Tim: Do you think the Cards will look for offensive upgrades at both middle infield positions. Id like to see a Furcal and Hudson middle infield not only is it a huge offensive up grade and a leadoff hitter but 2 very good defensive players.

Jeff Gordon: Furcal is a fascinating possibility, but LA could afford to keep him if the Dodgers let ManRam leave. But if ManRam stays, maybe Rafael hits the market.

As for Hudson, he is a fine player -- but is he worth millions more, per year, than Lopez?

Tim: Do you think McClellan will go into the rotation? I hope not nothing against him its just he did awsome in the bullpen last year and why change that.

Jeff Gordon: Good question. Kyle was resilient in the pen until the end, when he clearly wore out. He has the makeup to start and would be the top candidate among the young hurlers to fill a spot. His fate depends on what other moves the club makes. If Springer comes back and joins Perez, Motte and Kinney on the right side of the bullpen, Kyle could move into the rotation. If the team gets strong lefty help for the pen, that would also make the move more possible.

But if the Cards are able to deal for or sign another starter, then Kyle can stay where he is.

DBQIA: How good do you think Missouri's defense really is? Will we be able to put enough pressure on Oklahoma? Will our backfield be able to cover?

Jeff Gordon: I like the pass pressure the Tigers mustered in Lincoln -- and the strong work against the run. But the Cornhuskers don't have OU-type receivers and Ganz nearly threw for 300 yards.

So, no, I don't see Mizzou containing the OU offense. That D has to get a lot better.

ctramsfan: Jeff, I know it's a little early to be thinking about the offseason, but because of this team's current state, I can't help myself. First off, the guys who can't do the job on the field need to be shown the door. There are some players on this team who just simply aren't NFL caliber players right now or are over the hill, (Dante Hall, Corey Chavous, Quinton Culberson, Chris Draft, Nick Leckey, etc.). These players need to be let go and replacements need to found at the end of the year whether it is through the draft or through free agency. Guys like Alex Barron, Richie Incognito, O.J. Atogwe, Tye Hill, and Drew Bennett need to prove that they are worthy of staying by the end of the year, and if they don't they need to be shown the door as well, regardless if they were a first round pick or an undrafted free agent, a high priced free agent, or a player who makes the league minimum. The bottom line is if these guys don't produce they need to be gone. Out of curiosity I took a look at some of the free agents who will be available at the end of the year, and if these guys don't step up, there are plenty of guys that can fill the needs; Phillip Buchanan, Nnamdi Asomugha, Chris Gamble, Yeremiah Bell, Sean Jones, Jermaine Phillips, Mike Goff, Marc Columbo, Stacy Andrews, Mark Tauscher, Matt Birk, Eric Ghiaciuc, Channing Crowder, Bart Scott, Eric Barton, Chris Canty, Julius Peppers, Terrell Suggs etc. What are your thoughts?

Thanks for your time Jeff

Jeff Gordon: I can see Leckey staying, since he has held up surprising well at center as a fill-in. Otherwise, yes, the Rams will have many holes to fill. This is why Chip must decide what he is doing with the team. If the ownership is up in the air, the Rams won't have strong leadership at the top. And without leadership, the Rams won't attract the better free agents.

The draft is the draft -- players have no choice but to come. Free agency turns into a popularity contest.

Tim: How do you see the Blues line pairings the first game after obviously the Stemniak Mcdonald and Boyes line?

Jeff Gordon: I loved Kariya, Berglund and Perron. I also loved how Oshie looked with Tkachuk and Backes. That would leave McClement to center a couple of bruisers and kill penalties.