Michael Kent: Jeff ...

From Scott Boras' standpoint, should he be necessarily surprised by or concerned with the plot in these early episodes of "The Courtship of Scotty's Client"? The Angels, Giants, and Yankees are all reported to have little to no interest in signing Holliday. What's your gut tell you? Are these big-budget teams truly going to take a pass, or are they posturing for a later swoop?

More importantly, should John Mozeliak also keep his distance from Boras through the Winter Meetings, assuming others do likewise?

Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: Boras wants to string this out and get somebody to buckle at the end. The Angels have no patience with Boras, so that team's exit is no shock. Anaheim had lots of outfield options. The Yankees may feel compelled to keep Damon and Matsui around after they came through in the postseason.

So the pivotal teas are the Red Sox and Mets. If the Red Sox keep Jason Bay, then the market for Holliday shrinks.

But the Mets HAVE to make a big free-agent splash this winter and they need a left fielder. That team could easily outspend the Cardinals. Early indications are that New York won't go big for Matt . . . but that can change.

Mozeliak just needs to wait this out. I would try to lock up DeRosa in the meantime, given all the interest in him among NL teams. But Mark may command too many dollars and years for Mo's taste.

bjf: Jeff, in one of your responces to a question in the after game chat you said " Fans line up in on STLToday, screaming that Warner was finished and that he HAD to go." Although I'm a Ram fan in Nevada I remember that it was spiritly split 50-50 between the Warner and Bulger factions in those days. Regardless I think alot of the frustrations of the Rams fans is the perceived total lack of on field leadership Bulger displays, as opposed to what Warner offers on the field.

How did the Rams braintrust miss this intangible in the years before giving Bulger his new contract? They had three or four years of proof by then. And even the three years since signing him they have no "real" other option already on the team.

Jeff Gordon: He went to two Pro Bowls with this alleged character flaw. Not many QBs ever go to two Pro Bowls. That is how he got the big contract. At that point, the team had no viable Plan B.

nevadariverranch: Hello Jeff, I got a little issue with you. On your post game chat you said you wished that Null would play so we could see why he isn't playing. Well i got a question. What has Marc Bulger done to prove he should play? His 65 million contract? His 2 pro bowls? In all fairness Jeff, Marc hasn't won 1 game for the Rams, it was Steven Jackson. I am not saying that Null is the next Joe Montana by any means, but a loss is a loss if it is 21-20 or 55-3. The Rams are 1-9, they are not going to the playoff's, so it is time to clear the benches and see what everyone can do.

Jeff Gordon: I wish the Rams would play Null just to make this issue go away. The odds of him succeeding as a small college spread QB against real-game NFL defenses are not good. He needs to be eased into his pro career. Why ruin it before it starts?

nevadariverranch: Jeff, any news on Jason Smith?

Jeff Gordon: It appears to be a mild concussion. We'll know more later today.

nevadariverranch: Jeff, this team is so fustrating, I really don't know what our most pressing need is. Is it qb, pass rushing de, dt, olb, or cover corner. Help me out.

Jeff Gordon: Don't forget big WR, pass-catching TE and pass catching RB, too.

Larry: With each passing day it lookslike the chances of retaining Holliday go up. If the Red Sox sign Jason Bay then I think the Cards keep Holliday. Speaking of the Red Sox, they want to trade Mike Lowell and will pay haldf of his 12 million dollar salary. His offensive numbers were decent but his defense suffered a bit due to hip surgery. Is he worth kicking the tires on?

Jeff Gordon: Lowell is NOT worth a look. Freese is ready to play 3B defensively and he has power potential.

nevadariverranch: Jeff, I read that you said we better beat Seattle. What makes you think that could happen? This team can only find a way to lose. If it wasn't for SJAX we would go 0-16 and you could call that a lock.

Jeff Gordon: When everybody was predicting 0-16, I wrote that they would win games this year. They won one and they could win a couple more. Seattle and San Francisco have issues, too, and Chicago has shown self-destructive tendencies.

nevadariverranch: Jeff, I do think that for the most part, Spags should get a pass this year because of the total rebuild. However next year it is time to lose the training wheels. Anything less then 5 to 6 wins is not acceptable, and he should be shown the door.

Jeff Gordon: The next owner will assess everything, top to bottom, after taking over. The sooner that happens the better for all involved.

rich: Jeff: DeWitt said he knew of no timetable for McGwire to address the media. Don't you think it would be a big mistake for the Cards show up at spring training and then go into the season without McGwire talking?

Jeff Gordon: The Cardinals want to make this happen sooner than later for that reason. The arm twisting is underway.

Crazy_Legs: Was it just me or did I see the Rams receivers display frustration on the field because of Bulger�s ineffectiveness?

Jeff Gordon: And Bulger was very frustrated by some of the routes they ran. There was some major disconnect there.

Kenny: Gordo,

Watching the Rams yesterday, left many people frustrated. Bulger another bad day at QB, WR not open or they didn't run their routes correctly. I want to ask you what YOU think is the best option for the Rams next year in the draft in the first round.

Thanks for taking questions

Jeff Gordon: They need almost everything, so it doesn't matter to me. It appears DT will offer the most value at the top of the draft, so we'll see a lot of speculation about that. If there was a pass-rushing DE or a Curry-like LB, the Rams might go in those directions.

Dale: Jeff,I know its early but what is your feeling how things are shaping out for the cardinals and who is your wildcard to make the roster in 2010

Jeff Gordon: The wild card would probably be Jon Jay as an outfielder. If he can build off his strong winter ball showing and star at spring training, he could get the last OF spot. I see Freese and Craig making the team, too, along with Jaime Garcia.

nevadariverranch: Jeff, Spags coaching style is a little strange, when the offense is on the field in a critical time, he is talking to the defense. I'm sorry but that is the defensive coordinators job at gametime, Spags is the head coach and he heeds his head in the game. It looks bad when he isn't paying attention to the game and the offense. Spags needs to realize that the whole team needs his imput at gametime.

Jeff Gordon: Fair point. Steve will either pay more attention to the offense and get that fixed or drift back to a career as a defensive coordinator.

Michael Scriven: If the Cardinals play the waiting game with Scott Boras on Matt Holliday, could they find themselves in a similar situation that the Dodgers did last year on Manny Ramirez: Boras declining to accept the Dodgers offer until all other comparable free agent options were signed, trying to force the Dodgers to bid against themselves?

