Mike: Greeting O' Wise One,

I know we have many needs to fill, but it seems to me that we should never again count on a injury-historied pitcher (i.e. Carpenter) being an important part of the rotation. So, if the Cardinals are truly serious about no one being untouchable on the roster, what does it take to pry Jake Peavy loose and is it a net gain or loss for our organizational depth. I appreciate your insight and valuable anlysis.

Mike

Jeff Gordon: The Padres would probably want Wainwright in such a deal, plus Rasmus and other goodies. I don't believe the Cards would have enough pitching otherwise (with Garcia out for a year) to interest San Diego. Peavy is a top-10 pitching talent.

UtahCardsFan: Of all the regular position players, who do you think has a chance of doing better next year than this year. It seems like most had career year offensive numbers... might be time to sell high, buy low.

Jeff Gordon: Ankiel could do better just by staying healthy and making a few more adjustments. By trying to play hurt, he drove down his production. Ludwick probably peaked, as we saw with his erosion down the stretch. I don't like the idea of trading him, though, because the team has so many lefty bats. And I doubt that other teams are completely sold based on one-plus seasons in the majors.

The Cards ought to give Ryan a three- or four-year deal and count on solid 25-homer, 90-RBI seasons and good D from him.

Juan Felipe: Hey Jeff. What acquisitions do you see in the Card's offseason. Not specific people, just what they plan for this winter.

Jeff Gordon: Lefty relief pitcher is No. 1. Fuentes is guy the Cards coveted for a long time, given his ability to close. They need a shortstop and/or 2B capable of producing runs, plus another potential starter to protect against Carpenter's issues.

Jerome: Hey G

How long will Burton and Hill be out?
Also do you think that Chris Long will get Defense Rookie OF The Year

Jeff Gordon: There is hope for Burton after the bye week. Hill may need longer than that. As for Long, let's see if this team wins any games. If it does, he could factor in the race. He is making himself visible out there.

Tim: Im reading that peavy is available for trade. Could the cards be likley destinations for him?

Jeff Gordon: Of course the Cards would look into that. And that is a player good enough to consider offering Colby Rasmus. But, again, S.D. would have to get top young pitching back and I'm not sure the Cards have the Matt Garza-type to serve up. I don't see them dealing Wainwright, for instance.