Matt: Gordo,

Do the Cards have any interest in trying to sign Jon Garland? He's always been a winner and it seems like the Angels may not re-sign him since they'll be trying to bring Mark Teixeira back, along with possibly trying to sign CC Sabathia.

Jeff Gordon: He would be a great fit. He did a nice job in his walk year, for sure. If the Cards are going to spend money this winter -- and it appears they will -- then targeting another starter would be smart. Why throw a ton of money at an outfielder?

Let's see where the money goes with Garland. It could get huge, which would increase the risk.

Justin Scully: Hey Gordo, thanks for taking a question from a Cards fan in Canada.
The Blue Jays have a superb bullpen and are interested in moving BJ Ryan.
BJ had Tommy John two years ago and showed strong signs that he has just about returned to full health and effectiveness. He is a lefty closer who brings a lot of intensity and leadership to the pen, the Jays need a young third baseman to replace Rolen at some point and obviously Riccardi and Mozeliak can get a deal done. Is this plausible BJ Ryan for David Freese?

Jeff Gordon: David Freese and what army? Ryan pitched well after his repairs last season, so I'm guessing that bidding on him would go high. It would take a package including top pitching prospects and an everyday player. Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi insists that moving Ryan isn't a top priority, but he make check the market after K-Rod and Fuentes relocate.

Rick: Hey Gordo, really appreciate your insight on the Cards. A couple of things, when is the date for salary arbitration to begin, and why don't the front office go after some consistent arms "that are sound" like a Joe Blanton (who has not missed a scheduled start in his 4 years in the majors) instead of taking the chance "again" on rebuilt arms? I realize that Carp is worth the wait but another debacle liike Clement and Mulder would be sickening. Use the young talent to trade for him or some other of equal value. Rather spend 5-7 million on proven arms than other positions,

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Blanton is arbitration-eligible and I'm guessing that Philly will try to extend him. Getting a solid pitcher away from a contender is tricky. But I agree -- if the Cards can add a solid veteran starter for $7 million per year, that would be a wise investment -- versus renting Holliday for a season.

kevin bryant: Can we stop sugarcoating the problem with the Rams and stop blaming the players and the coaches. This team lacks overall talent due to the front offices ineptness to keep young talent. You cant replace good young talent of the likes of Kevin Curtis, Ryan Pickett, and Brandon Chillar with free agents. You win by keeping around good young developing players. These guys become the core of your team and besides you drafted them. Now we're gonna be even worse because we're gonna lets guys like Atogwe and Bartell walk also. Look at franchise that stay competitive like the Eagles they resign theyre young guys early to have a core group. They all dont have to be superstars but a team is made up of a few go to guys(ie. Jackson, Holt) and alot of very good young players. ( bartell, Atogwe )The front office has failed this city, and the players by letting good guys walk(Chillar)

Jeff Gordon: Player retention, to me, has been as a big an issue as the draft issues. Fans complain endlessly about the draft, yet some Rams draftees move on to other teams and perform well.

As for some of the current players fans want to jettison, many of them would be just fine elsewhere. The Rams need to fix the environment first. Establish strong leadership at the time. Devise a plan. Follow through, follow through, follow through. In that environment, a lot of these knuckleheads would come around.

ChagallGuevaraCardinals: Hey Gordo,

From what you can gather what would you say the Cardinals interest level is on Orlando Hudson? I've read numerous reports that say he's going to want at least $10 million per season. He's coming off of injury...shouldn't his price be down a little bit because of that?

Also, if it were up to YOU...

Would you rather see the Cardinals move Ludwick or Ankiel in a potential trade?

Jeff Gordon: I'd trade Ankiel, all things being equal. Ludwick is three years from free agency and Ankiel is one more left-handed bat. Hudson will be in demand, so $10 million won't be out of line for him.