gasw: Thanks Jeff,

I don't understand why we would not want Pinero back. And if Holliday wants too much, let him go. I would rather see us get some hitters rather than boppers, who hit homeruns but strike out a lot. 280 avg., 80 rbi., and use the rest of the money for bullpen and starters. I also think we should keep Ludwig. What am I missing here?

Jeff Gordon: Pineiro pitched very well for the Cards, on balance, and is a good fit with Duncan. But let's see where the dollars fall with him. I can see the Cards putting money into one starting pitcher and leaving the No. 5 slot -- and a couple of back-up spots -- to young pitchers.

With Holliday and Bay likelyt to sign elsewhere, it appears Ryan Ludwick will collect a nice raise and return to the outfield. It would be nice to see what he can Rasmus could do with full-time roles this year.

HiltonHead Matt: Jeff:
Being out of state I appreciate your dicussions that keep me up to date on the Cards and Rams. But, I must not be very smart. Spags says that Bulger gives the Rams the best chance to win. We are 1-7 and have shown no offense all year. As a rule, Bulger has shown no leadership and has played poorly. Yet, you have stated many times that Null is not ready. What I don't understand is that can Null be any worse then Bulger? Can our record be any worse with Null? At least playing Null we can see if he is our answer for the future or will we have to seriously find a qb either in the draft or by trade. I would like your thoughts on why Null is not ready and why we must stick with Bulger. Thanks for your time
HiltonHead Matt

Jeff Gordon: Null was shaky in his limited preseason work. He is a small college QB coming out of a spread offense, so he must adapt to the speed of the NFL game and the mechanics of running a pro-style offense. I'd love to see him get time in a blowout losses, like the one coming up against New Orleans.

In time, he could be a very interesting candidate. As I've noted before, the demise of NFL Europe hurts a kid like this. The Rams could have allocated him for a season of work in a pro-style offense.

Fans begged and begged and begged for Kyle Boller. While Kyle's mobility is a plus, we saw how that turned out. Hence the Bulger "best chance to win" line from Spagnuolo.

dwd: I was reading about the aftermath of the Illinois/Minnisota football game and apparently there is some talk of the Vikings moving to LA now that they are Super Bowl contenders. Have you heard anythig about this?

Jeff Gordon: The Vikings have been linked to other cities for years, due to the long-running struggle to get a new football stadium built. Many years ago San Antonio seemed like a possibility.

Sean B: Who are some free agents we might look at for the bullpen? That seemed to be a weakness towards the end of the year.

Jeff Gordon: A guy like Rafael Soriano, turned out by the Braves, would be the ideal get. He could be a power set-up guy or he could graduate into the closing role, if needed. He is EXACTLY what the Cards could use.

Philly ram fan: Hey Jeff, I'd love to see the rams take a look at the QB playing at Delaware, Pat Devlin. A former recruit of Miami who choose Penn st. Has a lot of upside, strong and accurate arm with mobility. What do you think is Delaware have another Flacco???

Jeff Gordon: That could be the sort of QB the Rams take later in the draft. I'm guessing that Spags will need a lot of convincing to take a quarterback in the first round. He believes in building from the line out.

Jayman: Hows it Gordo! With the problems on offense that the rams are having with QBs, my first question is who can we get without spending a draft choice. My second is why is Null on this team if hes not ready to play and why Boeller on the team if hes not the future?

Jeff Gordon: Null is on the team as a developmental guy. Brock Berlin was a better option as a fill-in type, but Null had more upside. Is he the future? Maybe? But there is no need to rush the kid and potentially ruin him.

Boller is on the team as a back-up. We'll probably see him again this season since history suggests Bulger will get hurt again. He'll need to do more with his next opportunity to earn consideration for the starting job next season. He is better than a lot of what's out there right now, but he hasn't shown enough to be the future.

Jayman: During the baseball playoffs the announcers were talking about how the managers in the dugout had a problem figuring out whether a pitch was inside or outside sometimes. My question is...is it against the rules to have tv monitoring the game in the dugout???

Jeff Gordon: If you had TVs in the dugout, then coaches could steal signs off the center field shot in time to impact the play.

dub the beachcomber: gordo, will the cards be shoppers among the newly non tendered? whom might they target? will they be hampered by hording money to try to re sign holliday et al? how long will they wait before they give up on the pricey free agents and try quantity over quality? thanks

Jeff Gordon: I believe Holliday has already priced himself out of the Cards range, so Mozeliak is open to other options. But this isn't a great market for the Cards. I can't imagine the Red Sox letting Bay get away unless they bucked up to outbid the Mets for Holliday. Then the Mets would automatically want Bay.

DeRosa might be the third-best outfield option for a NL team like the Cards. So Mo might as well re-sign him to make sure he doesn't come up short of offense.

dub the beachcomber: gordo, do you anticipate the cards being active on the trade front at the gm meetings? any chance they might try to get curtis granderson? thanks

Jeff Gordon: This team doesn't have a whole lot to trade after last summer's splurge, unless somebody would consider a Bryan Anderson or a Jon Jay valuable in some sort of minor transaction. If this team really needed a center fielder, Granderson would make more sense. But it will need a corner outfielder with pop.

Lawarence Marmie: Seriously, how great is it to see lovie smith falling flat on his face again? All he needed was a franchise QB, huh? The best part about the whole thing is how bad this defense has gotten since he fired Rivera and took over playcalling himself. Like I've been saying for years- the guy is a hack and can no longer live off the success Monty Kiffin had as DC in Tampa. He's been exposed as the fraud that he is and no matter how many times you reporters refer to him as a defensive guru- it just isn't translating to success on the field.

Jeff Gordon: He's had some issues, for sure. And he has also had some serious injuries as well. He is headed for a interesting offseason. Can he survive? My guy Steve Rosenbloom likes to torment him in his Rosenblog on ChicagoTribune.com. If you are not a regular reader -- and if you hate Lovie as much as you do -- you must read him every day.

