Zimmy: after an exciting and frustrating season, it seems as tho we are all but out of the playoffs, barring a miracle. The team had a solid foundation, but as needs/ injuries arose MO fell flat on his face and let the team wither & flail. Jocketty always found a vet to fill a hole, usually at the expense of a couple mid level prospects.
Loshe was an awesome stroke of luck. but I have to say if this is how MO operates the next few years will be very long and arduous. |
Jeff Gordon: Lohse was a good signing, not a stroke of luck. The Glaus-for-Rolen deal was one of the best in major league baseball this year. Lopez was a nice pick-up, ala Jocketty. So Mozeliak's track record is fine. The dearth of meaningful deals at the trade deadline -- across both leagues -- tells you that there wasn't much out there.
This winter will be a different story. "Mo" knows what he has and doesn't have. He needs left-handed relief help, middle infielders who can produce runs and a couple of starting pitchers with Lohse and Looper reaching free agency. He will have money to spend and assets to deal.
He will be on the clock. |
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Zimmy: Do you think the Blues will make a move yet? Mckee to LA, Mckee for afinaginov(sp?) If we move him will we have enough veteran Dmen?
& then theres Shanny, i was intrigued but not really thrilled by that rumor. for the numbers being bounced around I would have liked them to look at a younger player. Unless its pure PR... |
Jeff Gordon: Shanny still seems destined for the Rangers, since his kids are back in school in New York. A D-man deal is always possible, especially if the front office likes what it sees from Junland this month. If he makes a quick adjustment to the North American game, that will really give the team blue line depth.
Things seem quiet on the Blues front. The team might bring in a veteran forward for a tryout, but otherwise the emphasis is still on the kids. |
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kat89447: Hi Gordo,
I am sure my question has been asked and answered, but I was curious to see if the state of Cardinal Nation has changed your opinion. Who do you think we re-sign, Looper or Lohse? In my opinion it would seem the smart money goes after Looper, he has similar stats to Lohse and we know how to use him and he seems more willing to go where needed in (bullpen) an emergency. I think his senority as a Card also should be rewarded. While I think Lohse is a great pitcher, I hate paying the Boras rate.
One other thing, with the Cards seemingly out of the run for postseason, wouldn't it be wise to shut Ank down till they figure out what is really going on with him? We have the call ups on their way and it would be nice to see the team do the right thing and keep him from getting worse, instead of beating him up some more and later saying he's out due to a sports hernia. I hate to see him out of it, especially if we pull off another miracle Sept., but I hate to see him take a chance to injure himself to the point of being out the beginning of next year even more. |
Jeff Gordon: Can't argue with point on Ankiel. Playing hurt (twice!) was a bad idea for Duncan. He lost his stroke and never really got it back.
With Lohse failing to add to his win total/market value, he will come in well under the Sabathia/Sheets price. I would make him the top priority. I would try to keep Looper, too, unless his price inexplicably got too high. Both pitchers embrace the Duncan system and both would fit nicely behind Carpenter and Wainwright.
If these guys get away, the Cards must sign two free agents capable of winning 12 to 16 games. Since the team knows these guys can succeed here, the Cards ought to pay a little more to make sure they stay. |
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| DeRam4life: the rams have taken an undrafted linebacker and made him into one of the best in the league(London Fletcher). i still dont know why he was allowed to leave, our defense hasnt been the same since, and now we get "Q". Will this guy be as good as advertised? |
| Jeff Gordon: Culberson will be solid, but he's not another "dot.com." Obviously the previous regime made a big mistake letting Fletcher go. The guy was a playmaker. |
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| DeRam4life: Why did we not resign Isaac Bruce? Drew Bennett all but showed last year that he is really a fringe player. Isaac should have gotten that money instead. I looked at our payroll and Bennett is one of the highest paid rams. This is a travesty and makes us look like a joke. Bennett came from the Titans, my home team, and we all know that they are 3 yards and a cloud of dust team. What idiot made this decision? Also, in the past our front office would not have signed Manning Jr. Im liking Devaney more and more every day. Your thoughts Gordo. |
| Jeff Gordon: Devaney is a sharp man. This draft underscores that. Everybody picked can play. Bennett was clearly a mistake, especially at those dollars. I'd rather have another year of Bruce, who would have helped Avery and Burton adapt to the NFL. |
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| DeRam4life: Gordo, Chris Long was not a favorite pick of mine. How has Glenn Dorsey and Vernon Ghoulston done so far in preseason? I think this Long kid is going to make a good backup for somebody after he collects all this money from us and makes us miss out on future hall of fame defensive ends coming out of college. Why did we not make an attempt at Rudi Johnson as Jacksons backup? seeing as how Stephen is not in hitting shape after his holdout and is clearly on his way to an injury early this season, we open up against one of the most physical defenses in the league. He's a bruising back, unlike Tomlinson who avoids hits, and we already saw last year, after the rams saved him thru the preseason, that he will be injured. Brian Leonard should be in somebodys drive thru handing out greasy bags of overcooked sandwiches instead of perpetuating the fraud as a football player. Too small for a fullback, too slow for a halfback. what the @$*% does that say about our scouting department? |
Jeff Gordon: Leonard is a pretty good third-down back and has been fine as a fill-in. But Pittman has more promise as a feature back -- and I have no problem with him filling that role instead of a faded veteran like Rudi.
