Way Up North Ram Fan: Jim

How long was Isaac Bruce's contract with the 49ers. It shure sounds like he would like to come back with a new management and staff to finish his career with the Rams.

Thanks

Way Up North Ram Fan

Jim Thomas: It was a two-year deal.

beast39: Heard a rumor that Jay Z was let go before the end of the season because he wasn't making any progress in resigning Atogwe & Bartell. Any truth to this?

Jim Thomas: None. This has been in the works since the Linehan firing.

kumuhunter: Would you prefer bringing in free agents like Kerry Collins or Jeff Garcia to "push" Bulger for immediate results or would you rather draft a QB to rebuild with youngsters? It seems that Bulger and Jackson, despite their huge long contracts, don't have anybody to motivate them like Bulger used to do with Warner.
Lastly, with Crabtree's size and talent, would you select him as our #1 pick being that we need to eventually replace Holt who would make a great mentor.

Thanks
Damien Domingo

Jim Thomas: 1.) Competition generally is a good thing. I think the Rams are thinking more about drafting a QB than free agency at this time, but I don't really know for sure.
2.) At this point, I actually think the Rams like Maclin better than Crabtree.

Ram57: Jim - Thanks for being here. Two items:

Please let Ram brass know that there are lots of fans out here who want Haslett back. We like him.

Secondly, I am concerned about Shaw's influence on CR. We have gotten into trouble over the years and we never know how it happened. I would like to hear Chip say "Bill Devaney will be my football advisor. Period."

Your thoughts?

Jim Thomas: Send this to me in an e-mail form (jthomas@post-dispatch.com) and I'll be glad to forward it to Chip.

grimmsta642@yahoo.com: What's good Jim??

I'm wititng because I've heard/seen some disparaginfg remearks regarding the possiblity of hiring Marty Schottenheimer (sp). The consensus is that he's never won in the playoffs. I can understand that, but what I can't understand is how can ANY Rams fan complain about a PLAYOFF record when we haven't SNIFFED the playoffs in years?! I'd love to be able to complain about the playoffs again. At least if he failed, we wouldn't be that far off if tghe right hire was made to succeed him.

Furthermore, ALL of Schoty's playoff failures can't be blamed on him. How about that FUMBLE by Byner...Maybe a MISSED FIELD GOAL by Keading.... just a couple that I can remember. So Rams fans, look at his overall track record. He rarely missed the playoffs during his career and he can get players to play for him, obviously. Once geting to the playoffs, ANYTHING is possible and I'd take my chances with that right about now.

I'm not beating the drum for him, but I wouldn't be opposed to him if he's the best candidate for the job. Your thought son this would be appreciated, Jim.

Jim Thomas: These are good points, and certainly the expectations have changed a lot around here compared to earlier this decade.
A couple of questions though. At 65 (I believe) how much does Schottenheimer have left? Does he still have his fastball? Or will this be Chuck Knox (second time around) revisited for the Rams?
Also: How much money does Marty want? And does he want full control over personnel?