Don Muenz: Good afternoon, Jeff.
I hope you are doing very well.
In Columbus, I get to watch the Reds tv for most every game and George Grande and Chris Welsh are always highly complimentary of the way the Cards teach their young players how to play the game. They are usually very positive and upbeat guys, but were at a loss about Larue.
I was simply amazed at the stunt Jason Larue pulled on Jerry Hairston, Jr. on Saturday. Jerry is the kind of guy I wish the Cards had 25 of. A hard-playing guy who keeps his mouth shut and does things the right way.
I wonder what was behind this crazy slide into the 6-hole. Any clue?
Were these guys teammates who did not get along or was there something else involved?
Thanks, Jeff.
Thanks, Jeff.

Jeff Gordon: Maybe Jason was just being overzealous. That did seem to be uncalled for. Both of these guys play the game the right way, as you say, and both have lasted as role players as a result.

Ramschic: Scratch my previous note on having any enthusiasm...just read that Linehan's out and Haslett is in. Haslett?? What has this guy EVER won -- NOTHING! His defense, for the most part, has played horribly and earned the spot of the 32nd ranked defense in the league. Last time I looked, there were 32 teams, so how does this earn you a head coaching job, even as an interim? GM in for the rest of the year? I guess I'll find something else to do on Sundays, because of this ownership doesn't care any more about the team than this, why should I? Linehan...Fall Guy, Scape Goat, take your pick. The problems are still there. Jeff, how can Rams fans possibly take any comfort from this move and such a gross non-move?

Jeff Gordon: Haslett did a good job in New Orleans, especially given the circumstances of the hurricane season. His battles against the Rams were memorable. But, no, his defense hasn't impressed this season. I can't explain why a fiery coach can't get better results with that group.

David Carriger: Now that SL is gone,and other front office changes will probably take place at the end of the season, 2 questions :

#1)If Shaw is fired/retired, COULD a Mike Martz reunion happen with Bill Devaney controlling the personel/draft decisions?

#2) Considering this franchise will probably undergo a major facelift personel wise - who are our upcoming free agents after this year and what veterans do you see as possible salary cap victims?

Jeff Gordon: Shaw and Zygmunt would have to be gone and a very strong football man would have to sit in the president's chair. Martz's ego knows no bounds, so he needs a strong boss to keep him in check. Anything less than a powerful president and he goes crazy.

Ken the seasons over and let's look forward to 2009: Who are the candidates for GM? What role sill Devaney and Softli play. Will they be kept on?

I am hoping Shaws and Zygmut's golden parachutes don't open.

Jeff Gordon: Billy has a shot, but that call will be made by the team president. If Rosenbloom plans on keeping the team for '09, then he needs to make a strong hire for the team president role. I see Shaw moving aside to a consulting role and Zyygmunt either taking a lesser role or more on down the trail.

IB4E: Thanks for the outlet for our frustration. 2 things.
1. Does anyone really think the Haslett move will do any good? What do you expect in Washington in 2 weeks?

2. I think signing Loshe is probably a good thing. But history tells us that long term contracts for pitchers isn NOT a good thing. Is this move (rather than Looper) mainly because the intelligent thinking is that Carpenter is through?

Thanx...

Jeff Gordon: I don't think Carpenter is through, since he has pitched with this condition for some time. But the Cards must be prepared, just in case. Look for the team to make another, lower-cost move to add depth. Wainwright, Lohse, Wellemeyer, Pineiro annd (maybe)Carpenter is a nice base of starting pitching. Spending long-term on one guy, Lohse, is a cost of doing business. The team needs continuity in the rotation for a change.

As for Haslett, he has been a successful head coach in the league. So he is not in over his head, as Linehan was. Saunders or Venturi would have been good choices, too.

The obvious knock on Jim is the terrible play of his defense this season.