Lawarence Marmie: You know, I'm tired of all these bad loser Philly fans now crying that the Yankees bought the title this season. Yeah, the Yanks payroll was a slightly less than twice that of the Phils, but I didn't see them complaining last year when their payroll was more than twice the team they beat in the World Series. I think they should be worrying that their "All Star" shortstop is on Leno making stupid predictions when- judging by his hitting in the World Series- should have been spending more time in the batting cage.

2009

New York Yankees $201,449,189

Philadelphia Phillies $113,004,046


2008


Phillies $98,269,881

Rays $43,820,598

Jeff Gordon: My thought on the Yankees is that they should at least reach every ALCS with that payroll. Having that sort of payroll in baseball is like giving Florida or Oklahoma 130 scholarships in college football.

Tampa Bay and Florida have managed to make runs on low payrolls, just as Appalachian State beat Michigan in football. It happens. But it is not the norm. Unless a franchise has morons at the top, a 2-to-1 payroll margin should land you the No. 1 seed in every playoff. That margin allows the team to outspend injuries, front-office mistakes and individual breakdowns. A team with no budget limitations can keep adding players right to the end of summer.

Redfeather: Hi Gordo;

Do you think the odds of signing Jason Bay are any better than Hollidays since they both have the same Agent and put up comparable numbers over the past five years as the PD pointed out recently? In your opinion Jeff, if they can't buy one of these guys who should they go after?

Thanks for your time here Jeff!

Jeff Gordon: After those two sign elsewhere, then a guy like Nady becomes an interesting option -- unless the Yankees overpay him as insurance. But I would just sign DeRosa now, tell him he is guaranteed 500-plus at bats if healthy and move on.

Michael S.: Gordo, there is a presumption that the goal of the Cardinals' offseason is to bring as much of the club that finished the 2009 season without an eye to making other changes. If the Cardinals strikeout on bringing back the players traded for in 2008, do you see them going after other players at other positions with the money they would presumably save by taking a secondary option to a Holliday, DeRosa, etc.?

Jeff Gordon: What other positions? Freese had two stellar offensive seasons at 3B at the Class AAA level, so there is no need to spend there (unless it is for DeRosa, who plays other positions. Ryan at short, Schumaker at second, Lugo at both spots, Albert at first, Molina at catcher, Rasmus and Ludwick set in the outfield . . . there isn't much to fill, save the one OF spot. You could change your mind Schumaker to put a guy like Dan Uggla at second base, but that's about it.

Bride of Klopenstein: Hi Gordo, Always nice to talk to you Sir ! My question is this, Gruden as an announcer, stated on last Monday Nights' Football game that New Orleans has been using a "New Mouthgaurd" that apparently aligns the body correctly therefore making the players more agile and athletic;the Saints swear by these.

Any chance the Rams adopt these babies ? Have you heard of such a thing Gordo ?

Jeff Gordon: Haven't heard of such a thing. It sounds ridiculous. Would a new mouthguard turn Marc Bulger into Drew Brees and Keenan Burton into Marques Colston?

It would be worth the dough to find out, I suppose. If those devices turned the Rams around, then every football team in America would just have to have them.

Here is a link for more info. http://www.sbnation.com/2009/11/5/1118244/the-secret-to-saints-success-2000

Kyle: Now granted my brain is a little fried because of law school classes, (thank you US Congress for the most confusing tax code in history), but wouldnt it be better to go out and trade for Halliday from Toronto, or sign Lackey from Minnesota, then to waste too much money on another hitter, i.e., Holliday or Bay? I am old enough to remember those good Atlanta teams that had great starting pitching and bullpens, and not much hitting but they always contended, and seemed to always make the playoffs. Would Toronto Trade Halliday to us, and then would Halliday take a discount to play with his buddy (Carpenter) so that it would fit in the Cards Budget? If he would, then I think the Cards could go out and get another outfielder like Nady, to continue production in the lineup, but Nady would not brake the bank. I know this is a lot of questions, but what do you think?

Jeff Gordon: Pitching may be the way to spend the freed-up money, since a lot of useless players are exiting the payroll.

Trading for a quality hurler doesn't seem feasible. Having spent their best pitching and hitting prospects to rent Holliday and DeRosa, there isn't much Toronto would want from -- other than Rasmus, of course. And Halladay would want an epic contract from his next team, given his potential value to the Yankees and Mets in free agency. He is better than Sabathia, so that gives you an idea.

Free agency offers many options beyond retaining Pineiro. The Cards expect lefty Jaime Garcia to bid for a rotation slot next season, but I'd like to see the team add a veteran lefty too. This club can certainly afford it.

Glenn T: Figgins would be a nice addition. I like the high on base average with the ability to steal a significant amount of bases. Holiday is a very good player and run producer but it will coast a tremendous amount of money to get him. Can we sign Figgins and a solid number 3 or 4 starter for the same amount of money?

Jeff Gordon: The Angels moved quickly to keep Abreu and I would expect that big-budget team to do the same with Figgins, since Guerrero's money is going away. But he would be a nice player here as an outfielder and insurance against Freese busting at third base. Adding a player with real speed would be appealing.

Spending a little extra for this sort of speedy and versatile player would make sense, if Chone isn't wanted in Anaheim for whatever reason.

ramboy81: hey gordo, i think the rams can beat the saints , if they run the ball well , and also run alot of screens play , then the deep ball will be there and on d play just like tampa bay play us in 1999. we will be the sainta then. go rams

Jeff Gordon: Whatever the spread is on that game, bet the Saints. The Rams will run the ball OK, but this team's unwillingness/inability to throw the ball downfield dooms it against such a juggernaut.

dale: jeff, who do you think the cardinals will sign or will not be able to sign thanks

Jeff Gordon: The could sign Pineiro, DeRosa and LaRue, with the money that is available. They are able to spend that. But are they willing to go there for those players -- or do they want something else?

ramboy81: hey gordo, what do you know about danny gorrer.

