bskaggs: I get sick of year in and year out the Cardinals saying, "at the end of the year we have so-and-so's money coming of the books" and "we will be in the market for top tier free agents". If Kyle Lohse was the top tier free agent this year, which I agree he was a great addition last year, are they considering the amount he signed for as using up the money that came off the books from our ex-players?

Joe Strauss: Well, yes. They should. It's probably a valid comment when one club official asked: "Did we make a mistake signing Lohse too soon?" It's an interesting point. One wonders how perception might be different if the club did Lohse last week rather than the day after the season.

Vince: What makes the "high hanging fruit" any better than the "low hanging fruit"? It all comes from the same tree and you don't risk falling off the ladder trying to reach it. People forget that the goal of any professional sports team is to make money with championships being a bonus. That being said, what moves do you see the Cardinals making before going to spring training?

Joe Strauss: I believe it reasonable to expect some sort of depth for the rotation. There appears to be an internal debate about how to handle the closer role. TO BE DETERMINED.

badbeat3333: With all of the lobbying that LaRussa has been doing lately to sign a starter or closer, do you see any way that he returns next year? Don't you think he's had enough with being told "no" and will move on after 09?

Joe Strauss: Tails.

Jim Bankes: Hi Joe!

Appreciate your work and your candor. What is your take on the LaRussa statement that he may use Carp as his closer?

Joe Strauss: It's a possibility. Not a probability. In fact, I believe it only a remote possibility.

BigVer: Mr. Strauss, In terms of contending for the NL Central against the Cubs. Do the Cards as of right now in your opinion have what it takes to get it done? If not what one Free Agent still available could help turn my dream into reality. I think it's Lowe FWIW.

I know the ole' song and dance about another pitcher signed for three years. But wouldn't it be nice to have a rotation for the next three season of Wainwright, Lowe, Lohse, Wellemeyer and Possible Carp.

Peace Ver

Joe Strauss: The Cubs are the league's most talented team. Talent doesn't always win, but it usually reaches the playoffs. The division appears to have taken a significant step backward since last season. That could work in the Cardinals' favor, though I don't see them right now on par with either Philadelphia or the New York Mets in a potential wild-card chase. We'll see what happens with media darlings such as S. Francisco and Florida or a team with money to spend, such as Atlanta.