Rajah424: Mr. G.
With a glut of outfielders in front of him, would Darryl Jones have any chance to be moved to the infield for a look at my old spot at 2b?
Thanks,
Rog

Jeff Gordon: Jones has made a rapid climb this year, underscoring the organization's great depth at the position. His upside appears to exceed Barton's potential. It's a good situation to have. I'd expect at least one of the OFs to depart this winter in trade as John Mozeliak shuffles his assets. Certainly the organization needs to beef up in the middle infield, but switching positions is probably not the answer.

Michael Kent: Jeff ...

First off, let me tip my cap to you for your prophetic observation in last week's chat when you called Brett Wallace's promotion to Springfield a day before the announcement was made.

Now let me ask you another Brett Wallace-related question. John Mozeliak suggested in his most recent live chat session that Wallace, along with other 3B prospect David Freese, will get some outfield work during the coming off-season.

I find that a rather interesting comment. The Cards are top-heavy in outfielders ... Ludwick, Ankiel, Schumacher, Mather, Stavinoha, Rasmus, Barton, et al. One can't help but wonder if any of the aforementioned outfielders - including Ludwick and Ankiel - could be traded for prime-time bullpen help or a power-hitting middle infielder if the Cards are considering putting Freese and/or Wallace in the outfield.

To add to the complexity, Troy Glaus has another year left on his contract, so it sort of makes it difficult for Freese or Wallace to get a crack at 3B next season. And what if Glaus has another productive season in 2009? He certainly has at least a couple more good years left in him after that. Is there room for Glaus, Freese, and Wallace in 2010? Does any one of those three have the range to switch to 2B?

Granted, Wallace just made it to Springfield, so he still has at least one more full year left in the minors. But Freese's numbers this year at Memphis are pretty stout. He's certainly good enough to make next April's roster ... but where to put him???

Jeff, what's your take on how all this will play out?

Oh, the possibilities!!!

Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: It does boggle the mind. Glaus has been a terrific fit here, so Mozeliak ought to consider floating an extension offer to Troy this winter. Why not? I think he has exceeding expectations.

Wallace is a fast tracker, likely to be in the bigs by the end of the '09 season. If he can play some OF, that helps -- since 1B appears to be his best position. He can really drive the ball and you can never have too many players like that. He is another reason why "Mo" has to move at least one outfielder this winter to address his glut at the position.

Freese could use one more year at Class AAA, since he skipped Double-A and had to become more disciplined at the plate. But if he can play multiple positions, that could help him get some fill-in work here next season. Trouble is, Mather can play first, third and all three outfield spots.

Nice problem to have. But can "Mo" turn some of this surplus into a shortstop for '09

ecleme2: Hey Gordo!
I've heard with Ramus coming up next year, probably, the outfield may be Ankiel-Ludwick-Ramus, with Skip platooning.
I think have four really good outfielders is great, but Skip is having a great season this year---I wouldn't be so quick to call him the platoon man. Besides his good numbers, Skip's AB/K ratio really offsets Ludwick/Ankiel/Glaus.
I would like to know your thoughts on the '09 outfield. Thanks Gordo!

Jeff Gordon: Given Colby's setbacks this year, he's not a lock to start next year as a Card. But he'll be here next season for sure. I can see the four you mentioned plus Mather starting the year, since Mather can also fill in at first and third. It's possible "Mo" could move a player, if something attractive came up, since Barton would be the odd man out in this deal - and Duncan could still make another comeback.

If the Cards did end up with Ankiel-Rasmus-Ludwick, with Schumaker and Mather in reserve, that would be an amazing offensive/defensive group.

dalejrs88crew: is aaron crow signable for the cardinals.they could use a young pitcher with his talent

Jeff Gordon: He'll got back into the draft and the Hendricks Brothers will again shoot for the moon. It'll be an interesting case. Will he go high in the draft, or plunge because of signability? If he plunged, then, sure, throwing money at him would make more sense that gambling much bigger money on a middle-tier veteran.

Did the Nationals screw up this deal or did Crow get bad advice? That is open to debate, but you hate to see that sort of talent go unsigned. What if he gets hurt?

Charlie Yarnall: OK Tony, we have had enough!! When will the Cardinals start playing Miles instead of Looser Lopez?? He can't even make a simple play at second base and cost us a game against the Braves. Miles is a MUCH better hitter and fielder. Why does Tony insist on playing Lopez? I would much rather see Ryan in there instead of Lopez. Please dump Lopez and bring Ryan back!!

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, that was a tough play. Part of that falls on Pujols, too, getting over to cover first. Nice to see Adam stand up for Felipe on that point.
Miles and Kennedy have both played good defense this year and both have hit. So unless Lopez does dramatic things at the plate -- like provide power and speed -- it's hard to justify an everyday role for him.