Long will be a solid pro. Will he be a star? He still has to prove that. Dorsey suffered an early injury setback, but I'm sure he and Vernon will be just fine as rookie. It WILL be fun to see how these three compare in three or four years. |
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| DeRam4life: Ive been a loyal Rams fan since 1976. Ive got a closet full of jerseys, hats, jackets, t-shirts, even a rams pocket knife and door key. What i want to know is why did it take 32 years for them to realize they need a personnel man? Look at our picks ,just to name a few, over the last 12 years. Lawrence Phillips over Eddie George and Terrell Davis. Eddie Kennison over Marvin Harrison, and, does anyone remember Dieter Brock? The qb from the canadian league who couldnt throw in bad weather? We traded Eric Dickerson, allowed Bruce and Warner to get away, and made London Fletcher play on his undrafted rookie contract. I guess its painfully obvious when an organization wants to make profits instead of win for the fans. |
| Jeff Gordon: I believe, like you do, in employing a strong personnel men. Too many teams turn it over to coaches (Mad Mike!) and/or their cap guy (Jay Zygmunt). Charley Armey did a fine job when he had the power to do it. But, yes, the franchise had issues before his reign and after it. |
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SteveW: Hi Jeff, thanks for the time.
I, for one, have quit watching the Cardinals for the year. I can no longer stand the bullpen loses. (But I do read in your column each day how they managed to lose)
My question is, why doesn't Tony use Mather in the outfield and see if he is for real? I wish he would have done that before he got hurt. BECAUSE, I don't think having Ankiel and Glaus back to back is a good idea. When these guys aren't at the top of their game, which is a lot of the time, it's strike out, pop up, every time. What a waste. If Mather could play every day (or Rasmus) I would suggest trading Ankiel and Duncan and getting either some relief pitching, or Uggla for second base. We need more consistency in hitting more than we need home runs. And we need a whole new bullpen.
thanks for the time. |
Jeff Gordon: Balancing the lineup between right-handed and left-handed hitters will be a priority next year. I, too, like Mather as an platoon option against lefties. I can see him and Schumaker splitting at bats next season while the team awaits Rasmus.
As for Duncan, he may not play again. And if he does play, there won't be much trade value. |
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| ram4life: for some strange reason i think this year will be a changing of the guard in the nfl. i think this is the year that were out with the old and in with the new. teams that have dominated for so many years, the patriots, will be also rans this year. i also think dallas is overrated and that the rams have a better receiving corp and running back than they do. watch what i say. there will be new blood rising to the top of the nfl this year. id like to see the rams there but i just dont have confidence in Linehan. (i had lost confidence in Vermeil too though and i was proved wrong). |
| Jeff Gordon: As always, we'll see some change in the NFL. At least one also-ran will make a run. Like you, I doubt it will be the Rams. Linehan DOES have much to prove. |
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| HEG: Gordo its the same old tune with the Cardinals; if the starters go into 7th, 8th, or 9th inning with a lead the bullpen blows the lead & eventually a loss for the team-the announcers say McClellan has been effective this season; I disagree-2 & 7-not to impressive; by now the starters who I think overall this year have been overachieving but to see so many leads disappear must be devistating to them; also this year the team as a whole seems to be out of sync-pitching good-not much offense & vice-versa; it seems they are heading for 4th place where I had them picked all along-they will have a lot of interesting decisions to make after this season; agree or disagree? |
Jeff Gordon: If the Cards finish fourth, they might still have the sixth best record in the league -- and they should finish well over .500. That said, there will be much to do. McClellan is a strong young pitcher, but circumstances forced the Cards to use him excessively. Not many rookie pitchers get that much exposure in the late innings.
The Cards starters might be disappointed in the bullpen, but how many times did these guys pitch seven-plus inning to shorten games for the relievers? And how many times did the offense blow opportunities to build leads?
It WAS weird, the lack of offensive continuity. That kept the team from going on the long win streak it badly needed. |
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The AntiCub: First time poster, Chatmeister - ready to ride the tsunami of insight in these days of introspectively wondering what happened to the Cards season...and what we can do to avoid it in 2009. (Not pitching McClellan into the ground, notwithstanding...)
If you were Mo, who would be the pitchers you would make a priority to acquire, either via free agency or trade, either starters or relievers? I'm looking for something beyond the typical A. J. Burnett / Sabathia / Sheets malarkey - just pure "good fits" for Big Dunc's coaching style and baseball the Cardinal way. I think at this point we only need one marquee name and a good journeyman to round out the rotation, considering Carp and Wainwright are your obvious numbers 1 & 2 and Pineiro is a more than adequate 4 or 5 guy.
Thanks,
The AntiCub |
Jeff Gordon: I'd Lohse over most of the hurlers below the Sabathia/Sheets range. Burnett is appealing with his power arm, but he has "injury risk" written all over him.
My priorities:
1) Run producer in the middle infield.
2) QUALITY left-hand relieving.
3) Fill in the rotation behind Carpenter/Wainwright and ahead of Wellemeyer/Pineiro. |
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Tackleberry: Last week you wrote a colum touching on the topic of the Rams' lack of depth. Isn't it fair to say that this organization's biggest downfall post-2000 has been an inability to identify talent in both free agency and via the draft? The city will always tip their cap to the Faulk-trade, and Martz could always identify WR talent, and if we are going to go all out I suppose Warner was a find too. But outside of Witherspoon, there have been almost no quality free agents signed (Fahkir Brown doesn't count), and it seems like the draft is still producing results similar to that of Rams' special teams, junk. While Devaney may be part of the answer, is he not constrained by the old regime that still has a major voice, the same regime that drafted these players in the first three rounds since the Super Bowl win:
2006: Hill (1st) & Klopfenstein (2nd), Wroten, Alston Byrd (3rd)
2005: Bartell (2nd)
2004: Hargrove (3rd)
2003: Kennedy (1st)
2002: Thomas (1st) Fisher (2nd) Gordon & Crouch (3rd)
2001: Lewis Archuleta, Pickett (1st) Polley (2nd) Brian Allen (3rd)
If half of these picks are spent on players that materialized this team is a perrenial playoff contender. 14 of the 17 players listed above aren't even on the team anymore. In any other organization Zygmunt & Shaw would be on the street. This organization will never improve, regardless of the head coach, until it re-tools the front office with real football people. |
Jeff Gordon: The last two years have gone better, although the Bennett signing was a terrible mistake. Burton was an especially good draft pick this year. Greco will pay off, too. Long will be a good player, although it will be tough to live up to that draft status.