Jeff Gordon: Bill DeWitt won't bid against himself for anybody. That's not going to happen. I believe he'll pay what it takes to lock in Pujols for that reason. This is why he has allowed the front office to extend the contracts of all the key players, to avoid the market.

showmetheway: Please rate Jackson's performance as pass blocker and safety valve receiver yesterday. It appears to me that it should be in the C category as he rarely exhibited the same intensity of his running sytle when pass blocking. Why doesn't he keep running after he releases from pass protection? The no gain safety valve release pass play is as frustrating as the one yard and a cloud of dust Donny Anderson running plays of long ago.
My congradulations to Steven for another 1000 yd rushing season. He is a bull in that category.

Jeff Gordon: He's not a great blocker. That is why I would add pass-catching RB to the list of things the Rams need, demanding that such a player also block well on passing downs.

therealdealankiel: Gordo,

How encouraging should it be that the Angels and Giants have dropped from the Holliday sweepstakes while the Mets, Yankees and Red Sox have yet to completely dive in?

I know people mention the Red Sox as players for Matt, but it seems to me they would be better off giving in to Bay's demands (let's say 4 years, $68M) rather than adding more years and more money (6 years, $108M) for Holliday. Do you agree?

Jeff Gordon: Bay is a great fit for Boston so, yes, that would be the Red Sox preference. If they keep Jason, then the market for Matt shrinks appreciably.

But never count out big-market teams until the bidding is done. The Dodgers could swoop in late and grab him if Ned Colletti can send ManRam back to the AL.

studebaker: Thanks for taking questions. I was at the game and was amoung those boo-ing when Spags chose to kick the field goal on 4th and goal from the 2. I heard his explanation..but doesn't a touchdown get it to 2 scores also? I mean we have only won 1 ballgame. If they got stuffed so what? My question..Are the Rams coaches learning on the job? Your thoughts on game planning and coaches game mgmt. and lack of challenges on the poor ball spots etc.
Thanks

Jeff Gordon: That game offered many opportunities to second guess. I would have kicked the field goal when he did, since it was obvious Arizona wasn't going to score again. Had the Rams finished off that second fourth-quarter foray into the red zone and gotten the two point conversion, it would have paid off.

As for the poor spots, the coaches upstairs did not see replays that were convincing. It is up to the guys upstairs to prompt the coach if something looks obvious on TV.

If he had burned timeouts on lost challenges, fans would have howled about that, too.

Lawarence Marmie: Yo Gordo,

It's been a few weeks now, but apparently the inherent bitterness that ingratiates so many Philadelphia-area sports fans hasn't really waned much. Granted, I've been wearing my Yankees laynard a lot longer this year- usually I'm on my Rams or Devils one by now and the Eagles haven't exactly helped them forget about that trouncing in the World Series, but I find it funny how many angry little clerks make comments in stores or how many scathing comments you hear just walking in the street from complete strangers. Most of them are the same generic nonsense- "You're only wearing that because they won", "Frontrunner", "%#@* the Yankees!!!" and of course my favorite "You bought that championship"- something that was not heard last year when the Phillies payroll more than doubled that of the Tampa Bay Rays. So, my question is what is the best way to deal with the green monster of envy? Should I just continue to smile, nod, and go on my way or should I remind them that their all star shortstop was stupid enough to go on national television and arrogantly predict a 5 game win over the Yanks, but then completely neglected to show up when the games counted? Or should I explain to them that no matter how much their greedy owners b#tch and complain about being a small market, they are in actuality, the 4th largest TV market in the country and could have afforded to get a much better pitching staff, but that would cut into the overall profit margin? Or maybe about how the luxury tax the Yankees shell out every year actually bankrolls about 3 small market teams to stay in existence? I don't know Gordo- it's hard talking sense to Philadelphia fans- the ones that know me are still crying about the hit that Scott Stevens laid on Eric Lindross many years back in the playoffs. Am I destined to deal with this anger until they win another championship? Looking at these teams- I'm just not sure when that's going to happen.

Jeff Gordon: That's an impossible task, living happily in Philly as a Yankees fan. I fear for your safety.

Glenn T: Just a thought but do you think all these teams taking their names out of the Holiday hunt is payback to Boras for being too loud mouthed about teams not spending. I actually think Boras is correct. Yes, the Yankees and Red Sox spend too much but at the other end the Marlins, Pirates and A's spend too little. TV and radio money illustrates that. We need a salary cap and salary floor.

Jeff Gordon: Such a system would be great, but you'll never convince the super-sized teams to accept a complete revenue share system. You are correct, some teams should spend more based on the shared income and luxury tax dollars available -- but Boras is not the guy to make that case. He knew A-Rod's contract would ruin the Rangers franchise and it did.

Glenn T: The Rams. I do not see a QB with P. Manning type talent this year. There are several QB's who are or may come out in the draft that may prove to be high quality QB's. I just do not think the Rams are in a position to gamble on one in the first round with a top five pick!I think the Rams need to build up the front 7 on defense. Trade down or take the DT from Nebraska. He appears to be the most sure thing as far as top picks go. We also need one or two more LB. How does the draft look there?

Jeff Gordon: I agree on the QB issue, but at DT the Rams need a monster. Not sure the Cornhusker fits that mold.

Glenn T: The Blues are starting to show some signs of life on offense. The power play is bad any suggestions to kick start it? I say keep Petro and sit him when he needs rest due to lagging play or being tired. We seem to have the defensive numbers to do this.

Jeff Gordon: I love Pietrangelo on the power play. I'd play the kid on the third pairing, use him on the PP and sit Weaver and Sydor as extra D, waiting for guys to get hurt. Eventually, I might trade one of them -- since the Blues have Bell and Junland playing well at Peoria.

Lawarence Marmie: Is there anyway that lovie smith possibly survives and is coach of the Chicago Bears next season? He's so arrogant and smug standing there on the sidelines as his team continues to lose, but that is not the only similarity that I see between him and Charlie Weiss at Notre Dame. Both had really done nothing as HCs, had one good season, and then were awarded huge contracts. Now, I realize that a professinal franchise in a city like Chicago can more easily absorb the money they would have to pay out- but I'm also not sure just how much money matters to the owners? Does the money they would owe him figure into his future as a floundering head coach?

Jeff Gordon: So far, the Bears appear unwilling to pay Smith to go away. But if the failure continues, what choice would management have?

Glenn T: Wainwright, Carpenter, Lohse are a solid 123. I hope Garcia is the 4th or 5th starter. I take it the Cardinals with LaRussa and Duncan will sign another veteran pitcher. Piniero? or take a chance on Sheets or Harden type guys? I also favor signing Soriano in relief.

