Josh: So what do you think about possible replacements at GM? I'd rather not hire someone without any experience, but do you think that's the way the Rams are leaning? I would prefer someone who's been there before and has a proven track record. What do you think?

Jeff Gordon: Interesting that the Rams would look at Dan Dierdorf to play the John Davidson role. I talked to Dan about this earlier this season and he seemed apprehensive. But if he ran the franchise and Devaney stayed in his personnel role, I could see that working.

Otherwise, a guy like Ron Wolf would bring sudden credibility to the franchise.

redbirdswin: Hearing that Lohse is close to getting a multi-year contract gives me early hope for this offseason. Many (myself included) thought Lohse would be out of the question, but having him extended is a great addition to the '09 rotation in my opinion. My only concern is Lohse's productivity dropping off after the big payoff. We'll see.

The question - who are the lefty relievers that the Cards will be looking at most aggressively for the bullpen? Affeldt? Ohman? Fuentes too pricey?

Jeff Gordon: I wouldn't rule out Fuentes, since he could also serve as a closer. He would be the perfect fit. With Lohse aboard, he should be the No. 1 target for '09.

Lou Machos: Gordo,

Briefly, "MO" should not be critized for the team he put on the field last year. His first year as GM was exemplary. He will only get better. Your thoughts and response to trade Ryan Ludwick to obtain a top Tier 1 quality starter? Although Ludwick had a 'breakout' year, the question derseves to be asked whether he can repeat the same numbers in the years to come. My guess he can, but to obtain quality, you must be willing to return quality. I would prefer to package Skip Schumacher in a potential trade with Looper for a high quality starter, but then the question is how much better of a starter are you going to get than Looper from the content of this trade?

Jeff Gordon: Looper is headed for free agency, so he can't be traded. I can see the Cards letting him go and shopping for a lefty instead. As for Ludwick, he doesn't have great trade value. There are lot of outfielders out there. You could get something for him, but not a top starting pitcher. A combination of commodities, including young pitching and prospects, would be needed to get an impact starter. A guy like Skip could be a small piece of such a deal.

With Brett Wallace and Daryl Jones making great strides toward the big leagues, the Cards are in position to make deals.

Paul: I fully understand the notion that preseason doesn't mean anything, but these Blues have got to make you feel good! Obviously our 9-4 victory was a slightly stacked roster but when you can play Dallas (a late round playoff exit who dressed their top players for the game) with your backup goalie and essentially your prospects team and only lose by 1 I think that's saying something. Preseason may not mean anything on the scoresheet but it certainly means something to the confidence of these players and their fans!

P.S. Way to go murry for showing us an energetic and exciting powerplay with a near 20% success ratio!


GO BLUES!!!

Jeff Gordon: I like some of the combos we're seeing. Putting McDonald with two shooters (Stempniak and Boyes) makes since, as does flanking big Patrik Berglund with playmakers Paul Kariya and David Perron. Putting five forwards on the PP is risky, but worth a look for this team.

Ron in Imperial: Since the Cardinals need some help for next season, I think Molina should be considered as trade bait. I know-I know... He's one of the fair-haired guys, but with Johnson coming on, I'd like to see trade made to acquire a GOOD starting pitcher. Also, the old "if you always hustle, you'll never be embarassed" line, apparently that doesn't apply to Molina if he hits a ball that he decides will be an out. On some of his double play outs, you don't even see him approaching first base by the time the ball beats him there. Irks me to no end, and by the way- Albert does the same thing on groundouts all too often.

Jeff Gordon: He might be the slowest player in baseball, so hustle doesn't get much him. His offensive improvement makes him a keeper, although he needs to get back to his Gold Glove defense. He slipped this year.

Anderson is a nice prospect, but let's not get carried away.