ueaces: Hi Gordo,
Thanks for doing these chats. I always enjoy your take on things.

Hard for me to believe that Cardinals managment is not a little more concerned about the bullpen than what they are suggesting. Whether Franklin can succesfully duplicate his 2009 season may be a stretch, particularly as we consider his September meltdown. I tip my hat to him for a great season, and maintain he is a quality pitcher. But signing a guy like Dotel or Valerde would offer great protection, and deepen an already good bullpen.

Jeff Gordon: I agree totally. Franklin is an asset. But to succeed as a closer with the stuff he has, he must have pinpoint command. He had it most of last season, but that is a fine line to walk, as we saw. Adding another veteran power arm would be a good idea -- and some are hitting the market.

Valverde will want closer's money. If the Cards want to hedge their bet -- as it DeWitt's norm -- then Dotel or a Chad Cordero-type would make sense.

Josh: Where was the playaction Gordo? Three straight 10 yard gains by Jackson and not only does he go out of the game, but no playaction passes after that. The flea flicker worked so well because they respect Jackson, why not try a play fake.

Jeff Gordon: I can see Jackson coming out of the game with fatigue. That is life. Too bad the Rams lack a viable back-up. As for play-action, why not use it in the midst of Steven's ground assault? I can see running again and again when he is getting big chunks, but a play-action could hit for a nice chunk while Steven catches his breath.

Josh: Well Gordo, I though Larry Marmie and Greg Olsen were bad coordinators but Pat Shurmur might take the cake. I have never seen such horrendous, unimaginative, and ultra conservative playcalling in my life. Outside of the flea flicker, this gameplan was built for a JFL team.

Jeff Gordon: The O.C. has to find ways to fool the D, regardless of the talent on hand. That is job. His job is not to keep the score close, which usually works as well as it did Sunday.

Josh: 1...2...3...you'd think Alex Barron would be able to count that high now that he's out of pre school. How do you jump offsides in a quiet stadium. No excuse for him.

Jeff Gordon: That is all part of his charm.

deebox: Hey Gordo now that tony is comming back i hope that he change things, like hit and run a little more. And less steal a base every once in a while. In other words don;t be to predictable,shake things up a little. And put allen craid in left field i guarrantee you will be surprise. This kid is the real deal, i feel that if they let him play he will give you 20 to 25 hrs. For get about holliday he,s not worth 18 to 20 million, invest in your bullpen.

Jeff Gordon: I agree that the Cards must find other ways to score. But when Albert and Yadier are your big base stealers, that is a limitation.

Allen Craig ought to be at least a bench player here. He plays multiple spots and he hits line drives. It's time to give him an extended look. But I would retain DeRosa as a potential LF in case Holliday leaves. If Matt somehow stays, then I would put DeRosa in right field (with Freese playing third) and move Ludwick for pitching help.