It's early to assess the Bell signing as a FA, but it looks fine for now.
Devaney was a great hire, but it remains to be seen what this football operation will look like in '09. A lot could happen, including a coaching change and even an ownership change. There could be a whole new group running the show. |
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AlaskaRam: Yo Gordo,
Most of us know Will Witherspoon is the "centerpiece" of the Ram defense. And for good reason, Spoon is a great player and is the key to making Hasletts complex schemes work.
My question: To your knowledge, has Linehan (or Haslett) tried to get Spoon to take on more of a leadership role on the field? Seems to me the guy with a green sticker on the back of his hat might be the best candidate to give his teammates on the field a kick in the pants once in awhile. |
| Jeff Gordon: I think he is that type of player. He may not be as vocal as Glover, but he is on the field all the time and he sets the tempo. |
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| Jeff: Hey Jeff, enjoy the chats on monday. Football starts this weekend. what's your early prediction for the super bowl. also what do you think about the rams' chances. defense looks improved and offense may be alright. With the way the NFC West stacks up we may have a small chance. Thanks |
Jeff Gordon: Rams look like a 7-9 team, with a chance to move up if other teams take big injury hits.
Super Bowl? Philly is a trendy pick from the NFC, but I'd rather see New Orleans get there -- that would be entertaining! In the AFC, the Patriots are still the Patriots, unfortunately. |
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| Jeff: Lets talk a little blues hockey. i was looking to getting a new jersey this winter and was wondering what's your opinion on who. i was deciding between david perron or tj oshie. who do you think? |
| Jeff Gordon: Good question. Oshie will be a fast, hard-hitting, exciting player. But Perron is the future. He is their best young gun. |
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| sjseibold: Is there not a story line on Yadier and Bengie Molina? Could not Bengie be a candidate for the improvement of Yadier's bat? It appears that Bengie is statistically a better gold glove candidate. Is there a 4th Molina now in the majors? |
| Jeff Gordon: Yadier deserves credit for Yadier's success. After all, Jose has never been much of a hitter. The Youngest Molina worked hard and found his swing. Oddly, his defense slipped this year so he shouldn't be the Gold Glover. |
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| okcarhauler: Jeff, thanks for your time. What do you think of this years team? I personally with no hard feeling towards Linehan think he should have been fired last season. He flat out lost this team, and looked lost when he was coaching. I don't see how hiring Al Saunders will help him. They should have hired him as Head Coach and started over. I think Chris Long will be great, but he will take time to learn the system. And to bring up another sore subject, Here we go with the Joke Drew Bennett signing. We could have had a proven player in Kevin Curtis signed for the same money, and Drafted Linebackers that we badly need in the second round. Is this guy ever going to produce? I have been a fan for 30+ years, and want them to win, but if we win more then 4 games this year, I will be shocked. Please give me some type of positive sign that this team will at least compete this year. Thanks. |
| Jeff Gordon: There is a chance the Rams could collapse again, but if Jackson and O-line hold up, this team will look a LOT different than last year's team. You can certainly argue against Scott getting another chance this year, but I don't think the team has given up on him. And Saunders is having a huge impact. |
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| Joe Stafford: Gordo, Here we go again, the great Drew Bennett signing is rearing it's ugly head. Why didn't the Rams just pay Ike Bruce to finish his career here, instead of having to watching him in of all things a Niners uniform! We waisted several of our draft picks on recievers when we already had Bruce, Curtis, and McDonald! We need some linebackers, with all due respect to our seventh rounders! Why didn't the Rams just release Bennett, what has he done to earn a 40 million dollar contract that Isaac Bruce hasn't? If I remember right, didn't Bruce catch a 73 yard td pass to win a Superbowl? I would rather have gave Bruce 80 million then a penny to Bennett! Lets start the Clock on the Losehan firing right now! |
| Jeff Gordon: I would have kept Bruce, because their was cap money there. And I'm not a big Bennett fan. But I'm not sure Curtis is worth the money he got and McDonald isn't worth mentioning. |
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Thomas: Hey Jeff!
After a humilation loss last night to a lower division opponent, do you think the Missouri State University football program will survive and win sometime in the future? I believe that the last time they made the 1-AA playoffs was 1992 or sometime around there! Thanks for your time. |
| Jeff Gordon: Succeeding at that level is very hard. It's the netherworld between major college football and D-II -- expensive to run, difficult to fund and challenging to recruit. I feel for every school in that scenario. Very few programs can find consistent success under those parameters. |
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Jeff: Listening to various national media sources no one is giving the Rams much of a chance this year. I realize they are coming off a 3 win season but given the talent on the team and assuming they stay healthy, I am compelled to think they will challenge for the division. Do you agree or am I just looking at life through Rams colored glasses?
Jeff
Eureka, CA |
| Jeff Gordon: I'm not as optimistic. Seattle will find a way to compete despite all its injuries. That is what great coaches do. Arizona is further along, especially with Kurt at QB. I see a third-place finish, owing to the tough schedule. |
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| Ryan: Who wins more games for the Blues this year, Manny or Mason? |
| Jeff Gordon: Manny. He'll get enough rest to keep the knee working. |
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mjdelpe: Gordo !! Thanks for having your live chats, always provides the opportunity to be enlightened about my favorite teams even tho I'm nowhere near STL anymore.
