Michael Kent: Jeff ...

I have a bit of a concern about the future of the Cards' catcher situation. Of course, it has nothing to do with Yadier Molina's capabilities (i.e., Gold Glove-winning defense and a .300 hitter). Rather, I worry about how much more concussion-prone Yadi became after suffering one last season. Catchers clearly are at higher risk because of the home-plate collisions they leave themselves open do. Granted, baseball isn't football, where concussions are much more frequent, but once an athlete suffers a concussion, the concern about recurrence is heightened.

How concerned are Cards' management and team physicians about this? If this is a legitimate concern, then would it make any sense to consider Yadi as part of a trade package that would fetch a high-caliber middle-infielder, and then anoint Bryan Anderson as the Cards' everyday catcher this spring?

Right now, Anderson is widely regarded as more of a trade chip than as a future member of the 25-man roster. But if the Cards do deal Anderson, then is there any other catcher in their pipeline who could be Yadi-like? Surely, Jason LaRue is considered more of a backup than as an everyday catcher.

Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: The concussion issue isn't something that would inspire the Cards to deal a Gold Glove catcher who has made tremendous strides as a hitter. The Cards like their situation at this position, with La Rue doing a solid job backing up and Anderson looming as a potential long-term replacement this season should Molina get hurt.

Might Anderson depart in a trade? Sure, it could happen in the right scenario. But Molina is a cornerstone for this team. Pitching and defense are critical to this team.

rjohn: Why isn't the number of Missou basketball great John Brown retired? He was at least as good as the players whose numbers are now hanging in the arena.

Jeff Gordon: Good question. That was before my time. Ditto Al Eberhard. Give the more modern players credit for elevating Mizzou's profile, winning conference titles and reaching the NCAA Tournament year after year.

Brett: Do you think sense the market for Adam Dunn is eerily quiet, that the Cards may pursue him? Obviously we need MI and LHRP first. Maybe a SP, although I hope we don't pursue an ace. Do you think Dunn is a realistic possibility?

Jeff Gordon: Given his salary demands, his one-dimensional game and the Cards' supply of better-rounded outfielders earning a fraction of his money . . . no, that doesn't make sense.

Brett: If Carpenter is healthy, will the Cardinals still go after a starter? We have Waino, Lohse and Wellemeyer as the base of the rotation and Pineiro is also in there. If Carp is unable or we dump Pineiro, will we go after a Lowe, Burnett, etc? Or will we likely go after a cheap option like Pavano, Hampton? Thanks in advance.

Jeff Gordon: Lowe and Burnett want many years and dollars. Mozeliak has been pretty upfront about his unwillingness to go there, given the big commitments the team has already made to Carpenter, Lohse and Wainwright. Rather than dump Pineiro (possibly eating some salary in the process), the Cards should let him compete with McClellan, Mortensen and veterans TBA for a rotation spot.

The Cards should assume that Carpenter will NOT be healthy and proceed accordingly. Build a five-man rotation without him and back up some depth as well.

kat89447: Gordo, I saw a little rumor on the web the other day about the Cards having an interest in Bobby Crosby of the A's. Have you heard anything about this. He seems like an ideal candidate for SS, kind of a Spezio player without the baggage.

Jeff Gordon: Crosby might be an interesting project. He hasn't hit for average, but, like Greene in San Diego, he offers more pop than the departed Izturis. If the Cards could swap a spare outfielder for him, that would make sense.