Jeff Gordon: Nothing at all, which is only slightly less than the Rams coaches. Spags was asked about this guy Tuesday and he offered the usual "Billy has had his eye on him." He is another guy getting a head start on the 2010 training camp. He offers only average size, so I'm not sure he will ever fill the team need for a "jam" CB.

Andrew Sampson: Hi Jeff

Two bits:

First, I went to the Mizzou game Saturday, and despite the warm weather and the great crowd, the Tigers served up a turkey. Will they win another game this year?

Second, it seems like the Blues are playing not to lose. Even with the addition of Eller, who I think should stay, it's sounding like a broken record. What's it going to take to turn things around? And how does playing Paul Kariya with non scoring forwards helps this team?

Jeff Gordon: Mizzou will win another game, but it may not make a bowl game this year - which is shocking.

I didn't mind their effort in Atlanta. They buckled a bit late, after the bad-luck goal went in, but they had a zillion chances.

Are the veterans weary of Murray? We'll see. Tkachuk and Sydor sat out, Kariya played on a checking line and Backes played on the fourth line. Interesting, no?

SouthernIllinoisBoy: Lohse, Smoltz and a rookie as the Nos. 3, 4 and 5 starters? Seriously? Forget the Boras Bucks for Holliday, which would handcuff the team for years. Shouldn't the Cardinals be looking to add (and budget for) a legit and reliable No. 3 starter? Given the problems St. Louis had with the Nos. 4 & 5 starters in 2009 and getting lucky with Pinero, it seems to me depending on Lohse and a 42-year-old to each come up with double figure win totals seems overly idealistic. It also seems a waste of the small window of time this team has with two Cy Young quality pitchers at Nos. 1 and 2. Isn't now the time to scrap the "scrap-heap" reclamation projects and add a quality veteran pitcher for the No. 3 spot and THEN hope Lohse turns in a solid campaign at No. 4 and decent No. 5 performance from Smoltz and or Garcia?

Jeff Gordon: I'd let Pineiro leave and sign a lefty like Wolf or Davis to balance up the rotation. If Smoltz decides to return, great, but in the meantime the Cards DO need to spend some of their available dough on a starter -- especially since a low-cost alternative (David Freese) has emerged at third base.

SouthernIllinoisBoy: I was hoping to see a LF platoon of the veteran LH hitting Abreau with the rookie RH hitting Allen Craig before the Angels wisely resigned Abreau. Now with only right-handed hitters available to fill that LF vacancy and seeing how players like Mather and Stavinova were used in recent seasons, how do you foresee Craig getting much quality playing time in St. Louis in 2010? It seems to me if Craig doesn't hit like gangbusters right out of the gate, his chances to make it are minimal.

Jeff Gordon: He would have to earn at bats, yes. But if other guys are struggling, he will get his chance. Craig can hit. He has always hit. Whether he can be more than a part-time guy, we'll see -- but he is more of a line drive guy than either Mather or Stavinoha, which helps his case.

DJK: Mozeliak said that he has a contingency plan if they can't sign Holliday. Who do you think is at the top of his list? Also, since Mozeliak wants to give Freese first shot at third, do you think they have lost interest in signing DeRosa?

Jeff Gordon: Third base is DeRosa's third position, so he could be retained irregardless of Freese's progress. I could see him getting 500 ABs here if Holliday left and if Freese panned out at third.

bleedred24: Jeff, will the cardinals be competitive enough to win the central next year without a Matt holliday? Kenny in wildwood

Jeff Gordon: Sure. There was life in St. Louis before Matt Holliday and there will be life after him. We've covered many of the Cards post-Holliday options already.

kevin P.: Are we finding out that Gary Pinkel has been pulling the wool over out eyes for several years and he really isn't a good coach. The Baylor loss takes all the steam out of what seemed to be a program that had been turned around. Now it seems they are back to square one, and Pinkel seem incapable of doing anything to adjust ot stop the slide.

Jeff Gordon: He wasn't a good coach when he was winning all those games and going to all those bowl games? That is a heck of a magician. Saturday's failure was vexing, something his first-year coordinators must learn from. But the overall program is still headed the right away.

babych10: Hello Jeff

Perron and Oshie look pretty good this year don't you think ?

Also

Has Lars Eller surprised you with how physical he has been. ?
Flyers fans were booing the kid.

Jeff Gordon: I'm shocked at how involved Eller has been. Coming back from a shoulder injury that reduced his training time before camp, I figured he would need a whole AHL season to adapt. This kid has an attitude, like Perron and Oshie. That is golden.

Now, if they could just wake up some veterans . . .

mightymike105: Hello Gordo,

Jeff in know that MU football is in a slight rebuilding mode. However we have enough talent to be doing better than we are. I am very dissapointent with the coaching in the 2nd half of our conference games. Is our OC in over his head? Jeff we have not scored 1 second half TD in conference play! The formula for stopping us seems simple. Blitz, stop our predictable running game and take away Alexander. I am beside myself with frustration because the coaches can't seem to get this ship sailing when the 3rd qtr. starts. Plus there are no gimmies left on this schedule and a bowl birth is looking like a dream. I do like some of the talent we have here and coming in but Jeff this coaching has to get better. Stuff happens to the best of them but even so we should not have lost to Baylor a team that had not scored more than 10 points it's last 3 games and was starting a 3rd string QB and we were at home.

Jeff Gordon: Offensively, I'd like to see this team add some traditional "power I" elements and add a bigger back to go with the big QB. Don't abandon the spread, but use the other scheme the way NFL teams mix in the wildcat to mess with the D.

The more teams see the spread, the better they get at defending it. Even Texas Tech has felt this sting.

As for the defense, don't know what to say. The improved team speed and simpler scheme were supposed to make things better this year. They haven't.

Steve: To me it�s a given that Holliday won�t be back, and at this point I�m not sure DeRosa will be either. Assuming that�s true I would like to see Valverde be the biggest off season signing. Also what do you think it would take to bring in Figgins, and/or Matsui (assuming that NY doesn�t offer him anything.)