Your honest, unbiased opinion about what can we expect from the Cards during the off season. Not names, because no one has a crystal ball, but really about expectations. Do you believe the Cards will give an HONEST attempt to (scratch that-make it actually accomplish):
a.) sign key team members that will be free agents this year, or shrug their shoulders as they walk, spinning it as "unreasonable" demands;
b.) really try to sign open market FA's to fill holes where we have nothing inside the organization (did I hear "unreasonable demands" again?);
c.) trade some of our "prized assets" that don't fit here for some of the help we need, or since a & b above are "unreasonable" we go with what we got knowing for certainly there are more Ludwick's down there (did I hear the word SPIN again?)
From your insider perspective, what can we expect? It would be nice to have a warm & fuzzy feeling that our FO was gong to seriously try to do something about the wide chasm that has opened up between the Cub, Brewers and the rest of the Central. |
Jeff Gordon: Having Wainwright and Carpenter for a full year would close that chasm in a hurry, especially with the Brewers likely to lose both Sheets and Sabathia to free agency and Cubs having concerns about Zambrano's shoulder.
The Cards will spend more than $100 million on their '09 payroll. A lot of "dead money" is departing. Some players will get nice raises, especially Ankiel and Ludwick. That will leave plenty of money for free agents or price veterans acquired in deals.
The team is in great position to deal and spend. Expect both. |
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| quhawks33: Gazing into your crystal ball, what do you see the future holds for former QU Hawk, Josh Kinney? |
| Jeff Gordon: Josh will scrape some rust off this month, then help the Cards big-time as a late-inning guy next year. It will be nice having him, Perez, Motte and McClellan at the end of games. (McCLellan could go to the rotation, though, if the team adds significant bullpen help.) |
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bob in indiana: gordo , 2 questions.
Do you think adam kennedy got a fair shake this year? to me , he was starting to hit and his fielding has been prety good. I don't think larussa ever liked him.
Also, do you think the cardinals came in this year saying even if we're in contention our real focus will be on next year. |
Jeff Gordon: The Cards came into the year looking long-term. That was Mozeliak's mandate. As a Year One GM, he was not going to move a bunch of his better prospects for so-so help and set back his timetable for retooling the organization. But it's not like this team went out there with kids; he made the Glaus deal, he spent for Lohse, he added Lopez.
You could argue that Kennedy didn't get a fair shake. He kind of fell into the Anthony Reyes realm. And Reyes may do more for the Indians down the stretch than, say, Rich Harden will do for the Cubs. |
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| Ryan: I have been reading that Perron has bulked up, readjusted his attitude and looked great at the prospects camp. It's a definite he makes the team, and gets substantial ice time (as long as he earns it). After a promising 13 goal season last year, how many goals do you see the kid getting this year? With opportunities on the PP and a more solidifed role, do you think 30 is out of the question? If he plays on a line with Andy McDonald (like he was at the end of last year) I think 30 is an attainable goal. What do you think, Gordo? |
| Jeff Gordon: I agree. But it's up to him. If he starts challenging Murray again, he could do some hard time in Peoria. Last year Andy didn't have that option. |
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| Jayman: Do you see Dave Dunkin coming back next year? |
| Jeff Gordon: Yes, I see Dave Duncan returning. And I see Mozeliak leaning heavily on his advice on pitching. |
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| mike: Is the confusion over injuries we see with the Cardinals similar with other teams or is this organization more confused or trying to hide things? The NFL certainly does it better. Those teams have to tell the truth in a timely manner. |
| Jeff Gordon: The Cards don't lie. But if I ran the team, I would never, EVER project a return timetable for a player. I would explain the injury and tell reporters that the player will return when he is healthy. That's it. That would eliminate any sense of confusion. |
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| JS5981: Hey Gordo, of the 3 major sports teams in St. Louis, which do you feel is most on track to be successful in the next couple of years and why? Which do you see as the least successful of the 3 and what would you have done differently? Thanks |
Jeff Gordon: 1) Cardinals -- good talent base, good prospects, lots of money.
2) Blues -- good prospects, good plan.
3) Rams -- uncertain future. Ownership change? Front-office change? Coaching change? |
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Steve: Jeff,
I just don’t get it. Could you please explain to me why CC Sabathia wouldn’t be a good fit for the cardinals? If Carpenter isn’t the same again, then we still have two great starting pitchers, if he does come back good as new we have the best 1-2-3 pitchers in the game.
Would ~20M per year for 6 or so years be so bad for a 28yr old starting pitcher that averages 30 starts and 200 innings each year and has never been on the disabled list? Wouldn’t the innings that Carp, Waino, and CC eat make the bullpen that much better though reduced useage? |
Jeff Gordon: But what if Sabathia gets hurt? Then you would have 20 percent of the payroll out on the disabled list. Most pitchers get hurt at some point, so investing huge money in them is dicey. The Cards are paying Carpenter big money. The team bucked up for Wainwright, too. The team is better off making more moderate investments while developing as many hurlers as possible.
Investing huge money in position players is far less risky. |
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NYtom: Jeff, my good man:
It's been 15 years since this short chubby white guy routinely out-hustled and out-played you during lunch time b-ball runs at the downtown 'Y'. I'm sure if we played today the tables would be turned since now I am an OLD short chubby white guy with bad knees, so I'll stay retired.