Jeff Gordon: I'd like to see the team add a veteran lefty to replace Pineiro. I would have made a standing offer to Smoltz to return as a competitor (with Garcia) for the No. 5 slot, with the loser going to the bullpen.

Larry: 1) What bowl and opponent do you see mizzou playing this yr.
2) What percentage do you see the cards resinging Holliday?
3) Will Murray make it to the end of the yr before being fired?
4) With the rebuilding the rams have to do can you see Jackson
not wanting to be here any longer and requesting a trade?
Thanks

Jeff Gordon: 1) What bowl and opponent do you see mizzou playing this yr. - Is there a way to get to the Alamo Bowl still? That would be a nice ending to a tough year.
2) What percentage do you see the cards resinging Holliday? Maybe 20 percent, which is up from zero two weeks ago.
3) Will Murray make it to the end of the yr before being fired? Yes.
4) With the rebuilding the rams have to do can you see Jackson
not wanting to be here any longer and requesting a trade? Yeah, it could get to that point. He is only human. The team needs to win a couple more games, then start to make big moves.

Glenn T: Sir:

Mr Craig here. Where can I find a nice Apartment near the ball park in St. Louis or should I count on another year with Elvis in Memphis?

Jeff Gordon: I'd be shocked of Allen doesn't make the Cards, given their bench needs.

mc lovin: How would bulger be doing with boldin, breaston and fitzgerald for receivers?

Jeff Gordon: Better. But then again, Warner could find a way to win some games with Avery and Co. We saw Kurt's value when he bowed out. Leinart was terrible.

John Wemhoener: The Rams problem is more fundamental than the simple Bulger bashing that has been going on, not that he doesn't deserve it. He's been a rookie for 9 years, but that is not the real story. Did you notice that the Rams' defensive game plan at the beginning was acutally very good. They put unexpected pressure on the quarterback and forced a fumble on the first Arizona possession and kept them out of scoring position on the second. On the third posession the Cardinals sped up play and got rid of the ball quicker scoring three touchdowns as a result. Arizona made an adjustment, and the Rams didn't. That is the real story of the game if not the team.

Jeff Gordon: Blitzing Warner is dangerous. He has seen lots of them over the years and he doesn't surprise easily. It was inevitable that he would find ways to counter that pressure.

Lee: Jeff,

Thanks for taking questions! It is very much appreciated by me and no doubt many other people. With a goofy economy and etc sports gives many of us an interest that is fun.

If Holliday re-ups will that severely limit the Cards adding other quality pieces to the 2010 team?

If no Holliday why not go with Jose Molina backup catcher, Aubry Huff backup OF, 1st, lefty bench, Mark DeRosa 3rd, Nady LF, Garland SP, Wolf SP?

Thanks,
Lee

Jeff Gordon: I like the Nady idea. Huff is a starting caliber guy and I would still expect a bad team to sign him as such. I'd sign DeRosa and play him at multiple spots, letting Freese ease in at third. I'd like to find somebody younger to back up at catcher, but it's hard to put a younger guy in that role behind an all-star.

nevadariverranch: Jeff, just in theory, would Marc Bulger be better off if the Rams went back to the Martz type of timing down the field offense? I am just trying to figure out a way to get him back to form.

Jeff Gordon: Ah, if it were only that simple. This offense actually suits him well because it requires quick throws (which protects him) and accuracy (which, theoretically, is his strong suit). I thought he played OK against the Saints in this system. This game was a big step back.

Like Warner before him, he needs a change of scenery and a catch to regroup.

STLguy3472: Gordo,

Could you please provide a funny, sarcastic, witty, response to all the Spags Haters and nay-sayers already. I think these guys do not have a clue what they are talking about in wanting us to get rid of him already. I am not saying he is perfect, but a first-year HC with limited talent....I've seen improvement from the team. These jokers are useless and it is hard for me to believe they have even a minor IQ for football. At least post some stats regarding successful HC's in their first years...but I prefer the witty, sarcastic response.

Thanks again, love the chat

Matt

Jeff Gordon: Yesterday's first half beat the sarcasm right out of me. I was dumbfounded, as you all were, but just how badly that went.

nevadariverranch: Jeff, if the Rams want a dt in the draft, wouldn't he need to be a bigger type say 325 to 350 lbs space eater Vince Wilfolk type rather then the Nebraska Suh kid at 297 lbs?

Jeff Gordon: I tend to agree. And, again, I am wary of Nebraska after so seeing so many of those kids flop here. No offense, Cornhusker fans, but it seems to be a karma thing.

die hard L.A. Rams fan JD: Hi Gordo,
My 15 year old son and I love the Rams.We live in Santa Cruz California on the Monterey Bay and our Fox affiliate would rather show spanish television than a Rams game. We watch it on NFL.com and as we see the blips go across the field and read incomplete pass after incomplete pass, we both want to know, since we can't actually see the game, is Marc Bulger really stinking up the place or are the receivers really dropping everything thrown their way?

Jeff Gordon: The Rams dropped a few passes, but this latest struggle was more on Marc.

Lawarence Marmie: Hey, I really like that Danny Amendola kid- even from watching him during the Eagles preseason. I know many Eagles fans were pissed when the Rams plucked him from their practice squad. So, is there anyway- barring injury- that he can substain his production and become an Az Hakim/Welker type? I realize that his niche is in the slot and a lot of his succeess will depend on what the outside guys do, but you got to love the little guy that plays big.

Jeff Gordon: He can't hold up as a No. 3 guy, but he can be a slot guy/change of pace guy, for sure, and make things happen. His kick returning has been a major upgrade for this team, so he'll be a part of the group moving forward.

therealdealankiel: Gordo,

Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter made the summer of 2009 one of the more memorable in Cardinal history as far as I am concerned. Watching them take the ball every fifth day was more fun that the DeRosa and Holliday additions, more fun than another amazing year by Pujols. If not for the "stat-heads" reading too much into things like FIP, we'd have another CY Young. Lincecum is a great and deserving pitcher, but Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter are Co-Cy's in my eyes. They won games, plan and simple. They were the best two pitchers in the second half and you can argue Lincecum wasn't even a top 7 pitcher in the second half.

Please pass along my congratulations on 2009 and good luck in 2010 to Adam and Chris. Though the award ended up on another mantle, the Wainwright/Carpenter duo was an amazing part of 2009...hopefully we can see it again next summer!