Jeff Gordon: Can Matsui still play in the OF and hold up at his age? Not sure. I'd let him seek an AL team or return home to Japan if the Yankees pass.

Figgins would be a great addition with his speed and versatility, but the Angels need to keep him and the Angels have lots of dough. I like Valverde, too, but R. Soriano could be a better get. The Cards must make the addition of a power bullpen arm a top priority.

rich.schausmktg: Hi Gordo: If we can't sign Holiday or a real strong #4 could we sign one or two hitters in front of Albert that can get on base? Two 400+ OBP players would also help protect Albert. If one had speed (Thanks Whitey) that would even be better. I would hate to see us spend money on a feel good player like we did on Tino Martinez after Big Mac left that was a waste of time and Money. Lets get some speed and OBP on this team!!! Where was the Protection for Musial in the 40's Ken Boyer in 64, Cepeda in 67 and Jack Clark in the mid 80's? It was mostly in front & we did OK with that.

Jeff Gordon: I agree that adding a tougher out with some wheels instead of a so-so power guy would be a good call. A good hitter for one of the top two spots has more value than somebody who might slide down to No. 6 or No. 7. That is why Cards fans clamor for Figgins, who could be a great NL player.

redbirdswin: Do you think there is any chance the Cards would spend some money on another closer candidate (Jose Valverde) this offseason? There has to be at least some concern with the way Franklin finished the season, they should have the money to spend (since Holliday/Bay won't be coming here).

Jeff Gordon: While Franklin will likely enter spring as the closer, there are multiple power-arm options to put into the set-up role with the chance to move to the closer's tole. Again, R. Soriano is my favorite for that.

redbirdswin: Mo was quoted as saying he has a plan in place if Holliday goes elsewhere. Any guesses as to what that might be? Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Mark DeRosa?

Jeff Gordon: He'd love to get Bay, but I don't see Boston letting that happen. Nady would be a nice bet if the Yankees don't keep him. And I've professed my support for the DeRosa option.

Hoolie Hoosier: Gordo

Once again the Cardinals are chasing a free agent that is impossible to sign, (Holliday) and wasting time while others will probably get away, (Derosa and Schmolz). I think they would be better served to focus on the last two and forgewt about Holliday, if the Mets and or Yankees want him, the Cardinals will not be able to stop them without financially crippling themselves for any future acquisitions.

Jeff Gordon: I don't see the Cards wasting time on Holliday. They'll be out of that bidding soon enough. DeRosa's surgery slows his timetable and Smoltz has already suggested that he will wait until late in the signing period to decide if he wants to pitch again.

Dalton: Great One,

I was on Cards Talk the other day when a fight broke out. Someone postulated that there is no such thing as a clutch hitter - that players will perform at their career averages in clutch situations. Others agreed but a minority disagreed with him, believing that some players - even average players - perform better in clutch situations than they do in routine situations.

I used an NBA analogy - Big Shot Bob Horry. His stats in the regular & post season aren't that different but he may make the HOF because of his history of making end-of-game clutch shots to tie or win games. He earned his nickname by being a clutch player.

I don't know how to find baseball examples to support my disagreement but defining clutch as late inning RISP opportunities with the team either tied OR behind by 3 or less runs, where do you fall in the Great Debate?
Are there clutch hitters or is this just a warm & fuzzy figament of many imaginations?

Jeff Gordon: It is impossible to define a "clutch-hitting" opportunity, because they come in all shapes and sizes. I believe the RISP and RISP/2 out numbers offer a starting point, but such at bats could come in blowout wins or losses. There is some further charting out there regarding critical at bats in close games, but ultimately the "clutch hitting" cannot be defined statistically.

But it does exist. Some players are more comfortable than others in really key moments, whether they come in the first inning or the ninth. Stat guys claim they don't exist, but pitchers will beg to differ. So will fellow hitters. So will managers. Within the game, people know relishes the big challenge who doesn't.

mightymike105: Jeff,

I like Pinkel but will his choice of coaching staff and his loyalty to hold on to guys who at best may be average coaches, ultimately lead to his downfall? We already know about the offense. Kick coverage is shaky. And when will we get some kids that can cover in the secondary? My goodness 15 yrd. cushions and we still get beat deep! We have everything in place to take it to the next level but is Pinkel that guy? I think the time is close aproaching when we find out. As I watched NU who I don't think is that great beat OU I can't help but wonder when will we?

Jeff Gordon: The coaching staff doesn't merit some review in the face of these problems. Again, first-year coordinators face a learning curve, as the Rams proved. Pinkel IS a loyal guy, but if this team doesn't rally for a big finish, he needs to take a hard look at this staff.

redbirdswin: Aside from Lugo and possibly LaRue returning to the bench - will the likes of Craig, T. Greene, Mather etc. fill out the rest of the reserves?

Jeff Gordon: Lugo yes, Craig yes, T. Greene probably. After that, the team could use a lefty hitter with some versatility.

Jeffrey1981: I had a thought and was wondering if it could be possible. If we signed Matt Holliday to a long term contract and payed a large portion of the money in the first few years could it help in the future? We are going to have to pay Pujols, Wainwright, Rasmus a large amount of money some time in the future. The Cards got rid of some dead salery and can afford to pay Holliday a large chunk of money in the next 2-3 years. Then the Cards won't have to worry about having Holliday and Pujols taking up 50% of the team salery 3 years from now and would be able to re-sign our best players. Good idea?

Jeff Gordon: Yes, the Cards should have many players due significant money moving forward, which is a nice problem to have. For that reason, there must be a ceiling on Holliday. Boras wants to top the A. Soriano deal with Holliday, which is way over the ceiling. Had Holliday truly transformed this team, the Cards would consider it. But he didn't, so the team will likely move on without him.

rich.schausmktg: Hi Gordo: Are there any prospects from other teams M/L.systems that might be available for trade? Like Wainwright in Atlanta or McGee from the Yanks a few years ago! Teams may be strong in an area that they have a good prospect?

