therealdealankiel: Gordo,

Let's call a spade a spade. We're picking top 5 in the 2009 NFL draft. Who are the top five players (in your opinion) and who would be the best fit in STL?

Jeff Gordon: The top OT available, period, should be the priority. Barron is lost and Pace is falling apart.

tulcardfan: Hiya Jeff!

Not that I'm a proponent of moving Rasmus, but if Mo could get David Price from the Rays for Rasmus, would you make that deal?

Jeff Gordon: Sure, but I don't know why any team would move a top young pitcher for an outfielder.

BrotherBri: As you mentioned in the past with Lynch, Willie Anderson, Cowher and Schottenheimer, why would any self-respecting free agent *anything* choose to come here? As long as Shaw and Zygmunt are in charge, we will choose the Hills over the Cromarties, the Trung Canidates over the best OG on the board, the Jacob Bells over the Alan Fanecas. We'll keep the Jamie Duncans and Corey Chavouses on the roster FAR too long (and that's not an anti-Vandy rant; I work at Vandy!) and overpay the Bennetts rather than restocking the O-line with quality. We won't trade up to get an A.J. Hawk, instead praying that fragile Pisa will somehow hold up. And so on, and so on, and so on ...

It starts at the top. Shaw and Zygmunt have to go. And not just immediately ... 18 months ago!!!

Ok ... guess that won't work. So immediately will have to do.

Jeff Gordon: Again, Devaney just got here. I think he did OK with Bell, who cost less than Faneca. I like his draft. I thought he picked up nice guys before the season started. He can't coach the team.

jcanaday21: In regards to the Cards...No matter what the outcome is this year I think you have to give props to the Organization, Coaching Staff and Players for holding it together through so many injuries. Most teams would have folded a long time ago and chalked it up to injuries. This team never seems to use injuries as an excuse for losing. They expect their bench and minor leaguers to take advantage of opportunities. With all that said I would like to look ahead to the offseason and see what your thoughts are. It is not rocket science to see what are major needs are. We have to sign at least 2 SP's, a lefty specialist, a big bat at either SS or 2B or both, and if possible a reliever that has closer experience in case Perez falters. Here is my wish list (and trying to be realistic due to cost, etc)

2 SP's - I think they should go aggressively to get Burnett (assume he opts out of his contract which I think he will) as I think we need a solid #3 SP. He would be great as our #3 guy and take the pressure off of him to be a #1 or #2 type guy. He showed he was healthy all year so that is a great sign. The other guy would be trying to keep Lohse(even though I think his price tag will be too high) or going after Wolf, Graland (great fit for STL and the type of pitchers we like), and maybe Byrd.

Lefty Specialist - There are plenty out there...this doesn't have to be a multi million dollar signing...just a guy that has a good track record against left handed hitters. Obviously Fuentes would be nice as he has closer experience in case Perez imploded (which I don't think he will). But he will get a ton of money thrown at him.

Big Bat SS/2B - There are only a few options out in free agent market that would help. Furcal is the ideal candidate for a leadoff hitter and SS. Also O-Dawg would be a nice fit. Also Renteria has attraction for the right price. I would not be opposed to bringing Lopez back for a yr and put him in competition for 2B and spend the money on a SS.

Reliever with closer experience - I named Fuentes even though I think there is little to no chance of this. Maybe a guy like Lyons or Torres would make sense.

With all that said what are your thoughts? Thanks for taking my Q Gordo.

Jeff Gordon: These are all legit ideas. There are a number of things to be done, but there should be the money there to do it. And the options will be there.

therealdealankiel: Gordo,

IF the cards were to sneak into the playoffs, would Carpenter even be considered for the rotation, or is it too late/risky with '09 in mind?

I would imagine we'd be looking at AW, Lohse and Wellemeyer.

Jeff Gordon: The longer the team plays, the more possible that move would be. But the team is a long shot, still, so it's a moot point.

Gotta run. See you next week!