Jason: Joe-
TLRs contract was up after the '07 campaign. He is clearly a "win now" type of guy. The management can state they are trying to win now, but if they are, then they have an awfully odd way of going about it. (I personally don't believe them.) Assuming the route taken by Mo in '08 (no help down the stretch) and the offseason to this point, is TLR the right "match" for the new philosophy of the management? I can't imagine he'd want to be around if he can't get enough help for Pujols, Waino, and Molina to mount a legitimate playoff run.

Thanks,
Jason

PS - If the SEC is so dominant, how did 'Bama lose a virtual home game to Utah?

Joe Strauss: That's a question this season will answer. I'm asked repeatedly if TLR will re-up beyond this season. My answer: Heads he stays, tails he goes. Right now I'm calling tails.
As for your impertinent swipe at 'Bama... The Tide's season effectively ended when they lost the real National Championship game to Florida at the Georgia Dome. Getting up for a Utah team that everything to prove was predictably difficult. That said, 'Bama lost to an undefeated team ranked No. 6 in the nation. Meanwhile, Texas Tech was being smoked by a four-loss Mississippi bunch. I dare say the bowl season has confirmed SEC superiority.

Lee Martin: Did Mo not know these 5 players were arbitration eligible when he was talking earlier about expanding the payroll? Sounds like he is using this as an out.

Joe Strauss: Put 2 and 2 together. Some of the talk about moving either Ankiel or Ludwick factored in saving money, especially if a young pitcher was acquired. Holliday-for-Ludwick was an exception, and that would have meant assuming Holliday in the walk year of his current deal. I would not be surprised to see Ankiel and Lud' earn more than $8M combined next season compared to about $1.4M in 08.

Sean: Where does Joe Thurston fit into the 2009 picture? He was a top rated prospect a few years ago, any chance he puts those tools together this year? And if he does, does he have any chance to start over Kennedy?

Joe Strauss: Thurston competes with Brendan Ryan, Jarrett Hoffpauir and Tyler Greene as infield depth. David Freese? We'll see.

Sean: Who has a better chance of making the big league club this year:

David Freese

OR

Brian Barden?

Joe Strauss: I would say Barden because of his experience and versatility. I wrongly omitted him from the previous answer.

tc22: Joe,

Are Mozeliak and Bill DeWitt in this thing to win games or make money?
I'm not interested in the "politically correct" answer. At the end of last season they bragged that there would be money to spend for this season. Now I only hear excuses about why they can't spend. I don't expect them to spend irresponsibly, I just want to see this club improve. Your thoughts?

Joe Strauss: Tell you what: I will approach ChatMeister Mo' about taking on your questions in upcoming weeks. One condition: Mo' must answer in blunt, unvarnished manner, even if bruises some of your feelings. What you see as "excuses," the club perceives as "reasons." I would feel better allowing Mo' to speak for himself on some of this? Your thoughts?