Joe Strauss: All right, everybody back up for 2008!!! After what must have been an excruciating wait for all of you, Joe Strauss Live!!! is back for a second season. Camp's been open for two weeks and as we speak the Cardinals are doing battle against St. Louis University at Roger Dean Stadium. It's been a very long winter for a number of reasons and I regret having to postpone our scheduled Feb. 13 opener. A personal matter intervened. We may make this a regular spring feature if last summer's tsunami of interest returns. We may also involve general manager John Mozeliak in an uncoming JSL!!! segment, turning Mo' loose on your questions with the ChatMeister on hand to provide the additional "perspective" you demand. Stay tuned. Since we haven't engaged in JSL!!! since late December, let's dispense with any further tease. Let's Get it On!!!

Fuhrig: Chatmeister,
Thanks for returning to take our questions, even when your thoughts must be elsewhere.

You wrote a few weeks ago that the Memphis ownership is unhappy with the talent they're getting. Is it possible that Juan Gonzalez -- RBI machine, two-time MVP, potential Hall of Famer, star of the Mitchell Report, pride of Puerto Rico -- was signed as a potential draw to sell tickets in Memphis? Thanks and regards,
Frank in Arlington, Virginia

Joe Strauss: The Redbirds won a PCL-least 56 games last season, their fifth losing season in five years. Attendance bottomed out, as even Rick Ankiel's presence and Mark Mulder's rehab did little to stir the fan base. I think it's fair to say a winning team would mean more to the franchise than a single "name" player. You never say... but I'm guessing you weren't totally on board with the signing of Gonzalez to a non-roster deal. A competent pitching staff might be a good start for the Triple-A town.

drelboc: Hi Joe;
You have been missed. I Hope you are doing well.
My question pertains to the the Cardinals 2nd base quagmire. Which Cardinal do you see as the cream that works his way to the top?

Thanks Joe!

Joe Strauss: Quagmire? I take it you're not too impressed with the possibilities offered by Adam Kennedy, D'Angelo Jimenez, Aaron Miles, Brendan Ryan, Jarrett Hoffpauir and Brian Barden. As TLR suggested earlier this spring, Kennedy is a potentially significant part of an improved offense. I suspect that some sort of modified platoon will emerge between Kennedy and Miles. However, Jimenez (a non-roster guy) has credible offensive credentials. Your skepticism about the positiion may prove well-founded, but I think it's OK to let the situation play out this spring before trashing it. If Kennedy reverts to what he was in Anaheim, the situation looks much different.
Thanks much for your kind greeting.

John Sepela: Joe
I don't understand the Juan Gonzalez situation. He didn't play the outfield during the winter leagues and the Cards didn't move to the AL, so they don't have access to the DH. Where, exactly, does he fit in this season in STL? Or was he strictly signed to help the AAA club?

Thanks
John

Joe Strauss: Gonzalez was signed primarily to provide a RH power option off the bench and an occasional outfield presence. He must play his way onto the team. The Cardinals were impressed that he would start the season at Memphis, if necessary. For a guy virtually out of the major leagues for three seasons, Juan G. looks in good physical shape. His bat will dictate the Cardinals' course. Intriguing for now.

Tacleberry: JSL,

Is it fair for me to be skeptical of reports from Cardinals traing camp? I mean seriously, the only reports that have materialized to be less are that of this ownership's willingness in free agency or at the trade deadline. Remember how good Kip Wells was last spring, need I remind this chat how that turned out. My pointis that it seems like the rose-colored lenses are often donned in Jupiter relaying more optimisim than realism to this fanbase.

Joe Strauss: Point well taken, TMan. The tendency is to look at the glass as at least half-full this time of year. When Anthony Reyes dials it up in live BP, you notice. Do you then erase his 2-14 '07 from your memory? No way. (Or at least I don't.) But when he walks into camp throwing strikes free and easy, you wonder where it might be headed. Your memory regarding Wells is spot-on. Many wanted to anoint Kipper as the Cardinals' next career turnaround midway through camp. Randy Keisler became an overnight sensation against the Twins last spring when he struck out 5 straight, including Justin Morneau. It's spring training. You don't fall in love in March or in September.