Graham from England: Hi Jim

1)Who, in your opinion, are the core players that are currently on the roster who the new HC and his staff will want to build the team around.

2) Hypathetically, which of the veterans who are most likely to be traded and for what return.

3) Tell me that Bartell and Otogwe will be re-signed.. PLEASE.

Jim Thomas: Realizing that Spagnuolo doesn't have a ton of time since free agency starts in a month, but it's w-a-y too early to answer questions 1.) and 2.). Spagnuolo hasn't even looked at any tape of the Rams to my knowledge since he's been hired.
Bartell and Atogwe, to the best of my knowledge, remain priorities for the team.

Will: Is it too much to ask for that the Rams return to respectability at least? I recognize that competing for the division might be two years away, at least but I hope to see us at least be respectable again. 7-9? 8-8 maybe? What do you think?

Jim Thomas: It can happen quickly; the Rams proved that in '99. But you better have a very good offseason.

Greg: Hello Jim! All things being equal (i.e. salary cap issues are taken care of), what 3 or 4 free agent moves would you make for the Rams and then, after those free agent pick ups, what would you do with the first 2 Rams draft picks?

Jim Thomas: 1.) Take care of Atogwe and Bartell.
2.) Sign either a free agent OT or C.
3.) Sign a free agent FB.
4.) If you still have money, sign a free-agent MLB.
Now let's assume all this takes place. (Which is a lot) If you sign the OT in free agency, then take Crabtree at No. 2 overall, and take the best C available at the start of Round 2. If you sign the C in free agency, then take OT at No. 2 overall _ then take the best player available in Round 2 at one of these positions: WR, SS.

NYC Rams Fan: Hi Jim,

Two quick questions:

1. Not to dwell, but some writers from the STL PD have said that they thought Haslett could have done the job well with a new front office, and chance to pick his own personnel. That said, would his knowledge of the roster and performance of the team have given him a significant advantage over Spags this upcoming season, or is it something that one full offseason for Spagnuolo will make a non-issue?

2. You say that you think that the coordinators that Spags has brought in are bright and have done a good job, but in general, how do you distinguish between a coach bringing in "bright talent" and a coach like Linehan who brings in what the PD writers so eloquently labeled as FOSL's (Friends Of Scott Linenhan)?

Jim Thomas: 1.) No doubt Spagnuolo will be playing catch-up on personnel. And he has Devaney to help him out, and no doubt Devaney has a sense for what this roster needs. But only time will tell if Spagnuolo has a good enough sense for the roster needs once free agency and the draft hits.
2.) Again, these coaches could end up being FOSSes, or Friends of Steve Spagnuolo. I could be wrong, but when colleague Bernie Miklasz coined the term FOSLs, I think he was referring more to players (such as Richard Owens) that Scott Linehan had a past association with.

Fearsome: Hi Jim, and thanks as usual for these weekly chats

Any word on a Rams mascot? I can't imagine it costs that much to have someone in a muscle-bound Ram costume entertaining the fans. That Cards mascot in Arizona is a riot, he shoots t-shirts into the crowd, rides around in a 4 wheeler, backflips, etc. About the only time I was smiling the last couple years in AZ while watching the Cards kill the Rams was when I was watching the mascot. It makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

Little stuff like that helps keep the fans coming to the gates ( of course winning will cure all that as well )

Jim Thomas: I think a mascot is a great idea. By the way. Did you like the drumline.