Jeff Gordon: There are always prospects out there, but the Cards have their own rookies to work in like Freese and Craig plus young vets like Ryan and Rasmus to develop. To get younger guys from other teams, you have to deal veteran players -- and the ones still in St. Louis are guys the team wants to keep.

Now, if somehow a guy like Holliday does return, then, yes, the Cards could move Ludwick (and his escalating compensation expectation) elsewhere for younger guys like Freese, who came in the Edmonds deal.

Rick Perrin: Gordo, Sir

I would like your take on this:

The Rams should position on taking Gresham in the 1st round if he is

available. He is a player that fits the Rams needs, & he is ready to play.

The Rams can take a QB in the 2nd round or later. There hasn't been a

probowl quality TE in StL. since J.V. Cain.

Thank You

Rick Perrin

Jeff Gordon: Coming off his injury, he could fall into the second round. If the Rams have a Top 5 pick, which is likely, I don't see TE as a target position.

Tackleberry: Gordo,

Should we expect a healthy dose of Gibson at WR this week?

Jeff Gordon: Let's hope so, since the Rams will be playing catch-up. Let's see what this guy has.

rich: Jeff; A couple of weeks ago someone wrote in wanting to know when MLB awards would start being handed out. The first award for NL Rookie of the Year is Nov 16 with different awards daily after that. If you go to MLB.com click 'news' then under that 'awards' and there it lists the date of each award and when it be announced.

Jeff Gordon: I love that MLB does this to prolong baseball talk after the World Series ends. Given the intrigue around the Cy Young Award, it gives us a juicy off-season story.

nickn: Hi Gordo,
Let's talk about the Cardinals catching. For as solid as Molina is, he has shown he wears down as the season goes on. I think no one would disagree he needs 1 or 2 days off per week to be fully effective. Although LaRue is well respected in the club house and very capable defensively behind the dish, he is a real liability as a batter. Pagnozzi being called up this past September may be a heads up that a change is coming sooner than later. Also, Andersen might be ready to contend for the back role up assuming his shoulder has properly healed. What do you recommend here for Molina and the back up role in 2010?

Jeff Gordon: Pagnozzi can't hit at all, so he doesn't excite me as a back-up. This team needs more offensive depth, not less.

Anderson has some offensive potential, but 2009 was a lost year for him because of the injury and other factors. I wouldn't consider him a candidate either.

La Rue actually improved as a hitter here, so I don't understand the urge to move him down the trail.

CP: 2 Blues questions:

1. I'm not so sure that the unheralded Roman Polak isn't the Note's best defenseman. Your thoughts?

2. I am not usually a Brewer basher. However, I fail to see what he has done since his return to warrant a team-high 26+ minutes against Atlanta last night. I guess I'm really not bashing Brewer, but I am wondering about Murray's thought process.

Jeff Gordon: I liked Brewer's offense the last few games and how well he moved. He does need to get stronger in his own zone, as has been the case since he has been here. I don't understand why he didn't scrape off the rust in AHL before stepping into a major role, but that's just me.

As for Polak, I've always been a fan. This team needs a mix of thumpers and puck movers. Roman is a thumper who is pretty decent with the puck.

rich: Jeff: Last night on FOX 2 Jack Clark ripped into the Cards for hiring McGwire. I didn't catch the entire interview but Clark was saying things like the Cards were going to hide McGwire during BP and not make him available to the press and also he stated that since McGwire had no experience as a hitting coach anywhere (Minors) he was questing why the Cards hired him?
I have heard these same complaints from sports writers and sports rasio chat heads.
Now, I haven't anywhere remember the Cards saying any of the above things.
Do you?
BTW: McGwire did help some players during the off season with they're hitting.
I don't like the hiring either but I find it irresponsible of the FOX2 and Clark to say these thing if they're not true.

Jeff Gordon: Mark has done fairly intensive individual work with hitters. It's not like he has just been playing golf in retirement.

How many interviews did Hal McRae do while hitting instructor here? That is irrelevant.

As for Jack Clark, he did time in the minors before getting his shot as Dodgers hitting coach. There is something to be said for that. My only concern about the hiring is that Big Mac will quickly see how much work this job really entails. Is he really ready to make that sort of commitment?

nickn: Three questions:
1)Out of all our pending nine free agents, which two or three do you think most likely will be back with the Cardinals again next year?
2)What are you hearing are the most likely free agent signings for the Cardinals from other clubs available this off season?
3)How about guys who only have 2010 left before becoming free agents a la Holiday last year at this time-have you heard any buzz on who may be on the trading block that is also likely on the Cardinals radar screen as of yet?

Jeff Gordon: There will be sell-off players available in the summer. Roy Halladay, for instance, will be up for grabs again if he doesn't get moved this summer. I would expect the Dodgers to get away from Manny Ramirez as soon as they can. But the Cards can't make any decisions this winter based on what might happen the summer. They might set aside some money, as they did last year, just to see what might happen.

Almost all the Cards free agents are gone. DeRosa, Pineior and LaRue could return under the right circumstances, I suppose. I'm not a fan of putting Pagnozzi in as a back-up and risk a lot of 0-for-4 fill-in days. I'm in the tank for De Rosa, I hope he returns.

nickn: Do you predict Big Mac will (finally) meet with the press to field questions about whether or not he used illegal performance enhancing drugs during his playing career? If so, when and what do you think he will say? Lastly, do you think that McGwire will ever land up being elected to the hall of fame regardless of what he ultimately says on this topic?

Jeff Gordon: He will meet with the media within a month or so. What will he say? Don't we all want to know. If he totally blows off the obvious issue, then it will dog him his entire coaching tenure.

He might be more stubborn than smart, though, so I'm not holding my breath.

Lee: Jeff,
Thanks for taking questions!!

Should the Cards Nation be very afraid?

Holliday bolts as a FA?
DeRosa bolts as a FA?
LaRussa bolts after 2010?
Pujols delays his extension?