Jeff Gordon: If they read this, they will see this.

Lawarence Marmie: Wow- three days into Baseball Free Agency and the White Sox offering Vizquel a one year deal has been the only news so far. Do you think this is more a product of a bad economy or it just being one of the worst free agent classes in a while?

Jeff Gordon: Both of those issues are there. How many teams are really spending? Outside of the big markets, will much happen?

And how many of these FAs are real difference makers? The class lacks depth, so Boras is trying to score big for his top guys.

therealdealankiel: Gordo,

How long do you think Boras will posture Holliday despite the fact that several known large-market teams have shown little public interest in him to this point?

I have to believe the Cardinals would give Matt either 5 years, $90M or 6 years $108M right now. If Boras plays this out until Christmas, sure, he might be able to get another bidder to drive the price up a million or two. But he also risks that the Cardinals are the only major bidder, at which point they can shave that offer down to 4 years, $70M or 5 years, $85M.

I think he has to play this out at the Winter Meetings. If he is merely getting inquiries, have him sign with the Cardinals on December 11. And of course there is always the option to take arb and play his hand again next winter, but I would imagine Matt wants to avoid that. It seems it would be a tougher market to get a deal in with Joe Mauer, Derrek Lee, Carlos Pena, Carl Crawford, Adam Dunn, Manny Ramirez and Jayson Werth out there. Not to mention, teams will be more likely to spend on pitching with Beckett, Halladay, Cliff Lee, Lilly, Vazquez and Webb potentially hitting the market.

Needless to say, Matt Holliday will not be the #1 guy next winter, and Boras could get dangerously close to overplaying his hand this year. Where do you see this going?

Jeff Gordon: Unless Matt decides to cut short all the excitement, Boras will play this out for the long haul. He has the No. 1 guy and he figures the No. 1 guy will get paid. Look how long he played ManRam out with LA.

therealdealankiel: ANY word on Big Mac's press conference? He can only stand to aggravate the media more by waiting.

That said, do you think the Cards want to lock up free agents before that negative press becomes a factor? I am not sure a "media circus" is a drawing point for free agents...

Jeff Gordon: The MeGwire stuff won't impact free agents. The media circus will be short-lived. Big Mac just needs to get it over with and move on with his life.

Boyd Dressler: Some questions:

1. Why was umpiring so bad this past season?
2. Will TL expect ALL players to run full-out to first base?
3. Will players understand they are playing for fans?
4. After signing Holliday what pitcher will they get for Ludwick?
5. Is there baseball any place in the country other than NY and Boston?

Jeff Gordon:
1. Why was umpiring so bad this past season? Baseball wasn't tough enough in selecting only the best.
2. Will TL expect ALL players to run full-out to first base? He will expect his guys to play hard.
3. Will players understand they are playing for fans? Nah, the disconnect will remain for a lot of guys.
4. After signing Holliday what pitcher will they get for Ludwick? If the team moves Ludwick, it would have to get young pitching to replace what was lost.
5. Is there baseball any place in the country other than NY and Boston? Oddly enough, yes.

Steve W: I just discovered that Mike Martz was on Rich Brooks staff with the Rams in 1995-1996 as a receivers coach. Actually he was with the Rams for a few years before as an offensive assistant. I can't help but wonder what difference there would have been had he been promoted to offensive coordinator. Rich Brooks may have been around a bit longer. the Rams could use some Mike Martz influence on the offense, now.
Also, I was browsing thru some NFL stats web sites and took a look at the 1975 Cardinals, especially that great offensive line. It's amazing the size difference from then to now of the players. Ernie Mcmillan - 275 pounds, Roger Finnie - 245, Bob Young -270, Tom Banks - 245, Conrad Dobler - 254, and Dan Dierdorf - 275...compared to the Rams today Barron - 320, Bell - 300, Brown - 328, Goldberg - 310, and Smith 309. Just thought it interesting. It's a wonder anyone survives the collisions out on the field.

Jeff Gordon: Mike was just learning the ropes back then.

Dave: Hi Gordon

Please tell me we're going to draft someone we truly need...like Suh. I am tired of us neglecting the defense. I know we need some offense help but defense wins championships. Besides, when is the last time we truly had a great defense? 1980?

Jeff Gordon: The Rams have drafted high pick after high pick on defense. They just didn't get the right guys, sadly.

Bayoubert: Gordo,

In your opinion the odds the the Rams will have new ownership before draft day

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Before the draft? That's probably a longshot.

Ram_Malavasi: Gordo:

Which of the Rams current squad of WRs do you foresee being on the roster next season? Assuming the Rams wish to upgrade at least one of them, do they target a free-agent (Vincent Jackson, for example) or do they go to the draft?

Jeff Gordon: L. Robinson, Avery, Amendola and Gibson all earned a shot for next year. Burton's injury makes him questionable.

Good luck getting a top FA WR sign with this offense. Not going to happen.

walkoff_hr: A lot of people say it would be unwise to sign Holliday to a $100 million plus contract because we still have to lock up Pujols after 2011. But who says payroll has to stay the same? Why can't we add payroll? DeWitt has always said resources are there for the right player so I expect them to back that statement up now. They built the new stadium and all of the luxury suits in it so they could sign players like Holliday. My question is...are the Cardinals pushing the payroll as high as they can or is there a lot of "flexability" for them to spend more if they really wanted to? In other words...what is the dollar figure we can realistically spend?

Jeff Gordon: I believe the Cards could comfortably have a $110 million payroll and be just fine. That would allow them to sign Matt, re-sign Albert and keep a good team around them.

therealdealankiel: Gordo,

Please enlighten me on why it is terrible for a pitcher to miss a month and put up MONSTER stats (Carpenter), but when a darling like Mauer misses a month, it is so critical to his value that he missed a month and STILL put up great numbers.

Seems like a double standard to me. Yes, Lincecum was the most valuable player to the Giants. And Cabrera was the most valuable player to the Tigers. And Cabrera didn't have a former MVP (Morneau) cleaning up for him.

This is not at all a knock on Mauer. He is a great player. All of these guys are. So I argue that the same standards we hold pitchers to, we should hold offensive players to. If you penalize a pitcher for not staying healthy, you have to do the same for the bats.

Jeff Gordon: Can't argue with that. All things being equal, though, I would side with a pitcher who worked more innings. That pitcher helped his team more.

cardsfan: Who do you think the Cardinals have the best chance of signing out of DeRosa, Holiday, or Bay?

