Tim: If the Cards are really serious about Freese being the 3B of the future do you see them sticking Wallace at LF for a good part of the season to see if he could be the future left fielder?

Jeff Gordon: The Cards need a RH-hitting power hitter for the long haul, since Rasmus is another lefty. Wallace isn't a total butcher at third base, but Freese is the better prospect there as we speak. So, yes, Wallace ought to play some left field to see if there is any hope there.

Tim: The Trever Miller deal aint happening is it? Hopefully now they'll go after Ohman again

Jeff Gordon: The Cards made a big play for Rhodes, but let's see how it all plays out.

Tim: Last week when I heard the Giants (apparently)signed Renteria I wass happy because that ment the Cards wouldnt be getting him. I dont know what everyones obbsession is with him, hes on the decline in all areas, hes 33, and hed likley only get a 1 year deal with us and still 8 mill( which by the way is only 2 mill less then what Furcal is asking) just throwin that out there. I dont think people should want him because he used to be good. My opinion hes last resort behin Sign Furcal, Trade for Escobar, Sign Cabrera and even sign Hudson and have him play short. Would you agree?

Jeff Gordon: The Cards will not sign Hudson to play short. There are still many options out there, mostly via the trade route.

Tim: Since the Wild are shopping Gaborik do you think the Blues might come calling? We have a mess of talented prospects so no problem working out a deal at least I would think so. And I think its about time to take the next step forward in the "rebuilding" process. The pieces are for the most part there with Oshie,Perron, Berglund, Johnson, Boyes, Polak, Petro, Mcdonald, Mabye Junland, Cole, Porter, Backes. Bishop looks like he could be the goalie of the future. Gaborik is still young, has already proved himself and has plenty of experience he would be a great centerpiece to put all those young guys around.

Jeff Gordon: Given Gaborik's inability to stay healthy and his apparently desire to play in LA after this season, I don't see the fit.

Monty: Gordo, any updates on Carp's situation? I still don't understand why the Cardinals haven't made a move to bring Looper back as insurance. Surely we're not going to be stupid enough to count on Carp even if he seems to be progressing well. How many times have we heard that line in the last 2 years only to have reality smack us in the face. It is a lot easier to trade excess starting pitching than it is to find it in a pinch.

Jeff Gordon: Today is the day the Cards must decide whether to offer Looper arbitration. They would be silly not to, just to protect themselves while exploring the market. If Braden opted to accept arbitration, then the Cards would have the stable fifth starter to protect themselves.

Why gamble on finding something as good or better for less money? At least the Cards know exactly what Looper offers.

As I noted earlier, the Cards should assume that Carpenter is NOT coming back and go from there.