OR

Will they really make some REAL noise this off season even if Holliday, DeRosa and Pineiro bolt?

Thanks,
Lee

Jeff Gordon: I don't see a big noise offseason. And if Albert takes a pass on a lifetime deal as a result, so be it. The Cards need to make him leave a lot of money on the table. I would expect the team to keep improving internally and with the right signings and deals.

Tony is year to year at his age. There isn't anything the team can do this winter to guarantee him staying past 2010.

Tackleberry: Gordo,

I read your article today outling a "contingency" plan for the Cards, but I disagree that the plan shows Albert the level of commitment he will want to sign long-term. I'd almost rather see the club take a chance on a guy like Vlad Guerrero and see what he has left in the tank. Holliday is no Texeria, in terms of expected contract money, but he is an "A" talent and this team knows as well as any team that a handful of "B" talents can't make up what an All-Star can bring to a team. And regarding the monitoring of other teams' "salary dump" I can't see that satisfying Albert and him signing on the "if come", plus what do the Cards have to trade anyway?

Jeff Gordon: Guerrero his through as an outfielder. His knees are shot.

Albert begged for ManRam. A GM he is not. The Cards can't let him make personnel decisions. If he refuses to sign as a result, that's life.

Holliday may be an "A" talent, but the team was no more consistent offensive with him. There were too many holes and too little bench support. I'd rather see a solid lineup and a strong bench than one big bat.

rays06: Gordo, what poential free agents stay with the Rams next year and what vets may be cut?

Jeff Gordon: Among the free agents, I'd like to see Atogwe stay. If Alex Barron finishes well, I'd keep him, too, (gasp!) so the team doesn't to fill that hole. I can live Smith at RT for life.

Most of the vets are already gone. McMichael is a goner. Bulger is a no-brainer to let go.

All the RBs behind Steven are gone.

Goldberg is worth keeping. I'd keep Little for a year, for the right money.

Josie Wales: Howdy Gordo,
Pujols is the best hitter in the game. However, I don't think spending the money it's going to take to keep him will make the Cards the best possible team. Your piece today does a good job of showing that the team is already compromised in going after FA's two years ahead of Albert's free agency.
If/ when he signs elsewhere the Cards will have money set aside but a dilluted team. If he signs here they have a super star and a dilluted team.
Seems to me the only two ways Albert, as good as he is, doesn't hurt the Cards over the long haul are to:
A) sign for a considerable discount leaving decent money for complementary players, or
B) trade him now or soon for young studs and prospects.

I don't see either A or B happening. This is not going to turn out well.
From your knowledgeable perch do you see a way the team comes out of thiis OK?
Thanks for the chats.

Jeff Gordon: The Cards can pay him the going right and be just fine. There is money to fill out the team, as long as the Cards keep developing a fair number of supporting cast members and a starting player per year or so.

The trouble with this year's FA class is that there are few quality targets, so they will get overpaid. The teams overpaying Bay and Holliday won't have a Pujols type, so they will spend.

Can't trade the best player in baseball. Can't do it.

Cards Shark: According to an article in the New York Times, Matt Holliday's father wants him to join the New York Yankees.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/11/sports/baseball/11oakland.html

This increases my belief that Holliday won't resign with the Cardinals.

Instead of trying to resign Holliday, how about resigning DeRosa and putting him in the outfield and then signing Chone Figgins or even Felipe Lopez to play third base. I think that signing Figgins or Lopez would help get more people on base in front of Pujols. The Cardinals had trouble getting people on in front of Pujols mainly from the #2 batter.
Source: http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/team/_/stat/batting/split/110/league/nl/sort/onBasePct/order/true

If the Cardinals could sign Chone Figgins or Felipe Lopez, in order to get more people on base in front of Pujols, couldn't that be another way to force opposing teams to pitch to Pujols?

Jeff Gordon: Freese is the 3B. If the Cards spend, they will spend for an OF. I like DeRosa, plus moving around to create ABs for Craig or another hefty bench bat.

vikelt: Gordo, why do you dismiss Glaus? Cards are looking for an impact bat. He was just that in 08: 27 HR and 99 RBI. Plus he turned in above average defense. Do you have some info that physically he will not be able ever to get back to where he was?

Jeff Gordon: Glaus isn't as good as Freese at this late stage in an injury-marred career.

netboy65: Jeff,

As a follow-up to my question from last week where I asked if the Blues continue to be in a funk in the future, you take a look at coaching...I guess now I'm wondering when do you do it? 10 games from now, 20, 30? The team has too much talent to be languishing around the .500 mark, especially in the suddenly (due to Phx and Colo) hyper-competitive West.
Thanks!!

Jeff Gordon: Fair question. Right now the kids look great, but many veterans are laboring. Almost across the board, vets are struggling. This is always a bad sign for a coach. The Blues do need to start winning games or questions about Murray will get louder.

Jason: How feasible would it be for the Cards to give Albert a 25 year/$250-300 million contract? It would give the Cards the knowledge that he would be around till his career is over and the room to go after good players to surround him with.

Jeff Gordon: Twenty-five years? A five- or six-year extension, on top of the two years left on his deal, ought to get it done.

FloTrain: Wow, when was the last time us MU fans could say "When's Basketball season start!?!"... Embarrasing, almost comical. I know even in the Big XII, everyone is on scholarship, but can't drop HOME games to Baylor!... What's the word on the bball team? From what I've read, it's again a tight-knit group and playing hard in scrimmages/practices... Losing Carroll and Lyons hurts, but I see English as an upgrade over Lawrence. And really, Lyons was a non-factor as much as a factor for many games. I'm almost glad they picked them 7th again, which I think is a little high. Anderson can work that angle all season! Little disrespectful by his peers to rank them same place as last year, even after he beat EVERY team at least once?

Jeff Gordon: It's a little iffy up front. Can a older guy like Ramsey control the boards? Will the have the beef to offset the loss of Carroll/Lyons? But guard play will be good.

