John G.: Hey Jim,

I can't help but wonder why Chris Perez isn't up yet for the Cards. He has been lights out so far in AAA and is ten times better than Franklin or Motte in the 9th. Any inside info?

Jim Thomas: Talking baseball is expressly prohibited on this chat.

D-H O.G.: Big Jim, What are the chances of the salary cap being removed after next season? How will this affect this years and future St. Louis Rams drafts?

Jim Thomas: Some league executives think '10 will be cap-less. It might make it more difficult for smaller-market, less profitable teams to sign high picks. They might be more interested in trading down, and trading down at discount terms.

ramboy81: hey 'jim do you think the rams will take jeremy maclin ,with the 2 pick......

Jim Thomas: The Rams like Maclin a lot, but I don't think they will take him at No. 2 overall.

Ed C: Hi Jim,

You said on a couple of occasions don't rule out B.J. Raji. I for one favor drafting Raji with #2 pick, assuming no major undisclosed problems with the guy. And with #35, draft a guy who can play RT (Beatty or Loadholdt) - lets find out how Barron does with the new staff. I base this on the fact that according to many reporters he was the most dominant player at any position in the Senior Bowl.
So a few questions for you; isn't it true that the majority of players that dominate at the Senior Bowl end up as good if not great NFL players? Didn't USC's Ellis (dominated last year's Senior Bowl) outperform Dorsey (didn't participate in the Senior Bowl) who was rated higher? In your opinion was Raji the best player at the Senior Bowl? Does the fact that they are not bringing him for a pre-draft visit rule out the above scenario (picking #2 they don't have to fool too many teams). Thanks for taking the questions.

Jim Thomas: From what I could tell and was told, I do think Raji was dominant at the Senior Bowl.

Clayton Brown: If Josh Freeman, Hakeem Nicks, and James Laurinaitis are still available in the second round who do the Rams pick?

Jim Thomas: I reserve the right to change my mind between now and the draft, but right now I take Hakeem Nicks.