 3. But neither is a Quarterback of the Future.