Tackleberry: I have a little collegiate vent here, and it isn't how USC is sliming their way back toward #1 (how did they leap-frog an undefeated Texas Tech again?).

All hail the SEC, right? At what point does an upper-tier SEC team losing to an also-ran SEC team (see Auburn this weekend) become an upset and not a sign of "how much depth this conference has", seriously? I'm not a Big 12 fan, but they have just as many Top 25 team as the SEC and of the Big 12 teams that have one loss they are to a quality team. Meanwhile, Florida lost to Mississippi, Vandy lost to Miss St., and LSU got rolled by Florida. Not every SEC team is good, and it is frustrating to listen to the national media justify the bad inter-conference losses. If Kansas St dropped Oklahoma at home, Oklahoma's title hopes would be over, period. The balance of power has shifted.

Jeff Gordon: The Big 12 is nearly as deep this year. Nebraska almost toppled Texas Tech. OSU burned Mizzou. Kansas State may get somebody big, too. The Big 12 will have more conference losses to discuss during the weeks ahead.

Both conferences are very strong. The Big Ten? Not so much.

drelboc: Hey Gordo;

Have you heard any Cardinal trade/FA rumors come to the surface? What are your thoughts about Rafael Furcal? Is he someone the Cards would try to sign or will the money that he will command and the home town ticket keep him stuck on LA?

Thank You for taking the time to share with us fans Mr. Gordon. It is always very much appreciated over here in my nick of the woods. THANK YOU!

Jeff Gordon: Furcal's first choice is to stay put. His lively postseason is driving up his value, though. Other teams are looking for a shortstop and that position isn't deep in free agency. That is why Renteria could be a more realistic short-term solution.

justin: I was reading that an idea of trading skip for Zobrist has come about (I personally like the way he plays). Would you really think the cardinals or the Rays would do that, and move him to second, then to go on and sign Furcal and use the rest of the money for bullpen help and to re-up ludwick and ankiel. I personally think that would make us solid and zobrist may play better with an everyday role. thanks for your thoughts

Jeff Gordon: This is exactly the type of deal Mozeliak must make, given the free agent marketplace. Zobrist, like Schumaker, has struggled to get regular work in the majors. He was productive when he played, however. He has always hit in the minors, although his high HR-per-AB ratio for the Rays this season looked like a fluke.

The Cards have lots of commodities in the system, but near-term middle infielders isn't one of them. Swapping an OF for an INF makes great sense.

virginiatom: I was at the game yesterday at Fedex and can attest to the energy and heart of the Rams team. They had a workman like look reminiscent to the Vermeil days. But when we take off the rose colored glasses we see a team that had outstanding field position much of the day due to poor punting and turnovers by the Redskins, followed by the Rams inability to punch it into the end zone. This game did not have to be as close as it was. That has to change because they won't win many like this. It seems the only play the Rams have for putting it into the end zone is the fade to the corner, which hasn't worked all year. THe Rams have to start scoring touchdowns instead of field goals, and Sanders and Bulger needs to take the responsibility for this. With Holt, Avery, and Jackson capable pass catchers, there is no reason balls aren't being caught in slants across the goal line or in the back of the end zone like every other team in this league.

Jeff Gordon: Agreed. Lots of work yet on the offense. LOTS.

Tackleberry: What do you do with this Rams' offense? It looks terrible. Holt & Bulger look like they have never played together before and Holt is a ghost out there right now.

Jeff Gordon: Get more speed on the field, protect Bulger and get the ball downfield. Those are the priorities. Opponents will load up to contain Jackson, so the Rams must take advantage. Lots of play action, lots of quick three-step drops -- and then some home runs to loosen things up.