drelboc: Hey Gordo;
As you know, we Card fans get mighty attached to those home-grown ballplayers who perform up to our expectations and have a good guy reputation. Add a great story line with the glittering appeal of Ankiel's and we cannot imagine them wearing any other uniform than the 'Birds on the Bat'.

Keeping the above in mind, hang with me Gordo, cause here we go;

Is there added value in the trade market that is factored in for that glittering appeal for a fan favorite ballplayer that may go beyond his playing ability? After all, part of the game is selling those tickets and a good story line ballplayer with untapped potential talent that oozes with power juices can generate ticket sales can't they?

With that said, in last weeks chat session you brought up a deal that to get Dan Uggla we would have to give up a guy like Ankiel. Not knowing anything about Uggla's charachter myself, lets say for "even value" on the charachter side of things Uggla is Ankiel like. We know we love Uggla's bat at the 2b position for what it can produce, but is his DEFENSE and CLUTCH hitting worth making that swap? Not knowing anything much about the guy other than his misplays in the ALL-STAR game I have questions/doubts about Uggla's mental makeup that can make good players great or just leave them above average. We beleive we have a gem in Ankiel's package. Is Uggla's package just as attractive?
Another variable that comes to mind is do you think this is a deal the Cards would make if they thought Ankiel would exit the team when he is FA eligible? More specifically, from what you think/know, is ANKIEL "one of those guys" that would migrate from the banks of the Misssissippi to the banks of the Ohio...as in...ohhh...say Cincinnatti?

Thank you very much for answering my rather lengthy questions! I love the chat that you always take the time for. God bless...

Jeff Gordon: I only mentioned Ankiel in the Uggla equation because he could appear to Florida as a charismatic South Florida native. Perhaps the Marlins would buck up for him, something they haven't done with Uggla. Ankiel could command nice coin as a free agent, so Mozeliak will have an interesting time trying to extend his deal.

What is his value? What is Ludwick's long-term value? These are interesting questions. Fortunately, the Cards are clearing lots of dead payroll after this year, so Mozeliak won't be handcuffed.

Somebody has to go from this outfield. I advocate keeping Rasmus, given his well-rounded ability and his youth. I love Mather's potential and versatility, Schumaker's skill and work ethic, Ludwick's power and defense, Barton's speed . . . but something has to give.

And, yes, this team needs to add some middle-infield oomph. The last Cardinal second baseman to drive in 60 runs was Tommy Herr. Grudzielanek, Vina and DeShields were pretty good offensive players, but the Cards will need a run producer in that position to keep up with the Cubs and Brewers. Uggla is exactly the type of guy this team needs, but there wlll be other possibilities.

Ken: What are the Cap ramifications if Drew Bennett is released? Does he have any value in a trade?

He should have catched the first ball for a TD or at least 1st and goal. It wasn't an easy catch but it was not a hard ball to catch. The second ball he just either stopped running or is just too slow for the game. If he is hurt, at least sit him down and let the kids play with Holt and McMichaels. Dane Looker is a definite keeper. Dante Hall is growing tiresome with his little naggging injuries. Another mistake in trading for him, but at least I would give him the rest of the season to prove me wrong. But Drew is just awful and it is time to move on.

Any chance Drew is done with the RAMS?

Jeff Gordon: There would be a cap hit, yes. But my guess is he'll get one more year while Avery and Burton get established. No coach likes to admit he made a horrible mistake.

I'd cut Bennett, turn the page and play the kids. This is Year Two for Drew and he has done nothing to this point to justify playing time.

raymond asfar: do you think the cards made a major mistake is trading anthony reyes. he is pitching lights out for cleveland. reminds of the steve carlton deal.

Jeff Gordon: Whoa . . . Steve Carlton? I'm a big Reyes fan, but sometimes a kid needs a fresh start. His trade value wasn't great. The Cards picked up a good arm for him, a reliever capable to contending for work next year.

As you can see, the Cards really do have a starting pitching surplus. Pineiro wins three games this month and moves to the pen. Todd and Mortensen are on the climb. Garcia is, too. Boggs seems to be prepping himself for a long-relief role. Thompson still has to fight for a role on this staff. I'm happy for Anthony, but it's not like he didn't get chances here.

When he pulled up with a sore elbow just as the Cards were about to put him back in the rotation in the middle of this season, that was it for him. The next chance never came.

TEASTERN: Mr. Gordon, Derek Stanley has not been playing much in the preseason, is this a bad sign? Thanks for taking my question.

Jeff Gordon: Some folks wondered if the Rams were keeping a lid on the kid so they could sneak him back onto the practice squad. But with Hall, Bennett and Caldwell all getting banged up, perhaps that could change. Stanley had a very strong offseason and his willingness to fill in at cornerback in practice spoke well to his future. The more a kid can do, the more likely he is to stick some day.

Delictous Sexsploscious: Jeff

I read in Derrick Goulds blog that he heard The Commish say the following: "The Cardinals choice to let their No. 1a pitcher drift like this is either a telling sign of their situation, their philosophy or Wainwright’s place. An ace starts, no question, right?"

What is your opinion of this assessment?

I agree, an ace is an ace, and he starts, no matter what.

Cheers
Delictous

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, but La Russa didn't want to throw the closer burden onto Perez without having options. He is letting Perez grow into that responsibility. So far, his second stint here has gone very well. But Tony left the option to move Adam into the pen with Carpenter moving closer to starting again. And, again, Pineiro had just turned himself around in the rotation.

If the Cards bullpen was airtight, TLR wouldn't even think about sliding Adam back there. But it's not airtight, as we saw again Saturday.