cardsnumber7: Hello Jim,
When can Dante Hall be released?
contributes nothing except dropped passes for 1st downs, and 15 yd kickoff returns.

Thanks
Todd W.

Jim Thomas: My sense is that Dante Hall is on a very short leash.

cardsnumber7: Hi Jim,
Who will be the 2 starting cornerbacks this Sunday?

Thank you
Todd W.

Jim Thomas: Unless Fakhir Brown re-signs, it will be Ron Bartell and Jason Craft starting at cornerback, with Ricky Manning Jr. as the nickel back.

Kevin: Jim,

Previously, I was a Bulger supporter. I thought Martz made the right decision to start Bulger over Warner. However, I have lost all respect for Bulger based upon the way he handled his benching. I contrast Bulger's response to his benching to Warner's response and it appears that Warner handled it better. I welcome your comment

Jim Thomas: I just think Bulger should have said something within a day or two of his benching. Bulger is a very savvy guy. Maybe he figured Linehan could be fired with a loss against Buffalo and he could be reinstated as a starter if that happened _ and he just wanted to wait it out and see what happened. Once he talked, his comments were fine. But he still should have talked right away, if only to say "I don't agree with the benching."

Young Ramer: Hi Jim,

I have 3 questions. 1)Please Jim, tell me why did the Rams cut Lance Ball while keeping Travis Minor and Brian Leanard?! Ball seems to have good vision (as a runner) and has a knack for making plays. 2)Do you think the rams should utilize screen passes more to help this struggling offense? 3)Do you think Tye Hill can ever become a good corner? I somewhat remember Dexter McKleon being pretty bad for period of time and he became a pretty good (and so did has front seven).
Thanks alot Jim

Jim Thomas: 1.) Minor is on the roster mainly because of his special teams work. He's a tough player. Ball had some special teams gaffes during the preseason, one of which led to a blocked punt. In order to have made the opening day roster, Ball wouldn've had to show more as a special teams player.
2.) Screen passes, misdirection, trick plays. Whatever it takes.
3.) Hill was a decent corner during his first two seasons, despite some injury problems. He runs well, is competitive, and there's some physical toughness to him. To me, his confidence appears shot. He needs to get his confidence back, develop mental toughness, and work on being consistently technique sound.

Rita from South County: Hi Jim,

Thanks for hosting this chat every week. Now that Linehan is gone and Shaw and Ziggy are going, what vibes do you pick up from the staffers at Rams Park? That is, are they happy, neutral, or sending out resumes?

Also, Dan Dierdorf said on Bernie's show that he's "cautiously optimistic"
about a local ownership group buying the Rams. Again, what are the staffers thinking about all of this?

Jim Thomas: Rita, Haslett met with the entire building _ staffers in marketing, sales, accounting, video, community relations, etc. _ on Monday and talked to them as a group in the team auditorium. He wanted to stress to them that they are all important to the success of the team. He welcomed them to watch practice, each lunch at the same time as the players (in the past that has been forbidden at Rams Park _ the players eat by themselves, at a separate time). Keep in mind, Linehan also reached out in such a fashion, although perhaps not as extensively, when he was first hired. But the buzz from the staffers at Rams Park is very positive so far regarding Haslett. Of course what happens on Sunday is what really has the most impact on this building.
As for any news on the sale, the sentiment at Rams Park obviously is to have the team remain here. But they're basically in the dark on the subject and have some of the same questions and concerns as most fans.