;-) (Straham's not the only one who knows when enough's enough)
My questions are regarding the RAMS this Sunday - I think the best best for StL is to run run run SJ until the Eagles put eight 'in the box' then use some play-action to enhance the passing game. Ball control (and minimal turnovers) will keep McNabb's offense off the field and perhaps induce impatient play calling from Andy Reid.
Do you think SJ will surpass 100 yards on the ground?
With the Rams 7 point dogs and an over/under at 44, can they pull off the upset? (they'll most likey need to score 24 points or more)
Have a great day & maybe I'll be able to visit with you at one of your lunch time on-location gigs someday!
NYT
PS - Let's Go Mets |
Jeff Gordon: New York Tom! Man, the time has flown by.
The Eagles want to blitz Bulger and knock him back to Stupidville. So if the O-line can muscle up, sure, send Jackson into the line over and over and over. The Rams need to get Bulger going, but it's easier to get going on second-and-4 then third-and-11.
Feel free to come by to "The Sports Edge" removes -- Monday at Dickey's BBQ in Valley Park (next to the Drury Inn, Tuesday in Bridgeton at the Sports Cafe on Natural Bridge (near the Rock Road and 270) and Friday at in West County at Fandango's (Daugherty Ferry at Big Bend). |
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Ramfrank: Hey Gordo -
What's the TE situation with the Rams? Is Becht REALLY healthy and will Klop fit into the mix AT ALL?? Finally, how is Avery's health?
Frankie the Spoon |
| Jeff Gordon: Donnie is NOT healthy. I think Becht will be good to go, which will boost the blocking. Klop could be a passing factor, depending on how the active roster breaks down. |
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jon in kentucky: Thanks for your time Gordo. I a couple of short questions regarding our offensive line. 1. Even with Romberg healthy is Leckey the starter for the season, he has shown some great run-blocking.
2. All signs point to Pace as one of our x-factors. If Pace goes down, and Goldberg comes in, how confident are you that he can play at a level necessary for us to win.
3. Would you give us a better grade for pass protection, or run blocking. |
Jeff Gordon: I like the run blocking better. That is Barron's strong suit. Goldeberg could become a liability in pass protection if Pace gets hurt. Leckey had a great preseason, but Romberg has proven himself at center.
It'll be interesting to see if this group can stay together for a while and develop chemistry. |
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Jim Carnes: Jeff
The Cardinals most glaring needs appear to be the middle infield, a lefty releiver and a pair of starters (assuming Lohse and Looper do not return). I believe the farm system can address the needs of of righty relievers and utility players. My question is of the 3 glaring needs, what players will be available via free agency or through trades?
Jim From Florida |
| Jeff Gordon: Fuentes would be a great get for the bullpen. The Cards have always liked Burnett, so a bid there (if he opts out of Toronto) is possible. If Derek Lowe wants a scenery change, he would be a good Duncan guy. But, again. I wouldn't mind taking back Lohse AND Looper. |
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| jon in kentucky: Thanks again for your time. My question is, Who will have a bigger game on sunday? Jackson, or Holt for the Rams. And of the 2 star backs, who will have a bigger day, westbrook, or Jackson. |
| Jeff Gordon: I would take Jackson over Holt and Westbrook over Jackson. Sound likes like a fantasy football dilemma . . . |
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| jon in kentucky: How important does the rams organization feel about winning tonights game. After such an awful season last year, full of arguing, lack of discipline, and virtually no hope for success. Is a win here in week 1 a must to get our heads in the right place? Especially since we have New York in week two. If we win, will we have better fan support at home against New York? Speculating, if we were to win our first two games, one on the road and one at home, against the defending Super-Bowl champs, what would that do for our team? Unlikely i know. |
| Jeff Gordon: Winning would do wonders for the Rams. They will pull out stops to make that happen. But that is a veteran team on the other side and a better coaching staff overall. |
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| jon in kentucky: If the rams win consistently, fans will fill the seats, keeping the new owners happy. But, if we are losing, is there an above average possibilty that the team will be sold, and moved to LA? |
| Jeff Gordon: A sale could happen regardless of winning/losing or attendance. Chip Rosenbloom doesn't have the capital necessary to keep the team -- unless he brings in more investors. As for the team moving, anything is possible in the longer term. In the near term, they will stay put. |
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| HEG: Gordo does it seem to you in observing the Rams that a lot of the time the defense is similiar to the offense; in that the Rams run a spread offense & a lot of the time it looks as though they are running a spread defense when they get torched so often vs. the run? |
| Jeff Gordon: I'm less worried about the run defense than most. Adeyanju is a pretty good run stuffer. He can mix in if other teams try to pound on the ground. But if Witherspoon gets hurt at LB, look out. I still think that group is thin. |
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| old cowboy: Good Day Jeff, After watching the Giants/Redskins game I was wondering in your opinion if you thought Wash was not confidant in their QB to throw downfield or was it out of respect for NY defense? Also, is there any problem possibley physically with Kyle Mclellen's arm? Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: Kyle has been used excessively this season, so some fatigue would be normal. I'd like to see the Cards ease up on him. As for the Skins, they just aren't very good offensively. New scheme, new coach, same old problems. And the Giants are very good. |
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| old cowboy: One other question, Please tell me why Madison Hedgecock was not kept by the Rams!! |
| Jeff Gordon: Fair question, since he fit so nicely with the Giants. There was some conflict with the coaching staff -- a staff that has since been overhauled. |
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| NotMyHome: Gordo: Thanks for taking our questions. Who should be a better runner in the rain, Jax or Westbrook? It is beginning to sound like the Rams will play on a sloppy field Sunday. |
| Jeff Gordon: Westbrook, at home, running against the Rams defense would appear to be the better bet. |
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CS: Gordo - what is the one paramount thing that this team needs to go after first in the offseason? IMO, the closer's role may be set. Hopefully they lock El Hombre for a very long time. The Outfield is pretty well set with Ankiel, Ludwick, and Rasmus/Skip/endless number of candidates on the bench and in the minors. It seems as though the rotation is in decent shape with (hopefully) Waino, Carp, Piniero, Looper/Lohse, Wellemeyer/AAA or FA signing. To me that leaves one of three spots:
1. SS 2.Bullpen 3.2B
This is my order.......what say you? Thanks! |
| Jeff Gordon: I pretty much agree. I would lump SS and 2B together and want more run production there. Then left-handed bullpen help. Then solidify the rotation, which isn't terrible with Carpenter, Wainwright, Wellemeyer and Pineiro locked in. |
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al rams fan: thanks for you time Gordo
Here is my question ,,,well more of a comment
This season is reminding me a lot of the year we won the suuperbowl. Know one is giving us a chance we drafted a young WR ( Avery is know Holt) if he healthy he can really help and our D looks good to me...I think were going to beat Philly....and start the season of right... |
| Jeff Gordon: There are some similarities to '99, but the schedule is tougher and this team lacks some of that team's star power. Also, that team stayed almost injury free. This team already has concerns, losing King at CB and having Brown and Avery banged up before the season. |
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therealdealankiel: Gordo,
Thanks for checking in this week. It's a pleasant Friday surprise.
