Lawarence Marmie: Gordo,

What does Klopfenstein need to do to prove he belongs on this team? He's caught at least one pass, came close to catching a few passes that went through his hands, and was almost open on a handful of other plays. There's not many starting TE's that can boast of impressive numbers like that. Is he being held to a higher standard because of his tremendous talent?

Jeff Gordon: Ah, the Klop. We hardly knew you. Spagnuolo has a nice one-two TE punch with Randy McMichael and Billy Bajema. Daniel Fells seems to have nice potential too. Life goes on . . .

Lawarence Marmie: Is John Smoltz's success with the Cardinals a clear sign of how weak-hitting the NL is compared to the AL? Especially the AL East compared to the NL Central?

Jeff Gordon: John has faced the Padres, which is definitely a light-hitting bunch, and the Nationals, a hapless team that can actually hit a bit. That is part of it. Also, the Cards do a nice job with pitchers. Also, Smoltz pushed the shoulder too hard in his comeback bid, so the extended rest between starts did him some good.

Finally, the scenery change no doubt rejuvenated him. That will wear off at some point.

No one thing can explain how a guy can improve so dramatically.

Tiger J: Hopefully Jeff you haven't been pounded by this 2 part question, hate the dreaded "see earlier post". But do you see the Cards going after a fifth starter(please Garland). Also are we looking at nfl cuts, I like what Gado has done but I would like a more constant at back up running back. One game good next one BAD, we need decent every game!

Jeff Gordon: Gado's success this preseason -- combined with his earlier track record -- puts him in good shape. I'm sure the Rams are open to looking at some of the running backs cut right before the season starts.

With Lohse and Wellemeyer on the comeback trail and Smoltz pitching so well, the Cards rotation seem set. Boggs passed a big test the other day and the team is 6-2 when he starts. Garcia could still be an option when Memphis wraps up. Royce Ring could help the bullpen, adding another lefty arm.

But here is the issue: Can the bullpen hold up as configured for the eighth inning?

joedirt1955: Mr. Gordo,

Who do you believe is more important or easier to sign in the offseason, Ankiel or Greene?
Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Neither. Ankiel would have a shot (for the right terms, of course) should Holliday move on, but could also see DeRosa re-sign to play second, moving Schumaker to left field and David Freese moving in at third.

Lawarence Marmie: I know I asked in training camp when all the "He's really impressed coaches" talk came up, but are we almost done with the "It might be Tye Hill's breakout season" farce or do we have to go through another repeat of the yearly Jimmy Kennedy/Claude Wroten/Claude Tyrell fiasco?

Jeff Gordon: Jonathan Wade is pushing him for the starting role. Wade isn't great in coverage, but he has been strong in run support.