B in Denver: Gordo, thanks for your time. I could see the value of signing Renteria and Grudzielanek, for 1 or 2 year deals, to bridge to their replacements on the farm. I guess it would depend on what it took to sign them. I'd also like to see the Cards sign Looper if the price is right. You can never have enough pitching. What is the first day that free agents can be signed?

Jeff Gordon: Teams can start negotiating with free agents on other teams on Nov. 14. They can negotiate with their own free agents now. If the Cards can get Braden Looper for reasonable money, the club ought to take that step as a hedge against Carpenter's injury. Edgar could be a viable short-term shortstop. If the Cards go short-term there, the club may spend longer money on a second baseman. Grudzielanek would be a surer bet than Lopez, as far as the hitting goeds.

Tackleberry: Here is what I don't understand; the O-line was decent last year and they were the walking wounded. This year they have Pace & Incognito healthy, and they go out and get Bell, and some how they are worse? When does Romberg get some reps? At some point don't they just have to admit that Barron will probably go somewhere else and be a monster, but he just is not improving here?

Jeff Gordon: Barron had issues in New England and he wasn't great Sunday. But the line did open holes at New England and did manhandle the Cowboys, so there is hope.

Another issue is the failure of others, like fullback Dan Kreider, to hold up their end in pass protection situations.

Tim: Im confused, The Cards said they were going to do a wait and see with Carpinter and that they were going to be patient with the moves that they will make. First id like to say that that is so freakin stupid. And what Im confused about is does he mean just with the moves he is going to make on his rotation or moves period. It doesnt make any sense to me to not make any moves for SS or 2b because your waiting to see if a pithcer will be ready so I was hoping you could explain that to me

Jeff Gordon: The Carpenter situation only impacts pitching. I agree that the Cards should address the rotation anyway and then deal if any surplus that materializes later on. As we saw last year, pitching depth is paramount.

The Cards are ready to explore options at SS and @B right away, either via the trade route or free agency.

Tim: Do you think the Blues will be able to get Shanny and if they do what do you see the lines looking like?

Jeff Gordon: The lines will change constantly regardless of whether Shanahan arrives or doesn't. That is life in the NHL. Projecting lines is futile. The Blues have a bigger need for Shan the Man now that Oshie will miss significant time with his ankle injury. But look for Shanahan to exhaust all his options in the Northeast and with contenders before considering St. Louis.

Tim: What kind of package would the Cards have to put together to get Brian Roberts? Do you see them being big players in that Department?

Jeff Gordon: Right now the Orioles are trying to extend Robert's contract, which expires after next season. The club insists that is its top offseason priority, so trade talks are on hold.