Jeff Gordon: They don't want Bay, apparently.

They would have a better shot at Mark, for obvious reasons.

Brian: Do you think Denario Alexander will be one of the top receivers taken in the draft? The guy has had a fantastic year.

Jeff Gordon: The knee surgeries will knock him down the list.

Dan: Do you have any figures to show how our media revenue compares with the New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston markets?

Jeff Gordon: Not handy, but here is example: The Yankees media money, alone, is much greater than the Cards payroll.

donsods: Gordo--Your "Holes All Over the Field" column really is a comprehensive look at what the Rams need to do in the off season. Hope BD & crew are reading it. I will keeping a copy for review in April. One question: do Martin or Kent become the tall WR the Rams need or is the consesus that they are temporary roster fillers?

Jeff Gordon: Those two guys may come to camp, but let's see if they show enough the rest of the year to fill the need. As of today, the Rams would have to keep looking.

Steve M.: Jeff,the Rams suck super bad yesterday.Bulger is not the answer,but it seems like the crop of QB's for the next draft is over hyped and overrated..The Rams need a real #1 receiver next season.Alexader from Mizzou looks like the real deal!Let's get him in round one and wait in the next round for a QB.Your take.

Jeff Gordon: Alexander is not a high first-round pick.

Harold: Hello and thanks for the great writing you do for the sports fans of St. Louis! Here our my questions:

What are the possibilities of Troy Glaus returning to the Cardinals to compete with David Freese for the 3rd base job. I feel having Troy come back on a incentive base deal to have competition with Freese will only help Freese as a player, and I think having Freese on he bench his 1st year with Allen Craig will give the Cardinals a much needed power they lacked last year off the bench, your thoughts? Chances if we fail to sign Holiday that we trade for Juan Pierre of the Dodgers? He could fit nicely in the lineup and give us a much needed speed we have lacked since 2004 with Womack 30 stolen base year, your thoughts as well? Do you see the Cardinals only competition to sign Holiday is themselves? With the Yankees, Giants, Angels out of the drawing for him, and the Mes I feel won't want to spend that much for an out fielder do you see the Cardinals being the winners to sign him? And last question if you were to draft for the Rams now and had pick who would you take and what postion in round 1 and round 2 ?

Jeff Gordon: Zero chance of Glaus returning. He made a LOT of money sitting home in Arizona last year, then he added nothing when he returned.

Brian: I think Bulger needs a pair of the patented Warner receiver gloves. The guy is a basket case when defenders get within a foot of him.

Jeff Gordon: It will take more than gloves to turn Bulger around now.

virginiatom: Can you explain the uncapped rule next year regarding free agents? If the Rams sign an unrestricted free agent from another team, in an uncapped year, do they have to provide draft picks to that team as compensation? If so, this could significantly limit their options, especially with such a high draft slot.

Jeff Gordon: Actually, the compensation rules are tougher in an uncapped years. More players will be restricted free agents and fewer teams can go after them. It is too complicated to get into here.

jerry m: the Rams have so many needs, would it not make more sense to load up on draft choices and pick a QB in the 2nd/3rd round. Knowing that the need is there for someone who can and will complete the passes needed for success.

Jeff Gordon: The Rams would love to load up on picks, but that will very difficult. There is less interest than ever interested in those really high picks.

rich: Really, I have never been against Mark but it is getting redundant. We run the same guy out there every game expecting a different result? Isn't that the definition of insanity? You can tell me he makes all the throws in practice. You can tell me how much more accurate he is than our back-ups, but he does not win games! He hasn't for quite some time! Kyle may not be as good of a pure passer, but I would be willing to bet he would have found a way to win a couple of these close games. One more thing, if Null is that raw why did we waste a draft pick on him when we needed to fill so many other holes? We already had Berlin.

Jeff Gordon: Null has more upside than Berlin, the coaches believe. The Rams drafted him to develop him for the long haul.

Boller had his chance and failed. Boller at his best is well short of Bulger at his best. That said, it would be interesting to see if this team could polish him up enough to be the stopgap guy while a younger QB develops. At least Boller can make plays with his feet.

Paul: Hi Jeff
what do you thik about David Carr as the RAMS QB next season??
Spags knows him from the Giants...He's Young....Has Talent(Former #1 pick)
and played well for the Giants when gets the chance...His #'s are not bad when he started...he just got the snot beat out of him on those bad TEXANS teams
Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Guys like that are exactly what you are looking at when Bulger moves on. Some of those do bounce back after time removed from the beatings.

Steven: Gordo,
I think we found our Wes Welker in Amendola. Any chance we retain him for the next season?

Jeff Gordon: Yes, he is a piece for next season. But Wes Welker he is not.

will from evansville: hey gordo,
All I have read looks like we have a real shot at Holiday...How do you feel about a left handed starter....say Davis or Wolf which do you think would be the better play? your thoughts!

Jeff Gordon: I'd take Wolf. Not a top-of-the-rotation guy. As for Matt, don't get your hopes up yet.

Lawarence Marmie: Gordo,

This might be a silly question, but do you think there's any way that all those poor defensive drafts while lovie smith was our coordinator- where seemingly countless high picks were used on duds- alters this team's philosophy going into the draft this year? I mean, will they be afraid to use another top 5 pick on a DT considering all the disasters we've drafted there before? Could that worry encourage them to maybe draft an offensive player they're not so high on just to avoid being burned in that regard again?

Jeff Gordon: The Rams have had disasters drafting at almost every spot. This team just needs to pick better. Period. Barron hasn't been great, but drafting Smith is paying off.

Chris: Gordo,

I read that the Blues are considering trading Brewer. What return do you think they could expect, and would that have to package a prospect with him? I think it may be a good idea for all parties involved. Brewer will never get a chance to succeed here. People have it in for him. it has to be hard playing in a city where so many people hate you. Especially considering he's the captain of the team.

Also, I read that he's not living up to that title, mainly with helping to bring along the younger defensemen....

Jeff Gordon: Since Eric is late in his contract, he would have some trade value. In return, the Blues would ideally get some more youth and more size up front.

virginiatom: Regarding the long runs the Rams continuously give up, is it players not filling the gaps the way they are supposed too? Is it that they can't tackle when they get near the guy? Is it that they are not prepared well for what is coming? I don't get it that it can be this bad, game after game. Whats the primary reason for it? Is it just getting better players? And by better players does that mean smarter players in terms of staying in their gaps or better meaning bigger, faster, and more talented?