The Brewers and Cubs have flopped this week and the Astros are surging. What is the clubhouse atmosphere? Dejection because we made up very little ground? Excitement that we may still have a shot?
Also, in light of the Rams starting off on Sunday, which team do you expect to show up against the Eagles? If I make my way to a Sunday ticket bar, do I even stand a chance of watching a win? |
Jeff Gordon: The Rams are big underdogs against a veteran team coached by a veteran staff. A Rams victory wouldn't shock me, but it would surprise me.
The Cards have to be frustrated. They don't like losing, period, and the failure of the other NL Central leaders got their attention. If this team can get hot at the plate, it has enough pitching now to stage one big streak. |
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| CC Sabathia: Gordo, can I come to the Cardinals next year for 5 years, 100 million? I think I could really help them bring home their 11th world championship. |
| Jeff Gordon: And what, again, is your career playoff record? |
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mjdelpe: Gordo, just a quick question,
How/when can us out-of-towners attempt to get All Star tickets? Am I too soon to be looking for them now? |
| Jeff Gordon: Not sure when they go on sale, but they will be a tough get. Odds are, you'll need to go through a broker at some point. |
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therealdealankiel: Gordo,
TLR has again been vocal. And I share his sentiments. Our time with Pujols, Carpenter and Wainwright on the same team is limited. Who knows what the 2014 version of the Cardinals will look like (hopefully Rasmus stars)?
Of the holes (bullpen, SS, 2B and Starting Pitching), which hole(s) remains in 2009 and which is filled admiarably at TLR's request?
Certainly, Mo is capable. But is he slick enough (and will he have the resources) to fill 3 of the 4 holes, or are we dumpster diving in January and gluing our '09 team together in February/March? |
| Jeff Gordon: The Cards will have the budget room and the trade chips to fill their needs. Now it's up to "Mo" to make it happen. |
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| Dave: Is it just me or do the Cardinals have an organizational priority to withhold injury information from the public? I'm not talking about the times that the player withholds the extent of their injury (i.e. Izzy), but an active suppression of injury announcements by management (i.e. Ankiel? Rolen? Pujols?). This may be in their best interests from a management stand point because it encourages fan attendance. What do you think Gordo? |
| Jeff Gordon: When a player is injured, he goes on the DL and everybody knows. And when a guy is playing hurt, sometimes we know and sometimes we don't. Sometimes the management doesn't even know -- as with Garcia, who never mentioned his elbow issue until after he back went down to Memphis. As I said earlier, I would lessen the confusion by refusing to discuss injury recovery timetables at all. Because when a guy doesn't make it back on time, everybody complains about the medical staff. |
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| Solvang Ram Fan: Do the rams plan on blitzing alot and/or putting 8 men in the box against westbrook and mcnabb. And is McNabb still enough of a threat to run to put a spy on him? If so, who would that be? Do they plan on using a spy on Westbrook - cant imagine not as he is such a high percentage of thir offense. |
| Jeff Gordon: I'm sure the Rams will sit on Westbrook as much as they can. And I'm sure Haslett has some blitzes cooked up IF the Rams can get the Eagles to third and long. But McNabb is healthy, so he is the big X factor in the game. He can still move a bit and he has seen it all. |
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| JD: Gordo: Any idea of who the Rams will not have active this week against the Eagles? |
| Jeff Gordon: I'm guessing that Avery will be out, given his injury. Beyond that I'm not the best guy to ask about the final few active roster slots. Health and special teams will dictate what happens there. |
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therealdealankiel: Gordo,
The Cards still have a pot of money sitting around from a WS drive in '06. They capitalized with every type of t-shirt, hat, ring, ball, bat and beach towel sale in 2007. People have been coming to the park in droves. $30 million dollars are coming off the books. We are hosting the ASG next July, which they will capitalize on nearly as much as the WS title.
Certainly, we can get a 1 or 2 starter (either through FA or trade), a couple bullpen arms, and a 2B or SS (I am ok with one of those holes going unfilled, but not both).
I understand not getting Sabathia. What about Lowe? What about Orlando Cabrera? Brian Fuentes? Trades in which we eat a little salary to upgrade our offense/defense?
