RobertSanders7777: In my opinion, Rolen, Carpenter, Mulder, Encarnacion, and Edmonds are finished as core starters but can fill roles part time. Can the Cardinals rebuild for 2008 without relying on these guys or will they have to allow these players to play to the end of their contracts? Looks like the Cards have alot of $$$ tied up with little hope for solid players for 2008. Is Albert now playing old or is this season just a fluke. I can't get the picture out of my mind of Albert letting Howry of the Cubs throw a strike that Albert did not swing at then he swung weakly at one far out of strike zone. Why not swing at the best pitch you see?

Jeff Gordon: Pujols lost some of his plate discpline this season, no doubt because of the lack of help in the batting order. He definitely tried to do too much, which is understandable. Despite that, he had a very strong offensive year by everybody else's standards. Of the others you mentioned, Rolen is key. His regression this season was severe, followed by more shoulder surgery. He HAS to be at least a decent offensive player during the next few seasons or the Cards are in trouble. He eats up a lot of salary. Perhaps Edmonds could still be an asset playing 115 to 120 games, allowing Ankiel and perhaps Rasmus (midway in 2008) to take some of his load.

Robert: Jeff,

Long time RAMS fan I cannot believe that this team is this bad, I think USC can put come in here and put a lick on this team. How long can I see this offense play this poorly there should be no excuse even with an patch work offensivly line that they can't seem to get in the endzone. I blame the coaching staff because this team has no fire no intensity,not even pride or fortitude to play the game. This organization starting with the GM/owner and coaching staff needs to be held accountable for this mess.

Just a tick off RAMS FAN FROM Orange County!!!!!!

Jeff Gordon: There may be some lack of direction or belief, but I wouldn't question character. Most of the original offensive unit is either injured or playing hurt. You do want to see more from Barron, Klopfenstein and Byrd -- three of the young guys with no reason not to do more.

Frank Wild: Jeff
How do you view Jim Edmonds future and with the Cardinals. He currently stands at 1801 career hits. I know there has been a lot of debate over whether he is hall of fame calibur. Despite all the talk of the high level of his defense in center field I don't see him getting into the hall without at least 2000 hits. There currently seems to be an offensive expectation even for defensive specialist. For Edmonds to get to 2000 hits he have to play 2 more years. If Edmonds has a successful 2008 season do you see him going elsewhere to help his hall of fame chances or do you think they would postpone Colby Rasmus for another year? What do you think Edmonds needs to do to help his hall of fame chances?

Jeff Gordon: I don't see how he can ever get into the Hall of Fame, given all the high-caliber competition from his era. The Gold Gloves are his only real calling card, since his other numbers don't stand out. I don't see him playing two more years unless he has a miraculous turnaround in '08. As I noted earlier, he would be best as a 115-120 game player next season.

Luke in Fort Worth: What an awful game and waste of money to have to watch live yesterday. If I were at home, at least I could turn the channel to something else. The only positive that I got from the game was that I probably saw the NFC's participant in the Super Bowl - can't imagine anyone in the NFC is even close to the Cowboys.

So, since the Rams are done, how about a Mizzou-Nebraska score prediction? I was thinking Mizzou 41 Nebraska 30.

p.s. The Big 12 North may be tougher than expected after seeing some of the scores on Saturday.

Jeff Gordon: How about the Big 12 North? The last few weeks I've talked up Nebraska's chances to win this side of the conference, but Kansas State is the new favorite. The Wildcats can take care of Mizzou at home. As for this week's big game, your score is about right. What an opporunity -- two weeks to prepare for a huge, nationally televised home game as the No. 17 team in the country.

Mike N.: The Rams pass rush --especially the front four -- was ineffective. But it seemed that I saw at least five or six obvious holding penalties go uncalled against the Cowboys. Was I seeing things or were the Refs turning a blind eye? I know with slo-mo instant replay it is much easier to see things than when viewing the play at game speed on the field.

Jeff Gordon: Well, there is always some level of holding out there. To get those calls, a defensive front has to get a consistently good push. The Rams didn't have that Sunday.