Jeff Gordon: Some of it is gap discipline, but some of it is OLBs getting gobbled up like candy. The front seven isn't physical enough.

startrade: Hi Gordo,

Earlier in the season, Bulger was ineffective supposedly because he didn't have protection. Last week and yesterday he looked like he had ample protection but now the excuse is he's getting used to the "timing" with the new receivers. Even when they are open, he can't even hit the side of a mountain. We have nothing to lose replacing him now and if they are trying to get Null to learn from the sidelines, what is he learning- how to be a bad NFL QB????

Jeff Gordon: A receiver can get open running opposite of the direction Bulger expected. There was massive disconnect Sunday. That doesn't excuse some of the throws, of course, but it speaks to about half the incompletions.

teddyd: why is it that on most occasions when the Rams are in the red zone or have just made a great yardage play one of the offensive linemen do something stupid that garners a penalty . Why doesnt the coach take these guys out of the game and make them do extra work at practice. its pathetic to think that a pro player doesnt know the difference between twelve and elleven men in the huddle.

Jeff Gordon: The Rams HAVE benched guys for such mishaps -- Barron, in particular -- but using that tactic too much will hurt more than help.

HP: Gordo, will one of the Ram veterans tell Avery and Gibson to just catch the ball, and quit jumping up and down, putting out their chest afterwards. At the end of the game both Avery and Gibson dropped balls in the end zone. It reminds me of the old MU Tigers who would tackle a OU or Nebraska runner, then jump up and down, at which moment the player pointed to the scoreboard to remind the defense that MU was losing 40-0.

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, save the chest beating for the Pro Bowl. It's great to be excited, but, yeah, settle down until you do something.

Lawarence Marmie: I know he's a different person and all, but how much do you think Brady Quinn's terrible play in the NFL will affect Claussen's draft status as another QB coming out of Notre Dame?

Jeff Gordon: Each case is different. Good scouts separate the player from the system. I don't see anything in that offense that precludes Notre QBs from making it in the NFL.

rich: Jeff: The defense, at least in the 2nd half really came out and played with some heart. Shame the same couldn't be said about the offense.
A couple of times there in the 4th qtr. the Rams tired for a 1st down on 4th down by running Jackson straight into the line. Of course the Cards were expecting it and stuffed him. Meanwhile all kinds of daylight existed outside, why not try a fake to Jackson and a soft toss to a straying tight end or god forbid Bulger actually try to run outside?>???

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: And yet, many fans have been complaining about not running Jackson into the line enough. The Rams tried to mix it up. Their execution was terrible.

sltest: A lot of comments have been submitted on how Petro should be developed, but how concerned are you that he seems to be lagging his draft class. Dougherty, Begosian, Scheen, Myers all forced their way in the lineup, but Petro doesn�t seem to be imposing himself on a steady if not spectacular defense. Only one of those top D men in the 2008 draft had anyone questioning their intensity, and of course that was Petro? Is he a cornerstone D man in the making?

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, there was some thought that he would need time to develop, but his upside is quite high. Illness and injury didn't help him. But I believe he is good enough to play 60 to 65 games this year.

sltest: Perron seems to be the antithesis of a Murray type of player, yet he seems to be thriving. Is this evidence in favor of Murray�s ability to develop a player, or is this just a player with skill carving out a niche.

Jeff Gordon: Murray likes skilled guys. David's issues were maturity and discipline. Andy demands consistent shift to shift effort and sturdy "structure" to individual play.

He's all grown up now and better able to apply those skills.

sltest: Seems like most of the successful NHL teams have a certain identity, there seems to be a core like Detroit and puck possession. The last half of the 00-09 season for the blues it was a physical grinding you down, create turnovers in the offensive zone or back check hard and create turnovers in the neutral zone style. In Sweden they almost looked like a puck possession team. Now, who are they, speedy, physical, sloppy, defensive, and offensive?

Jeff Gordon: This team has size to put on every line, so it can still grind AND have more firepower within that style. I refuse to believe that adding skill was a bad thing this season.

redbirdswin: I haven't heard anything so I'm assuming the answer is "No" - but has Mo spoken with Holliday one on one yet to discuss the future?

How long do you envision the Holliday/Boras decision making process taking -until late December? early January?

Jeff Gordon: Boras will take as long as it takes to get him top dollar. As for Mo, he needs to get his team together and not wait for Matt. If, later on, Holliday becomes feasible, then Mo could make adjustments to fit him in.

The Cards have made it very clear that they want Matt back. And Matt has made it very clear he will let Boras play the market. So on it goes.

redbirdswin: It sounds as if the Cards are lukewarm on the idea of bringing back LaRue - saying that Yadi should get a lighter workload next season and perhaps are looking for a better option. Is there really anyone out there that looks like an upgrade? I personally didn't mind having LaRue as the backup the last couple seasons - good clubhouse guy, calls a good game and still has something left when throwing out baserunners. I can live with the dropoff in offense he would bring, especially if Holliday returns.

Jeff Gordon: I liked LaRue, too, and I believe he could add a decent bat when he played more. Physically, though, I don't how many games he could take.

cardinals_99: Gordo, Regarding Avery, Wow, I don't know if this guy will ever live up to the draft position we took him, (not to mention the money he's getting paid)!!!

He's so small, he constantly get's blocked out of receptions by larger cornerbacks and safeties! That TD throw attempt where he was on the sideline and the corner simply blocked him out is typical. He can't go up over anyone. He doesn't have the weight to push off larger backs.

Do you think he will ever live up to the expectations of his draft position and did Devaney make a big mistake in not taking the other wideout available,(Desean Jackson), at the time ?

Jeff Gordon: He could be more of a DeSean Jackson-type than a true No. 1 guy. This team needs a big target to mix in. Avery's wheels are great, but, yes, he gets manhandled.

startrade: Hey Gordo,

On Fitzgerald's TD in the second quarter, we had four guys on three receivers. You would think the emphasis of the extra man would be on Fitgerald but they leave our "shut down corner" Justin King on him
one-on-one. Trouble is, King decides instead of watching Fitzgerald, he wants to dance the jitterbug standing in place. After Fitzgerald catches the touchdown with the closest defender in the parking lot, King turns around to his teamates as if to say, " why didn't you guys watch him while I was busy tearing up the rug???" That was so bad, I changed the channel and watched a home improvement show with my wife, which by the way was more exciting because at least we could see actual progress when somebody is really trying to build something. Anyway, what is your take on that TD and what is the status on Warner? Hope he's okay because now we have to gear up and cheer for the NFC West champs to represent!