I get the feeling that each season we "rebuild" with AP on the team, he is taking a mental note to ditch us in free agency...how can we continue to put C- guys on a team with the best hitter in the game? |
| Jeff Gordon: I think you're on the right track as far as the FAs to chase. And there is money there, yes. But it's not like Glaus, Ludwick, Schumaker, Ankiel and Molina had terrible years. This was a good lineup, save for the lack of run production in the middle infield. |
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| steve.leipziger: Who do you think the Cardinals should go after in free agency? Thanks. |
| Jeff Gordon: We just hit on the big ones. Furcal is fascinating, but what about his health? Does Renteria have another year in those legs? Those are other options. |
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| trigfunctions: Thanks for taking questions Gordo. How serious were the Cards about trying to get Brian Fuentes from Colorado? He only gave up 2 earned runs in August and NONE in July. If the Cards had acquired him, there's a good chance they'd be going to the playoffs. I feel like Cards management gave up on this team early on and then refused to change their minds when it looked like the Cards could contend. How do players like Pujols and Glaus feel about that? |
| Jeff Gordon: The Cards tried to acquire Fuentes but the Rockies never told this team what it would take to acquire. The Rockies never named a price -- and never dealt him. How do you blame Mozeliak for that? |
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Rambunctious: Hi Jeff!
1) Are the Rams pursuing Willie Anderson agressively, or just telling him they'll be calling if an O-line injury occurs?
2) What were the results regarding the Rams exam of LeCharles Bentley's knee? Was he deemed healthy, or damaged goods? Thanks!! |
| Jeff Gordon: The Rams monitor these guys in case somebody gets hurt and they have to make a quick call. Bentley hasn't played football in a while, so that was the big concern. That's a lot of rust and uncertainty. |
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| chattylicker: We know the eagles are a very good screen team with westbrook do you think the rams will be able to stop that? Also do you like the matchup with pace vs cole |
| Jeff Gordon: The Pace match-up should be OK, as long as his arm stays attached. The screen passes could put big pressure on the LB corps that many scouts dismiss. Chavous, too, could be tested. Let's see who passes and who fails. |
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HAMMER: What big names will the cardinals go after in the offseason?
What's the chances pietrangelo spends the entire season with the Blues? |
| Jeff Gordon: We've touched on the Cards free agents. As for Alex, he is a long shot. He missed valuable training time this spring and summer, so he may nit be strong enough to hold up for 82 games at this level. Another year in junior hockey, after plenty of preseason action for the Blues, could probably speed his development. The Blues need him to become a top four defenseman soon. Sticking as a sixth or seven guy here may not be the best path, |
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Michael Kent: Jeff ...
I'm sure you've fielded a few questions today already from giddy Jason Motte fans. What I'm wondering about Motte is whether his 98 mpg gas merits future consideration for closing opportunities. Or, perhaps give him another year in Memphis to develop more pitches and evolve into a right-handed version of CC Sabathia?
Hey, we can dream, can't we?
Thanks as always. |
| Jeff Gordon: I see Motte here next year, in a Marmol-like role. As he develops his second pitch, he could push Perez for the closing role. When was the last time the Cards had a hurler throw this hard? |
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Charlie: 1) How much playing time do you foresee Keenan Burton getting against the eagles?
2) What veteran tackles on the free agent market do you think the rams front office would pursue if Pace is injured again? |
Jeff Gordon: Burton plays Bennett's spot, so let's see how healthy/productive Drew is. If Drew gets hurt again, Burton could play a LOT. We'll see him some, anyway, if Drew plays well.
As for tackles, the "hot list" changes weekly as other teams sign replacements. It will be harder to find replacements as the season progresses.
The Rams talked to Willie Anderson earlier in the week. Such veterans will be on the short list. |
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| Barry Bonds: When will MLB force me to give a few of my MVP awards to the player who really deserverd them (Albert Pujols) |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, he's been cheated a few times already. If the Cards can perk up and cling to mathematical life until the end, he has a shot this year. But it's not like he has to go it alone this year; Ludwick and Glaus are putting up nice numbers and Ankiel, Molina and Schumaker aren't bad. |
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Don Schaeffer: Jeff, As a long time Rams fan I feel good going into this season.
I think if the Offensive line stays healthy and the defensive front can produce we have a good shot of having a playoff team. I like the young recievers and McMichael is awesome at tight end, he plays with fire and he never quits.
Thanks
don |
| Jeff Gordon: Wish I could be as optimistic as you. But I can't. |
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| Barry Bonds: Why is the Cardinals management content with just being mediocre? |
| Jeff Gordon: Content? That's not the case. The Cards are trying to retool the organization so it will produce consistent winners for years to come. And is no place for end-of-the-line steroid abusers in that plan. |
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| Eric: With the signing of Pietriangelo, and if he were to make the team (ala Perron) do you see the asking price for a McKee going down to maybe take a 3rd round pick, or packaging two defensemen together maybe a young defenseman like Polak or Woywitka to bring in a young talented forward. I know we have alot of potential on the blue line, but potential gets people fired, it doesn't win hockey games. Thank you for your time |
Jeff Gordon: Given the depth on the blue line, it will be tough for Alex to pull a Perron. As for McKee, the key is his salary. If the Blues move it, the team will have more to spend on forwards. Whether that happens this year or next, it will likely happen. There are so many defensemen on the rise.
Young talented forwards are tough to find. Teams will want more than the price you suggest, unless the young guy is highly paid and something of an enigma. Then it would salary dump for salary dump, ala Afinogenov. |
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JD Clark: Jeff, thanks for the great forum!
