Joe Strauss: All right, let's get on board for Tsunami '09. Sorry for the short notice for this session but judging from the volume of questions, many of you were waxing down over the holidays awaiting the Perfect Wave. Except for acquiring Royce Ring, the Cardinals are much the same as when they left the Winter Meetings. As for Brian Fuentes, apparently what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas (until it goes to Anaheim). I would wish many of the ChatHeads a Happy New Year, but your tone is decidedly disgruntled. So without further ado, Let's Get It On!!!

roger from lake tahoe: I think the cards have themselves in a dilemma. Mo's unfortunate statement about acquiring "low hanging fruit" not only demeans the team but also brands any player the team signs. I imagine that no player wishes to be considered low hanging fruit. Has management created the impression they consider themselves a second class team capable only of scavenging other's left overs? We beg the master of the big wave for his wisdom.

Joe Strauss: Your question hits a chord because it addresses perception. In today's P-D, GM John Mozeliak clarified the term, saying he was searching for a creative way to say "get some things done quickly," i.e. signing Kyle Lohse to an extension and retaining backup catcher Jason LaRue. The club would not consent to your description of "leftovers." However, it is fair to say the Cardinals are not interesting in helping furthe set the market after the Lohse move (4Y/$41M).

Andrew: El Diablo,

Just thought I would throw out my $.02 on the closer situation. Let the kids play! Make it a competition between Motte and Perez. The Cardinals want cost certainty. They are cheap. They want a closer who has the stuff to close...these 2 are electric! They also need to find out whether these 2 guys are really "the future." I haven't played ball since the 3rd grade so I don't know everything but can it really hurt their development getting promoted now? The future is now!

Joe Strauss: Well, there are some within the organization who would agree with you. The manager and the pitching coach have a slightly different take. (OK, a radically different take.) Motte and Perez aren't finished products. However, the Cardinals apparently feel Jason Isringhausen is finished. The club does not believe itself well positioned right now to commit heavy dollars to any remaining closer. A possibility such as Juan Cruz, who has never closed before but could become what Carlos Marmol offers the Chicago Cubs, requires Type A compensation. That means the Cardinals would sacrifice their first-round draft pick in the '09 selection. For now, the club appears in-between.
P.S.: Trevor Hoffman is not a target because the club no believes he is no longer particularly effective.

DisCard: I think there’s a great deal to be said for being patient and waiting for the bargains to come to you. I also think with 200+ free agents out there, opportunities still exist. That said the latest acquisition would seem to hint more of desperation and less of an opportunity buy. What is the point of signing a body with that kind of OBP? I know Duncan can improve some pitchers. Wouldn’t it be better to sign someone who was good that Duncan might make great, rather than signing someone who’s weak in hopes Duncan can elevate him to mediocre?

Joe Strauss: Your voice is heard. Many similar comments were registered when the club acquired Todd Wellemeyer from the KANSAS CITY ROYALS!!! in May 2007. But the ChatMeister feels your skepticism.

redbirdswin: With TLR hinting at signing a FA starter that has had closer experience, the name that stands out to me is John Smoltz. Any rumblings on whether or not the Cards have any chance whatsoever of signing Smoltz to a short term deal, and use him as that verteran closer they so desperately need?

Joe Strauss: Smoltz will return to Atlanta, barring an impasse over money. The Cardinals inquired about his availability after the FA filing period. Names such as Pedro Martinez and Bartolo Colon are more realistic, but the front office downplayed the likelihood almost as soon as TLR advanced it.