Jeff Gordon: Warner should be fine. As for King getting manhandled, that was a pick your poison deal. Boldin can do the same thing. Ad we didn't even see Breaston get busy in this game.

Doug: It seems the Cardinals, Position on Holliday keeps getting stronger. Do you Agree?

Jeff Gordon: Can't say that yet.

Lawarence Marmie: Did anyone ever say what Goldberg got whistled for on that critical personal foul penalty? They sort of glossed over it during the broadcast and didn't show any footage or mention what happened afterwards. I thought that was strange.

Jeff Gordon: Goldberg said he was flagged for blocking after the QB threw the ball. Adam said it was a scramble situation and hard to judge when to stop blocking.

Lawarence Marmie: Have you ever considered Turducken for Thanksgiving?

Jeff Gordon: Unfortunately, no. It looks great.

junglejim: Gordo,
Who would you like the Cardinals to pick up as the left handed bat coming off the bench?

Jeff Gordon: The dream scenario would be Aubrey Huff, but he figures to get a starting gig somewhere. But he can play a lot of spots (none all that well) and he has real pop.

Bill Hilker: Any update on the status of the ncaa investigation on Cody Ellis? Is he taking classes to make up deficiencies?

Jeff Gordon: Our SLU scribe Tom T. said nothing is new on that front. Too bad, the team really needed him. REALLY needed it.

Dunder Mifflin: Has there been any talk of the Cards looking at Eric Bedard or Rafeal Soriano?

Jeff Gordon: I beat the Soriano drum early and often, to no avail to this point.

chris raczynski: Will we see keith null this year see what the kid has no worse then bulger or boller see if we need to take QB or DT

Jeff Gordon: The Rams see Null as a multi-year project, at best. There is no rush to prop him up as The Answer for next year.

stockburns: What about the other "Holiday"? Isn't he a free-agent this winter? just thinking...if Ludwig doesn't get hurt and hits like he hit at the beginning of the year, the Birds aren't worried about a big bag, they're just looking for another arm...

Jeff Gordon: Matt is a better player than Ludwick, but, yes, I think Ryan could produce similar run production if he got consistent at bats. If the Cards give him another one-year deal, he could really boost his stock in 2010.

Pete: Are these executives saying they're not going after Holliday in order to apply a little window dressing to ultimately be able to pursue him later on down the road? What's your gut feeling?

Jeff Gordon: There is some gamesmanship, yes. But I do think some teams are wary of that price for Matt. It's way too high.

Fauss: In 1999 when the Rams won the Super Bowl they're accomplishment was regarded to as coming from "worst to first!" My question is were there any signs before the 1999 season started that was evidence of a special season to come? And if so, is there anything at all occurring now that may lead to another "worst to first" finish next season?

Jeff Gordon: The was an indication the Rams would improve based on the additions, such as adding Marshall Faulk -- a transformational player. The '98 team had more talent than this Rams team, too.

john h: jeff

i feel there are more power hitting OF's out there then #1#2 pitchers
would the cards be better off in signing a lower cost option for LF(nady,derosa) signing a backup closer and 1year dumpster dive #5 SP

then going after the top SP FA next year since the health of a teams top pitchers has more impact on a team - (Carp out 07-08 = no playoffs)
#1 Beckett, Halladay, Lee, Lilly, Webb
#2 De La Rosa, Harang, Arroyo, Young

Jeff Gordon: There is a lot of sense in that. But what if the Cards can make a play for a better SP this year? Again, I'd love to see a veteran lefty added o the mix.

Matt: With the market on Holliday relatively quiet right now, if Boras isn't able to get the $20 million per year contract for him, doesn't this make it more feasible for other mid market teams to jump in and try and sign him? My question is, if other teams are willing to pay him what the Cardinals are willing would he even choose to sign with us?

Jeff Gordon: I don't see the price getting into range where a lot of mid-rung teams would get involved. Matt will still get a salary in the high teens.

crdnalz: Will Rick Ankiel ever pitch again?

Jeff Gordon: Nope.

Matt F.: Will Rick Ankiel ever hit again?

Jeff Gordon: Rick could still be a .260 hitter with lots of homers. It's hard to imagine him developing the late-in-life discipline to hit .280 or .290.

JPinSTL: Mr. Gordon,

How do you take your cranberries: Jellied or whole?

Yours on Turkey Day,
JPinSTL

Jeff Gordon: Jelled, but I've actually developed a taste for whole. I double up whenever possible.

Matt F.: Well it is finally college basketball season and with all of the attention in the St. Louis area going towards the outstanding recruiting job that Mike Anderson has done, I think a school that should be recognized is Missouri State. Coach Cuonzo Martin has begun to instill a fiery atmosphere at the new (and AWESOME) John Q. Hammons arena and has brought in some really nice recruits via JUCO transfers and incoming freshman. What are your thoughts on their ability to contend for the Missouri Valley title once again? I was at the first home hame against Auburn and the dominated from the opening tip. I'd say a good first impression.

Jeff Gordon: That's good to hear. The Valley needs another school to make a big move and Mo State has the resources to become a Creighton or SIU.

But can SIU become SIU again?

ldomino: Hey Jeff,
Based on your observations, do you think there is any truth to the rumor that Holliday didn't like LaRussa or that something about the Cardinals clubhouse dynamics disturbed him?

Thanks!

Jeff Gordon: Everybody wants to create drama between Albert and Matt. I don't think that was a big deal. Glaus, on the other hand, was not popular.

Ryan Judd: Hey Gordo,
I find it strange that Mauer was an almost unanimous AL MVP winner, which I agree with, yet missed a month of the season and was not penalized in the least. Yet Carp misses 4 starts and lost 1st place votes and in a couple cases was left of the ballot for missing less time than Mauer did. How can these awards be so subjective? Plus Carp was dinged in a ballot for Cy Young for having a poor September in losing to Brandon Webb a couple years back, yet Lincecum goes 3-4 with a 3.45 ERA down the stretch and nobody had a problem with that. Your thoughts?

Jeff Gordon: That bad finish as my argument against Tim, who had been the runaway CYA favorite until his stopped racking up the Ws.

Luca Brasi: Jeff, honest, did you give the Rams any chance at all yesterday or against N.O. in the closing moments with Bulger? I didn't. Zero. Zilch. Nada. And what's with him rolling his eyes every time something doesn't go right? The guy doesn't inspire people.