My question is do you have a list of the key Rams players who are going to be free agents after the season? Do you see the Rams signing any of them? If I remember, I think Bartell and Incognito will be and OJ definitly will be. Any info will be great, Thanks. JD |
| Jeff Gordon: Atogwe will be the next Ram to get a long-term offer before he gets to free agency. The Rams should do the same for Richie is he stays healthy. After that, the team must decide what to do with Holt. |
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| Barry Bonds: I agree with the no place for end of the line steroid abusers, but if Glaus has a spot on your team then why not me? |
| Jeff Gordon: Barry went "all in," without remorse. He still faces criminal charges. He may be the worst teammate in the last 20 years. And he is a LOT older, with legs that are shot. In a year, the Cards may decide to move on without Troy. In the near term, he is a nice player for this team. |
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stlfan5: All i hear from cardinals fans is that they want to trade glaus and have freese play third next year. Is freese even ready for the majors and would they cardinals ever consider this move for next year?
thanks |
Jeff Gordon: Glaus, with one year on his contract, would have some trade value. Some. But why rush Freese into the bigs when Troy gives you very nice production? If Troy leaves in a year as a Type A free agent, the Cards could collect a high compensatory pick and move on.
If Troy had two or three years left at this money, his value for trade might be greater. And the Cards' motivation to move him might be greater. |
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| Pete: I personally have to tow the party line when it comes to supporting the Cards FO. I think they have shown a dedication to fielding competitive and winning ballclubs over the years Dewitt has been in possesion of the team. Walt Jocketty had to go because his methods had gotten stale and were not in keeping with the current model of leveraging the overpriced veterans signed or traded for with cheap and talented farm system roster spots on the big league club. People seem to forget the fact that the Dewitt Era has ushered in a basically unprecedented era of competitve and winning baseball and has been willing to lock up key core players to keep this trend in tact. It's prudent business to not overcommit to length and amount in dealing with FA contracts, especially pitchers. They've made gargantuan strides in player development and MO has done an admirable job with the quagmire that he was handed with all the BS he's had to deal with. Let's not lose our heads! Your thoughts? |
Jeff Gordon: I agree totally. Walt was fabulous, but changing economic conditions in the game -- namely the have-not teams having more to spend -- makes it tough to poach quality veterans. Walt found that out last season in St. Louis and this season in Cincy.
Player development is at a premium now. Free agency is for the rich or the foolish, at least at the high end. Mozeliak has done great work so far and DeWitt has delivered playoff berths, pennants and a world championship. He has a vision for the franchise and I agree with it. |
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| JD Clark: Jeff, If the Rams get crushed by the Eagles and the Giants, do you see this team crumbling the rest of the season? Last year's team could not handle adversity, coaches included. Is this team any different? I see the Rams losing the first two games, but if they play solidly in both then they could keep improving and still be in the hunt. Thanks Jeff, JD. |
| Jeff Gordon: Early losses will be tough to overcome, but Saunders adds maturity to the coaching staff and the group is more upbeat, overall, than last year. But if injuries are combined with injuries, look out below! |
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| webslingerinstl: Jeff: I hope you don't think it's too soon to ask this but is there any chance the Cards make a move for a legitimate General Manager? I was under the impression Mozeliak was more of an "intern" anyway. |
Jeff Gordon: He's here for the long haul, which is why he takes the long view on personnel management. He inherited a lot of issues, like Mulder, Encarnacion and Carpenter's injury. He made great deals for Edmonds and Rolen, made a great signing in Lohse, stole Barton from the Indians . . . it's been a good year for him. The team will take a big won-loss jump, then cycle out dead money.
His first draft was good, too, since Wallace could be a factor here by next summer. |
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Let's go Blues: Now that Sundin has decided to wait until mid season to sign anywhere, do you have any new info regarding Shanny?
What's the chance Tony and Duncan (assuming he signs on again) are here past 09?
With reyes pitching well in Clev, and assuming we could take take back the Haren trade, how great would a rotation of Carp, Haren, Waino, Reyes and whoever else we wanted to throw in.... |
Jeff Gordon: I'd expect Shanny to land in New York.
There is a good chance that '09 will be the TLR/Duncan swan song -- although I expect the team to be very, very good next year.
Reyes wouldn't make the current rotation ahead of Wellemeyer or Lohse. Haren would, obviously.
And there's your argument against dealing young pitchers as Cards fans wanted Mozeliak to do earlier this summer. |
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| Barry Bonds: Jeff thanks for sharing your time with us little people. What are your World Series predictions and hopes? I predict the Angels and Arizona in the Series. |
| Jeff Gordon: The D-Backs have a tough schedule and LA could take them out. But Arizona has the pitching to win it all, obviously. The Angels look unbeatable on the other side, due to pitching. |
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| Casper Jensen, Denmark: After watching the Giants last night how do you see our chances against them next week. Their running game will be tough to stop but are they much better than the rams?? |
| Jeff Gordon: Well, they are the defending world champions. Yes, they are better. They lost some pass rush, but they didn't let Washington go anywhere. |
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| Brett: Who starts at SS for St. Louis in 2009? |
Jeff Gordon: Edgar Renteria? It's a thought. Furcal is sexier, with his bat, but his price/risk could be too great.
That's it for now -- gotta get out on the golf course and cover the BMW. |
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Stephen: Gordo,
As a Cards fan in Florida, I have to know with Carpenter and Wano appreantly heathly..dosn't it make sense to keep Loshe around and have him as the Suppan/Marquis type.. |
Jeff Gordon: It makes all the sense in the world.
I have to go cover some golf! |
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| Barry Bonds: Maybe if Shanny comes back to the blues, Brett Hull and Janney could come out of retirement and join the blue note. I am sure they would perform better than our current first line. |
| Jeff Gordon: Rim shot! |
