Joe Strauss: JUPITER, Fla. -- OK, OK. I know I'm late but don't put it on me. Appears the P-D web site was experiencing what is known as a "Fatal Error." And all this time I thought that was something Fernando Vina committed during the 2002 NLCS. Oh, well. Live and learn while the Tsunami better known as JSL!!! rolls in and out. Pitchers and catchers are due in camp within hours. KTRS talent John Hadley just bought lunch. And Chris Carpenter completed an event-free throw off the mound. How could life be better? So without further delay, let's tackle Volume I of Joe Strauss Live!!! 2009. Keep in mind its spring training for scribes also. Don't expect the full assortment of adjectives until later in camp.

Tim: Ok spring training just around the Corner and this is the deal

Need a SP
Need a 2B
Need a closer
Need 2 LHRP(in my mind)
Dont Know leadoff hitter
Dont know If Carp will be healthy
Who's at 3rd
This freaken Sucks

You know what I really dont get. Is how Mozeilak said before the offseason that he would like to add a second baseman with more offensive production. He released Kennedy and NOW he wants to go with a second within the organization. The wait and see crap actually worked, Hudsons price tag went down alot and he can be had but now we are looking for a 2b on our team. Go freakin figures Huh? he wants to upgrade LHR and he brings in a guy with an 8.46 ERA. The lies are all starting to run together and not make sense. Seiously Why not sign Hudson? Why not trade for Roberts? Why not sign Ohman? I mean serously

Hudson 2 yrs 14 Mill
Ohman 2 yrs 6 mill
Trade Ankiel for Cain

There you go. Why cant Mozeilak ever think of anything brilliant like that?

Joe Strauss: I'm not sure, Tim. But the tone of your "question" seems somewhat, shall we say, skeptical. Your remarks reflect the thoughts of many confused by the off-season. The Kennedy release appeared bizarre because of its timing. I can't really explain it because the organization has not fully explained the last several months. True, the economy has had an impact. True, signing Kyle Lohse for four years, $41 million looks a bit heavy now (though prior to the financial collapse it was almost universally applauded). Camp will answer some of your questions, I believe. But JSL!!! was never more correct than when it suggested that this winter would serve as a credibility test for the franchise. A significant portion of the fan base -- I'm guessing you included -- would say that the front office has failed that test.
As for Mo', it's not his money. He can't spend what he's not given.

dixie: Hey Joe, When this offseason started I was most worried about pitching. But after getting a .213 hitting shortstop, and now who's at 2nd and 3rd, Jeesh! Don't you think with all the ? marks in the infield that they have to sign a proven 2b player? I don't mind promoting from within, but can you take that many chances with your infield?

Joe Strauss: A fair question. Dave Duncan's pitching staffs are instructed to pitch to contact. Right now they're backed by an infield with a question mark at third base (David Freese is the leader in the clubhouse) and at second (Joe Thurston and his 66 ML at-bats appear as the front-runner). Mo' insists there is no outside help on the way at second base. They're going to sink or swim based on what's in the organization. Again, the manager provided the strongest push for jettisoning Kennedy. If Barden, Thurston, Ryan, Greene, Hoffpauir and Skip fail, Mark Grudzielanek remains on the market.

Brian: Hey Joe,

why would the Cardinals wait until this late in the offseason to release Kennedy? Did something transpire to speed up Kennedy's exit ... seems a bit odd that they would do it a week before spring training.

Joe Strauss: TLR advocated releasing Kennedy around the Winter Meetings and keeping Miles. At the time, internal resistance existed to such a move because of Kennedy's $4 million salary for '09. But given another two months, Mo' failed to stir a market. The Cardinals hoped to deal Kennedy and gain a legitimate prospect in return for assuming most of his leftover contract. The last chance for that evaporated last week. TLR was emphatic that Kennedy would not be his everyday second baseman. Mo' and ownership then decided to act. If the move had been made in December, there would be much less rancor. The timing makes the front office look bad.

Brett: Chatmeister, welcome back! I have a question about next offseason even though it is still far away. Because Glaus and Ankiel are free agents and will likely leave, and we'll have an opening in LF, is there a chance we go after Holliday or Bay? I expect Luddy to have a bit of a down year, and Albert still needs that impact bat. TLR got his way with Kennedy, do you think we'll get an impact bat next winter? Thanks so much.

Joe Strauss: I'll be honest: I find it impossible to project a major free-agent signing by the Cardinals within their current fiscal posture. I assume they will turn over 3B to Wallace if he shows well at Memphis this season. Like you, I believe Ankiel is a goner after this season. Chris Duncan, Colby Rasmus, Ryan Ludwick and Skip Schumaker remain under control after this season. John Jay intrigues some within the organization but is not considered an "impact" prospect by other clubs. The Cardinals will also have to address SS next season unless you believe Tyler Greene fits. This is my eighth year covering the franchise and I've never seen a fuzzier future.