Jeff Gordon: No, I had didn't expect Marc to lead the Rams to glory in those last-minute situations. That is not a comeback offense, across the board.

mzipprich: Is Charlie Weiss gone, if so who do they pick up as coach for next season?

Jeff Gordon: The favorite is still Urban Meyer, despite his protestations. Cincy's coach, Brian Kelly, looks looks like a more sensible pick.

StSpiff: Any opinion on Mike Danton's CBC interview? My guess, odds of returning to NHL: 20 to 1. Odds of returning to prison: even.

Jeff Gordon: Agreed. The man was trying to kill his dad? Really?

That is so sad.

Brent Williams: Do you see the Cards going after Jon Garland for help in the starting rotation? I konw there was talk about him last year at the trade dealine but nothing was done. I think he would be a good pitcher under DD.

Jeff Gordon: Agreed. A classic inning eater. Perfect for this team. Pitch to contact, good defense behind him, fair home park to pitch in.

ldomino: Jeff,
With two of Tony's pet favorites--Rick Ankiel and Chris Duncan--no longer on the team, do you think Ludwick will finally be the everyday starter in RF next season? I have always thought that Ludwick would hit much better overall if he were allowed to start consistently. What say you?

Thanks!

Jeff Gordon: Let's hope that is the case. Ryan has earned a 600 AB season. Enough jerking around with this guy.

Mark: Iowa Hawkeyes = very good team
or
Iowa Hawkeyes = very lucky team

Jeff Gordon: Solid team -- and lucky. Not a bad outcome, all considered.

Chris: Which of the Blues young stars do you think will leave for other teams, in the course of their careers, and which have potential to retire in the Note?

Jeff Gordon: I see Oshie staying forever. Berglund . . . he has to pick it up.

Matt F.: How nice is it to see how much Demarre Carroll improve his overall game right before our eyes?? He went from an undersized post player who compensated some talent for grit, strength, and passion. His work ethic paid dividends and now he is averaging about 12 min. per game for the Memphis Grizzlies. If only Leo Lyons, Kareem Rush, Clarence Gilbert, or other more talented Mizzou recruits had worked just as hard!!

Jeff Gordon: Great story there. Sheer effort got him to the NBA. Amazing stuff. He did NOT have a NBA body or game, or so it seemed.

hugeCardfan: Like you, I'd like to see the Cards find a quality southpaw. I do think, however, that we've got a pretty good one likely to make the team this year. Jaime Garcia came on strong last year. I was surprised that the Cards didn't let him pitch in the AAA final game.

What odds are the Cards illuminati giving for Garcia to make the team this year?

Jeff Gordon: The Cards expect Garcia to make the team, if healthy. But the team ought to look at a veteran lefty too.

Max: Hey Gordo,
You mentioned that Glaus was not popular. For those of us without the inside info, can you elaborate any on why that was the case?
Thanks,
Max

Jeff Gordon: Not an upbeat guy. Didn't add much energy or anything else. Wasn't happy to be on the bench.

Lawarence Marmie: Hey, didn't you used to be Jay Cutler? I don't think I've seen a worse perfomance by a QB in a while...and I've seen many Rams games.

Jeff Gordon: What's up with that? He is Cade McNown with a better arm.

Max: Hey Gordo,
Lets say Holliday isnt back in STL and what Mo says about Bay not being a priority is true. What under the radar name would you toss out there as someone who could end up in STL and have an impact next year.
Thanks,
Max

Jeff Gordon: Nady is on the radar, but he fits that profile.

Matt F.: In my opinion the NL Central will be extremely competitive next year. The Cardinals have got to resign Holliday, sign a veteran bat for the bench (a Matt Stairs type would be ideal), add a veteran lefty starter (perhaps Randy Wolf??), and even a veteran reliever to take over the closer role if Franklin struggles. The back end of the bullpen needs to be solidified because we in St. Louis have learned that without a reliable closer there will be no postseason. The Cubs and Brewers and even the Reds will all contend in my opinion and the Cardinals have got to stay active this offseason to ensure another postseason run. How do you see the NL Central shaping up next year?

Jeff Gordon: If the new Cubs ownership allows the GM to eat some money and move some head cases, they could rock. But I wonder about Houston's commitment to winning and that organization's talent depth. Cincy is looking to cut payroll, so that could be trouble. But that young pitching could bust out after a injury-marred year.

Lawarence Marmie: How much has the new stadium increased revenue for the Cardinals? If so, has the increased revenue translated to a higher payroll?

Jeff Gordon: The payroll is running almost $40 million higher than the year 2000 and about $20 million than at Busch.

Remember, too, that the Cards are paying down some depth.

mikes: Under what circumstances do you think the CArds will work hard to re-sign Mark DeRosa? Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: I think the Cards should sign him right now for all the obvious reasons. But the team may go another direction for the OF and let Freese handle third.

tim: Gordo,

In percentage terms, what do you think the likliness of the following players being in a Cardinals uniform next season:

Holliday
DeRosa
Pineiro
Bay
Soriano
Figgins
Dunn

Jeff Gordon: Total guess here . . .


Holliday: 20 percent.
DeRosa: 20 percent.
Pineiro: 5 percent.
Bay: 0 percent.
Soriano: 5 percent.
Figgins: 5 percent.
Dunn: 5 percent.

B_Ruby: With the Rams' need for a tall, athletic WR with speed, any chance they would take Dez Bryant from Oklahoma State (6'2"/220), or if they won a couple of games and drop down farther in the first round, Illinois' Arrelious Benn (6'3"/220, 14.2 yards per catch, some think he may be better than Bryant), or LSU's Brandon LaFell (6'3"/202, 4.5 in the 40 yard dash)?

Or how about a couple of guys who might fall to the 2nd round, like 6'1" Mardy Gilyard of Cincinnati, or Dezmon Briscoe from Kansas? Gilyard weights on 187, but returns kicks too and returned a punt for a TD.

Also, what do you think of the QB from Cincinnati, 6'6" Tony Pike? He seems like a prototype NFL QB, and isn't on the radar to get drafted high.

Jeff Gordon: I don't see the Rams going for a big WR early. Too many other needs, plus there is free agency.

Chris: Erik Johnson is already leading the Blues in points, in his first season back from surgery. How good could he potentially be?

Jeff Gordon: He could be a top five offensive defenseman, which is what you would expect from a first overall pick.

That's it for this wee. See you again next week.