Dave: Do you think the Cardinals will have any interest in Rich Harden? I know the guy is extremely injury prone, but has a huge upside when healthy. He's probably only going to get a 1 year deal w/ an option. I was thinking maybe 6 or 7 million guaranteed, with a chance to make 10 - 12. Is he worth the risk?

Jeff Gordon: I'd like to add a pitcher with power potential . . . but I'd rather go with a lefty in Pineiro's slot, bump Lohse to No. 4, then let Smoltz fight Garcia for the fifth spot.

HP: Gordo, every week we say the same thing about Pinkel and the Tigers, they don't adjust after halftime. Pinkel won't try to run the ball (against worst run defense in Big 12), and a frosh QB who lights up MU secondary for over 400 yards, and MU doesn't adjust. Maybe Pinkel needs a sit down session with his bosses (like Vermeil in 1999) and be told what will be done.

Jeff Gordon: Gary hates losing. But he is loyal and a bit stubborn. Can he make internal changes to fix this? Or will his coordinators figure it out?

Tough situation there.

TampaCardinal: Why not bring back Troy Glaus with an incentive laden contract? Is the chemistry bad between the FO, TLR and Glaus or is there something else that prevents this being an option. Is he likely to see a big bucks conract from another team based on his previous history?

Jeff Gordon: The Cards really like Freese. And Glaus woulnd't win popularity contests with management (over the injuries) and his teammates.

Ed C: Seems to be a slow news day so my question is what are we missing in the Hal McRae firing? The team led the league in hitting in 2008 beyond all expectations, OK so in 2009 we were a little short in the clutch hitting department but I'm not sure a hitting coach can do much about clutch hitting. One reason cited by the P-D borders on the ridiculous, and that is that McRae didn't do much for young guys like Rasmus and Ryan. Come On, Ryan .290 avg was way beyond what anyone expected and Rasmus hitting around .260 is not bad for a rookie. I'm not against the McGwire hiring but it seems a bit risky but I guess we have to trust LaRussa on this one. Is there something that has not been reported?

Jeff Gordon: Ludwick went backward. Ankiel tanked. Greene tanked. There was a lot of carnage. The offense never got any consistency going. I have great respect for McRae dating back to his playing days in K.C. But I have no beef with a change. As for the choice of Big Mac . . . we'll, we see.

mars: Gordo, I am a Mizzou alum, attended MU from 1989-1994 - the Stull Era. I will always be thankful and always appreciative of what Gary Pinkel has done to make MU football "matter". The Tigers are a viable program. They recruit better. They have better athletes. The program is good enough to go to bowl games every year. Oh, what I would have given for that while I was in school!

And here comes the "however".

However.............these 2nd half collapses are hardly "new" to the Pinkel regime. The lack of adjustments, the lack of mixing up the game plan after a halftime lead, or even a close game, is absolutely mind boggling. This has been happening for years now. Recently, they have been severaly outplayed in the 2nd half of their last 3 games. Coaches have adjusted at half to account for Alexander, just look at his splits. And Saturday, with an 11-point halftime lead, they didn't do anything to establish the run in the 2nd half. I also remember Brad Smith's 2nd year as a starter, the Tigers led at halftime or in the 3rd quarter 4 times, and lost all 4 of those games. So this has been a common theme for years now. They've had roster turnover, coordinator turnover - and still the same problem with 2nd half collpases.

Do you have ANY insight as to why or how this has been a Pinkel Era Staple? Again, I am not ready to jump ship on the coach, AT ALL. I just cannot figure out what it is about this coaching staff that continues to show the complete inability to out-coach their opponents in 2nd halves???? Any info from Columbia on why this happens so often? Any insight you can share?

Thanks!

Jeff Gordon: I was hoping the coordinator changes would have a positive impact on all that, especially on defense. Apparently the change had no positive impact, which is a problem.

Your concerns are well-founded.

Josh: Gordo,

Back on the QB thing, I feel like drafting a QB is a 5 year swing to good or bad for a team. Drafting a lineman is a 2 year swing tops. Drafting a QB could potentially cripple the franchise for another 5 years or start them on their path back to glory. Devaney has to commit to either the risk/reward choice (QB) or the safe path that could lay the foundation for sustained success in the future.

Jeff Gordon: You are so right about QB. Pick the wrong guy, pay the wrong guy and you better locate Kurt Warner to take his place.

That is why trying to locate a later QB -- gaining development time -- can work better. But what do you do in the meantime.

dub the beachcomber: gordo, i always see trades made for a player plus cash. is there a limit on the amount of cash included in a trade? could the cards point at cash strapped clubs to essentially buy a player? who would you target? thanks

Jeff Gordon: The Cards do make cash deals by taking on salary when teams want to dump it. They spent a LOT to get Holliday that way. And, yes, that could happen in the summer when teams give up. The Tigers have money, but they may be willing to offload Magglio Ordonez for very little to free up money for something else.

Josh: Gordo,

I know we desperately need a QB but how can one possibly thrive on our team. Flacco and Ryan did so well because they inherited some decent playmakers, decent olines, and solid defenses. We have some of that but not enough. Plus, historically, non-Senior QBs (who we'd draft most likely) struggle in the NFL. I don't get why people are so high on QB right now. This team is not a QB away from a playoff trip. They need infrastructure (oline and dline). Draft a DT/DE, build some depth, bring in a playmaker and draft a QB the following year.

Jeff Gordon: I agree about building a better structure for a young QB, but I might take one later in the 2010 draft to get a head start on it.

BillP.: Hey Jeff, I heard Sam Wyche this morning mention that the Rams most likely would pick their QB in the 2nd round, let Bulger go, and pick up a stop gap veteran at QB. He mentioned Jason Campbell as a possibility. I just googled the free agents for next year and pasted them on here. Not a whole lot out there. I think I'd be okay with Campbell for a year, at least he has a big arm. What do you think?


Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos (26)
Kellen Clemens, New York Jets (26)
Tarvaris Jackson, Minnesota Vikings (26)
Chad Pennington, Miami Dolphins (33)
Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins (27)
Charlie Batch, Pittsburgh Steelers (34)
Kyle Boller, St. Louis Rams (28)
David Carr, New York Giants (30)
Daunte Culpepper, Detroit Lions (32)
Rex Grossman, Houston Texans (29)
Joey Harrington, New Orleans Saints (30)
Jon Kitna, Dallas Cowboys (36)
Matt Moore, Carolina Panthers (25) � Restricted FA
Brett Ratliff, Cleveland Browns (24) � Exclusive Rights FA
Troy Smith, Baltimore Ravens (25) � Restricted FA

Jeff Gordon: Of that bunch, I like Campbell. Hate to say it, but Boller might be No. 2 on that list.

Other teams will ditch guys, so there will be other options.

BillP.: Hey Jeff, is Lovie Smith's job in jeopardy with the Bears?
Thanks and Have a good week !

Jeff Gordon: Yes, he is in trouble. He has to be. Big expectations there and this is getting unfortunate.

Lee: Jeff,

In order of preference if the Cards add one starter - who would it be?

Wolf, Garland, Davis or Javier Vasquez?

Would Juan Pierre interest the Cards if the Dodgers ate some salary?

Thanks,
Lee

Jeff Gordon: Pierre has a noodle arm in left. Character guy, though. He could lead off, but this team needs heft in the OF.

I'd talk Wolf, Davis, Vasquez and Garland in that order for the rotation.

tigercoach77: Thanks for the chat, Any chance we see Smoltz back in a redbird uniform next season?

Jeff Gordon: I wouldn't rule it out. He has to decide if he wants to pitch again. I'd like to see the Cards add one vet in place of Joel, then let Smoltz and Garcia fight it out.

Bluff Boy: Yo Gordo,

My irish eyes are crying. Come on Charlie. Please tell me this is it. He can't call a game. Im starting to think that all those Pats coaches are not that good. Look at their records. It may be all Bill. Who do u think will be the next Irish coach.

Jeff Gordon: The Cincy coach would have to be the hot pick. Or Jon Gruden. I'd be shocked if Meyer left FLa for that . . .

sltest: Should Petro stay or go back to juniors minors this year?

Jeff Gordon: I think he's played fine, but this team has eight D right now.

Bluff Boy: Yo Gordo!

When we start to blow saves in bunches the teams seems to impload. That being said We really need a upgrade in the bullpen and then we can move Franklin back to set up man if we have to. Loved him there. It looks to me that we will lose Matt and Mark what are those chances? With what is coming of the books and the minor leaguers that can step up we can pay Matt 17 mill a year. He is not worth anything more then that.

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, and Matt will likely top $20 million a year in this market. So bye-bye . . .

sltest: I know the articles about summer team bonding and workouts have to be written, but like the hockey pre season is there a period of time that gives less of a perspective into what�s going to happen in a season?

Jeff Gordon: The NHL has been very unpredictable this year, with injuries playing a big part. The Note has no such excuse to struggle the last 10-12 games.

sltest: I know we have enough players to fill out a few second lines, but who do you project later this year or next year as being legitimate number one line forwards? I get Boyes and two questions. I get McDonald, Oshie, Perron, Berglund, and Backes as maybe topping out as 2 line guys.

Jeff Gordon: I love Boyes, but is he a top-line guy? I thought Backes had that potential, but this has been a disaster.

Perron is a high-end guy. Oshie could become one, too. Eller, obviously.

sltest: Murray has a poor record with the power play, overtime, and offense in general in his tenure as a coach. Last year his take over the power play was highly successful but five on five was not so good. This year the power play is killing the blues, and while the five on five play has been successful from a defensive perspective, were not scoring there either. With the league a much more offensively oriented league post lock out can he adjust?

Jeff Gordon: Tactically, Murray was exceptional tactically last season. The Blues did well with the man advantage with a mediocre set of defensemen. Oddly, with more skill available, he hasn't been able to get the pieces to fall together to this point.

He better get it going, because the season is getting away.

sltest: Who has been more invisible, Berglund or Karyia? I really thought Karyia would give the Blues a boost, but his first year was a mild disappointment, last year lost to injury, and this year he�s only sporadically visible. Berglund however, seems like he has been in a swoon since 2/3 through last year.

Jeff Gordon: I've liked Berglund more lately. Kariya seems to be trying, but he is NOT getting anything done. Worse than either of those two is Backes. All of this is troubling.

39megaram: Hey Jeff:

Any insight on the Gerald Ford bidding on the Rams situation ?

If he were to purchase, would an old Texan be interested in moving the team to LA ?
I say no way. Is San Antonio a viable option in your opinion ?

Jeff Gordon: San Antonio would need a new stadium -- that Dome is worse than this one. It is closer to the Metrodome.

Josh: Gordo --

Assuming Holliday leaves, are the Cards guaranteed compensatory picks? Have they already offered him arbitration? Are there teams likely in the bidding to which, if he signed, the Cards would not get the first round pick? Many thanks. . .

Jeff Gordon: The Cards will get a sandwich pick and a first-round pick, if that teams has one. The arbitration offer is a formality, since Matt will reject it. I don't that any of the top bidders are lacking the first-round pick.

gmiller: Jeff,
Once again thanks for taking the time. I know the season is early and that despite losing a couple shootouts the Blues have been playing better, but if they continue to underachieve do you see them firing Murray. It appears that the management loves Murray and I understand he came in and changed the mentality of the team but as of late I have been a bit disappointed in his reluctance to play the young guys in the OT periods. Our veterans are not producing and I see no reason for McClement and Brewer to be out there non stop over let's say Eller and Oshie with open ice like that. He is quickly becoming the hocket version of TLR when it comes to young talent. Thanks,
Gary

Jeff Gordon: Andy is playing a LOT of kids, so you can't say that. Tkachuk and Sydor sat Sunday and Kariya plays on the checking line. The kids are the best players right now, so they will play.

That looks like it for now. See you next week!